Whether you have already moved to southern Spain, or you are planning to relocate in the near future, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to leisure activities.

The real estate market on the Costa del Sol and property sales are showing strong signs of improvement and now is a perfect time to buy.

With over 320 average days of sunshine each year, the Costa del Sol is a magnet for lovers of the great outdoors. Some of the best activities for all ages include:

Sport

Horse riding centres, tennis academies, swimming in the El Chorro Lakes, near Antequera, and sailing in the blue waters of the Mediterranean are all popular pastimes. Snow skiing in winter in the Sierra Nevada, just a two hour drive from Marbella is also a must for winter sports enthusiasts. With over 70 golf courses along the Costa del Sol, the area is also a magnet for golfers from all over Europe.

Beach and country walks

Explore the local beaches and countryside on foot to make the most of this diverse region. From the beaches of Malaga, Marbella and Fuengirola (best to walk outside the summer season), to the rugged landscapes of the Alpujarras in Granada, and the beautiful villages around Ronda, you can enjoy some of the most magnificent scenery, plus spot some unusual birds and wildlife on route.

If you are looking for a choice of properties for sale in Marbella, Cabopino, Elviria, Rio Real, Mijas-Costa or La Cala de Mijas, you will be spoilt for choice with new developments and resale apartments, villas and townhouses now on the market.

Selwo Wildlife Adventure Park

Situated near Estepona, 25 minutes´ drive west of Marbella, Selwo Aventura is home to over 2,000 semi-free animals, and 200 species, this is a wonderland for children and adults alike.  The animals are well cared for and all enjoy roaming around in over 100 hectares of semi-natural environment. Just over the ravine, where zebras and camels roam, open safari trucks operate in two directions around the park, and most of the larger animals can be seen from here.  Brown bears, tigers, lions, elephants and giraffes can all be viewed at a comfortable distance, and there are also plenty of smaller species to see.

Eating out in southern Spain

If you enjoy eating out, the Costa del Sol offers visitors a wide range of international, Spanish and English cuisine. Try the tapas bars, or the local 3-course set menus, which are offered every lunchtime, and usually include a drink for approximately €9 per head. On a sunny day, there is no better place to enjoy a long lunch than one of the ´chiringuitos´ or beach bars, situated in all the coastal resorts, offering freshly caught fish and seafood at a fraction of the price you would pay in the UK.

Tour the White Villages

Tour the white villages of Andalucia. The ´Pueblos Blancos´ tours, can be booked through most travel agents/tour operators in the major towns of southern Spain, and will show you ´real Spain´ away from the tourist haunts along the coast. Visit the tiny villages and towns around Ronda, Mijas Pueblo and the relatively unknown areas of Cadiz.

Properties for sale on the Costa del Sol

Whether you are looking for properties for sale on the Costa del Sol to use as a holiday home or a permanent residence, always use a reputable estate agent who has an excellent knowledge of the coast.