The Journal

Notes on the Costa del Sol

Buying guides, legal and tax explainers, area guides and lifestyle reading for buyers and residents.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa 2026: Full Requirements & How to Apply
Legal & Finance

Spain Digital Nomad Visa 2026: Full Requirements & How to Apply

Everything remote workers need to know about Spain's Digital Nomad Visa in 2026 — the requirements, the application process and why the Costa del Sol remains a favourite base.

4 August 2026
Costa del Sol Events Calendar 2026: Festivals & Concerts
What's On

Costa del Sol Events Calendar 2026: Festivals & Concerts

From lively summer ferias to open-air concerts and gastronomy fairs, discover the recurring festivals and seasonal rhythms that shape the Costa del Sol's cultural calendar throughout 2026.

30 July 2026
Marbella Beach Clubs Guide: The Classics & the New Openings
Lifestyle

Marbella Beach Clubs Guide: The Classics & the New Openings

From storied seafront institutions to the latest arrivals, this guide to Marbella beach clubs helps you find the right blend of dining, design and Mediterranean atmosphere for your day by the sea.

26 July 2026
Spanish Inheritance Law for Property Owners: What Expats Must Know
Legal & Finance

Spanish Inheritance Law for Property Owners: What Expats Must Know

Owning property in Spain brings inheritance obligations that differ sharply from those at home. Here is what expat owners on the Costa del Sol should understand about succession rules, wills and tax.

18 July 2026
NIE Number in Spain: Step-by-Step Guide for Property Buyers
Legal & Finance

NIE Number in Spain: Step-by-Step Guide for Property Buyers

Every foreign buyer needs an NIE before completing a Spanish property purchase. Here is a practical, up-to-date guide to obtaining yours efficiently on the Costa del Sol.

14 July 2026
Spain Ended the Golden Visa — How Foreigners Can Still Relocate to Costa del Sol
Legal & Finance

Spain Ended the Golden Visa — How Foreigners Can Still Relocate to Costa del Sol

Spain scrapped its property-based Golden Visa in April 2025, but relocating to the Costa del Sol remains entirely possible through several well-established visa routes.

10 July 2026
Costa del Sol Property Taxes & Fees: What Buyers Really Pay
Legal & Finance

Costa del Sol Property Taxes & Fees: What Buyers Really Pay

Understanding the true Spain property buying costs on the Costa del Sol means looking beyond the asking price. Here is what resale and new-build buyers really pay in taxes and fees.

6 July 2026
The Complete Guide to Buying Property in Marbella as a Foreigner (2026)
Buying Guides

The Complete Guide to Buying Property in Marbella as a Foreigner (2026)

Everything an international buyer needs to know about buying property in Marbella in 2026, from taxes and legal steps to choosing the right neighbourhood along the Costa del Sol.

2 July 2026
Non-Resident Foreign Buyers: Tax Implications and Residency Options on the Costa del Sol
Buying Guides

Non-Resident Foreign Buyers: Tax Implications and Residency Options on the Costa del Sol

Understanding the tax implications and residency routes for non-resident foreign buyers on the Costa del Sol helps you budget accurately and avoid costly surprises after completion.

27 June 2026
Living on the Costa del Golf: A Guide to Golf Property on the Costa del Sol
Lifestyle

Living on the Costa del Golf: A Guide to Golf Property on the Costa del Sol

From Nueva Andalucía's Golf Valley to the rolling courses of Benahavís and Sotogrande, here is how to choose the right golf property on the Costa del Sol.

27 June 2026
Beachfront vs Hillside Living on the Costa del Sol: Which Lifestyle Suits You?
Lifestyle

Beachfront vs Hillside Living on the Costa del Sol: Which Lifestyle Suits You?

Beachfront or hillside? We compare the two defining lifestyles of the Costa del Sol — from daily rhythms and views to practicalities and value — so you can choose with confidence.

27 June 2026
Year-Round Dining on the Costa del Sol: Seasonal Food Festivals and Market Events
What's On

Year-Round Dining on the Costa del Sol: Seasonal Food Festivals and Market Events

From spring ferias to summer beach grills and winter market stalls, here is how to enjoy Costa del Sol food festivals and dining events through every season of the year.

27 June 2026
Securing a Spanish Mortgage as a Foreign Buyer on the Costa del Sol
Buying Guides

Securing a Spanish Mortgage as a Foreign Buyer on the Costa del Sol

From deposit requirements to documentation and closing costs, here is how international buyers can secure a Spanish mortgage and finance a Costa del Sol home with confidence.

27 June 2026
Mediterranean Wellness Retreats on the Costa del Sol: Spa Resorts & Health Tourism
Lifestyle

Mediterranean Wellness Retreats on the Costa del Sol: Spa Resorts & Health Tourism

From thalassotherapy and hammams to mountain hiking trails, the Costa del Sol has quietly become one of Europe's leading destinations for wellness retreats and health tourism.

27 June 2026