Guide to Living on the Costa del Sol
Healthcare
Public Healthcare
Spain boasts one of the best public healthcare systems in Europe, and this applies to Marbella and Estepona as well. The Costa del Sol area is well-equipped with modern facilities.- Costa del Sol Hospital (Marbella): The main public hospital serving the area. It offers emergency services, specialized treatments, and maternity care.
- Estepona High-Resolution Hospital: A newly built facility providing outpatient care and some specialized treatments.
- Register with the Seguridad Social (Social Security).
- Obtain a Tarjeta Sanitaria (Health Card) for free or low-cost services.
- EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can access services temporarily.
Private Healthcare
The private sector is widely used by expats and locals seeking faster service or English-speaking professionals. Top private hospitals and clinics include:- Hospital Quirónsalud Marbella: Part of the reputable Quirónsalud network, offering high-quality care in multiple languages.
- Helicopteros Sanitarios: A unique service providing 24/7 home healthcare and emergency response.
- Sanitas
- Cigna
- AXA
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are plentiful and easily recognizable by the green cross. Many are open 24/7 on a rotating basis, and lists of duty pharmacies (farmacias de guardia) are displayed on their doors.Education
The region offers a mix of public, private, and international schools, catering to a diverse population.Public Schools
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- Free education is available to residents with a NIE (Foreigner’s Identification Number).
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- Classes are conducted in Spanish, though integration programs for non-Spanish speakers are available.
- Examples:
- CEIP Xarblanca (Marbella)
- CEIP Federico García Lorca (Estepona)
Private and International Schools
Many expat families opt for private or international schools, which offer multilingual education and internationally recognized curricula.Marbella
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- Swans International School: Offers British curriculum up to A-Levels.
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- Laude San Pedro International College: British curriculum with a strong focus on extracurricular activities.
- Colegio Alborán: Bilingual education with a focus on creativity.
Estepona
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- International School Estepona: A British curriculum school for children aged 2-12.
- Atalaya International School: British and Spanish curricula with an emphasis on holistic education.
Further Education
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- Universities: Malaga University is the nearest major university, with courses in English and Spanish.
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- Language Schools: Popular for learning Spanish, such as Spanish Language Centre Marbella.
General Lifestyle
Housing
- Marbella: Known for luxury villas, modern apartments, and gated communities like Nueva Andalucía and the Golden Mile.
- Estepona: Offers more affordable housing options while maintaining high standards, with developments like Selwo Hills and Valle Romano.
Transportation
- A reliable bus network connects Marbella and Estepona.
- Marbella lacks a train station, but nearby Fuengirola and Malaga offer rail services.
- Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber are widely available.
Dining and Nightlife
- Marbella: Home to fine dining, including Michelin-starred restaurants by Dani García, and vibrant nightlife at clubs like Olivia Valere.
- Estepona: Offers a more relaxed vibe with beachfront chiringuitos such as La Escollera.
Shopping
- Marbella: High-end boutiques on the Golden Mile and La Cañada Shopping Centre.
- Estepona: Known for local markets and the newly renovated Laguna Village.
4. Sports and Leisure
Golf
The Costa del Sol is nicknamed the “Costa del Golf” due to its abundance of world-class courses:
- Los Naranjos Golf Club (Marbella): A scenic and challenging course.
- Valderrama Golf Club (Sotogrande): Among Europe’s most prestigious.
- Estepona Golf: Known for spectacular sea views.
Water Sports
- Kitesurfing and windsurfing: Available in nearby Tarifa.
- Paddleboarding, scuba diving, and jet skiing: Offered along Marbella’s coast.
- Luxury yacht charters: Departing from Puerto Banús.
Hiking and Nature Trails
- Sierra Blanca Mountains: Trails like La Concha offer stunning views.
- Selwo Aventura: A safari park in Estepona ideal for family outings.
Winter Sports: Skiing in Sierra Nevada
Just a 2.5-hour drive from Marbella lies Sierra Nevada, one of Europe’s southernmost ski resorts:
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Over 100 km of slopes for all skill levels.
- Facilities: Modern lifts, ski schools, and equipment rental.
- Season: Typically runs from late November to early May.
- A unique feature: You can ski in the morning and return to the Costa del Sol’s beaches by evening.
Other Sports
- Tennis and Padel: Clubs like Puente Romano Tennis Club provide excellent facilities.
- Horse Riding: Centers like Estepona Equestrian Center offer beach rides and lessons.
- Cycling: Coastal paths and mountain trails in Sierra Bermeja are popular.
Beach Clubs and Relaxation
- Marbella: Iconic spots like Nikki Beach blend luxury and entertainment.
- Estepona: Family-friendly beaches like Playa del Cristo.
5. Community and Events
- Expats: A large international community organizes regular meetups and activities.
- Cultural Events: Marbella’s Starlite Festival and Estepona’s local festivals bring music and art to life.
- Local Markets: Weekly markets in both towns showcase fresh produce, crafts, and unique finds.
Key Advantages of Living in the Area
- Over 320 days of sunshine annually.
- Access to both beaches and mountains.
- High-quality healthcare and education.
- A vibrant lifestyle blending luxury and traditional Spanish culture.
Key Advantages of Living in the Area
- 320+ days of sunshine annually.
- Excellent healthcare and education.
- Proximity to Málaga Airport for international travel.
- High quality of life with a blend of luxury and authentic Spanish culture.
Tips for Expats
- Learn some Spanish—it goes a long way in integrating into the community.
- Familiarize yourself with local customs, such as siesta times (2-5 PM).
- Join expat forums and groups for networking and support.