If you have also made the choice to live in inland Costa del Sol and not along the coast or in a major city, do you want to live in the countryside? Many people are now choosing to live inland away from the hustle and bustle of the major cities and along the coast. Living even a fifteen to twenty minute drive inland from the coast, or outside of a big city, can feel like a world away from the daily hustle, pollution and stresses generated from that way of life. Also along the coast you can have over crowded beaches during the summer and then everyone leaves for the winter making it very difficult to create lasting friendships with such a transient way of life.

There are many benefits to living in the campo (countryside) in Spain, one of the major ones is that you get a lot more property and outside space for your money!

Do you dream of having a small holding with a few acres of land to grow your own veggies, fruits and olives? Can you imagine the children running around with the dogs, enjoying cuddles with the cats and helping to feed the chickens before jumping into the pool to cool off? Your budget might only get you a two bedroom flat with a balcony in the city or by the coast, but inland you could get a three bedroom finca (country house) with land and a pool!

Have a look at these properties we have for sale in the campo at the moment…..

In today's world we are getting more and more stressed with the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I grew up in London and while I absolutely love that city and all the possibilities that it offers, after a while the stress of city living gets to you, and I didn’t even work in the center, I was a dog walker walking on Hampstead Heath or Queens Woods most days, I also was a cat sitter which I loved, the only part of the job I didn’t like was traffic and traffic wardens….. I digress…. My point is that nothing can beat the tranquility of the country, many people choose to leave the city for a slower pace of life, cleaner air and more space to enjoy life to the fullest, especially when they decide to start a family of their own (including wanting to adopt more fur babies).

Spending time in the countryside or campo has proven health benefits and is invaluable for your mental health. Whether you choose to move there permanently or invest in a holiday home, spending time in nature is very good for us. Yale School of Environment states that time spent in nature can “lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, reduce nervous system arousal, enhance immune system function, increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and improve mood.”

Having the space to grow your own food means it won’t be laced with harmful chemicals, eating fruit and vegetables that are in season also taste amazing. However, if you don’t have green fingers or simply don’t have the time to tend to crops then you can still eat fresh, organic food from local farmers, when you go to farmers markets you know where your food is coming from and you support your local community.

Living in the campo can feel like every weekend is a holiday! You have access to local lovely walks, your garden can feel like a rural retreat and you may have access to local rivers to walk along. Having close contact with nature is a real privilege, enjoy your morning coffee outside listening to the birds singing and take a moment to breath in the fresh oxygen produced by the vegetation around you.

There is a real community feel in the campo and this is also reflected in the schools. Generally speaking they usually have smaller class sizes so each child has more attention from the teacher, in my experience parents are friendly, welcoming and very helpful in making you and your children feel happy at the school.

But fear not, the campo isn’t just for children and retirees, there are many restaurants, bars and a few nightclubs if you fancy a bit more of an upbeat vibe. Málaga, Fuengirola and Marbella are only a short drive a way. For example if you were to live in the stunning countryside in Monda then Marbella is only a 15 to 20 minute drive a way and you have all the hustle and bustle you like of the cosmopolitan town. Or from the countryside of Coín the beautiful city of Málaga is only 25 minutes away with all its history, shopping and beaches etc. Living inland in Andalucía, I feel, you have the best of both worlds!

Where ever you are in the campo you will most likely have beautiful scenery and stunning views around you, especially in areas like Coín, Alhaurín el Grande, Monda or Mijas. Right now I am sitting on my terrace, writing this on my garden sofa looking at the wonderful view from Sierra Gorda. There are a few clouds braking up the clear blue skies and the sound of rustling palm trees in the gentle breeze. I can see the town of Coín with the mountains of Sierra de las Nieves in the distance, there is a bird of prey circling the thermal air looking for their next meal and my girls are playing nicely in the garden with the dog (for now). If you would like to know more about Sierra Gorda you can read my blog on living on Sierra Gorda one year on.

If you feel that you would like a change of life and long to live in the countryside in Andalucía, give us a call and we would be happy to help you find your dream forever home or holiday home in the campo. With over 35 years of collective experience we are confident we can help you live your dream in Spain. We mainly cover Alhaurín El Grande, Alozaina, Coín, Guaro, Mijas, Monda, Tolox and anywhere else in and around the Guadalhorce Valley. Simply fill in our contact form call us on (+34) 951 242 157

Your new adventure awaits!