The GR Estates Journal

The Costa del Sol Blog

Guides, events and market insight for living, holidaying and investing on the Costa del Sol — written by our local team.

The view from the Balcón de Europa in Nerja Lifestyle

14 Sep 2026

Why So Many Europeans Now Choose September for the Costa del Sol

Summer weather without the crush, everything still open, and the chance to see what living here is actually like. Why September has quietly become the insiders' month.

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Puerto Marina at Benalmádena Investment

9 Sep 2026

Which Costa del Sol Area Should You Choose for a Second Home?

Airport runs, year-round life, peace and nature, luxury, or a home that earns when you're away — the right town depends entirely on which of these you want.

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A hand holding house keys at a front door Investment

7 Sep 2026

Would You Buy on the Costa del Sol? 6 Signs You Already Are

Most people don't decide to buy here in one moment — they drift towards it. Six signs you've already started, whether you've admitted it or not.

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Vines on a hillside in Málaga province Events

5 Sep 2026

Manilva Wine Festival 2026: Grapes & Vendimia

On the first weekend of September, Manilva treads its Muscatel grapes and pours the season's first must. A charming, authentic Costa del Sol day out.

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Fuengirola's seafront promenade Travel

2 Sep 2026

September in Fuengirola: What a Post-Summer Holiday Is Really Like

Warm sea, thinner beaches and restaurants you can actually get into — what changes in Fuengirola once August ends, and who September suits best.

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The whitewashed streets of Mijas Pueblo Events

31 Aug 2026

Feria de Mijas 2026: Concerts, Traditions & What to Know

Mijas Pueblo's feria runs 7-12 September 2026, with the Virgen de la Peña on the 8th and Camela, Medina Azahara and Marta Quintero on the bill.

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La Carihuela beach at Torremolinos Travel

29 Aug 2026

Costa del Sol in September: Why Locals Love It

Warm sea, thinner crowds, softer prices and a calendar that keeps going — the case for September on the Costa del Sol, plus our tips for enjoying it.

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An apartment building in Benalmádena Investment

26 Aug 2026

Buy-to-Let on the Costa del Sol 2026: Yields & Rules

Gross yields near 5% in Málaga, a national registry annulled in May 2026, and Andalusia's rules unchanged. The honest state of buy-to-let on the coast.

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The Puente Nuevo bridge at Ronda Travel

22 Aug 2026

Ronda Feria & Goyesca 2026: Dates and What's New

Ronda's Feria de Pedro Romero runs 1–6 September 2026, as the historic bullring reopens. Why this is the year to plan that Ronda trip — and how to do it.

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A Spanish high-street bank branch Investment

19 Aug 2026

Spanish Mortgages for Non-Residents: 2026 Guide

Non-residents can borrow in Spain — typically up to 60-70% of the price. Where Euribor stands in mid-2026, what banks ask for, and how to prepare.

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The white village of Frigiliana on its hillside Events

15 Aug 2026

Frigiliana 3 Culturas 2026: Dates & What to Expect

From 27 to 30 August 2026, Frigiliana celebrates its Christian, Muslim and Jewish heritage with music, a tapas route and 150 artisan stalls. Our guide.

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A Policía Nacional station in Málaga Investment

12 Aug 2026

Buying Property in Spain: NIE & the Process 2026

The NIE, the bank account, the notary — every step of buying Spanish property as a foreigner in 2026, in plain English and current for this year's rules.

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Crowds at the Feria de Málaga Events

8 Aug 2026

Feria de Málaga 2026: Dates, Guide & What to Expect

The Feria de Málaga runs 15–22 August 2026. What happens, where to go — day feria in the centre, nights at the Real — and how to plan your stay.

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Entrance to a Spanish Registro de la Propiedad Investment

5 Aug 2026

Cost of Buying Property in Spain: Taxes & Fees 2026

Beyond the asking price, budget roughly 10-13% for taxes and fees. Here's every line item a foreign buyer pays in Andalucía in 2026, explained plainly.

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Fuengirola lit up at night Events

1 Aug 2026

Marenostrum Fuengirola 2026: August Concerts

Hombres G, Gipsy Kings, Lola Indigo, Antonio Orozco and a three-day rock festival — Marenostrum's August 2026 line-up, night by night.

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Muelle Uno and the port of Málaga Investment

22 Jul 2026

Moving from Eastern Europe to Málaga: a Guide

Moving to Málaga from Eastern Europe — residency for EU and non-EU citizens, the NIE, the buying process and what life on the Costa del Sol is really like.

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La Malagueta beach in Málaga city Travel

21 Jul 2026

Beaches in Málaga City: A Local Guide to Each One

A local guide to Málaga city's beaches — from La Malagueta to Pedregalejo, Guadalmar and beyond, with the best sand, chiringuitos and espetos.

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Beachfront chiringuito tables by the Mediterranean in Fuengirola Lifestyle

16 Jun 2026

Best Beach Bars in Fuengirola (2026 Guide)

Fuengirola's best-loved chiringuitos, rated by the people who eat there — where to find proper espetos in Carvajal, Los Boliches and the centre.

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Bonfires and crowds on a Costa del Sol beach on St John's Eve Events

16 Jun 2026

San Juan 2026 on the Costa del Sol: What to Expect

How to celebrate the Noche de San Juan like a local — traditions, the best beaches and practical tips for the night of 23 June.

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Rainbow flags at the Torremolinos Pride celebration Events

4 Jun 2026

Torremolinos Pride 2026: Dates & LGBTQ+ Guide

Why the Costa del Sol is one of Europe's favourite LGBTQ+ destinations — and everything about Torremolinos Pride 2026.

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Infinity pool and loungers at a Costa del Sol beach club Lifestyle

19 May 2026

Best Beach Clubs on the Costa del Sol (2026)

Where to spend the day by the pool in 2026 — the most recommended beach clubs in Mijas, Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Málaga city.

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Open-air night concert at the Starlite festival in Marbella Events

19 May 2026

Starlite Marbella 2026: Concerts & Where to Stay

Europe's most exclusive boutique festival, without the mega-festival crowds. What Starlite Marbella 2026 involves, and where to stay nearby.

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Traveller comparing holiday rental options on a laptop by the sea Rentals

7 May 2026

Holiday Rental Mistakes to Avoid on the Costa del Sol

The six most common booking mistakes we see every summer in Fuengirola and Mijas — and how to avoid paying more for less.

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Colourful international pavilions at the FIP fair in Fuengirola Events

22 Apr 2026

FIP Fuengirola 2026: Dates, Times & What to Expect

FIP Fuengirola 2026 — dates, times, activities and everything you need to know about Spain's biggest multicultural fair.

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Quiet Costa del Sol beach under spring sunshine in May Travel

7 Apr 2026

Costa del Sol in May: Weather, Sea & Crowds

Costa del Sol weather in May — 22-26°C, long sunny days and barely any rain. Why it beats high summer for beaches, prices and finding a table.

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Seafront apartments along the Fuengirola beach promenade Rentals

7 Apr 2026

Holiday Rentals in Fuengirola: Summer 2026 Guide

How to find the best holiday rental in Fuengirola for summer 2026 — the right timing, the right area, and what to look for.

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Holy Week procession with ornate throne in the streets of Málaga Events

12 Mar 2026

Holy Week in Málaga 2026: Dates & Processions

Dates, processions and what to see across Málaga and Fuengirola during Semana Santa 2026.

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Sohail Castle and the Fuengirola coastline in spring Travel

4 Mar 2026

What to Do in Fuengirola in Spring: the Complete Guide

A complete guide to the best of Fuengirola in springtime — beaches, Sohail Castle, food, golf and day trips.

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Red carpet outside the Teatro Cervantes during the Málaga Film Festival Events

25 Feb 2026

Málaga Film Festival 2026: What to Know

6–15 March — Spanish and Ibero-American cinema in the heart of the city: venues, sections, tickets and tips.

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Panoramic view over Málaga city, the port and the Mediterranean Travel

12 Feb 2026

7 Places to Visit Before You Can Say You Really Know Málaga

Seven must-see places — city, coast, white villages and mountains — to truly say you know Málaga.

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Winter sun over an empty Costa del Sol beach promenade Travel

3 Feb 2026

Costa del Sol in February: Weather, Events & Life

Events, climate and lifestyle in the quietest month — and why February is the perfect time to get to know the area.

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Costumed performers at the Málaga Carnival parade Events

22 Jan 2026

Málaga Carnival 2026: When the City Dresses Up in Joy

When the city dresses up in joy, before the arrival of Lent — the full 7–15 February programme.

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Modern apartments overlooking the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol Investment

13 Jan 2026

Why Is January the Best Time to Invest on the Costa del Sol?

Record prices, international demand and 5–7% rental yields — why investing on the Costa del Sol in January 2026 is the smart move.

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Whitewashed homes and palm trees in a Costa del Sol residential area Investment

8 Jan 2026

Top Places to Live & Buy on the Costa del Sol in 2026

Marbella, Fuengirola, Benalmádena, Mijas or Estepona? The destinations with the best outlook for 2026, based on real market data.

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Aerial view of Málaga coastline with residential developments Investment

4 Dec 2025

Málaga Property Market: 2025 Summary & Trends for 2026

A year in review and the trends shaping the Málaga and Costa del Sol market for 2026 — for buyers, sellers and investors.

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