Skip to main content

Health Insurance

Advances in medicine, longer life expectancy, overburdened state health services and the rapidly rising cost of healthcare, mean that more and more people are turning to private health insurance. Indeed if you are applying for residency in Spain and do not come from a EU country, then you will need to have private health insurance.

Health Facilities

The quality of health care and health care facilities in Andalucía (and throughout Spain) is generally very good and at their best are the equal of any country in Europe. There are excellent doctors, and Spanish medical staff are highly trained. Major hospitals are equipped with the latest high-tech equipment.

Self-Catering - Coast

Self-Catering holiday rentals on the Andalucia coast. this includes apaerment and Villas located near the coast in the coastal resorts towns. For more on Coastal Hotels visit our Coastal Hotels page.

Hairdressers

There is no excuse for having a 'bad hair day' in Andalucia! Years ago, Andalucia and particularly the Costa del Sol, were primarily quaint Spanish resorts and not where you would expect much sophistication. Hairdressing and Beauty Salons have increased not only in quantity, but also in quality.

Doctors in Andalucia

Doctors in Spain are regulated by the “Colegio de Médicos” (Medical College – an official body). Doctors throughout Andalucia, whether they are Spanish or foreign, should be able to prove that they are “colegiados”, or members of the Medical College. This is an all important criteria for ensuring that a doctor has proper qualifications, and especially to ensure that doctors from other countries are approved and regulated in this country.

Person-centred-humanistic Counselling

Person-centred counselling is one of several types of humanistic psychology. It was pioneered by Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, who rejected traditional psychoanalytical approaches, which simplified humans into types of behaviour. Instead Rogers and Maslow saw humans as complete beings in a constant process of change, striving to fulfil their potential.

The Asbestos Disease Epidemic

More people die each year in Great Britain from asbestos diseases than from road accidents. However, not all victims of asbestos diseases who were affected in the UK still live there. In fact, some of these victims have migrated to places like the sunny Costa del Sol or other parts of Andalucia or Spain.

Arab Baths

One of the most relaxing traditions of Arab Spain are the baths, or “hammam” as they are called in Arabic. With so many years of moorish rule and culture, the city of Granada was a natural starting point for the return of this long lost custom.

Golf Valle del Este

Europe’s second desert course, opened in 2002, was designed by José Canales. The small, circular tees are raised, giving a good view of wide open fairways that have to be reached over the arid land in between, and the greens are ample with multiple pin positions. There are three par-5 holes. Plan well on the 3rd, a par-4, as the fairway bordered by water offers various strategic points.

Ambulance Services

Private ambulance services provide a 24-hour service in most towns and are listed by town under Ambulances in the Yellow Pages. Most clinics and private hospitals also operate their own ambulance services. Ambulances are equipped with emergency equipment such as oxygen and life-support systems and drivers and staff are trained to provide first-aid.

Alcoholism & Drug Addiction

As in most other regions of the Europe, alcoholism and drug abuse are growing problems in Andalucia. With the increase in weekend binge drinking amongst young people in most main cities, the rise in consumption of alcohol is becoming a major concern for families, as well as the authorities.

Desert Springs Golf Club

Europe’s first desert course was designed by Peter McEvoy in true Arizona style with about half the grass areas normally found on other courses. There is an abundance of cactus, springs, rocks, water hazards and dry river beds and while the terrain is fairly flat there are many sandstone outcrops.

Television

The Spanish are avid TV watchers (after the Americans and Brits, that is). Most TV's receive between five and six terrestrial channels. These are: TV1 - The state run flagship Television Española, TV2 - The state run second Television Española, Antena 3 - Independent National Station, Tele 5 - Independent National Station, Canal Sur - Popular Regional Channel run by the Regional Government of Andalucia and Andalucia 2.

News from Andalucia, Spain

News pages on Andalucia.com and lists with links to the websites of the main provincial newspapers published in Andalucia.

Maps

To see info about general motoring maps of Spain or the Costa del Sol click on the links.

Movie Film Locations in Andalucia

With its hugely varied landscapes and scenery, from arid deserts to spectacular mountains, Moorish towns and cities to pristine beaches, Andalucia is a film-makers’ dream. Little wonder, then, that scores of movies have been shot here over the years, from spaghetti westerns in the Wild West town sets of Almeria, to historic epics in the glorious mudejar palaces of Seville.

English language Bookshops

There are numerous bookshops in all the major towns and cities of Andalucia. All markets are catered for, and there are a number of English language Bookshops and other international language book shops in Andalucia catering for the foreign resident.