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SOLTIMES MAY 2013
...remember to say you saw it in the SOL TIMES
Along the stunning Costa del Sol about 50 kilometres east of Málaga, lies the town of Nerja. The area of this town now known as the ‘Balcony of Europe,’ was once a Moorish fortress prior to Spain’s war with the Moors.
After the town had been subject to an attack by British marines in 1810 and a devastating earthquake in 1884, King Alfonso XII visited this area, giving it the name as ‘Europe’s Balcony’, before he passed away. To commemorate his honour, the eastern side of the balcony hosts a life-sized bronze statue of the King looking out over the ocean. Neatly lined with palm trees, cafés, bars and restaurants, the entrance boulevard is a buzzing spot of street entertainers and liveliness till late hours of the night, particularly during summer time. Throughout the year, Balcón de Europa is also the main location for various fiestas, concerts, dance shows and other performances, as well as its spectacular New Years fireworks displays. With the balcony running along the edge of a rocky cliff, high above the Mediterranean sea, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the of beaches and coves surrounding the Andalusian town, which is enhanced by the visitor binoculars and benches provided around its surrounding railings. Balcón de Europa is also famous for its sunsets and sunrise, during which times both the boulevard and balcony itself get the most crowded. The town of Nerja stretches over 13 kilometres of beaches, which undoubtedly contributes to its thriving tourism. Attracting activities like scuba diving, canoeing, sailing and water skiing, together with its traditional beauty of old monuments and historical buildings such as its caves, its Castle dating back to 1509 and its Parochial Church; the popularity of the town amongst both visitors and locals continues to expand. Candice Parsons is a writer and avid Spain and Spanish culture lover from Melbourne, Australia. ‘Like’ my Facebook page: www.facebook. com/pandemicrhapsody and follow me on Twitter @MiLlamoCandi
LEGAL CORNER WITH MICHAEL DAVIES, ABOGADO/SOLICITOR
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Q. Is this the right time to purchase in Spain? A. This is not a legal query, but we frequently receive e-mails with precisely this question. Nobody has the magic ball to know for certain what will happen in the next year or two, but their is no doubt that their are extremely good opportunities and that it is presently a buyers market. Their are definitely many more transactions happening this year in Almería compared to last year . Those who where waiting to purchase have realised that they cannot wait fore ever and the sellers have reduced their price expectations in line with the market. The bank are also offering properties at greatly reduced prices, with generous finance if you purchase one of their properties. The market though is full of disparity regarding prices. In the same estate agent´s windows you will find properties with prices more appropriate for 2007 then 2013, and yet in the same window you will find a property priced by a motivated seller at a reduction of 50% on the 2007 prices. As long as you have the patience and are prepared to put some work into the property hunt I would say that is is an excellent time to purchase a property in Almeria Michael Davies is a Spanish Abogado and has been practicing law in Almería since 1993. He is member of the Law societies of Almería and Madrid and has offices in Mojacar and Almeria High Street.
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THE SPAINIAC | Balcón de Europa | Candice Parsons