Living in Spain

Golf

Spanish golf courses are invariably well maintained and are prolific in the areas of Spain where we present properties. In recent years a multitude of new courses have sprung up throughout Spain leading to it becoming the number one golfing destination in Europe. Properties built up around golf clubs are increasing in popularity with foreigners seeking a permanent or second home in Spain. An example of this, is Polaris World. This development is being built as a golfing community in similar vein to those in Florida, USA and is likely to become the number one resort of its type in Europe.

Polaris World - Spanish Properties on the costa calida

Polaris World offers the ultimate in all-year round tranquility. It consists of several different resorts, which are located relatively close together and membership of the Polaris World Club gives home owners in one of the resorts access to the amenities and facilities of all of the resorts. You could have access to all of the Jack Nicklaus designed golf courses and the sports centre. Click the Polaris World sign to find out more.

Green fees tend to be cheaper than those of most other European countries including the UK and the good weather lends itself to all year round golf. So if you're looking for a home near to golfing facilities the Costas are the place to be. Most of our properties are close to golf courses and we can steer you in the right direction so you get exactly what you want whether your a novice or expert golfer.

Other Sports

Aerial Sports
Spain is an excellent country for all types of aerial sports from paragliding to microlighting. The mountainous regions of Costa Blanca North and the Costa Tropical are ideal for all sorts of aerial sport activities. If aerial sports are your thing the Spanish Costas offer a wide range for you to indulge in. (Before taking up any dangerous sport you are advised to seek adequate instruction, check the credentials of the company whose services you use and ensure you have suitable health, accident and life insurance)

Cycling
Spain is one of the top cycling countries in Europe. It is perfectly normal to see cycling clubs training when you travel around the Costas but whilst it is treated as a serious sport in Spain it is also regarded as a relaxing pastime. There are over 5000 cycling races and events staged every year in Spain. Bicycles are relatively cheap in Spain but can also be rented if required.

Watersports
Spain has an immense coastline and consequently caters for a multitude of watersports: Sailing, windsurfing, surfing, rowing, canoeing, water-skiing, jet-skiing and sub-aquatic sports. Spain also has a wealth of marinas and harbours which in turn has led to many sailing clubs being created.

Other popular sports in Spain are athletics, basketball, fishing, football, handball, hiking, horse riding, jogging, rock-climbing, lawn bowls, skiing and swimming

Communications

Spain has around 4 telephones to every 10 people so their communication systems aren't as good as the UK. In the last few years, however, the cost of mobile phones has fallen dramatically and Spain now has one of the fastest expanding mobile phone usage in the European Union. Call charges from Spain to the UK on a land line range from 5p per minute and some telephone companies also charge a connection fee of 5 to 8p.

The internet is a great way to keep in touch with relatives in the UK and broadband is available in most urban areas. Monthly charges are high (about £26) compared to the UK however as the take up of broadband increases these fees should come down in price.

Fiestas

Over 3000 festivals and fiestas are celebrated in Spain on an annual basis. There are national celebrations as well as individual village or town fairs lasting from a few days to a few weeks. The fiestas are usually held on the local saint's day but some commemorate events in history such as the Moor's invasion and defeat. Spanish festivals are a great occasion for all the family. They are lively and colourful, usually consisting of costumes, processions, music, dancing and feasting.

Pets

It is possible to take pets to and from Spain without quarantine under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) which started on the 28/2/00. In order to use this scheme you have to comply with the law and meet the conditions laid down. There are specific rules for different kinds of pet regarding their importation into Spain. The following link will provide you with further information The British Embassy. Certain documents are required for your pet to re-enter the UK and the scheme is quite detailed so it is best to check with the people in the know - click on the following link to go to DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) to find out the details of the scheme PETS.