Calanova Golf is one of the newest courses on the Costa del Sol Golf, located in the heart of Mijas Golf Valley, approx. 10 kms from Fuengirola and 15 kms from Marbella with easy access from the N-340 Costa del Sol coast road.


It is a private club with some 1,100 members but it is also open to paying green fee customers.


The 18-hole, par 72, 5.866 metres layout has been built to USGA specifications with regard to the tees, bunkers, drainage and greens, ensuring the best possible golf course conditions throughout the year and due to its unique design it has quickly become a local favourite.


Calanova Golf has been designed using its natural surroundings beautifully so that the medium handicapped golfers will find it a pleasure, yet challenging.


Tees are situated at different angles and levels providing golfers with the possibility of playing the golf course in a variety ways.


The greens have an average area of over 400 sqm and they have been shaped so that pin positions can be varied from the simple to the extremely difficult. The course has matured swiftly and the designers have made a first class job of what they had to work with.


There is ample parking but at the moment there is only a temporary clubhouse where you will find the pro shop, reception, changing rooms and showers. There is also a very fine restaurant, which has spectacular sea views from the terrace.

Marbella is a playground for the rich and famous although in recent years, more affordable holidays have become available. This area attracts visitors from the UK and Ireland but also Northern Europe. This is typified west of the town at Puerto Banus, this area attracts visitors from the UK and Ireland but also Northern Europe. A St Tropez like marina at Puerto Banus is home to million pound plus ocean going boats. Marbella as a whole has a very cosmopolitan community which has built up during the years. Many famous people have resident’s in Marbella which has all the characteristics and facilities required to serve them, casinos, boutique and designer stores, street cafes, world class restaurants and luxury night clubs.

As with most of the Costa Del Sol, golf in Marbella is a very popular activity. There are around 50 golf courses many with huge country clubs. The 320 days of sunshine a year mean as with all of the Costa Del Sol, it is the perfect golfing destination.


Marbella as with most of this coast is steeped in heritage so it isn’t just all shopping and golf when it comes to leisure activities. The White Village “Mijas” is well worth a visit. The village set 428 metres above sea level and it is obvious why it is called the White Village due to the hundreds and white-washed buildings. The views from the village are spectacular, right across the whole of the Costa Del Sol coast. Due to the nature of the village with its narrow cobbled streets, Mijas has a very close community especially with those over 60, many of which are English speaking.


It isn’t hard to find the real Spain in Marbella. There is the Old Town, which is based around Orange Square or ‘La Plaza de los Naranjos’. In this vicinity are three historical buildings: The 16th Century Town Hall, the old Governor’s House and the Chapel of Santiago. As in Mijas, you will find small cobbled streets, small boutiques, galleries, local tapas bars and other authentic restaurants.


There is a varied range of Marbella accommodation from apartments and hotels to private Marbella rentals. Some properties are beyond most people’s wildest dreams. Rentals Marbella can be found in the forms of villas, apartments, townhouse, marina properties and golf accommodation. Short and long terms lets can be found with most providers. Properties can be found in central locations where a car is not required or for a more peaceful holiday, there are retreats away from the central locations. In fact, if the best of both worlds is required, Marbella offers a great choice of villas and apartments that are off the beaten track, but still only a 10 minute drive from the busy Puerto Banus. These are the areas such as the Montevideo Hills, San Pedro de Alcántara and Bahia de Marbella. Marbella has seen a much improved transport system in recent years. Marbella has an excellent bus station which has a service running 365 days a year to Malaga Airport and back. There is also a regular service between Marbella and Fuengirola. Taxi’s are a quick and cheap way of getting around Marbella and the Costa Del Sol and are all modern, clean vehicles now.

If as a visitor to Spain, you are looking for something more than the heaving beaches of the Costa del Sol and a deep suntan, use this guide to discover where to look for those charming small towns off the beaten track, with unique sights and features. Relax and wind down, cradled by the warmth and hospitality that can be found in these five small and very special villages.

Zafra

If you are a fan of Picasso, visit Zafra and experience its singular, very angular architecture, made starker by the whiteness of its walls. The Cubist Movement, of which Picasso is one of the originators, is said to have been inspired by the buildings of Zafra. Within these walls is set the 15th Century castle which is of impressive size and particularly well preserved.


Carmona

Carmona is a tiny village with an enormous history which dates back to before 206 BC when it was occupied by invading Roman soldiers. Each occupation and takeover since then has left a vestige of itself behind in Carmona’s eclectic architecture and history.


Mijas

If you wish to have the best of both worlds, enjoy the beaches of the Costa del Sol and then immerse yourself in Spanish culture by wandering through the nearby village of Mijas. With its narrow winding streets once walked by the Celts and the Moors, this charming village has a distinctly medieval flavour that is a welcome break from the relentless modernity and throngs of the resorts.


Ronda

This village is cleaved in two by a deep ravine, its two halves linked by old bridges that span the gorge. The Moorish predecessors left behind quaint narrow streets and the countryside that enfolds the village is spectacular in its beauty. Ronda is also renowned in bull fighting circles for its bullfighting arena, one of the oldest surviving bullrings in Spain and for the notoriously fierce bulls that are bred there.


Santillana del Mar

Santillana del Mar was dubbed “the prettiest village in Spain” by Jean-Paul Sartre. It is a small but perfectly formed village 5 km from a beautiful stretch of unspoilt coastline. From this village one can visit the Cuevas de Altamira, a site of awe-inspiring prehistoric art. The architecture in the village includes many beautiful Romanesque buildings such as the Parador de Santillana which is open to guests. The village has a slow old world medieval feel with local milks and cheeses being sold by small producers from their homes.


Discover a different side to Spain as you explore these hidden gems; you only need to keep your eyes wide open to experience Spain’s many unique surprises.

Once upon a time people only went to Spain- and in particular the Costa del Sol – for the warn sunshine and the beautiful beaches.

That is still the case today but people are also seeking other things to do other than sunbathe.


The Costa del Sol has something for everybody.


The Mediterranean climate lends itself to sports and outdoor activities. Sports enthusiasts would be amazed at the different choices available from golf to horseriding, paragliding, hiking, sailing, tennis,fishing,windsurfing and even ski-ing in the Sierra Nevada.


Culture vultures will be happy with the number of museums, theatres, concert halls, ancient churches, castles and palaces. There is the famous Picasso Museum in Malaga, bullfighting museums in Mijas Pueblo and Cordoba, cathedrals in Malaga and Seville, theatres and concert halls in Malaga and Seville, palaces and historical buildings in Seville as well as lots of local museums such as the sherry bodegas in Jerez or the hunting and craft musems in Ronda. Also there are many cinemas- these are oftern found in commercial shopping centres and there is always one screen showing English versions of the latest films.


Lots of tourists love visiting the traditional Andalucian ‘white villages’ with their quaint cobbled streets and colourful pots of geraniums and orange and lemon trees. Mijas Pueblo, Gaucin, Casares..to name but a few. Another place worth visiting is Nerja with its famous caves with formations of stalagltites and stalagmites.


Nature lovers will enjoy the protected natural parkland of Donana near Huelva with its wildlife and is ideal for bird watchers. Some of the parks in the Jaen region are home to rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. The lakes in the Malaga province near Ardales are set amongst beautiful countryside with spectacular mountain views. The lagoon at Fuente Piedra on the outskirts of Antequera is a natural lake and home to a large colony of flamingoes.

There are also plenty of other green spaces to visit such as the Botanical Gardens on the outskirts of Malaga. Even the English cemetery in Malaga is worthy of a visit with its beutiful secluded garden of historical interest.


The gastronomes will be happy with the variety of food and drink from the traditional tapas dishes in local bars to fresh fish and seafood in the chiringuitos (beach bars/restaurants) to avante-garde cuisine in award-winning restaurants.


There is also a variety of accommodation to suit every budget ranging from the campsites, hostels, rural fincas (farmhouses), apartment and self-catering accommodation to top-of-the-range luxury spa hotels.


Children have little chance of being bored as there are many attractions to keep the kids happy. There is the Selwo Safari Park near Estepona, the Selwo Marina and Sea Life aquarium in Benalmadena, Tivoli World Amusement Park in Arroya de la Miel, Crocodile Park in Torremolinos, Fuengirola Zoo, Aqua Park with water slides and chutes in Mijas Costa and spectacular cable-car rides overlooking Benalmadena and Malaga. There is a wolf sanctuary in Antequera and donkey rides up mountain paths. All over the Costa del Sol you can find lots of parks with swings, slides, open spaces for bike-riding and seating areas for picnics etc..


The main airport is Malaga but there are other smaller aiports at Jerez and Granada. For travelling around there are plenty of car-hire companies, local taxis, excursion coaches, local buses, a regular train service from Malaga to Fuengirola and the fast AVE train which runs from Malaga to Cordoba and onto Madrid. The port at Malaga has many visits by large cruise ships and Fuengirola is principally a fishing port. Other ports such as Marbella, Puerto Banus, Benalmadena, Ducquesa and Cabopino are used by sailing clubs or to moor private yachts.


Lastly, but not least, Andalucia is the birthplace of flamenco. There are actually many different component parts to flamenco and styles vary from province to province and flamenco dance is still the main attraction for tourists to this region.

The beautiful town of Malaga is a great place to start. Flying in to Malaga places you at the heart of the Costa del Sol giving you easy access to all the neighbouring resorts that can be reached within an hour. The birthplace of Picasso has a lot to offer, why not visit the rustic old quarter and view the childhood home of the great artist himself. With its beautiful beaches and numerous tapas bars Malaga is certainly worth a visit. The attractive town of Nerja is a typical Spanish place to visit, situated to the east of Malaga. With a rustic old town, effervescent nightlife and protected bays around the rocky Balcon de Europa. The coastline that stretches west towards Gibraltar accommodates many lively beach towns, fashionable marina developments and immaculate golf courses, giving you plenty of choice for activities.

The vibrant resorts of Fuengirola and Benalmadena are the places to visit if you are seeking good value “fun in the sun” holidays. Fuengirola, with its broad sun kissed beaches, beautiful market place and colourful nightlife has something for all ages. At Benalmadena you will find six miles of coast strung with thirteen beaches offering great facilities and fantastic water sport activities for those that like to get wet. If it’s a taste of the customary Andalucía you are after, visit the charming town of Mijas. This picturesque little place is a typical example of the Moorish hill towns, with its whitewashed houses adorning the narrow cobbled streets. Beautiful bougainvillea bloom throughout the area, and the panoramic views across the neighbouring town of Mijas Costa are simply breathtaking.


The high class resorts of Marbella and Puerto Banus are divided by the “golden mile” of exclusive residences. Shopping here is a must for the jet set, with designer boutiques decorating the tree lined streets for your perusal, or why not grab a bite to eat at one of the charming restaurants in the stylish marina. The ancestral Andalucian ‘pueblo’ and ‘playa’ town of San Pedro de Alcantera is just a couple of kilometres away and a little further up the coast is the cultural fishing town of Estepona. This wonderful place has many narrow cobbled streets and has a truly Spanish feel, with bars and restaurants in abundance it truly is a beautiful place to visit. For a sample of Britain, why not cross the border into Gibraltar for a day’s sightseeing, tax free shopping and yes those cheeky monkeys, but don’t forget your passport!

Situated in Southern Spain the pretty village of Mijas is one of the best examples of the pueblos blancos (white villages) of Andalucia with it’s narrow streets and quaint whitewashed houses set in a background of pine forest. The village has spectacular views of the coast and the Mediterranean being over 400 metres above sea level and it is possible to see a large part of the Costa del Sol including Mijas Costa some 10 kms away.

The narrow cobbled streets are used by the famous donkey-drawn taxis and it is recommended that you use them to take a tour of the village to see the historic buildings and other sights. The village was established by the Tartessians and used as a fortress by the Romans. In the 15th century the Christian army used Mijas as a military headquarters and settled in the area after the defeat of the Moors.


Mijas is a popular destination for the tourist with it’s population of around 7,000 swelling in the summer months as the influx of visitors wishing to sample the old style laid back Andalucian way of life. The many restaurants and craft shops catering for the needs of the tourists.


When exploring the village be sure to visit the Roman and Moorish ruins, the museum of miniatures, the bullring Plaza de Torros, the shrine of Calvario and the Inmaculada church. The open air theatre is a perfect location to watch a performance and has a busy schedule of events in the summer.


The shrine of Santuario de la Virgen de la Pena constructed out of solid rock was built in 1586 and is a tribute to the patron saint of Mijas when a vision of the Virgin appeared on the site.


The hermitage of Iglesia de Santa Ana is in the Santana district of Mijas and was built in the 18th century, also worth visiting is the Church of San Sebastian with it’s notable facade.


There are numerous viewing points around the village one of the prettiest is at the Muralla Gardens which as well as affording spectacular views of the surrounding countryside has a garden that is in bloom all year.


Another good vantage point to see the Mijas valley and surrounding area is from the Hermitage El Puerto which was built in the 16th century by Mercedarian monks on the hillside overlooking the village.


On the hillside above Mijas is the Shrine of the Calvario built in the early 18th century it watches over the village


Strolling around the village you will come across the restaurant of El Capricho in the centre of Mijas is well worth a visit but there is a large choice of tapas bars and restaurants to suite all tastes and wallets.


Local artists display their paintings and there is a large selection of hand made pottery. There is also a thriving local hand made linen and wicker industry – the locally made honey and bread is well worth sampling.


Festivals are popular all over Spain and especially in Andalucia – Mijas has an abundance of festivals including;


January – Feast of San Anton

February – Carnival

May – International Day

June – La noche de San Juan

June – Corpus Christi festival

July – Flamenco Dance Festival

August – South American dance festival

August – Spanish Theatre Festival

September – Mijas Fair

December – Christmas Concert


The area has become famous for it’s golf facilities including the David Leadbetter Golf Academy and the nearby golf courses of La Cala North and South.


Accommodation is plentiful in and around Mijas with a selection of hotels, bed and breakfast establishments and a wide variety of holiday rentals both in Mijas and along the Costa del Sol.

Mijas, Andalucia

A short drive down the Spanish coast from Malaga airport is a golfers’ paradise: a variety of courses set against a backdrop of the Andalucian hills and the blue Mediterranean. The scenery, the quality of life, the facilities and the climate have lured many ex-pats to permanent residence here, while others escape northern winters for sunshine and pleasant year-round temperatures. The coastal developments represent the best of modern Spain while in the villages to the north you will still find the whitewashed houses and cobbled streets of traditional Andalucia.


Golf Courses within Easy Reach of Arana de Mijas


Arana de Mijas has its own Cerrado del Aguilla golf course, an area of great natural beauty as well as a golfing challenge. But there are a dozen or so other courses within a short drive. La Cala Golf Resort, Mijas, has three 18-hole golf courses (the only such on the Costa del Sol), as well as a driving range and other sports facilities. Mijas Golf has two very different courses, but both originally designed by Robert Trent-Jones. As with most of the golf resorts in the area, there is plenty more to do in Mijas for those who don’t fancy golf.


Green Fees & Other Costs


Green fees for visitors will vary with the time of year. The winter months are when the Spanish climate comes into its own and are inevitably the most popular. At Mijas Golf, for example, guest fees are between around 40 and 70 euros. You can rent clubs for about 20 and trolleys for just a few euros while buggies come in at nearer 40 euros. You’ll need to take a handicap certificate, and it’s wise to check actual prices (and maximum handicaps) nearer your travelling time.


Buying Golf Accommodation in Arana de Mijas


Such is the draw of the ‘Mijas Golf Valley’ that you may find the occasional visit is not enough and that you want your own golf apartment in Mijas. Buying into the Arana de Mijas exclusive development at this stage could prove a very worthwhile investment as well as giving you your own place in the sun, with mountain and sea views. Apartment prices start from just 285,000 euros, with superb Spanish mortgage deals. We are specialists in the area and are committed to high ethical, aesthetic and environmental standards.

The original name for the village was Tamisa, which subsequently changed to Mixa and finally to Mijas as it is known today. Whilst La Cala has maintained a level of the real Spain it has also absorbed an international flavour. You will find estate agents here that are very professional and able to look after you in many different languages together with banks, doctors, lawyers, and dentists equal to those in any part of Europe or the USA.

Villas for sale properties Estepona property for sale Estepona is a town and municipality in the region of the Costa del Sol, southern Spain. It is located in the province of Malaga, part of the autonomous community of Andalusia. Estepona is renowned for its beaches, which stretch along some 21 km of coastline. It is a popular resort and holiday destination. Estepona is a town and municipality in the region of the Costa del Sol, southern Spain. It is located in the province of Malaga, in the region of Andalusia.

Estepona is renowned for its beaches, which stretch along some 21 km of coastline. It is a popular resort and holiday destination. Estepona’s small local shops offer locally made produce and goods. In the main town centre there are a number of boutiques offering contemporary international clothing brands and other goods. Estepona is one of the few coastal towns that has succeeded in maintaining its pueblo charm and character, despite the influx of tourism. Notwithstanding, all the tourist facilities are here, including hotels, restaurants, leisure and cultural activities, and shops.

investing in property in Spain

The disappointing returns on traditional investments are just one good reason for property investment, especially property in demand. And that’s the case with Spain. Few countries in Europe can compete – for facilities, climate, lifestyle and environment. And economic growth in the north, aided by the expansion of the European Union, is sure to continue to stimulate demand for what is after all a finite resource.


So the rise in the re-sale value of properties in Spain shows no signs of slowing. The Spanish Costas have become truly international – and not just in winter, as Northern Europeans choosing to buy and make their homes there. The mortgage rate in Spain is the second lowest in the EU and the banks offer very favourable terms.


Lifestyle and investment in the Costa del Sol


Malaga is both a flourishing city and one of the provinces that make up the southern region of Andalucia. Every year thousands of people are drawn to its beaches, its scenery and its pleasant winter temperatures. Many of those visitors decide to make a longer-term investment in property there. The road and rail networks along the coast are of the highest European standards. Malaga is no more than three hours from any UK airport and is served by frequent and low-cost flights.


The lifestyle of the Costa del Sol is a cosmopolitan one, so for those who choose to stay, adapting to a new home is not a problem. At the same time developments observe strict environmental guidelines to preserve the quality of life for future generations.


Property investment in Arana de Mijas


Arana de Mijas is at the heart of Malaga province, a short drive from the airport. Nestling against the Andalucian hills, it’s still within sight of the Mediterrean and a fabulous string of beaches. So it’s not surprising that property investment is well established in the area. The Arana de Mijas development offers the chance of all-year round living in a secure and aesthetically pleasing environment, with apartments overlooking the resort’s golf course. Great leisure facilities, sea and mountains are within easy reach. For more details of property investment in Arana de Mijas, explore our website and get in touch with us.

Mijas is the Costa del Sol’s largest municipality consisting of three main parts; Mijas Pueblo, Mijas Costa and Las Lagunas. Mijas Pueblo is situated around 4 miles (6km) inland and about 430 metres above sea level. Popular with day trippers and coach parties, this attractive whitewashed village offers some fantastic views of the coast. Donkey taxis are available if you fancy a leisurely tour of this traditional pueblo.

Mijas Pueblo has a number of attractions, including the unusual Carramoto de Max. This museum houses a diverse collection of extremely small objects, such as a picture of Abraham Lincoln on a pinhead, or the Lord’s Prayer written on the side of a playing card. Close by is the grotto of the Virgen de la Pena carved out of the rock by monks in the 17th century. If you want a better understanding of the traditional way of life in Mijas, the municipal museum (Casa Museo) by the Plaza de la Libertad is well worth visiting. It tells the story of the post-war ‘years of hunger’ when the local community was close to starvation and often had to survive on soup made from grass. The museum also has a collection of farming implements and machinery used in the production of olive oil. Mijas Pueblo has an attractive bullring (Plaza de Toros) which is home to a small museum of bullfighting memorabilia.


Mijas Costa is the name given to the municipality’s long stretch of coastline (about 7 miles or 12km in total) between Marbella and Fuengirola. About halfway along is the little village of La Cala de Mijas which has an attractive sheltered beach plus several good bars and restaurants. La Cala is the venue for the popular street market which is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There are several large urbanisations dotted along the N340 coast road through Mijas Costa, including Miraflores, Riviera del Sol and Calahonda.


The commercial district of Las Lagunas is more or less an extension of the neighbouring resort of Fuengirola. There is not much of note here, with the exception of the Parque Aqua Mijas. Situated alongside the Fuengirola bypass, this water park is an ideal family attraction complete with water slides, paddling pools, jacuzzis and the Adventure River ride. There is also mini-golf and a rock climbing area for children. Parque Aqua Mijas is open from the end of April to the end of September. From mid-June onwards there are daily aerobics sessions and music shows.


There are plenty of golf courses in the area, most notably the La Cala Golf Resort, founded in 1991, which boasts three 18-hole courses plus a David Leadbetter Academy. Other venues include Mijas Golf, with two 18-hole courses, and the recently opened Calanova Golf. Mijas also boasts a horse racing circuit known as El Hipodromo Costa del Sol. There are regular evening race meetings held at the circuit throughout the summer months, and it has also been used as a venue for pop concerts.


The Portillo Company operates bus services from Mijas Pueblo to Fuengirola, Benalmadena and Torremolinos, as well as inland to Alhuarin and Coin. Portillo also runs the coastal service between Marbella and Fuengirola which stops throughout Mijas Costa.