Experts are now in agreement that what caused the collapse in the Spanish property market was primarily an oversupply of new homes compared with demand. As Spanish property portal Kyero reports this week, former Spanish Ministry of Housing adviser Ricardo Verges estimates the number of new houses built during the boom years of 2004-2007 that have yet to be sold is somewhere in the vicinity of 2.3 million. But since the crash, developers, under pressure from Spanish authorities and finding a market deserted of buyers, have finally eased off on construction. Property sales increased by 6.8% in Spain last year, the first positive growth since 2007, indicating that finally there are more houses being sold than built. The Spanish Association ... [More]

Where is it?Murcia is a region and autonomous community in the southeast of Spain. It is situated between Andalusia and the Valencian Community and borders the Mediterranean Sea. What's the attraction?Murcia’s coastline is part of the Costa Cálida, which has a length of about 165 miles, an average of 315 sunny days a year and is known as one of the most beautiful diving locations in Spain. However, its Mediterranean climate isn’t the only aspect that draws visitors to the region each year. From famous Cathedrals, large universities and beautiful mountains to fabulous fiestas, nature parks and local cuisine there are many reasons to visit Murcia. Its capital city, also named Murc... [More]

Where is it?Majorca, also spelt Mallorca, is the largest of the Balearic Islands and is situated just east of mainland Spain, in the Mediterranean Sea. What’s the attraction?The many attractions of Majorca range from spectacular beaches to historical sites. Since the 1950s, the island has become a popular tourist destination, attracting foreign visitors and Spaniards alike. As well as being Majorca’s capital city, Palma also became the capital of the Balearic Islands in 1983. The cosmopolitan city offers many restaurants and shops and a great nightlife and also boasts a beautiful old part of town comprising of historical sites and monuments. As well as soaking up the Mediterranean sun, the... [More]

Where is it?The Province of Malaga is situated on the Mediterranean coast in the south of Spain. Located in the region of Andalusia, it is bordered by the provinces of Cadiz, Sevilla, Cordoba and Granada.   What’s the attraction?Malaga is home to the famous holiday resorts of the Costa del Sol, popular with the millions of tourists that visit the province each year. As well as the golden beaches, traditional bullrings and typical Andalusian white-washed villages, the mountainous province offers fantastic sites of natural beauty to visit, such as the gorge of El Chorro. The history of the capital city, which is also named Malaga, spans about 2,700 years and is one of the oldest cities in the world. The ... [More]

If your neighbours have ever taken to building an extension on their house then you know what it’s like to wake up each day to the maddening sound of power tools before breakfast. Imagine, then, living next door to Gaudí’s infamous Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, which has been under construction for the past 125 years. Aspirin?Spain may be known for its ‘mañana, mañana’ approach, but according to an article in The Independent, the Pope’s visit next weekend has caused work on the Catalan landmark to speed up. Pope Benedict XVI, will be visiting the 'Expiatory Church of the Holy Family' in order to consecrate it as a Basilica – a mark of status given to select Roman Catholic c... [More]

Where is it?The province of Valencia is located on the coastline of eastern Spain, in the central part of the Valencian Community. What’s the attraction? The province, which is divided into 17 comarcas, boasts a diverse and vibrant culture. From restored historical landmarks to a flamboyant opera and music palace, the biggest aquarium in Europe, galleries and luxury hotels, Valencia is bursting with life. Its capital city, also named Valencia, is the third largest city is Spain and is where one third of the total population of the province lives. Valencia has many cultural traditions to its name, including the famous ‘paella’, which has come to be known as a national dish. The Falles festival ... [More]

Where is it? Alicante is a province in south east Spain, located in the southern part of the Valencian Community. It borders the provinces of Murcia, Albacete and Valencia, with the popular Costa Blanca along its eastern side. What’s the attraction?Alicante has a lot to offer, from stunning natural landscapes to exciting city life. The north-west of the province boasts a mountainous landscape with peaks from the Baetic range, while the south-east has long stretches of sandy beaches along the Mediterranean coast. Its capital – the city of Alicante – is one of the most vibrant cities in Spain and is also a historical Mediterranean port. There are miles of sandy beaches to explore and enjoy pract... [More]

Where is it?The autonomous community of Andalusia is located in the south of the country on the Mediterranean coast. The Strait of Gibraltar lies between Morocco and Spain, which at it's narrowest point is about 9 miles wide. What’s the attraction?Andalusia has a rich heritage and a strong cultural identity, which the locals pride themselves in. The region is the origin of many well-known cultural traditions, such as bull fighting and flamenco, which are often mistaken as national customs. Over the centuries the settlement of different civilisations has greatly influenced the local culture, which can be appreciated in the food, creative arts and stunning architecture and also accounts for its vast archaeo... [More]