What 6 Moves Taught Me About Life on the Costa del Sol
By George Nayda
21 January 2025
9 min read
LIFE IN SPAIN
What 6 Moves Taught Me About Life on the Costa del Sol
Over the years, I’ve lived in six very different parts of the Costa del Sol from hearing lions roar in Selwo to quiet mountain nights in Guaro. Here’s what those moves taught me about life, lifestyle, and how to choose the right place for you.
From Lion Roars to Mountain Silence Why I’ve Moved So Many Times
Most people move to the Costa del Sol and stay put.
Me? I’ve lived in six very different spots, from hillside villages to a luxury villa.
And every place had something to teach me.
Something to reveal about lifestyle, pace, people… and how much where you live shapes how you live.
I’ve felt culture shock, deep peace, total disconnect, and pure awe sometimes all in the same year.
If you’re considering a move here, this isn’t a brochure.
It’s a reflection. So you can make the move with your eyes open and your heart fully in it.
Here’s What 6 Places Taught Me About Vibe, Lifestyle & Belonging
1. Hacienda Las Chapas (Marbella East):
I arrived and stayed in a room of a villa with a kind German couple. It was quiet, green, and felt like a soft landing after city life abroad. A simple but grounding start.
2. Marbella, Marbella City (Uptown):
Short-lived and for a reason. Noise, air pollution, and circling for parking 40 to 60 minutes every day… not for me. I felt disconnected from myself there.
3. Guaro (Inland):
This was the moment I fell in love with Spain.
I’d stumbled across a rental ad by pure chance. The Luna Mora Festival, the mountain views, and the silence at night changed something in me. I finally saw the Real Spain that most tourists miss.
4. Estepona, Selwo:
Imagine sipping wine on your terrace… watching the sunset… while hearing lions roar in the background from the nearby safari park with the coast of Africa visible ahead. Surreal. Magical. One of my most cinematic memories.
5. Mijas, Calanova Golf (La Cala de Mijas):
Frontline golf. Lush gardens. Peaceful pools. You wake up, watch golfers glide past, and stroll down to the coast. A gated community with tropical vibes, it felt like freedom.
6. Estepona, El Paraiso:
Where I live now. A spacious villa lifestyle that taught me the real ins and outs of high-end living. From garden maintenance to the feel of space, it’s helped me guide clients with villa dreams because I live it, not just sell it.
What Most Relocators Get Wrong (And What I Got to Learn Firsthand)
The #1 mistake I see?
People fall in love with the property... and forget the area.
They chase square meters instead of daily experience.
Here’s the truth most agents won’t tell you:
Live on the beachside - You’ll naturally walk the beach more, eat out more, and feel more connected.
Live between A7 and AP7 - Great balance. Walkable spots, less noise.
Live above AP7 - More peaceful, better views, but life becomes more “indoors.”
You’re not just buying bricks. You’re buying a rhythm.
And if the area doesn’t match your soul, even the nicest villa will feel off.
You Have to Feel It Or You’ll Always Second-Guess the Move
People sometimes ask,
“How do I know if an area’s right for me?”
Here’s what I tell them:
Go sit in the cafés. Walk the streets. Listen to the people around you.
Do you see yourself fitting in?
Would you be happy being surrounded by these people every day?
The feeling you get in your first 10 minutes in a new area usually tells you everything.
What No One Tells You About Life After the Move (But Everyone Feels)
Here’s what buyers never expect but always say later:
“I didn’t realise how much this move would improve my happiness.”
Especially clients from northern climates.
They go from rain and grey skies to waking up with sunshine and birdsongs.
It’s not just mood-boosting, it’s life-changing.
And yet... they forget to plan for it emotionally.
They think of it as a real estate decision.
But it’s a whole-life shift.
You’ll become more social.
You’ll smile more.
You’ll notice sunsets again.
And you’ll start to wonder how you ever lived without this.
The One Thing I Wish Someone Told Me Back Then
I’ve lived here for over 9 years. And every place I stayed shaped me personally and professionally.
But if I could go back, I’d whisper one thing to my younger self:
“Start documenting your journey now.
What feels normal to you… is someone else’s dream.”
That’s the core of why I do what I do.
I don’t just help people buy homes.
I help them build lives they’re proud of.
And I do it with lessons that were paid for in time, silence, detours, and joy.
So if you’re thinking of making the move, whether it’s your first or your final, I’m here to guide you.
Not from a brochure. From the real Costa del Sol I’ve lived and learned from.
📲 Message me on WhatsApp. No pressure, just honest guidance
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