Spanish property buyers focus on green second homes
Spanish property buyers focus on green second homes as Malaga gets first National Park
- Sierra de las Nieves to become Spain’s 16th National Park later this year
- Designation includes strict environmental protections
- Taylor Wimpey España reports uptick in interest in greener homes
Later this year, Spain’s Malaga province will finally get its first National Park, after six years of campaigning. Sierra de las Nieves, the mountainous area north of Marbella and east of Ronda, will enjoy increased funding and stricter environmental protections as a result of the decision.
Sierra de las Nieves has been a protected national park since 1989 and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1995. It is home to the largest collection of pinsapo trees in existence, along with an abundance of largely untouched flora and fauna, with some of the trees thought to be over 500 years old. Bird spotters who visit the park can enjoy sightings of golden eagles, griffon vultures, peregrine falcons and many more species, while ibex, wild cats, mouflon and roe deer roam the steep slopes.
Connecting with nature has rarely felt so important as it has over the past year, with lockdown restrictions confining so many people to the inside of their homes. Likewise, exercise has becoming something to be valued even more than normal. With cycling, hiking, horse-riding, kayaking, climbing, abseiling, potholing and canyoning all available in Sierra de las Nieves, those visiting the resorts of the Costa del Sol will have easy access to all the nature and exercise they could possibly wish for.
“Many visitors and locals alike have long enjoyed the rich eco-diversity of Sierra de las Nieves. Now, the profile-raising nature of the National Park designation, along with the funding that comes with it, means that many more families will benefit from this incredible natural resource. The development of sustainable tourism activities will ensure the area is well protected, which is incredibly important for the future of Sierra de las Nieves.”