MOST people’s impressions of Malaga are limited to the airport and its surroundings.

For thousands, it is the link between wet England and two weeks of sun in Torremolinos or Marbella.

But pass by one of the biggest cities in Spain and you miss out. Malaga is a treat.

Michael Liggan Costa del Sol News Blog

Sitting on the Costa del Sol, it is a small and charming Spanish island on a coast full of tourist resorts, a city that has authentic charm, a lively atmosphere and the odd beach for when it all gets a bit too much.

Getting there was simple enough with a direct flight with Bmibaby taking just over three hours from East Midlands.

And there was the unexpected treat of peering out of the window and spotting the snow-tipped Pyrenees before landing in warmer climes. Although the airline recently announced it is due to close, it will still operate flights to the resort until September 9.

So, sun creamed and armed with hastily-learnt-on-the-plane Spanish, the city was ripe for exploring.

First stop was the birthplace of Malaga’s most famous son, Pablo Picasso.

Whether you are a fan of his art or not, there’s no denying that Picasso was a pioneer within the art world and the Casa Natal de Picasso offers a concise but effective window into his career – a retrospective that showed the art, the artist and the context behind it to wonderful effect.

Rooms where presumably the young Picasso took his first tentative steps into the world of art now host personal items and pieces from his career as well as contemporaries such as Miro, Ernst and Bacon.

And if art isn’t your thing but you’re still keen to get a little culture to go with the sun, the Museo Automovilistico is well worth a visit.

Sitting to the south of the city, the museum houses hundreds of cars from various eras, from the vintage to the ultra-modern.

And when you fancy catching some rays, there are plenty of places to top up the tan. It’s inevitable that people visiting Malaga will flock to the beaches, and with good reason.

Even in March, the sea is a fair few degrees warmer than Skegness at the height of summer.

The city is small enough to walk around, and is mainly focused on the main shopping route the Calle Marqués de Larios – a street paved with marble and lined with neat boutiques and chain stores.

Just off the beaten track, Malaga boasts a wonderful array of tiny bars and restaurants, with a focus on seafood and tapas.

If you fancy exploring a bit further afield then two wheels are probably better than four. With a number of bike hire places dotted around Malaga, it’s fairly easy to find a trusty steed and set off along the coast.

A short detour will take you to the fishing village of Pedregalejo which is well worth exploring. Boat workshops sit alongside quiet cafes and the high rise hotels of tourist resorts further down the coast have disappeared into the horizon and it seems like an ideal place to spend a lazy afternoon with a beer and a bite to eat.

Source: The above article was sourced from the This is Nottingham to read or comment on the original article click here

Michael Liggan – Many people especially from the UK are looking to relocate to Spain and specifically the Costa del Sol.

AltaVista Property puts the emphasis on clients’ requirements. We focus our efforts on matching client requirements and sourcing suitable properties, but given our longstanding experience in real estate and knowledge of this market in particular, we are also able to identify those properties that offer great value

Michael Liggan is a driving force and our chief property bargain hunter

Michael Liggan of Altavista Property Spain

Michael Liggan Marbella News

Michael Liggan of Altavista Property

Michael Liggan of AltaVista Property puts the emphasis on clients’ requirements. We focus our efforts on matching client requirements and sourcing suitable properties, but given our longstanding experience in real estate and knowledge of this market in particular, we are also able to identify those properties that offer great value.

Michael Liggan Marbella News

Michael Liggan of Altavista Property

Michael Liggan is a driving force and our chief property bargain hunter, with years of experience in helping people buy property throughout the Costa de Sol.

Michael Liggan of AltaVista Property puts the emphasis on clients’ requirements. We focus our efforts on matching client requirements and sourcing suitable properties, but given our longstanding experience in real estate and knowledge of this market in particular, we are also able to identify those properties that offer great value.

Altavista Property – finding the best property at the best price for you

When it comes to real estate, whether it’s bargain property at the lower end of the scale or luxury at the higher end, you’re going to want to snatch it up at the best possible price. This applies to first time buyers as well as experienced property investors. Getting the best bang for your buck is important especially in a recession where cash can be tight. However, you can make it easier for yourself by following a simple set of guidelines.

Altavista Property can offer you many different types of property and it’s your choice to see whether they will be a good match for you. Altavista Property Spain is very much focused on being more than just another real estate agent, but rather a company that builds relationships for clients and finds the best property possible at the best price. A great thing about Altavista Property Spain is that a lot of knowledge can be gained from a quick chat as they know the areas around Marbella and Costa Del Sol extremely well.

Altavista Property awards

In 2011 Altavista Property was awarded with Best Overseas Property Agentat the annual Property Investor Show held at London’s Excel Centre. This goes to show that with Altavista Property you’ll be getting a company that has had much experience, but has also been credited awards at the same time. Having these credentials allows the company to negotiate the prime financial deals along the coast. Obviously this puts the clients in a very favourable positions as they get to choose properties which are in the best state, but also ideal financially. With this position many clients choose Altavista Property Spain as their primary real estate agent.

When a company has good values and always looks for the best prices for their clients you know you’ll be getting the best deals possible. Not only are the properties secured for sale, extremely favourable financing is made available for all properties. Up to a maximum of 107% is financed so once the needed documents are provided everything else is handled swiftly. All the other paper work can be handled for you so you can focus on what is important to you when making a new property purchase.

One of the amazing places to find real estate in Marbella that has been scouted thoroughly by Michael Liggan is Meisho Hills, which is one of the most iconic places in southern Spain. Another desirable location which has some amazing real estate is Las Mimosas; this place is not far from the beach and has some of the best properties in Spain. It’s currently the 3^rd most expensive area of real estate in Spain.

Altavista Property Spain can give you many of the best buying options in the area of Marbella with some of the most desirable properties available.

When it comes to bargain properties in Marbella you should be aware that there are now quite a few properties that are undervalued and therefore represent great value for money. Just because you’re looking to purchase a property in Marbella doesn’t mean that you have to spend a lot of money. If you’re from overseas then you’ll find that property in Marbella is extremely well priced, and is actually at the cheapest it has been in years.

The reasons many of the house prices are so low is due to the recession and lack of mortgages being made available for the residents of Spain. This obviously provides many others who do have the funds (whether it means retired couples or investors in property) with great opportunities. These opportunities can be found all across the country but the place where you’ll find the best bargain properties is in Marbella.

Altavista Property Spain

Altavista Property Spain has nurtured many important contacts with developers, mortgage brokers and banks in the years of operating on the Costa del Sol, which means that the property they list will be of the highest quality and can also be financed quickly for prospective buyers. Their negotiations mean you’ll get the lowest possible interest rates and the best conditions possible.

Below are three tips on finding property that is going to be a great investment/ purchase:

1. Know how much you want to spend

Knowing how much you want to spend will put you in the right mind-set before you even purchase any property. Impulse buying on large financial assets is not a strategy that is employed by many, neither is it advised. The only time this is applicable is if a property is an amazing find and needs to be bought straight away but generally this is not the case. If you have a set price range for finding real estate you can start at the lower end of the scale looking for properties that meet your criteria, and then slowly move up until you find one.

2. Find the best places to search

Having a good resource for finding property can do you a world of good. Altavista Property Spain has many different types of property on offer and various requirements can be searched for using the ‘property search’ toolon their website. This will give you a great base to start from and you can start making a shortlist of the types of property you would be interested in.

3. Compare property

As with anything you’re going to want to make sure what you’re getting is the right one for you and all other options have been exhausted. The best way to ensure this is by comparing all of the property that you have shortlisted. As long as you have a set requirement for what the property that you want to buy matches then going through your shortlist should be easy as you narrow it down.

Yet again comparing real estate in Marbella can be made easy through Altavista Property and using the search tool that is made freely available to everyone.

AltaVista Property puts the emphasis on clients’ requirements.

We focus our efforts on matching client requirements and sourcing suitable properties, but given our longstanding experience in real estate and knowledge of this market in particular, we are also able to identify those properties that offer great value.

Booking Spain apartments in the Costa del Sol for a holiday can allow you to spend a week spoiling yourself doing little more than sunbathing, visiting the beach and relaxing. However, if you’re keen to get active there’s plenty of opportunity thanks to the many golf clubs.

Michael Liggan Property Blog

Indeed, this part of Spain is home to several courses, with 18 hole options for those who want to spend a whole day on the green practising their swing, in addition to nine hole courses for anyone who just fancies a quick game. When you book holiday cottages in Spain here, you will not have far to travel to reach a club – or you could even hire an apartment in a complex with its own course!

However, to ensure you fit as much golfing into your stay in Costa del Sol holiday rentals as possible, it’s worth having an idea of what the best courses are. Read on for our top picks.

Valderrama Golf Club

This is arguably the most famous golf course in Spain and was the first continental golf club to host the Ryder Cup, back in 1997. There are 18 holes to challenge you here, with the course designed by Robert Trent Jones in 1974.

The required handicap for men playing at this Andalucía club is 24, while for women it’s 32, and the total course is a par 3. While the fairways have been praised by visitors – including many professional golfers – as being among the best in the world, the fourth hole is likely to have you stumped. Known as La Cascada, the designer claimed it was his greatest triumph and is a tricky par 5. To achieve it, begin with a long drive, before directing the ball on to the green. A tip is to stick to the right side of the fairway on your second shot if you’re aiming for par.

San Roque Club

This is an exclusive club where you can expect to play no matter what time of year it is thanks to the Costa del Sol’s consistently warm and sunny climate. The Old Course was created in 1990 by Dave Thomas, while Seve Ballesteros later redesigned the bunkers.

Nestled in the foothills of Sierra Bermeja, this course is home to some stunning scenery, with lush green fairways, sparkling ponds and low trees helping to paint a very different scene from what you will have become used to on the beaches of the Costa del Sol. Alternatively, you can check out the New Course, which was built in 2005 to a Perry Dye design.

Parador Malaga Golf Club

This is the oldest golf club on the Costa del Sol, dating back to 1925. Originally it was a nine hole course but was later extended under the supervision of Tom Simpson, who also created the iconic courses of Turnberry and Muirfield in Scotland.

Two of the holes here are right on the edge of the sea, while eucalyptus, pine and palm trees provide obstacles, along with the hazard of the sand dunes. If you want to improve your handicap before you tackle the course, you can visit the driving range and spend a while practising your swing.

These are three of the most renowned courses on the Costa del Sol, but because there are so many available, you are sure to find one that perfectly suits your abilities – and your budget!

Sourced: The above text and image was sourced from I Want Sun to comment or read the original article click here

Michael Liggan of Altavista Property Spain

Altavista Property Spain puts the emphasis on clients’ requirements. We focus our efforts on matching client requirements and sourcing suitable properties, but given our longstanding experience in real estate and knowledge of this market in particular, we are also able to identify those properties that offer great value.

Michael Liggan is a driving force and our chief property bargain hunter.

We currently have a number of properties situated next to some of the best Golf courses on the Costa del Sol.

Michael Liggan – To view our latest brochure click here

Michael Liggan, Tips on Getting Bargain Properties in Marbella

Compare as many properties as possible to increase your chances of getting a good deal. Michael Liggan and Alta Vista Spain has a big online presence, meaning you get to compare different options. Going online also offers convenience and cost benefits. You could also gain a good deal by joining by reading customer our testimonials.

Michael Liggan is a driving force and our chief property bargain hunter.

Michael Liggan, CEO of Altavista Property Spain, has been bringing together buyers and sellers of property in Marbella for years, and knows that Marbella is one of the most popular destinations for buyers of high-end holiday homes in Spain.

The reasons for the popularity of the city’s real estate, explains Michael Liggan, include the facts that the city is on the Mediterranean Sea, it has wonderful climate, well-developed touristic infrastructure, and is a cultural hotspot. Marbella is popular because of its attractive architecture, its sporting facilities, and its many museums and other cultural attractions. Marbella, often referred to as the St. Tropez of the south, has long been a playground for the rich and famous, and the likes of Antonio Banderas own property here.

Analysts believe that Marbella property prices have hit the bottom, again adding to the current popularity of this real estate investment market. Banks have been offloading previously repossessed properties ever since September 2011 and according to Michael Liggan of Altavista Property Spain, real estate developers are trying to sell off properties as fast as they can. This means Marbella property prices are very attractive at the moment.

Michael Liggan and Altavista Property are quick to point out that you should not, however, rush your decision. Altavista Property Spain offer their clients several tips that will help make an informed decision. When going property shopping, do not restrict yourself to the famous Golden Mile between Marbella and Puerto Banus. You can find good properties in other parts of Marbella as well as the surrounding locations such as Sierra Blanca, Puerto Banus, La Zagaleta, Nagueles, Sotogrande, Monte Mayor, and El Madronal.

Compare as many options as possible to increase your chances of landing a great deal, says Michael Liggan. Your choice should be based on your particular requirements. For example, buyers can choose between houses, large country estates, mansions, villas, chalets, apartments, penthouses, and luxury residences.

Michael Liggan suggests you should consider enlisting the services of a real estate agent such as Altavista Property Spain to help you with your purchase. Real estate agents have the experience, training, and contacts necessary to get the best high-end property in Marbella at the best price. Real estate agents like Altavista property Spain know the property values and the market conditions, meaning you will pay the right price for your property. Hiring a real estate agent gives you unparalleled convenience since the agent will handle the actual search, the paperwork, the finances, and other aspects of the purchase. If you are buying the property from outside Spain, hiring an agent saves you money since you do not need to travel backwards and forwards to Spain. Your anonymity will also be protected when you hire a real estate agent.

Michael Liggan always advises clients not to put pen on paper without seeking legal advice. Although there is no legal requirement to hire a lawyer before making a purchase, it is certainly a good idea to do so. There are several property conveyancing solicitors in Spain. Altavista Property Spain are able to recommend independent lawyers who have successfully acted on behalf of previous clients.

Michael Liggan advises buyers to ensure that the relevant property searches are done and that the deed to the property is good and correct. Go through the fine print of the agreement before buying the property. This will ensure you understand the finer details in the deal.

And finally, Michael Liggan says do not shy away from haggling over prices if you want a good deal! Buying a high-end property these days does not have to mean paying high prices.

Visit www.altavistaspain.com to start browsing our exclusive luxury property listings in and around Marbella and the surrounding Costa del Sol locations.

The Costa del Sol, A golfing Mecca

With Andalucía widely recognized as the ‘golfing capital of Europe’, what is it that attracts so many golfers to the Costa del Sol?

Altavista property – Costa del Sol News

Altavista Property

Altavista Property

The Costa del Sol, A golfing Mecca

With Andalucía widely recognized as the ‘golfing capital of Europe’, what is it that attracts so many golfers to the Costa del Sol?

Altavista property – Costa del Sol News

Golf on the Coast has been popular since the late 1980’s. The extensive range of courses continue to attract countless golfers; from amateurs to professionals, residents and holiday makers. These days golf is a game anyone can enjoy, gone are the days when golf was an exclusive sport, restricted to the wealthy.

The British Golfing Experience

A typical golfing trip to the UK means that you head to your chosen course armed with protective clothing: jumper, jacket, a nice pair of thick socks. On arrival you discover that the course has been flooded, therefore it is not possible to play. You nurse your disappointment with a rather bland meal in the on-site restaurant, with superb views of rain and wet grass. Nevertheless, there’s always tomorrow.
Unfortunately this scenario continues for the following 3 days, leaving just 4 days of your trip remaining. You finally manage to get your feet on the fairways, hands on clubs, raring to go, but your fingers are frozen from the cold. After a fierce battle with the first couple of holes, the lack of sensation in your hands is making it increasingly difficult to carry on.
Finally you are defeated, cold and miserable, as you head to the nearest pub to commiserate.

Contrast this with the Costa del Sol, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a desirable destination. With an average of 320 days of sunshine per year, golfers rarely have to worry about a game being spoilt by the weather; a round can be arranged without aggravation, at short notice, and enjoyed to its full potential.

A Dream Location

In addition to the year round warm climate, the Costa del Sol also tempts golfers with a wide selection of irresistible courses. Each is set within a beautiful location, providing magnificent backdrops, be it mountain view or sea view.
Thanks to the ever increasing amount of Clubs, there are now greens and fairways almost everywhere you look; with around 30 courses to choose from and more to be built over the next ten years.

Improvements are continually being made with numerous Clubs undergoing total refurbishments. In many cases, a second or even third course has been added to the original facilities. La Cala Resort for example- known as Golf World- has a total of 3 courses and is the largest complex in Spain.

Championship Courses

Not only is Andalucía a golfers paradise, it also plays an important role in professional golf, hosting championships such as the PGA Seniors and the Volvo Masters.
One of the finest clubs on the coast has to be Valderrama, a
championship course with fairways described as the best in Europe.
Golf enthusiasts will be familiar with the prestige
associated to Valderrama, setting of the Ryder Cup- won by Europe in 1997.
Most Clubs on the coast operate a turn up and play system, however some courses have very strict rules such as La Zagaleta Golf Club, open only to residents and members. Many courses are designed for players of all levels: some are more taxing than others like Almenara Golf Club, one of the most challenging on the coast. However, the Costa del Sol caters for beginners through to professionals, so you can be sure to find somewhere to play a round!
Other famous courses located on the coast include; Las Brisas famed for its imaginative design, plus Aloha Golf, Rio Real and Los Naranjos. Another course worth noting is Alcaidesa, the only links course on the Coast is situated near the town of San Roque with great views of Gibraltar.
Many courses are built within residential tourist developments so have frontline golf apartments. A lot of people decide to invest in a holiday home, but there is no shortage of nearby apartments available to rent. A number of Courses have hotels attached, offering a fitting range of amenities and sport facilities on tap.

Discounted Green Fees

A large amount of companies specialise in golfing holidays, for example teetimesanywhere.com. Through online websites you can organize your trip and benefit from discounted green fees.

The average price of a game tends to be around €50, depending on the time of year, although more prominent courses, such as Valderrama, can cost up to €290. Prices adjust according to the season, so it’s best to check green fees and tee times with the golf course itself. Many clubs have their own website; check our Golf Directory for more information and contact details. LINK
When it comes to handicaps, all golf clubs in Spain will anticipate that you have a handicap certificate or letter of competency. You may be asked to show this at any time.

A Celebrity favourite

Many celebrities also enjoy a regular stopover for a spot of golf, particularly for charity events like the popular Bobby Davro Celebrity golf challenge. A fantastic event that takes place in June for the 6th year running, to raise money for the Rhys Daniels Trust. Celebrities and Sport’s World Celebrities battle it out on the fairways to acquire the Rhys & Charly Trophy.

Perfect your Swing?

If your golf isn’t quite up to scratch don’t be put off. Amidst the development of, and competition between courses, numerous Academy’s are being opened on the Costa del Sol; For example the recently opened Arcos Gardens Golf Academy directed by Ashley Northridge, a PGA class AA professional.
If a basic ‘Golf Aligment Aid’ doesn’t do the trick, there is an assortment of more high-tech equipment available at various courses. The TaylorMade Performance Lab at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy in La Cala Resort is bound to help. Its remarkable fitting system measures the components and results of your swing, capturing, quantifying and animating your total body motions in 3D.

The perfect scenery and the vast amount that the Costa del Sol has to offer, keeps a regular stream of golfers from the UK and Ireland arriving throughout the year.

Source: Puerto Banus Guide

Image Source: Puerto Banus Guide

For more information about activities in Puerto Banus check the guide by clicking here

Altavista Property

“We currently have a number of beautiful properties available around some of the best golf courses on the Costa del Sol” – Michael Liggan of Altavista Property

For our latest brochure click here

Or check out our website where you can find a wide selection of properties in the Costa del Sol www.altavistaspain.com

Altavista Property

AltaVista Property puts the emphasis on clients’ requirements. We focus our efforts on matching client requirements and sourcing suitable properties, but given our longstanding experience in real estate and knowledge of this market in particular, we are also able to identify those properties that offer great value.