Escape to the sun this winter

26/1/2018

If you're feeling the effects of the gloomy days and cold weather in northern Europe and dreaming of your own place in a country where there is a definite sunnier side to life, then now is the perfect time to grab the proverbial (Spanish) bull by the horns and find your dream second home in the sunshine. Many of our holiday homes are just a two hour flight away, with plenty of flight options available from even the smallest of local airports. Once you have your own home on the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca or Costa Calida, just a few of the fantastic places where we have apartments, villas and houses available, you and your family and friends can even pop over for a long weekend. Your own home away from home means you can book in advance and take advantage of super low-cost flights or book at the last-minute and just get away from the rain this weekend or a gloomy outlook for the next two weeks! Malaga on the Costa del Sol is a top choice for winter sun within two to three hours of airports in France, Germany, The Netherlands, the UK and Scandinavia. With an average of just six rainy days in February, highs of 18ºC and almost 7 hours of sunshine per day, you can enjoy walks without your snow or rain boots, beers and lunch on a terrace or café esplanade or even a walk on the beach with your shoes off. It might not be quite warm enough to dip your toes in the sea, but it's an ideal way to relax and top up your vitamin D intake as you watch the world go by. Javea on the Costa Blanca is a short drive from both Alicante and Valencia airports and also has fantastic winter temperatures, normally around 16ºC maximum and lows of 7ºC - so the low is the same as a high temperature in some parts of northern Europe! Javea has a healthy climate that has been highlighted as one of the healthiest in the world by the World Health Organisation. On a clear day you can even sometimes see the island of Ibiza, just 90km away. With an old town and port to explore as well as the Montgó Natural Park, Javea is a fantastic option for a spot of winter sunshine for those who enjoy walking, sunshine, good views and lunch or dinner by the sea. Use our quick-find property search tool to start your search for your home away from home in the Spanish winter sun! Sources www.uv.es www.holiday-weather.com/javea/ www.holiday-weather.com/malaga

The must-visit Dalí Triangle of the Costa Brava

8/1/2018

Born on the 11th May 1904 in Figueres on the Costa Brava, Salvador Dalí is famed for his contribution to the world of Surrealist art. Dalí grew up in a middle class, well-educated background yet he, like the rest of the Spanish nation, lived through the turbulent times of the Spanish Civil War, which came to influence his work and lifestyle. Dalí was an outspoken artist whose friendship group included the key artists and intellectuals of the era, including Luis Buñuel, Federico García Lorca and Pepín Bello. Dalí's works were influenced by Impressionism, Cubism, purism and futurism. He worked with Luis Buñuel on Un chien andalou, a famous film which also coincided with the period in which he met his wife, Elena Ivanovna Diakonova, who he referred to as Gala. Gala was his manager and his muse, and even today, one of his homes is named after her. The Dalí Triangle is located near our properties in Cadaqués. Dalí is said to have been inspired by the town, where he is quoted as saying, "I have spent a delightful summer, as always, in the perfect and dreamy town of Cadaqués. There, alongside the Latin sea, I have been quenched by light and colour". Cadaqués is the jewel in the crown of the Dalí Triangle with Dalí's home open for visits. Casa Salvador Dalí is open to the public and it is incredibly popular so if you plan to visit from your home in Cadaqués, make sure you book in advance. The other towns in the Dalí Triangle are Figueres and Púbol. Figueres boasts the Dalí Theatre-Museum with a large number of his works on display alongside the Dalí Jewels Collection. Púbol is home to the Gala Dalí Castle House-Museum, the castle that Dalí gave to his wife Gala. There is a fantastic collection of Dalí's work on show here, but perhaps the most beautiful attraction is the view of the stunning bay below. A cultural hotspot, the Dalí Triangle offers art, history and a passionate love story in a stunning setting near our property for sale on the Costa Brava and specifically property for sale in Cadaqués. Sources: Salvador-dali.org En.costabrava.org Telegraph.co.uk

Gastronomic delights in Valencia

9/12/2017

Did you know that one of Spain's most famous dishes actually comes from Valencia? Paella, that mouthwatering mix of vegetables, meat, seafood, saffron and of course, rice, can be traced back to Moorish times when the Moors introduced rice to Valencia. It's now one of Spain's gastronomic icons and the best versions of it are still served up around Valencia. Locals in the know head to Playa de las Arenas for great paella served with chilled wine and a view of the sea or to Albufera Natural Park where the sunsets are spectacular and boat trips are a must. Valencia produces some fantastic wines, from white to red as well as sparkling and Moscatel de Valencia. If you want something with less of a kick, try the local drink, horchata which is made from the tiger nut, a fruit that is only grown in 16 villages in the Valencia area, thus guaranteeing the quality of the fruit. It's a refreshing drink that looks like a glass of milk and is served with fartons, spongey long shaped biscuits. The best horchata can be found in Horchaterias in the El Carmen district of Valencia, this is the pretty old town of the city. Valencia, like most Spanish villages, towns and cities has its fair share of fantastic tapas and plenty of places to enjoy them in. Tapas work slightly differently to other cities in Spain and in Valencia it is more normal to order enough tapas to cover you for the evening and slowly make your way through them with friends and family. Fresh local food is available in abundance at the beautiful central market. The building itself is worth a visit just to take a look at its interior. There are more than 300 local business selling cheeses, hams, jamon serrano, fish, fruit and vegetables amongst other gastronomic delights. Cafés and restaurants can also be found around the market which are perfect for lunch. You can buy supplies here to enjoy at your own pace back in your holiday home in Valencia. To search for a holiday home for sale in Valencia you can also use our new search service to find the best home for you. Sources: Visitvalencia.com Mercadocentralvalencia.es Valencia-tourist-guide.com

Why now is the time to buy in Spain

9/10/2017

Since the recession in 2008 and the years since, buying a home in Spain has been a cost-effective investment for those with money ready to invest. Taking advantage of the consistent fall in prices across Spain and an increase in foreclosures, investors have been able to buy property at appealing prices. 2017 has changed the doom and gloom market to one of more positive outlooks with continued opportunities to invest in your dream home in the sunshine. Experts predicted that 2017 will be the start of an increase in prices across Spain as confidence in the market grows have, so far, been proven correct. Of course, as confidence grows, so does lending and the speed at which people make a decision on a major purchase. With increases in house prices of up to 23% in Barcelona and 21% in Girona - the highest increases by region, combined with low lending rates, the Spanish property market now represents an even greater investment opportunity. Construction has also bounced back, with experts predicting an increase of 6% in both 2017 and 2018, peaking at 10% in Catalonia and Madrid so far this year, where newly-constructed homes have increased by 10% as demand has grown. Combined with the Spanish economy growing at around 0.9%, confidence is well and truly back in the Spanish housing market. Spain's Golden Visa scheme has also influenced the increase in house purchases with an increase in buyers from Turkey who are looking to escape the political uncertainty of their home country. Buyers from the UK continue to invest in Spain despite the fall in the value of the pound as they look to sure up investments pre-Brexit. Whilst the pound has declined recently against the euro, experts are predicting a bounce-back as the UK's economy remains stable, making now a good time to start the Spanish home-buying process. Try our new Search Service to find your dream home in Spain, with property listings delivered directly to your inbox, for property in the areas you are interested in. Available simply by completing a quick-fill form. Sources Theguardian.com Bloomberg.com Propertywire.com Ine.es Thelocal.es

A sip of Sherry

15/9/2017

Sherry, like many wines, takes its name from the place in which it is produced. Sherry is a DO wine, a protected Denominación de Origen. In this case it is produced in the Sherry triangle which covers the towns of Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa María, located in Andalucía. The DO status guarantees that any wine produced in that region with the label Sherry is made according to a set of guidelines guaranteeing its authenticity. Sherry is a fortified wine which means that the fermentation process of the grape is stopped with the addition of a high alcohol "brandy". This stops the fermentation of the sugars on the skins of the grapes and produces a final wine with a higher alcohol level. Sherry styles Sherry comes in two main styles: dry and sweet. Depending on the style, different grapes are used to get the final taste and finish jut right. For drier sherries, Palomino is the perfect grape. For the sweeter Sherry styles, Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel are used. Moscatel is a grape variety which you might recognise from other regions of the world - it's popular in Valencia, for example, and in parts of France. Tastes and aromas - the influence of the sea Sherry's salty, nutty taste and aromas come from the environment in which it is nourished and aged. The winds that alleviate the heat in this hot part of Spain bring in the saltiness from the sea and add to the flavour profile of Sherry. Like whiskey and brandy, sherry is aged in a barrel system, known as solera, which blends wines from various vintages to create a wine in line with regulations, taste profiles and house styles. Food pairing Coming from a country which brought tapas to the world, Sherry's nutty, salty or sweet palate means that it pairs wonderfully with all of your favourite Spanish tapas. From Manchego cheese, walnuts or Salmorejo with Fino Sherry to Palo cortado with duck or a saltier Manzanilla with cod. A sweet Pedro Ximénez is divine with cooked apples, cooked pears or icecream - serve drizzled on top for a luscious contrast of flavours! Or simply serve a glass of Pedro Ximénez or Oloroso on its own. Sherry can be found all over Spain but it is more likely to be found in bars and restaurants in Andalucía. If you have a second home in Cádiz or on the Costa de la Luz, a day trip to a Sherry producer is easy to do to learn more about this ever-popular drink. Make sure you stock up on fabulous cheeses, ham and local bread on your way home to enjoy a glass like the locals do! Click on the link Property for sale Costa de la Luz to see the selection of property currently on offer here on ImmoVario. Sources: Winefolly.com Sherry.wine and Sherry.wine

Sun, fun and culture on the 'White Coast'

4/9/2017

Costa Blanca is a much-loved and exceptionally popular tourist destination situated on the south-eastern coast of Spain in the province of Alicante. Renowned for sun, fun, sea and sand, it has over 200 kilometres of Mediterranean coastline and includes the major resorts of Alicante, Benidorm, Dénia, Moraira and Torrevieja. Although the landscape is dominated by the Mediterranean sea, Costa Blanca North has a backdrop of impressive mountains filled with many trees, aromatic plants and picturesque villages just waiting to be explored, while Costa Blanca South is well-known for its flat, arid terrain and beautiful beaches. This thriving tourist destination also has many important archaeological sites as well as the UNESCO world heritage site 'Palmeral of Elche'. The main city of Alicante, one of the region's top beach resorts, has numerous visitor attractions. Perched high on top of Benacantil Mountain, the Castillo de Santa Barbara affords spectacular views across the city and bay of Alicante, and in the summer months it plays host to many evening concerts. For art lovers, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Alicante showcases an inspiring collection by Eusebio Sempere as well as the works of other important artists including Dali, Miro and Picasso. Benidorm is the largest resort with wonderful sandy beaches, excellent shopping facilities and a fun-packed nightlife. Nevertheless, it also has its fair share of interesting museums including Casa Museo de Benidorm, a contemporary art museum, the Wax Museum, the Maritime Cultural Centre and the Agricultural Museum. Captivating the imagination of thousands of visitors each year, the mountain top village of El Castell de Guadalest, a mere 15 miles from Benidorm, is famed for its breathtaking views. Prompted by the pound's strength against the Euro, there has been considerable interest this year from British buyers who want to purchase a property in Spain. Because of its mild Mediterranean climate and its popularity with the British, the Costa Blanca is an ideal location for either a second home or a retirement home as well as being very attractive to those buyers seeking investment properties that can be let out to holidaymakers or for long-term rental. Immovario currently has hundreds of apartments and houses in this region for sale, for instance property in Cabo Roig, Pilar de la Horadada, Los Balcones and various other nice urbanisations of Torrevieja and surroundings. Visit the website today (www.ImmoVario.com) and click on the link Houses for sale Spain or Apartments for sale Spain to see the extensive selection of affordable property currently on offer. Links for references and further reading: Costa Blanca Tourist Board UNESCO World Heritage List - Palmeral of Elche Alicante Tourist Board Castillo de Santa Barbara El Castell de Guadalest Tourist Information Office Museum of Contemporary Art of Alicante

Orihuela Costa - nice place for a holiday home

17/8/2017

Orihuela Costa has plenty to do for the shoppers, culture-vultures and sun-worshippers amongst us. Divided into three areas, Orihuela Costa includes the Costa itself, the city and the countryside and La Pedrera Reservoir. Top of the picks for the centre of Orihuela city are its historical venues. There’s the Casa Museo Miguel Hernández, two regional museums; the regional Archaeological museum and the Museum of the Reconquest. The cathedral and Santa Justa church boast outstanding masonry and intricate care and attention to detail. For something a little more likely to make you sweat (in a good way!), head to the casino in Orihuela to see how lucky you are on the tables! Tapas are the recommended food in Orihuela for those evenings where you want a break from your new kitchen. Celebrate the success and joy of buying your new home in Orihuela Costa with a meal at a local restaurant where local cuisine, friendly service and good wine are the order of the day. A home in Orihuela has the joy of the beach to look forward to. There’s certainly plenty of choice with a selection of beaches to choose from. La Zenia, a 350m long beach by 60m wide, is one of the most popular, with something for everyone from people watching to water sports. Mil Palmeras is a quieter beach, maintaining its natural charm. Cabo Roig is great for water sports such as sailing and windsurfing. Cabo Roig also has European Blue Flag status, a beautiful marina nearby and excellent disabled access. The market takes place on Tuesday and Saturday mornings and there’s also plenty of shopping opportunities at the Ociopia Shopping Centre which has some great Spanish and European names under one roof, along with a cinema, perfect for those few days when the skies are a little grey. Orihuela is perfectly located for day trips or even a mini weekend away in Alicante, Elche as well Murcia, further south. Head to Orihuela’s train station, just 1 km from the town’s historical town centre for a train when you feel like exploring further afield. Interested in having your own holiday home in this very nice area? Have a look at our offer of property for sale in Orihuela Costa! Sources: Tripadvisor.com Ccociopia.com Eurotourguide.com Orihuela-costa.eu

Start the vintage on the 15th August with the party in Cómpeta!

22/7/2017

Wine is integral to life in southern Europe. You’ll often see locals having a glass over lunch or even enjoying a small glass with their dark, strong coffee first thing on a morning. It’s one of the elements of the Mediterranean diet that is accredited to their longevity and good health. Celebrating the start of the harvest Wine is also very much part of society’s celebrations, and this is very true in the Andalucian town of Cómpeta, a town which can be found to the north east of Andalucia, near the Sierras of Tejeda, Almijara and Almara Natural Park, approximately one hour and 15 minutes drive from Málaga itself. The celebrations take place on the 15th August, also the day of Our Lady of the Assumption, the patron saint of the town, and celebrate the days when people used to leave for their country houses or go to work at country houses picking and crushing the grapes for wine. In those days, they didn’t return until October when the harvest or vintage was over, and so this was a parting fiesta. Flamenco, local produce and poetry The Plaza de la Vendimia in the town centre is where everything takes place and the party begins with grape stomping accompanied by music known as fandangos from Cómpeta itself and panda and verdial dances from other local towns. There are other events during the day including a regional produce market, Flamenco singing and dancing, poetry readings and shows by local artists. Of course, the day and night are not complete without trying the local food, in this case migas - a fried breadcrumb dish that is served up by the locals alongside the wine that the celebrations centre around. The wine, a Muscatel is a sweet orange-brown in colour, is delicious with the migas and local cheeses and hams. Cómpeta is within driving distance of Málaga and many of our properties for sale on the Costa del Sol. This traditional festival is well away from the tourist map and retains its charm. Local hotels are available if you want to stay the night and really celebrate with the locals. Sources: Visitcostadelsol.com Andalucia.org Telegraph.co.uk

Buying a home in Spain - some guidelines

29/6/2017

Spain is an excellent choice for a second home, a place to retire to or for a holiday home. With many expat communities, expat home comforts and people to help with the Spanish house-buying process, you are in very good company.,  Numerous days of sunshine, fantastic food and wine, beaches and lakes as well as friendly locals and often a lower cost of living compared to northern Europe, Spain is an excellent choice for all! Here is a short guide to buying a property here. Estate agents All of our properties are available for sale through an estate agent, which helps to protect your purchasing rights and guide you through the process. Once you have chosen your new home, you will need to pay a (mostly 10%) deposit to reserve it in your name. At this point the property is yours in principle, subject to legal contracts being signed. Should the vendor pull out of the sale they have to pay a fine which is equivalent to 20% of the value of the property, and as such it is not worth them pulling out of the sale. Lawyers and notaries A lawyer who is registered with the Spanish Bar Association can help you to check the contracts and ensure that the owner of the home is the one you are purchasing the property from indeed. A notary will also be involved in the end, to ensure that searches for debt, outstanding mortgages and legal building as well as new development plans in the surrounding area are covered or sorted out before you officially own the property. A notary will also check that all of the taxes due on the property are paid. Property Surveyor If considered necesary, a surveyor could check for you that the house is habitable, that the roof is intact, that there are no insect infestations and that the structure meets building regulations and the plans for the house before prepareing a "cédula de habitabilidad" which confirms that the house is habitable. You also need this for amenities contracts such as gas, water and electricity. Things to do in between signing contracts and passing by the notary In between signing the reservation contract and signing before the Notary, you will need to organise two things. The first of these is a Spanish National Insurance or tax number, known as a N.I.E (Número de Identidad de Extranjero). This enables you to register as a European citizen in Spain and can generally be organised through your broker. The second thing you need is a Spanish bank account, to be able to transfer the remaining value of the property on the date of purchase. Other local charges Once you own the home you will be responsible for paying the "Impuestos sobre Bienes Imueble", an annual tax on property and if you buy within a complex, for the communal maintenance fees, which are normally paid by the year or every month. These are for the upkeep of the buildings and land they are on. Get in touch now to start looking for your home in the Spanish sunshine! Start your search overhere on ImmoVario to contact local agents. Sources: Telegraph.co.uk

Saint John's Day: celebrations on the Costa Brava

7/6/2017

One of the biggest festivals on the Costa Brava calendar is St John’s Eve (Sant Joan in Catalan). It takes place on the evening of the 23rd June every year and lasts until the next day. St John’s Day is a big party in several places around the world with different traditions making each celebration unique. The celebrations that take place across Catalonia range from small bonfires and parties with family and friends to bigger celebrations in towns and cities. Wherever you are, you are guaranteed an amazing time! Fireworks, food and Cava Known as the Revetlla, the fire and fireworks central to the Saint John’s Day parties are thought to come from Pagan times, like many other celebrations in the Christian calendar. Fire purifies and offers a fresh start, and in Catalonia it is just one element of a bigger party! There’s music, dancing in the streets, Cava, Catalonia’s sparkling alternative to Champagne, and fabulous food. One of the traditional breads that you have to try on the night is Saint John’s coca or Saint John’s cake. It’s a sweet bread topped with custard and candied fruits, as well as nuts if the baker adds them to his/her recipe. You can find some great traditional recipes and ones with a twist on the internet. Just search for Saint John’s coca or Coca de Sant Joan. The Flama del Canigó If you have a holiday home in Girona, you are in luck! It’s where the biggest celebrations take place and they all start with the Flama del Canigó or Canigó flame. The Canigó flame is a flame that is lit all year round and it is the flame which provides the torch for fires around Girona, and even further afield in Barcelona and other parts of the region. Torches are brought down from the top of the Canigó mountain where the flame is lit on the 22nd and 23rd June by way of a relay exchange. The flame is then spread across Catalonia, lighting up bonfires in individual towns using this relay exchange. Groups, villages and associations spread the flame in accordance with their own traditions and celebrate it with dancing, singing and music as they light their own bonfires in different ways. The flame represents the longevity of Catalonia and its culture. Looking for a house in this lovely area? Please have a look on our website immoVario.com to find a nice overview of houses for sale in the Costa Brava Sources: En.costabrava.org/events/event/saint-johns-eve Lameva.barcelona.cat/culturapopular/en/festivals-and-traditions/nit-de-sant-joan