Alan Wentworth-Harley's Marbella Property Insider

Marbella and its surrounding areas have been bustling with events, developments, and notable incidents in recent weeks, reflecting the dynamic nature of this popular Costa del Sol destination. Sports enthusiasts had something to cheer about as FC Marbella showcased their prowess with a 3-0 victory over Cártama, thanks to a stunning second-half performance. This local football action underscores the region's vibrant sports scene, which continues to draw attention and support from locals and visitors alike. The area's commitment to health and wellness was highlighted by the offer of high-quality, affordable hair transplants for less than €3,000 in Spanish clinics, demonstrating the Costa del Sol's growing reputation as a hub for medical tourism. However, the healthcare system faced challenges, as reports emerged of patients enduring over a year-long waits for surgery at a Marbella hospital, raising concerns about healthcare accessibility. Marbella's cultural landscape is ...

"Marbella Festival Unleashes a Radiant Wave of Women's Safety: Fun, Awareness, and No-Nonsense!" Get ready for a week of exhilaration and empowerment at the upcoming San Bernabé Fair and Festivities in Marbella from June 6 to June 12. This year, the festival isn't just about rides, music, and delicious food; it's also taking a stand for women's safety like never before. The Marbella Council has teamed up with renowned experts to tackle the pressing issue of sexual predators and the dangers faced by women. On Wednesday, June 7, the brilliant Dr. Carmen Agüera will take the stage to unveil the sneaky tricks of drink spiking and chemical submission – favourite tactics of those vile predators. This talk is aimed at our local heroes, the esteemed members of the Local Police and Civil Protection, to equip them with knowledge about the substances used, symptoms to watch out for, and how to respond swiftly and efficiently. But that's not all! Dr. Patricia Alemán, ...

The latest data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) shows that the hotel industry in Malaga province is recovering from the pandemic. According to the Hotel Business Survey, hotel establishments in the province surpassed their pre-pandemic occupancy figures from 2019 in the first quarter of 2023.  The survey revealed that up to March 2023, Malaga received a total of 1.04 million tourists, a 25% increase from the previous year, and a 6.4% increase compared to three years ago. This growth in tourism is mainly attributed to an excellent Easter Week in terms of tourism. However, despite the increase in the number of visitors, overnight stays have not yet reached the levels seen in 2019, which suggests that visitors are choosing to stay for shorter periods. In the first quarter of 2023, Malaga registered a total of 3.08 million overnight stays, which is 27% higher than the same period last year but still 1.6% below the level seen in 2019. The average stay duration so far thi...

The Spanish government has commended efforts to manage prices, but despite this, the core inflation rate - which excludes energy and fresh produce - remains high at 7.5%, even though the annual consumer price index for March fell significantly to 3.3% from 6% in February. The reason for this substantial decline is attributed to a 'step effect', meaning that prices have not necessarily decreased greatly since last month, but rather, compared to March of last year when there was a sharp increase in energy and raw material prices due to the Ukraine war, prices have fallen. While the government has acknowledged that recent decreases in the cost of electricity and fuel have helped to lower the rate of inflation, it still remains among the highest in Europe. The government's Economic Affairs Minister, Nadia Calviño, had previously anticipated the decrease in inflation for March, citing the measures implemented by the government to contain prices as contributing factors. The INE d...

On March 16, 2023, Spanish government ministers approved an agreement that enables residents in Spain holding UK driving licences to exchange them for Spanish licences and vice versa. The agreement, approved during a Cabinet meeting on March 14, also included the exchange of information regarding traffic offenses related to road safety. The exchange of licences can be done without requiring practical or theory driving tests, based on the equivalence tables between the two countries' permit categories. The agreement provides a six-month period for British citizens to drive in Spain with their original licences until they exchange them. The exchange process can be done at local traffic offices, and the DGT website will provide more information on making appointments. The agreement also recognizes Gibraltar driving licences in Spain, along with UK-issued licences. The exchange agreement applies to valid permits or licences issued before and after the agreement's entry into force. ...

  Marbella, located in the southern region of Spain, is a beautiful coastal town that attracts tourists from all over the world. With its sunny climate, sandy beaches, and lively nightlife, Marbella is an ideal destination for anyone seeking a relaxing and exciting vacation. In this article, we will discuss some of the things to do and know when visiting Marbella, Spain. Explore the Old Town The Old Town, also known as Casco Antiguo, is the historic heart of Marbella. This charming area is filled with narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and picturesque squares. Here, you can visit the Orange Square, a beautiful plaza filled with orange trees and outdoor cafes, or take a stroll along the Paseo de la Alameda, a tree-lined boulevard that offers stunning views of the sea. Visit the Beaches Marbella is renowned for its stunning beaches, which offer crystal clear waters and golden sands. The most famous beach in Marbella is the Playa de la Fontanilla, a long stretch of sand that is per...

Looking every inch a beach babe on the sandy beaches of Marbella, Vicky showed off her curves whilst modelling a patterned swimsuit for her new TV show which is being filmed now on the ever popular Costa del Sol. Whilst filming for her show, Vicky also kept her fans updated on her wardrobe choices through Instagram selfies showing her followers her stunning figure that she has worked hard to maintain, she even went makeup free for her snaps. Despite her weight issues in the past we think you’ll agree that after losing 3 stone and attending a fitness boot camp a few months ago Vicky is looking very glamorous and healthy, well done, keep up the good work and enjoy Marbella!

Yes the Brits are still the number one foreign buyer of property in Spain. Latest  figures out show that the amount of sales continues to rise year on year,  Also Spain is enjoying a fantastic tourism season breaking numbers on the same time last year. The first two quarters of 2016 residential property figures are now out and, similar to tourism figures, residential property sales continue to increase. Residential property sales are up around 23- 24 per cent on the same period last year and new home sales are also stronger than 2015. With foreign buyers representing approximately 15 per cent of all residential property sales in Spain but in popular locations such as the Costa’s the foreign buyers tend to dominate the local residential property sales market. There is also good news for house prices as in the first two quarters residential property prices continued to rise, good news for investors looking for capital appreciation. Residential property sal...

After the great success this valentine’s day  la sala restaurant /bar on Gibraltar’s sunborn yacht hotel is proving to be  popular amongst the stars including premiership footballers and wags , maybe that’s because its part owned by a string of former players in the premier league. La Sala is already the place to be seen and mingle with the stars in Nueva Andalucia, since the show the only way is Essex or life on Marbs was broadcast on ITV Be it seems to have attracted even more customers hoping to catch a glimpse of famous faces. Special offers to stay on the Sunborn Gibralta start from £225 a night which includes a 3 course dinner, 1 nights’ accommodation and buffet breakfast, not bad for those looking for a great place to celebrate a special occasion.

A two-day coffee-making championship, with the 17 best baristas from Spain battling it out to be crowned the nation’s finest. Each contestant had 16 minutes to prepare two pairs of coffees, one pair of cappuccinos, one non-alcoholic combination and one alcoholic combination. With over a 300-strong audience watching the entire process. 200 professionals competed in nationwide events to earn a place at this final, held in the impressive Palacio de Congresos, so they have a right to be annoyed if the music’s too loud. “Last year’s winner, who came from Asturias, was sent to Uganda on holiday to learn how they produce coffee beans. This year the prize is a week in Colombia.” The judges are all experts from around Spain, many of whom have previously competed in the event.

A consortium involving a Chinese investment fund, the Spanish construction company Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas (FCC) and the holding company Credit Suisse have presented an offer for the licence for Puerto Banús, according to SUR. The proposed  offer of 200 million has been linked to the possible expansion of the area and according to sources consulted by SUR the deal could be made by the end of the year. Puerto Banus was built in 1970 by José Banús, a local property developer, as a luxury shopping complex and marina. It has since become one of the world’s most famous marinas attracting over 5 million visitors a year and becoming a local haunt for celebrities and the well heeled. The marina has 870 berths and is one of the most expensive marinas in the Mediterranean; the current king of Saudi Arabia, Salman, moors one of his boats permanently there. Puerto Banus is highly ranked alongside some of Italy’s most luxury Marinas such as Marina Grande in Ca...

New 12 episode series on Marbella Living ITV has announced that “Life on Marbs”, a brand new reality series will be aired this summer on ITVBe. The show will follow the glamorous lives of some of Marbella’s most fabulous residents. Characters will include Club’ owners to designer-clad housewives, from millionaire bachelors to entrepreneurs; ITV says Life on Marbs will reveal what life is really like living in Marbella – Europe’s most luxurious resort. It is being produced by Lime Picture’s who have had previous shows in and around Marbella which have been extremely successful including “The only way is marbs” part of the TOWIE series. Head of Non-Scripted, Derek McLean said: “Having just skimmed the surface of the luxury life that exists in Marbs for previous shows, Lime are delighted finally to be able to dive right into the incredible world of wealth and aspiration that exists in this millionaires playground. Marbella is an unmissable destinat...

After the huge success of his previous appearance at last year’s event in which he performed to packed audiences he will be returning on August 13 th . Other stars performing at the festival will include Lionel Richie, Andrea Bocelli, Placido Domingo, Lenny Kravitz and Laura Pausini to name a few. The festival performances start from the 18 th July through to the 22 nd August 2015. Also there will be parades, exhibitions and gastronomy. There will be a gala night held on 9 th August with Antonio Banderas hosting, raising money for various charities.