As a Marbella based high-end real estate agent, MDR Luxury Homes is often asked about the best aspects of spending summer on the Costa del Sol. On the surface, this seems like a simple enough request, but where to start?
Let’s start with the simple things, as they often bring the most joy. Firstly, there is the climate, blissfully long sunny days and warm fragrant nights. As the sun goes the down the Dama de Noche blooms and releases the unmistakable heady perfume of a Mediterranean summer.
Secondly, could anything beat the allure of sundrenched Blue Flag beaches, watersports, swimming, sailing and or simply sunbathing or the dramatic mountain backdrops. We must also mention beach clubs, opening and closing parties, and of course the restaurants and Michelin starred chefs in Marbella which you can read about in our blog, “How Marbella remains the number 1 hotspot for Dream Homes”. Then there is the thrill of living in one of the world’s most coveted properties (yes, if you have the right real estate agent it is possible to source and snap up the best luxury villas for sale in Marbella!).
In addition to the many natural wonders and the million-dollar homes, there is also a packed itinerary of entertainment planned for this summer on the Costa del Sol. We’ve picked out some highlights to give you an idea of what it going on, where and when it will happen.
FESTIVAL: NOCHE DE SAN JUAN
As we are writing this blog in June, it makes sense to mention that the Marbella Feria has just drawn to a close after a full week of revelry. The next big event to take place will be the Noche de San Juan, the celebration of the summer solstice: the longest day of the year. Although summer officially begins on the 21st June, in 2023 the San Juan will be celebrated on the Friday 23rd. This means all night partying on virtually every beach!
MUSIC FESTIVALS
There will plenty of music festivals and concerts taking place along the Coast this summer, ranging from Reggae on the beach, Alejandro Sanz and Chris de Burgh to blasts from the past like Boney M and Village people who can be seen performing at Malaga drive in cinema. Here are some of the most well-known festivals and events.
The Marenostrum Festival held at Sohail Castle in Fuengirola, attracts big name international acts. This year Robbie Williams is one of the international stars confirmed for June 23.
This annual extravaganza presents 60 days of concerts held in Nagueles, Marbella. Sir Tom Jones, Lionel Richie, Anastasia and Gypsy Kings to name a few. In addition to the concerts, there’ll be usual culinary art and gastronomic area and it will be hosted by Antonio Banderas and Sandra Garcia-SanJuan.
source: starlitemarbella.com
2023 will be the second year that this festival will be held at Sonora Mijas. Last year’s event attracted big names like the Artic Monkeys, and this year promises and even better line up with the Florence & the Machine and The Strokes to name but two confirmed acts.
If your music taste is more classical what better way to enjoy a concert than within the breath-taking Nerja Cave or adjacent gardens. 2023 will be the sixty-second Cueva de Nerja Music Festival which will run from 7th July to 12th August, featuring performances from Maria Pelae, Les Luthiers, Los Morancos, Mecano Experience, Miguel Poveda, Sara Baras and Pastora Soler.
FLAMENCO
Andalucia is the home of Flamenco, so what better way to learn more about this beautiful region’s culture than checking out a flamenco concert. Aula Municipal de Flamenco in Malaga’s next concert will be on 26th June when you can see dancer Carmen Camacho.
Alternatively, you can see a performance by Farru, who is the grandson of Farruco, one of Spain’s legendary flamenco dancers. The performance will take place at the Soho Theatre in Malaga on the 28th June.
There is also the option of taking a guided city tour of Malaga and to see a flamenco show via an official tour operator such as this 3-hour tour around the historic city and a show. Tablao Flamenco Los Amayas.
SPORTS AND OUTDOOR PURSUITS
Horse riding
The Costa del Sol’s outdoor lifestyle is well-known, we’ve all heard of the hundreds of world-class golf courses dotted along the coastline, but you may not be aware that there are plenty of opportunities for horse riding. The Costa del Sol’s terrain and weather is perfect for exploring at any time of the year, making it an ideal activity that can be shared by the whole family.
There is an impressive array of equestrian centres along the Coast, such as Hacienda Montemarina located in East Marbella, Centro Ipico el Repique in Marbella and Marbella Horses which has two sites in Estepona. Probably the most well-known riding school is the Escuela de Arte Ecuestre, Costa del Sol in Estepona. Each establishment offers a good choice of facilities and activities, including classes, pupilage and pony clubs. If you are lucky enough to own property like this beautiful contemporary property – Villa MC – in the private residential enclave of La Zagaleta, you will also have access to private equestrian centre at La Zagaleta.
Water sports
If you prefer to get your feet wet, there is over 160kms of beautiful coastline and the aforementioned Blue Flag beaches, where you can enjoy all types of water sports. Whether you’re a scuba fan, prefer the thrill of speeding along on a jet ski, sailing, wind surfing, stand up board paddling or riding a giant blow up banana, the choice is yours.
If you would like to take a more sedate approach to enjoy the water, you could rent a luxury yacht from one of the many boat clubs in and around Marbella. There are also plenty of courses on which you can learn to sail, such as the Power and Sail Academy covering the Costa del Sol and the Gibraltar Straits.
Which reminds us, there is always the option to head on over to Gibraltar… we could go on!
If you would like to find out more about the lifestyle or assistance finding the right luxury homes for sale on the Costa del Sol, contact Myriam on Myriam@mdrluxuryhomes.com.
BE +32 476 211 233
ES +34 663 329 202.