Lifestyle & Activities

All Guides Costa del Sol Emergency Numbers & Safety Guide for Expats (2026) Life in Costa del Sol is usually about sunshine, beach walks, and long lunches. But sometimes you will need to deal with something urgent, whether it is a medical issue, a break in, a car accident, or simply reporting something. Knowing exactly who to call and how things work here will make those moments much easier to handle. This guide covers the key numbers, services,… Filip Peretz · Nov 27, 2025 · 4 min read All Guides Tipping In Spain: The Local Costa Del Sol Guide Spain does not run on tips. There is no little screen asking for twelve, fifteen, or twenty percent. No blank line for you to fill with guilt. You are not expected to tip. That said, people do tip when it feels deserved, and it is appreciated when it happens. This is your easy, direct guide to tipping in Spain on the Costa del Sol. How… Filip Peretz · Nov 27, 2025 · 3 min read All Guides Costa del Sol Safety. The Honest Guide to Crime, Natural Risks, and Everyday Security Costa del Sol is one of the safest and most sought after places to live in Spain, but like anywhere, it has its realities. I am not here to sell you sunshine without shadows. I will tell you exactly what you need to know about crime, drugs, prostitution, natural disasters, and general safety, using my own experience as a local for nearly two decades. Why… Filip Peretz · Nov 27, 2025 · 7 min read All Guides Deliveries in Costa del Sol. What to Expect and How to Avoid Surprises Ordering online in Spain is easy. Receiving your package? That is another story. If you are used to seamless deliveries in Northern Europe or the US, where tracking updates are precise and couriers follow predictable schedules, Spain might feel like a different universe. That does not mean deliveries do not work here. They do, if you know how to manage them. But for newcomers, it… Filip Peretz · Nov 27, 2025 · 3 min read All Guides How to Protect Your Property in Costa del Sol From Squatters and Burglaries Most agents focus on the good. The sunshine, beaches, and Mediterranean lifestyle. Few will tell you the full truth. Owning a home here comes with risks, and understanding those risks is key to protecting your investment. So let’s talk squatters, burglaries, and how to keep your home safe. No fluff. Who Are Squatters Really They are not who you think. You will not always spot… Filip Peretz · Nov 27, 2025 · 4 min read All Guides Triple A Marbella. A Guide to Helping Rescued Animals Nestled in the hills near Marbella and Istán, Triple A Marbella is a non profit animal shelter dedicated to rescuing and caring for abandoned dogs and cats. It’s run by volunteers and funded entirely through donations, making every bit of help valuable, whether it’s through adoption, donations, or simply lending a hand. I try to go as often as possible, usually on weekends, to help… Filip Peretz · Nov 27, 2025 · 2 min read All Guides A Cheat Sheet To Spanish Life If you are arriving in Spain from Northern Europe or the United States, prepare for a few cultural curveballs. The pace, the people, and even the way days are structured can feel different. Some changes will win you over instantly. Others might take a little adjusting. This guide will walk you through the small but important details that define daily life here. Daily Rhythm Lunch… Filip Peretz · Nov 27, 2025 · 4 min read All Guides The Costa del Sol Parking Survival Guide – From Fines to Long Term Parking Parking in Costa del Sol isn’t just about finding a space, it’s about understanding the unwritten rules, avoiding fines, and not having your car disappear when you least expect it. Some people assume parking here is just like anywhere else in Europe. Pay the meter, park legally, and you’re fine, right? Not always. Sometimes you’ll return to a fine despite paying. Sometimes your car will… Filip Peretz · Nov 26, 2025 · 4 min read All Guides Heated Pools Costa del Sol: Where to Swim Year-Round If you live here full time you already know. Summers are easy, you barely need a towel before diving in. Come November, the pool looks just as inviting, but that first step is brutal. This is why so many of my buyers and friends ask me about heated outdoor pools. The funny part is there are far fewer outdoor public heated pools on the Costa… Filip Peretz · Nov 26, 2025 · 6 min read