Spain is more than just sunshine. It's a country of wondrous smells, numerous sights, both on and off the tourist trail, incredible food and wine, and a country which boasts a wonderfully friendly population.

Of course, living in a country, or spending a significant amount of time there, is completely different to holidaying there for two weeks a year. It is important to consider this when you choose where in Spain you would like to purchase or rent your home. If you don't already speak Spanish, do you want to learn it? Or would you prefer to learn the basics but to be surrounded by people who speak your own language?

When it comes to choosing the location of your holiday home, you should also consider the types of activities you will be doing there.

Do you like rural areas? If so, are you ready for the challenges that living in rural Spain brings? Challenges such as people who only speak Spanish, local shops closing for the siesta, local roads. Of course, the beauty of a rural area is that once you know how things work, you'll probably integrate better with the locals, but getting to that stage takes time and often requires local language knowledge.

If you intend to live a slower pace of life, enjoying time on the golf course, time at the beach or by the pool, or joining in activities with expats, then perhaps a better location for you would be a coastal area, with a more established expat community. ImmoVario's agents and advisers can help you decide which areas are better for you. Resort based properties are an excellent choice when you want to enjoy your holiday home to its fullest potential, with grounds maintenance fees, cleaning and gardening paid through a central fund. Add this to your list of questions when you are house hunting.

For those who intend to use their home primarily to relax in, away from the stresses and strains of everyday working life, it may be a good idea to purchase a holiday home in an area with excellent airline links to your home city. If you fancy a long weekend away at short notice, you can take advantage of the many budget airlines which now fly from northern Europe to the sunnier shores of the southern Mediterranean.

Whatever your final decision is, you are bound to feel at home in friendly España!

Please have a further look on our website ImmoVario.com to find a nice overview of property for sale in Spain.