 Costa Calida for me :)
I haven't yet been to the Costa de Luz - so I can't make yet comparison yet, but from your comments it sounds very appealing. I like the Costa del Sol for its beautiful mountain backdrop and pretty properties, but I too found during a visit to Marbella last year that the traffic & general activity level reminded me too much the UK!
I do like parts of the Costa Blanca - there are many areas which are not built up, and I've visited some lovely villages in the South Costa Blanca surrounded by citrus groves - very tranquil.
However for me the Costa Calida still ticks all the boxes. Despite the increased development here the pace of life is still much slower than elsewhere and there is a feeling that there is plenty of space for everyone. The climate on the 'warm coast' is of course very appealing - mild in the winter and still bearable in the hottest months of July & August. Most of the villages along the coastline are very Spanish in both culture and language but even those who speak very little Spanish are welcomed and often given a friendly impromptu Spanish lesson.
Although property prices have of course risen here, it is still possible to buy a good sized resale property within walking distance of the beach for a reasonable price. If you go 5 minutes in land you can find very affordable apartments with pools & spa areas in traditional villages with all the facilities needed - ideal for holidays. For golf lovers the choice of property is very good - the Polaris World resorts offer villas, townhouses and apartments with the opportunity to play on 9 different courses - the 'Nicklaus Golf Trail'.
I do like mountains and I'm appreciative that here we have mountains and sea together - while the mountain size is not as dramatic as those further south they do look fantastic The beautiful & unique Mar Menor is a huge plus point - wonderful to look at, swim in and walk alongside. For people who enjoy sailing, fishing, wind surfing or kite surfing this is the ideal place to be any time of the year. One of my favourite places is the protected regional park of Calbanque with its kilometres of golden unspoilt beach and glorious Mediterranean waves.
For culture lovers there is Cartagena, one of the oldest ports in Spain. I have really enjoyed visiting the Roman remains, learning about the city's place in the Spanish civil war and admiring many of the carefully restored buildings in the streets by the port. I believe there is something for everyone in this area, I love it.
Martine Cherry
__________________ Martine
www.dreamspain.net
Your Property Specialists - Murcia & Costa Calida | 
