Costa del Sol Blog

Read about the life on the Costa del Sol! All our best tips for the best lifestyle in the sun! Or read our blog about Spanish property here.

Gas inspections and chimney sweeping in Spain

January 2024

Are you aware of the Regulations on Thermal Installations in Buildings (RITE) in Spain? If you’re a homeowner, it’s crucial to understand these regulations, especially when it comes to gas inspections and checks. Gas Inspections vs. Checks: What’s the Difference? While both gas inspections and checks are mandatory, they serve different purposes. Gas inspections are for general gas installations, … Continue reading "Gas inspections and chimney sweeping in Spain"
20 YEARS ANNIVERSARY

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF SUCCESS

September 2023

StartGroup, a renowned real estate agency on the Costa del Sol, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Founded by Christofer Fogelberg and Pascal van der Woude, the company has grown from strength to strength since its inception. With offices in Calahonda, La Cala, and Torrequebrada Benalmádena, StartGroup has become a trusted name in the region. To … Continue reading "CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF SUCCESS"

Is water supply a factor when buying a property on the Costa del Sol?

July 2023

When I was a child in the 1980-ies, I spent my summers in Benalmadena and I remember that the water supply was often cut off several hours during the day as there were water shortages. But thanks to several investments in infrastructure on the west side of the coast the water shortages have been but … Continue reading "Is water supply a factor when buying a property on the Costa del Sol?"

We asked AI why to buy a holiday home on the Costa del Sol

July 2023

Do you want to enjoy the sun, the sea and the Spanish lifestyle all year round? We asked AI why to buy a holiday home on the Costa del Sol and here are the top reasons why you should buy here. Climate The Costa del Sol has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot … Continue reading "We asked AI why to buy a holiday home on the Costa del Sol"

Kids activities on the Costa del Sol

July 2023

A vacation on the Costa del Sol is so much more than just being on the beach or hanging around the pool! It can sometimes be a challenge to travel with kids so here are some suggestions from the staff of StartGroup of activities you can do with your children. BIOPARC Located in the centre … Continue reading "Kids activities on the Costa del Sol"
How to buy a car in Spain

How to buy a car in Spain

March 2023

As one of the biggest real estate companies on the Costa del Sol we have many international clients. After buying the dream home on the Costa del Sol the next step is often to buy a car. So one question that pops up regularly to StartGroup´s sales team is “How do we buy a car … Continue reading "How to buy a car in Spain"

Traffic speed limits and fines in Spain

March 2023

As a real estate agent on the Costa del Sol,  we often get questions from potential home buyers about driving in Spain. Especially from clients from Scandinavian countries where the “tempo” of driving is a lot calmer than in Spain. And also of course from our clients from Great Britain, who are used to drive … Continue reading "Traffic speed limits and fines in Spain"

Boating and yachting on the Costa del Sol

January 2023

Many people look at buying real estate on the Costa del Sol for its unrivalled yachting offering. With a stretch an almost 200km long coastline, and fantastic sailing conditions almost all year round, the Costa del Sol has carved itself as a nautical dream. With a rich sailing legacy, the Costa del Sol has a … Continue reading "Boating and yachting on the Costa del Sol"

La Carihuela and Torremolinos

December 2022

This historic Torremolinos fishing village of La Carihuela is renowned for its delectable seafood and spacious Mediterranean beach, which has ideal swimming conditions. La Carihuela started out as a fishing village but, with the growth of Torremolinos as a coastal resort, it has become equally as popular for its huge, sandy beach and all-round good … Continue reading "La Carihuela and Torremolinos"

Andalucian cuisine

October 2022

The Romans first taught the Andalucians how to cultivate wheat and vines and used the fish from the seas to produce the best garum in the empire while the Arab conquest of Spain also brought  with it new farming techniques and an invasion of exotic new produce. Further improvements to irrigation systems helped the cultivation … Continue reading "Andalucian cuisine"

Costa del Golf

October 2022

With more than 50 golf courses on the Costa del Sol, the region has earned its nickname the ‘Costa del Golf’ – and for very good reason – since this glorious part of Spain features four of the top ten ranked golf courses in Europe. The Costa Del Sol also enjoys warm winters, and ideal … Continue reading "Costa del Golf"
Nature and Climate Benalmadena

Nature and Climate in Benalmádena

September 2022

Buying property in Spain can be an arduous affair. With great value real estate found across the country, it can take time for prospective buyers just to narrow their search down to a specific province, let alone a specific town. Andalucia remains one of the most affordable places in Spain, but this, paradoxically, does not … Continue reading "Nature and Climate in Benalmádena"
Culure in Benalmádena

Culture in Benalmádena

September 2022

Benalmádena is renowned for its cultural festivities. Unlike much of Europe, Spain, and specifically Andalucia, still celebrates Spain’s religious and cultural heritage with a fervour unheard of in the rest of Western Europe. This is one of many reasons to buy property in Andalucia and Benalmádena specifically, but one often overlooked when house-hunting on the … Continue reading "Culture in Benalmádena"
Benalmadena marina

Things to do in Benalmádena

August 2022

The town of Benalmádena is steeped in an illustrious history, having been occupied and conquered throughout the ages by cultures and settlers that have imbued it with a cultural edge that is unrivalled on the Costa del Sol. These days, the town is thriving and stands as an understated gem in southern Spain making buying … Continue reading "Things to do in Benalmádena"

Discover Costa del Sol’s countryside!

May 2020

Discover Costa del Sol’s countryside! Andalusia is a vast expanse when you are from a smaller country like myself it takes a little time to adjust, endless rolling countryside “campo” to explore and potential to get lost!! I have a trusted hirsute companion to assist and sometimes hinder but is always grateful for every adventure! He … Continue reading "Discover Costa del Sol’s countryside!"

My favourite restaurant on Costa del Sol

April 2020

My favourite restaurant on the Costa del Sol My favourite restaurant on Costa del Sol: Much of the pleasure, if you own an apartment on the Costa del Sol, is that you can go out almost every day and eat at all these countless restaurants that are available. It does’t cost too much neither, like … Continue reading "My favourite restaurant on Costa del Sol"

A Weekend by the Atlantic Ocean

April 2020

A Weekend trip Camping – Torre de la Peña A weekend by the Atlantic Ocean: If you did not know, the Strait of Gibraltar is the connection between The Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. One may not think that there is not much of a difference between the two coastal shores. However, as soon as … Continue reading "A Weekend by the Atlantic Ocean"
travel to spain with pets after brexit

Home Sweet Home for abandoned animals

April 2020

Home sweet home for abandoned animals! As so many other people have ever done in life, one day we wondered what we could do to help abandoned animals. How can we help and feel useful in the process? At home we decided to join an association to help abandoned animals, we offered our home to … Continue reading "Home Sweet Home for abandoned animals"
Our favorite beaches Costa del Sol

Our Favourite Beaches Costa del Sol

April 2020

Costa del Sol and it’s beaches. An important part of our life on the coast is its beaches. We asked our colleagues and some friends to share their favorite beaches for the best beach-life!  Here are  our favourite beaches on the Costa del Sol. La Cala de Mijas The beaches of La Cala de Mijas … Continue reading "Our Favourite Beaches Costa del Sol"

Schools on the Costa del Sol

April 2020

In Spain, compulsory schooling applies to children and teenagers aged between 6-16 years of age. However, most children start already during the year they turn 3 in “educacion infantil” (preschool). Many students also continue the last two voluntary years between the ages of 16-18, “Bachillerato” (high school / A-level). This is a short description about … Continue reading "Schools on the Costa del Sol"
Romeria The best cultural events on the Costa del Sol

The best cultural events on the Costa del Sol

March 2020

There are so many things to do on the Costa del Sol! We asked our staff, collaborators and local residents about their opinion. These are in their views the best cultural events on the Costa del Sol that you shouldn’t miss! FERIA One of my favourite times of the year would be celebrating the annual … Continue reading "The best cultural events on the Costa del Sol"
What to do on the Costa del Sol with kids

What to do on the Costa del Sol with kids

March 2020

If you have purchased a property or are thinking about purchasing a property in Mijas Costa, here’s a few ideas on what to do on the Costa del Sol with kids! Within easy reach of Calahonda, Riviera del Sol or La Cala de Mijas, you will find a variety of things such as water parks, … Continue reading "What to do on the Costa del Sol with kids"
Tapas and Food on the Costa del Sol

StartGroups favourite TAPAS bars! The best TAPAS on the Costa del Sol!

March 2020

Tapas, tapas, tapas!! The whole world is in love with the Spanish tapas! The best TAPAS on the Costa del Sol! These small dishes of delish. The presentation differs from the south to the north of the country and each region have specialities of their own. In the north they are known as “pinchos” (or … Continue reading "StartGroups favourite TAPAS bars! The best TAPAS on the Costa del Sol!"
Andalusian Countryside

Favourite Day trips on the Costa del Sol!

March 2020

Thinking about buying a holiday home on the Costa del Sol in the south of Spain and imagining yourself on the beach or golf course. But there are so many other things one can do. For example there are plenty of fantastic day trips to enjoy! So much culture and exiting events! Where else can … Continue reading "Favourite Day trips on the Costa del Sol!"