Blue Sky Homes

Golf is an enjoyable pastime which is an all year round hobby due to the lovely temperatures to be enjoyed on the Costa Blanca, Costa Calida and Costa Almeria. There are in excess of thirty golf courses in this region with more underway.
Please find below some examples of the courses on offer.

La Manga Club
Home to 3 magnificent 18 hole championship courses which all benefit from uniquely tranquil surroundings with superb views. La Manga Club is considered one of Europe's finest golfing destinations and has played host to many international tournaments.

Real Club de Golf Campoamor
Opened in 1989 this well established course has long, wide fairways, but the greens and inclinations of the fairways are big challenges with a superb clubhouse where you can enjoy tapas and the odd glass of wine whilst enjoying spectacular views.

La Finca, Algorfa
The latest and possibly the best. The course was opened in 2002 and poses a unique and challenging golf experience, set in a valley with breathtaking views. The course is a par 72 and has the distinct possibility of hosting a future championship. Property prices rose by 23% in the 3 months between September 02 and January 03. Visit La Finca with Blue Sky Homes and secure your next investment!

Club de Golf La Sella
Set within the valley with a variety of trees lining most fairways, the course presents some excellent driving situations and fast greens. La Sella Golf Club has an 18-hole course, par 72 and is 6,072 metres in length. There are a wide choice of villas and apartment available for purchase here – some overlookling the fairway. Excellent on site facilities.

Club de Golf Villamartin
The course has top class facilities making this a challenging course for players of all abilities. No two holes are alike with its superb design giving enthusiasts the chance to enjoy using all 14 clubs from their bags. All amenities on site with a fantastic choice of restaurants, great club house, golf shops, supermarkets and it’s also located close to the beach. Lovely development and all the family will be happy!

Las Ramblas de Orihuela
Located between two ravines on the shore of the Mediterranean this challenging 18 hole course has great holes cut into the hillside of Campamor near the sea and requires the players to use great precision when hitting the ball as both fairways and greens are narrow and demanding. Fantastic choice of properties here!

Fiestas are held somewhere near you every week. Every town, no matter how small, has a fiesta programme designed for the entertainment of its citizens.

Carnival is widely celebrated in February with fanciful costumes, music and a great deal of dancing. Easter is celebrated by nightly processions which have a sacred context depicting the last hours of Jesus and these are held in many towns during Holy Week.

The May Fair has become an annual event in Torrevieja with a miniature town of tents set up with typical Sevillanas costumes, dancing and singing till the early morning.

A Midsummer’s Night in June brings on the fires of Saint John the Baptist which are larger than life papier-mache figures that are often satirical in content and form the centre of attraction for a number of days before they are finally set alight in a bonfire.

The 15th of August is a national holiday that has a special significance in Elche this is time of the Medieval Mystery Play in the basilica, with words and music of a bygone era giving an account of the death of the Virgin Mary and her assumption into heaven

Throughout Spain there are numerous state-funded schools, which are supported by a network of private schools including foreign and international. Spanish state schools are mainly co-educational and are entirely free - from nursery through to university. Over 90% of children aged four or five attend nursery, and over 55% of students remain in full-time education until they are 18. Standards at Spain's finest universities are comparable with those of the best in Europe.

Generally, the younger children are when they enter the Spanish system, the better they will cope with integrating with other children and learning the language.

In state schools, all lessons are taught in Spanish. Research has shown that for most children, studying in Spanish is not such a handicap as it may at first appear, particularly for those younger than the age of ten. The majority of children adapt quickly to a new language and most become reasonably fluent within three to six months (if only it were so easy for adults!). Spanish pupils are generally very friendly towards foreign children, which helps their integration into the system.

Many parents enrol teenage children into private schools, where the staff are more sympathetic to the adjustments they have to make.

For the majority of children, the experience of schooling and living in a foreign country is a stimulating change and a challenge to relish; it provides invaluable cultural and educational experiences. Children become world citizens and are less likely to be prejudiced against foreign people and ideas.

Before making any major decisions about your child's future education, it is important to consider their ability, character and individual requirements.

The school year runs from the first week in September to the end of June with main holidays at Christmas, Easter and the long summer break. School hours vary depending on the individual school. They are usually from 9am until 4pm with one hour for lunch, although an increasing number of schools do not have a lunch break and finish classes for the day at 2pm. As in the UK, most schools offer meals with the alternative of children bringing their own lunch box.

You can obtain more information regarding the Spanish education system by contacting the Spanish Embassy, or the schools direct. We will be happy to furnish you with names of schools in your chosen area of residence.

We understand that you are not just buying a home in Spain, but need to see the way of life on the Costa Blanca, and we can provide all the information you need.

We have a list of schools in all areas. For more information please call us on lo-call 0845 7023908 or e.mail us

Like the country itself, Spanish cuisine is a rich and varied one. A combination of excellent ingredients, century old traditions and a host of new culinary professionals have helped put Spain at the top of the list in Europe when it comes to quality food and drink.

Spain is an excellent destination for those who are truly interested in good food. The Mediterranean diet, with its emphasis on fresh fruit and vegetables, exquisite seafood and extra-virgin olive oil is one of the healthiest in the world. In addition, what really makes eating out in Spain different from anywhere else is the sheer enjoyment and informality that prevails in the restaurants and bars. 

Here you will find no hushed silences or pretentious surroundings, just family and friends enjoying each others' company.Some of the more traditional Spanish dishes include tapas which are little snacks that you will sometimes receive free with your drink.

Another favourite throughout the country whether you are on the coast or inland is deep fried fish. Among those you should sample are calamares (squid), lenguado(sole), boquerones (anchovies) and gambas (shrimp or prawn).

Gazpacho is probably the best well known of all Spanish specialties and is a chilled soup which is like a liquid salad which had been thickened with bread dough and flavoured with olive oil, garlic and vinegar.

Summer

Although Spanish summers are hot, with average temperatures of at least 30 °C, coastal areas enjoy cooling sea breezes that reduce the ambient temperatures to a more comfortable level. The summer brings an average of 11 to 12 hours of sunshine each day with very little rainfall.

Autumn

Even in autumn, the sea stays warm and the air temperature can reach averages of up to 28 °C, only falling to about 20 °C in November. As the nights lengthen, daily sunshine reduces an average of 6 hours.

Winter

Winter in Spain is characterised by a relatively warm climate with coastal temperatures averaging at 17 °C, although the country’s interior is noticeably colder, especially in the mountainous regions.

Spring

Late spring brings warm, settled weather with the daily average rising to about 21 °C inland and about 24 °C on the Southern coast and typically 11 hours of sun a day.

Average temperatures °C at a glance

The beauty of this comparatively unspoilt area is surpassed only by the feeling of peace and tranquility, with many quiet coves to be discovered and spectacular distant mountains. Yet there are also many fun beaches with all the water sports.

Situated 50 miles north of Almería airport on the Mediterranean coast, one of the most unheard of and unspoiled parts of Spain having no high rise development or frantic nightlife. It is reputed to have the driest climate in the whole of Spain and with 17 kilometers of Blue Flag beach of clean fine sand and beautiful blue sea, it is amazing that it is still such a secret.

Here, along this stretch of the Costa Almería we are able to offer you a wonderful choice of properties, low rise apartments, terraced houses, semi detached and detached villas. Some front line to the beach, some just minutes away from the beach, others a little inland, many with superb views.

Of particular interest are the prices, still at a low level due to the fact that this area is still in an early stage of development. What we are offering you are prime locations, spacious quality homes and attractive prices. We hope to have the pleasure of showing you this area in the near future.

There are however plenty of restaurants and bars, catering for all tastes and well stocked supermarkets for your every day needs. This is the true Spain and you will find many fascinating villages to visit within a short distance should you wish to take a bus or hire a car. A visit to the local market at Garrucha (a typical Spanish fishing port) on a Friday is an absolute must, where you will be able to buy a host of fresh fruit and vegetables.

If you feel energetic it is not lacking in activities ie golf, horse riding, boating, fishing and tennis can be enjoyed under pure blue skies.

This exclusive area, entering the region of Andalucia, is one of the last remaining unspoilt coastal areas in the whole of Spain. Almería province is Europe’s sunniest and driest region with more than 330 days of sunshine a year, an average temperature of 20oc, and where the constant sea breezes temper the heat of the summer. It is an ideal location to just relax and enjoy nature, or maybe pursue the many and varied leisure activities available all year round. The area boasts many beautiful beaches holding the EEC blue flag award, plus marinas, nature reserves and picnic spots

Lively in summer but shielded from the excesses of mass tourism, this is a civilised yet unpretentious place to live, providing an ideal balance between relaxation and sports, activity and peace, security and freedom.

Almería province, long appreciated by the Spaniards from Madrid and the North, is now very much on the list of destinations for discerning holiday maker. This is mainland Europe’s warmest and sunniest region.

Until recently Almería was less accessible than some other Spanish destinations, a fact which has undoubtedly helped to shield it from the excess of tourism making it become the unspoiled, peaceful place it is today.

The province is steeped in history which can be dated back to Phoenician times and before; a past reflected in its picturesque towns and villages. The whole area, with its unspoiled coastline, national parks, mountains and valleys provides as overwhelming sense of space, and offers an exciting new world to be explored.

Almería holds the title of being the city with the most hours of sun a year, a total of 3,000. The average annual temperature is 18/19ºC, and the temperature of its waters in the winter is warmer than that of the air, which invites you to swim at that time of the year.

Almería’s climate is subtropical, Mediterranean, warm and dry. Its most outstanding feature is its cloudless, bright sky. The mild climate which Almería enjoys makes it a tourist destination where original holidays can be programmed all year, in which you can enjoy the beaches, as well as any other kind of activities or active sports and cultural visits to its historical artistic patrimony; natural environments, regions and caves of high cultural interest.

DÉNIA is the starting point, at the northern tip of the Costa Blanca. The city, presided over by a castle, which enjoys a splendid view, unfolds in a clearly urban ambience, though it still preserves intimate little corners in its fishing quarters of Baix la Marand Les Roques, near the fortress. The Church of Santa Maria is one of its most outstanding sights.

Both to the North as well as the South, Dénia is made up of fine beaches and mediterranean countryside. At the foot of the Montgo mountain range and extending along the strop of coastline between the Cabo de San Antonio and San Martin Cave is JAVEA (nine kilometres from Dénia). Once visited you will understand why this town has been traditionally chosen by visitors from all over Europe in order to enjoy a privileged retirement. The centre of town, located inland, preserves among its popular constructions, a fortress-like church and a Gothic façade.

At the other end of the Javea cove, today occupied by modern buildings, is the rocky section of the coast which extends as far as Cabo de la Nao, with the little island of Portichol opposite. Natural caves exist within the cliffs, which can be visited by using precarious ladders; the caves are known, because of their dangerous conditions, as pesqueras de la muerte (fishing grounds of death).

Heading inland in this region, the traveller will find, among the vineyards and fields, some fine examples of riu-rau, a popular type of dwelling preceded by an arcaded front which has inspired many of the villas that have been constructed more recently.

15kms from Javea is MORAIRA, an old fishing port protected against pirates by an old castle and watch-tower. Further inland there is Benissa and the lovely layout of its streets and houses. From there a pleasant road leads through La Fustera – an interesting tourist resort - and then to CALPE (about 10km away) at the foot of the Penon de Ifach, a rock jutting out from the sea and classified as a nature park today. The Penon (or rock), joined to the mainland by a narrow strip of land between two seas, is one of the most characteristic views of the Costa Blanca.

On both sides, there are two small coves with highly recommended beaches. From here, about 4 kilometres from Calpe is the Mascarat tunnel which crosses one of the rockiest foothills of the Bernia Sierra. At the exit of the tunnel, where it is recommended that you pause for a few moments to admire this section of the coast where the sea takes on a very profound shade of blue.

Very close by, near Olla de Altea (a rural district which precedes the actual town of Altea), is, to the right, a detour, which leads to Altea la Vieja (Altea the Old) and Castell de Guadalest. This is one of the most beautiful excursions to be made in the province.

But let us continue along the coast road for the moment.

ALTEA; here the old section is perched on top of a hill from which a splendid view can be had. The ascent. Along steep slopes and stepped streets, reveals a broad horizon at every turn and extends along the entire La Marina region: the silhouette of the Penon de Ifach on one side and the Helade range on the other, frame the view of the sea. Heading inland, the Bernia range runs perpendicular to the coast and very close to the village. The orange orchards and almond tree fields spread out towards the South, with the massive Puig Campana forming the backdrop. A small parish church is located at the highest point of the town, crowned with a tiled dome, constituting one of the most representative views of Altea.

If we return to the lower part of the town, you will find a couple of establishments, which have been there forever, where one can sample an excellent paella cooked over a wood fire or simply have glass of local wine un the shade of an umbrella, with the shining sea below. A recently inaugurated esplanade flanked by outdoor and restaurants, is a delightful place to stop and relax

 The Costa Blanca,your own paradise in Spain.

You will notice a sharp change in the scenery to flat plains when leaving Alicante towards the southern area of the Costa Blanca, the section of land which separates Santa Pola from Guardamar del Segura is surely a fine example of the horizon which characterises the Vega Baja. An extension of salt deposits located near the endless beaches defines this land which at some point is even below sea level.

GUARDAMAR, standing out on a long beach, is surrounded by sand dunes covered with pines, eucalyptus and bushes. Just 15km further to the South is TORREVIEJA, near the vast salt deposits which once constituted one of the main sources of income in this province.

The gleaming flooded land which takes on unique tones at dusk and the blinding white mountains of salt offer a unique and immensely attractive landscape. Torrevieja also has a popular yacht and fishing harbour.

Very close by are the beaches of ORIHUELA; Punta Prima, Playa Flamenca, Ca Roig, La Zenia, Dehesa de Campoamor and El Pilar de la Horadada, which are among the best on the Costa Blanca, all have triple European Blue Flag Awards for cleanliness and facilities.

Only a few minutes from the beaches the golf en can find three championship golf courses; Campoamor, Las Ramblas and Villamartin bo thusiast , each found in lush and idyllic settings with superb club houses and facilities.

The Costa Blanca,your own paradise in Spain.

A warm welcome from the Costa Cálida. Situated in the south-east of the Iberian Peninsula, to the north lies the Costa Blanca and to the south lies the Costa Alméria with a total of 250 kilometres of coastline. Blessed by the mild Mediterranean climate it has at least 315 days of sunshine per year with temperatures ranging from 12-220c in winter and between 18-350c in the summer. The average annual temperature is 180c.

The Costa Cálida is one of the least known costas but probably has the best climate of them all. It's possible to find lovely quiet beaches as the resorts are smaller therefore quieter than those aimed at the mass market. In the north is the Mar Menor, a saltwater lagoon separated from the Mediterranean by a 30km stretch of land called La Manga. The 170 km's² of the Mar Menor is often called 'The Largest Swimming Pool in the World' because, being separated, it has higher temperature than the Mediterranean, calmer waters and high levels of salts – thought to have beneficial qualities. The sea temperature fluctuates between 17°C in winter and 23°C in summer.

In the north of the Mar Menor is Lo Pagán which is famous for it's causeway containing healthy grey and black mud baths which attract many visitors from across Europe. People suffering from rheumatism and arthritis come to smear their bodies to alleviate their pain. The salt dunes form a shelter for the nature reserve where there are more than a hundred species of birds, including many flamingos.

The Costa Cálida has it's own small airport at San Javier where there are flights from the UK, mainly in the summer months. However, the main airports are Murcia which is less than one hours drive to all parts, or Alicante airport which is 1 to 1½ hours to the north