Andalucia Verde

Andalucía is renowned for its warm climate and dramatic beauty, and right at its heart is a very special place, Andalucía Verde, an area of particular beauty nestled between the provinces of Malaga, Sevilla, and Cadiz.

Andalucía Verde (Green Andalucía) derives its name from the greenery that comes from a gentler microclimate, and higher rainfall. Something that did not escape the Arabs, or the Romans before them, who cultivated many types of fruit trees in its myriad valleys between the wild and rugged mountains.

The mountain scenery is one of Andalucía's stunning visual experiences; jagged formations of deeply weathered limestone rise sharply above cork forests and ancient groves of olives and almonds, flocks of sheep and goats graze the hillsides, and eagles and vultures soar in the war winds high above.

The scenery changes with every turn in the road and you will understand why the last of the 'bandaleros' were able to escape capture in this beautifully dramatic terrain.

Significantly, and unlike much of the Costa del Sol, this area remains largely untouched, and is now largely protected; this is Espana Real, authentic Spain, that continues unchanged with remarkably few concessions to mainstream tourism or urban development.

In this breathtakingly beautiful landscape, property development is carefully controlled and properties here hold and grow in value, even in times of austerity. Much of the area is designated as national parkland, which limits development and ensures that this will always be a special place.

Many properties are off the beaten track, hidden away, undiscovered. Some are tucked in a remote valley or mountainside far away from anyone, others conveniently are close to one of the charming white pueblos or indeed near to the coast itself with views across the Mediterranean to the Riff Mountains of northern Africa. Some are old and abandoned farms, others are still in use, or have already been developed.

For anyone who values nature and wants a lifestyle centred in the countryside this area is a paradise. There is limitless opportunity for walking, hiking and equestrian pursuits. For those that want to run a business, it is an ideal place to farm, and there are many opportunities for business related to tourism.

With unlimited opportunity for tranquil seclusion in breath-taking countryside the area has excellent communications, with an efficient road system, the airports at Malaga, Gibraltar and Sevilla, and the new super-fast national Ave railway.

The sandy beaches of the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts are easily accessible and for the more energetic, there is excellent sailing and windsurfing at Tarifa, where the fabled Levante wind blows. Additionally, there are a plethora of superb golf courses, including the internationally renowned Sotogrande Golf Club, and the more international scene of Marbella with its shops, restaurants and nightlife is not far away.