Simon Mosel
Costa del Sol
Välkommen till Coin
Coin might be half an hour from the Costa del Sol but for many that will be the appeal of this quintessentially Andalusian town that comes with many of its own attractions.
At the foot of the Sierra de Mijas mountains and 30 kilometres inland from Malaga and Marbella, you’ll find Coin. Overlooking the Guadalhorce Valley, one of the most fertile areas in the south of Spain, it is still used extensively for agriculture. In the ‘town of the 300 orchards’ you have both traditional small-town Spanish life and access to amazing shops and world class facilities. And that’s before you’ve got anywhere near the coast or the surrounding pine forests with their enchanting streams and waterfalls.
If parts of town look a little familiar to some UK visitors, that’s because Coín was used as the set of the ill-fated BBC soap opera El Dorado. Today the town is more likely to appeal to expats who want to become a little more involved in the Spanish way of life. If you think that Coin is a little too far from the coast, spend a little time here and you begin to realise that it is in fact the perfect spot for a happy, healthy life.
Plats
Community
The population of this small town is around 22,000, with 13% of those expats. This balance makes Coin a great place to come to if you’re interested in integrating into a genuine Andalusian community. Most of the new arrivals come here with this in mind, taking a conscious decision to be a little separate from the action on the coast.
Property
In the centre of town you’ll find a mixture of apartments and townhouses, mostly occupied by Spanish families. There are urbanisations on the outskirts, with villas and a more typical expat community feel. And if you want complete isolation, consider a finca property, many of which have extensive land – perfect for small holdings.
Amenities
A recently opened shopping centre has brought some of Spain’s biggest brands to Coin together with cafes, cinema, a high spec gym and an enticing spa. You’ll find all the usual supermarkets here, together with a massive second-hand market every Sunday, attracting visitors from far and wide.
Transport
You’re only 33 kilometres to the west of Malaga and 30 kilometres north from Marbella which is roughly a 30 minute drive. If you don’t have your own transport, buses connect you with the major towns and nearby villages.
Health
Coin has its own medical centre with an emergency room which is open around the clock, along with several private dental practices. For anything else, you’re within easy reach of hospitals in Malaga and Marbella.
Cost of Living
This is a great option if you are looking for a lower cost alternative to the region’s upscale resorts and developments. Eating out is for the most part very reasonable and a good variety of shops means you won’t have to make lengthy journey out of town each week to buy your groceries.
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