The Balearic Islands is a long-time favorite with holidaymakers

Excellent climate with some 300 days of sun per year, wonderful beaches, a rich cultural offer and the unusual hospitality of their inhabitants make Balearic Islands one of the preferred holiday destinations in Spain.

According to Govern de les Illes Balears, the islands boast an array of natural wonders which keep people returning to the holiday hotspot, anyone renting out property to holidaymakers may be interested to hear. Hardly anybody who has spent holidays here didn't wish to return, in fact, many visitors have made the islands their permanent home. Besides the islands' natural appeal, there are an array of tourist attractions and activities, such as golf, diving and cycling, available.

The Balearics slide diagonally across the western Mediterranean and the two groups of islands are - Gimnesias (Majorca, Minorca and Cabrera) in the north, and Pitiusas (Ibiza and Formentera) in the south-west - are slightly different in terms of geography and especially of flora and fauna. The Balearic Islands have been favorite destinations for the British, Germans and other North Europeans since the beginnings of mass tourism.

The islands' popularity is also demonstrated by the number of celebrities who regularly visit, including Girls Aloud's Sarah Harding, Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer and Elle MacPherson.

Meanwhile, Michelle Obama and her daughters recently holidayed in Mallorca. The landscapes, seascapes coupled with their publicity may lead to an increase in people trying to find property in Balearic Islands.

Nerja has maintained a lot of its original character

Nerja on the seashore some 50 kilometres from Malaga and marks the eastern tip of Malaga's Costa del Sol has been recommended for anyone seeking a Spanish property in a more remote part of the popular destination.

Flanked by a dramatic mountain range, Sierra Almijara, to the east, Nerja boasts 16 kilometres of beaches with powdery sand and sparkling clear water. All major water sports are available here, including water skiing, scuba diving and sailing. The town managed to avoid being blighted by the concrete high-rise scenario which has been the expected result of the tourist boom in some of the coastal resorts.

There are plenty of restaurants and cafes here to choose from, and the town's monuments include the 17th century Church of El Salvador and the beautiful Gardens of Capistrano Playa. However, Nerja's most spectacular attraction is indisputably its fascinating caves. They include archaeological treasures such as paintings over 20,000 years old and other pre-historic remains.

Susana Suspenda, Marketing and operations manager for Spanish Hot Properties said that investors have to understand about the Nerja property market is the area itself. She said that Eastern Costa del Sol is a great place to get away from the busy beaches further west, but it's also a great tourist destination all its own . Once a small fishing village, Nerja has maintained a lot of its original character.

Brits are currently able to pick up tremendous value properties

Property investors in Spain will be pleased by news that the European destination has been tipped to become the top tourist hotspot this summer, despite increasing competition.

According to the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO)., Holidays to Spain will be the top choice in 2010 by British tourists. Ian Bradley, spokesperson for the group, said that Spain will be sure to come out on top by the end of the year while destinations such as Egypt and Turkey are currently showing signs of growth in the travel market.

He said that customers are looking for good value in spite of the ongoing strength of the euro, they need to bear in mind that many hotels throughout the eurozone, particularly in Spain, have slashed their prices. The claims are sure to be welcomed at a time when the property market in the country remains bleak amidst falling prices and a poor exchange rate.

Meanwhile, property company Property Frontiers said that Brits are currently able to pick up "tremendous value" properties in countries such as Spain. Christopher Chad, project manager at the company, explains that massive price falls in 2010 will help to attract investment from foreign buyers.

Current recession good for investment

The Spanish property market is showing hints of stabilizing and individuals looking to invest in Spanish property should do so in the early part of 2010, it has been suggested by a property buyer.

The purchaser purchased a house in 1994 in Marina Alta, a northern part of the Costa Blanca, when Spain was still in recession. He said that with little demand for building work at the time, he was easily able to source the local labor. The relocation to Spain helped develop new friendships, the buyer said, something that aided him settle into his new life along with choosing to join local clubs and become familiar with the area's traditions and culture.

Des Rowson, spokesperson for the National Association of Estate Agents International (NAEA), believes that investors should buy quickly to capitalize on rising house prices in the country.

He stated that it was doubtful there would be a significant change in the market until the GBP strengthened and confidence returned among purchasers, but noted that house prices are expected to rise around three per cent over the course of the year. He also said that the bargains are still available.

"So if you are thinking of purchasing a property, do so in the early part of 2010,” he concluded.

In more good news for investors, developers and agents in Spain reported that they had experienced a rise in the number of sales and enquiries. Alfredo Milla, director of international investments at Mediterranean said that there was a feeling that the economic climate was improving. He said that the confidence is returning to the international buyers as they can see the great offers that are now available in Spain.

Pamplona Bull Run boosts property in northern region

The festival of San Fermin, or the Pamplona bull running as it's more commonly known outside Spain officially begins at midday on 6th July every year. The popularity of the Pamplona Bull Run sees property in Spain packed out during early July.

According to Lonely Planet, demand for accommodation in the northern region where the annual tradition takes place is typically full as the big day approaches. Thousands of people assemble in the square awaiting the mayor's official announcement that the fiestas have begun, a rocket is launched to announce the party has started.

The Pamplona Council proposed that the whole event will be on July 7th when the weather is far more conducive to such a celebration and the last on July 14th. The Pamplona Bull Run takes place at 8am every morning from 7th to 14th July. The actual run stretches from the corral at Santo Domingo where the bulls are kept, to the bullring where they will fight that same afternoon.

Tom Hall, travel editor for the tourism guide said that the Bull Run is scheduled to take place on July 6th this year, with a young party crowd anticipated to attend.

Mr. Hall commented: "There are loads of antipodean travellers that go there every year as part of their circuit." He said that for many visitors, the pilgrimage to Pamplona is made "to either have a good old party or actually take part in the runs". Consequently, the fiesta becomes a rite of passage for many visitors to property in Spain’s northern region.

18-month high for volume of sales in the property market

There is increased optimism that property sales will continue to improve across Spain in the future.

Data for June from the College of Registrars showed that 7.04 per cent growth was witnessed in the Q1 when weighed up with the same period 12 months previous. Sales also improved by 16.28 per cent over the first three months of this year in comparison to the final quarter of 2009. These figures represent an 18-month high for volume of sales in the Spanish property market.

Chris Mercer, Director of Costa Calida based estate agents Mercers, is sure that the recent positive signs in the market can continue through the summer and into the rest of the year. The local market has experienced “a quite impressive increase of 157% for Q1 2010 over Q1 2009. The increase in the sterling/euro exchange rate also has made properties within the Euro zone an increasingly more attractive prospect for euro buyers, and explains the surge in interest in Spanish real estate.

According to the Spanish statistics office (INE), sales of Spanish property were up 9% this March compared to last March. Overseas buyers are thought to be behind a substantial part of the recovery, with agents and developers in the Marbella property market reporting increases of 150% over last year in sales to foreigners. Industry experts said that buyers are only buying property that is discounted, either the price represents a 20% drop on the peak, or the developer has marked the prices down by 20-40%, either way the reduction is apparently necessary as an aide to buyer confidence.

Spanish city of La Coruna offers views of the past

Property in Spain could be an ideal investment, especially in the town of La Coruna as it is a great destination for a holiday and also ambitious developments are set to take place.

Antonio Fontenla, acting president of A Coruna Chamber of Commerce said that much of the city’s property doubles as museum or gallery space. He said that the city hosts many art galleries where the visitor can take in paintings from different eras and contemporary art.

La Coruna is a Spanish region located in the north-western corner of the country. It is part of the Spanish autonomous community of Galicia, a region of vast green landscapes with a rich Celtic and Roman heritage which keeps, still today, a mystic and magic allure. La Coruna is a modern city, which combines its traditional agricultural and fishing industries with new successful industries, such as fashion and textiles.

Mr. Fontenla commented: "You won’t be disappointed by its people, architecture, gastronomy, for an unforgettable holiday."

Henrique Tello, vice mayor and councillor for tourism presented the Tourism Development Plan together with representatives from the company who designed the plan, Daemon Quest. Mr. Tello intends to make over A Coruna by improving the number of tourists and the amount of money they spend. This could be good news for investors looking to buy property in Spain now as the prices could go up should the plans take effect.

Luis Gali, manager of Daemon Quest, explained the city tourism brand is to be unified with special emphasis on cuisine, nature, sea sports and culture.

BA Launches New flights to Spain Balearic Islands

British Airways has launched its new BA CityFlyer service to Ibiza, allowing passengers to fly direct from the Docklands to the Balearics which is good news for rental property investors in those resorts.

Customers can fly from London City on a direct to this popular city break destination in just two hours and 15 minutes. Flights depart and return on a Monday, Friday and Sunday, leaving early morning and returning early evening, which will benefit clubbers notoriously caught out by midnight departures. The routes to the Balearic Islands of Ibiza and Mallorca were originally planned to close during September, once the busy summer holiday season is over. However, the airport now reveals that the airline is to continue operating the routes until the end of October.

British Airways flies to 12 destinations from London City airport including Palma de Mallorca, Madrid and Nice. The airline also offers Spanish holidays and flights to popular destinations such as Barcelona and Malaga. Luke Hayhoe, commercial manager, BA CityFlyer said that this new service is perfectly placed for work-hard play-hard customers that are after convenience, style and comfort. The Balearic Islands are the perfect destination for beach, sun and fun.

He commented: “With just two hours 15 minutes flying time and a minimum check-in time of 15 minutes at London City Airport, it certainly maximizes party time."

According to London City Airport press release, the extension of flights till October also means flights will operate until the end of the school half-term holidays. In order to take advantage of the BA luxury flight and holiday sale, however, tickets must be booked before the offer ends on July 6th.

Spanish countryside offers good value to tourists

Spanish countryside could be an option for people who want a good-value holiday as it is likely to provide "incredible value" in 2010, according to a media outlet.

The Daily Telegraph has reported the strong Euro has not dented the appeal of Spain and this means that while costs are up as a result of the strong Euro, they are still below those at home. Rural areas in Spain have become family's favorite holiday destination, for its combination of warm weather, clean beaches and attractive landscapes.

The development of rural tourism in Spain began rather later than its Northern European counterparts, partly because Spain has traditionally been marketed as cheap sun, sand and sea. Spain is rapidly diversifying its tourism sector, mainly by promoting its fabulous inland cities by raising awareness of its very attractive natural sceneries.

According to official government statistics, in Spain there are currently 13,887 rural lodgings offering 126, 234 beds. These lodgings have an occupancy rate of 16.92% in general and 28.5% on the weekends. The highest rural occupancy rates are in Guipuzcoa in the Basque Country, with an almost 30% occupancy rate in 2009. Coastal regions predominate in the international market, even when it comes to rural tourism, whereas mountainous areas attract most domestic tourists.

Rural tourism in Spain is extremely seasonal. Vacationers tend to go on rural holidays for short periods of time, and so we also observe a higher occupancy rate over the weekend. However, Buy-to-let investors are encouraged to market their property to niche groups such as elderly travelers, partly because they often travel out of season. Therefore, property owners could potentially collect healthy rental yields during relatively quiet periods.

The popularity of Spain is due to its versatile properties

Spain is one of the most popular destinations for Brits and lifestyle buyers and is due to its good weather, relaxed lifestyle and the chance to live or holiday together with the fellow Brits.

James Dearsley, European sales director for Atlas International, explained that there are two types of people interested in Spain. Firstly, there are those who "want to go there because Spain is so versatile it gives them that opportunity to get into the Spanish way of life". Besides, however, there are those who say: "'I want to go there because fellow Brits go there as it is traditionally popular with British tourists.'

The popularity of Spain is due to its versatile properties and lifestyle attractions that are extremely favorable to a high standard of living. Spain is also easily accessible from the UK, thereby allowing expats to stay in touch with their friends and family back home.

The Spanish Housing Ministry reported that prices fell by an average of 4.5 per cent year-on-year during the fist quarter of 2010, in comparison with annual falls of 6.2 per cent during the last three months of 2009 which is good news for lifestyle buyers and long-term investors.

Christopher Chadd, head of research at Property Frontiers said that individuals looking to the destination will be able to benefit from the heavy price falls incurred within the past two years. He added that the ever-popular tourist destination currently offers the "greatest bargains for the canny buyer".

He commented: "Spain's future is still uncertain, but homes are now sitting at a price where people can afford to dip their toes back into the market."