A few rainy days on the Costa del Sol are always welcome, helping to replenish our reservoirs and keep the countryside green. But even when it rains, the brightness of the light and generally mild winter temperatures remind us why so many Northern Europeans choose to spend their winters living here.
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!
We've had a few days of rain here on the Costa del Sol this week, and although we naturally enjoy our sunshine, the rain is very welcome too. It helps replenish our reservoirs, keeps the countryside green and gives us a little more confidence about water supplies as we look towards next spring.
But something I have always been aware of, particularly when talking to friends and clients in Northern Europe, is that even when it rains here, the days don't necessarily feel dark and miserable. It's the quality and intensity of the light that makes such a difference.
Even with clouds overhead and rain falling, there is often a brightness that you simply don't experience during the winter months further north. The evenings may be cooler, but daytime temperatures are generally mild, and we know that before too long the sunshine will be back.
Of course, we have our occasional cold and wet spells, but they tend to be the exception rather than the rule.
Not Everyone Comes for the Summer
When people think about buying a property on the Costa del Sol, they often imagine long summer days, beaches and swimming pools.
But for many property owners, the attraction is quite different. They enjoy spending their summers at home in Northern Europe and coming to Spain during the winter, when the coast is quieter, the temperatures are more comfortable and there's still plenty of opportunity to enjoy life outdoors.
I have Dutch neighbours who run a tourism business back home and spend around six months of the year here. For them, the attraction isn't escaping to somewhere hot. It's simply enjoying a much more pleasant winter. And I think that sums it up rather well.
The Costa del Sol isn't just somewhere to spend your summer holidays. For many people, it's somewhere to enjoy the months of the year that they find least appealing at home.
So, while we're watching the rain dripping from the lemons on the trees this week, we're not complaining. We need the rain, we appreciate it, and we know the sunshine won't be far away.
And if you're thinking about spending your winters somewhere a little brighter, perhaps it's worth considering a home here on the Costa del Sol.
