Spain is situated in southern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It borders France and in the North, and Portugal in the west and in the south it is only 16km from Africa separated by the Straits of Gibraltar. Apart from the mainland Spain is made up of the Balearic Islands lying to the East of the peninsula, and by the Canary Islands, which are 1,000km to the south just off the coast of Africa. Across the Straits of Gibraltar in North Africa lie the two Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.

Spain has probably the best weather in Europe. Along the whole coastline to the south and east of Spain you find a very dry zone with high average temperatures all year around. However the climate in Spain has a great diversity. In the North of Spain lies a green and wet part of the Country and the climate in the high central part of Spain varies from dry and hot in the summer to cold with rain and snow in the winter.

Spain is the second largest country in Europe, after France. The Spanish population is concentrated in the coastal regions, with exception of Madrid and a few other cities. The costal regions are also the most popular destination for the many tourists visiting Spain each year and for the ex- pats who settle down  to make Spain their permanent home.

Tourists come to Spain to enjoy the sunshine, the food and hospitality, to discover the country's rich heritage, and to share in the local fiestas. For the tourist Spain offers a magnificent coastline, sandy beaches, rolling hills, orange groves, a wealth of castles, charming tapas bars, the passion of flamenco and the thrill of the bull fight.

COSTA DEL SOL

The most popular areas for holiday homes are the famous Spanish Costas stretching the whole length of the east and south coasts. The most well known is the Costa del Sol where its miles of beautiful sandy beaches and fantastic weather  have kept tourists flocking back year after year to resorts like Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola and Marbella.

 Spain's `sunshine coast' is one of Europe's favourite holiday destinations. With an average of 320 days of blue sky annually, it is perfect as a summer holiday or as a winter destination for golfers, walkers and those wishing to pursue out -door activities. Families are particularly well catered for, with myriad attractions, restaurants and of course miles of beaches. Children are not just tolerated but welcomed by the friendly Spanish people. Despite the march of development, the area still has the ambiance of Andalucía, the most `Spanish' of all regions and you do not have to venture far from your holiday home to encounter local ferias, fiestas and romerias - the scent of Jasmine is in the air, inexpensive wine is flowing freely- come and enjoy

The Costa del Sol caters for young and old alike, offering a host of entertainment choices. For families there are theme parks, including water parks, go-karting, safari parks and many beautiful public gardens. For younger visitors the main areas of attraction are Benalmadenas Puerto Marina & 24 hour square and Marbellas Puerto Banus. Both are very trendy and chic, but be warned the bars and clubs don’t get busy until near midnight and stay open till dawn.