Costa de Almeria is probably the least known of the Spanish Costas, yet it offers stunning scenery with fabulous beaches which are often deserted and can remain quiet even during the summer tourist months.

It is sandwiched between Costa del Sol and Costa Calida and is ostensibly still an agricultural area.  It is sleepy, tranquil and very unspoilt, the Spain of 30 years ago, which captured so many British holiday makers in the 70's and 80's.  If you are looking for the antithesis to Benidorm, then this party of the Spanish coastline is for you.

The local council has made one chance to accept 21st century living and that is the creation of golf courses, and this stretch of land offers some excellent courses.

There is a choice of properties in the area, often around golf courses which bring in good rental income as they provide virtually year round rental opportunities.  One new development, being marketed by Eden Villas, offers two and three bedroom apartments and duplexes from 288,500 euros within walking distance of an 18 hole golf course designed by Gary Player at Brisas de Almerimar.  With a natural salt lake and being situated just 100 metres from the beach, interest is expected to be high in this new development, particularly with skiing available within 2 hours drive time and Almeria airport within 20 minutes.

For those looking for a more rural lifestyle then the Almanzora valley may be perfect retreat.  Eden Villa is marketing some exceptionally spacious, detached homes from around £115,000 offer accommodation that could provide a very good rental yield.  Located near local villages for all conveniences and within an easy drive to lovely beaches they are ideal for families of retirement.

Another area of southern Spain that can still be described as unspoilt, with stunning beaches and traditional properties at affordable prices is the Costa de la Luz.

Mercers, Spanish property specialists, are building dozens of Andalucian-style town houses on the edge of the pretty town of Lebrija, close to both Jerez and Seville. Chris Mercer, founder of Mercers, says "The town is self-sufficient and therefore not reliant on tourism – in fact there are no hotels – and has a population of 25,000, so all of the facilities and amenities one would expect are already in place.

Properties at the El Ejido site are popular among investors and offers two story, three bedroom town houses with lounge-diners, kitchens and gardens/parking areas, as well as rooftop solariums.  Prices start at £106,156.

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Read other articles about Spain:
Property market slow-down in Spain?
Internal Spanish flights get cheaper
Young homebuyers look to property in Spain

Article first published on 27 October 2006