With an average temperature of 19ºC, 320 days of sunshine a year, and just two hours from most European capitals, the Costa del Sol is Europe's favourite destination, not only for holidaymakers but for homeowners too.

And while nothing can compare to the pleasure of waking - day after day - to cloudless blue skies over the calm Mediterranean, for more discerning tastes, the traditional values of sun, sea and sand are just the beginning.

Golf, Cars, Boats and PlanesThe new Costa del Sol lifestyle is second to none. Leisure,

With a wide choice of excellent marinas - world renowned Puerto Banus, exclusive Sotogrande, and the international award winning Puerto Deportivo de Benalmadena to name but a few.

Equestrians are also well catered for. Races are held year round at the Costa del Sol Hipodromo in Mijas Costa, while the prestigious Santa Maria Polo Club in Sotogrande is a firm favourite with European aristocracy and visiting Royals.

For skiers, the fabulous Sierra Nevada is a 90 minute drive away, while Tarifa - windsurfing capital of Europe - with its stunning white beaches, is just a short distance from the Costa del Sol.

Marbella has long enjoyed jet-set status, and celebrities and royals have gathered at the world famous Marbella Club Hotel for decades.

The unique mix of nationalities and cultures is reflected in Marbella's glittering social round of galas, charity events and seemingly never- ending nightlife.

Ballet, theatre, opera, exhibitions and world class concerts are also regular features of life on the Coast.

A shopaholic's dream, leading names from the world of fashion and jewellery can be found in Marbella and Puerto Banus. Designer shopping for your new sunshin home is equally as tempting.

Spain's favourite department store, El Corte Ingles, has branches in Malaga, Puerto Banus and Marbella, while several new shopping malls offer a huge range of choice.

Leisure centres, too, are on the increase. Malaga's Plaza Mayor - near the airport - features a 20 screen cinema, 20-lane bowling alley, a vast gym, indoor/outdoor discotheque, more than 50 bars and restaurants and shops.

Theme parks abound along the coast. Ideal for young children is Tivoli World in Arroyo de la Miel, while Selwo Safari Park, near Estepona is a fantastic recreation of the African savannah landscape featuring all manner of exotic animals in a semi-wild setting.

Over the past ten years, the freedom of EU citizens to work anywhere within Europe has meant that southern Spain has attracted a variety of international companies eager to set-up shop in a booming marketplace.

Central to this development is the growth of internet connections and improved communications with the rest of Europe. In 2002 ten million passengers passed through Malaga International Airport and the airports of Gibraltar, Sevilla and Granada also serve the region.

Spain's road network is excellent and the completion of the toll road (A7) along the coast means that all areas are easily and speedily accessible.

Further new transport developments will open up the region even further, with a new road link to Ronda and onto Sevilla as well as a proposed tunnel to Morocco across the Straight of Gibraltar.

Currently, the port of Malaga is undergoing a multi million euro upgrade to welcome mega liners carrying 2,000+ passengers.

Much money has been spent on upgrading the beachfront promenade and introducing visitor-friendly attractions such as the Historic Tapas Trail and daily travel passes.

The newly opened Picasso Museum in Málaga will serve as a further incentive for cruise lines looking for interesting day stops for their passengers.