Pharmacias Farmacias (chemists in UK English, drugstores in American English) can be identified by a neon green cross and will provide medicines, including some without a doctor's prescription.

Many people still consider having a personal trainer as a luxury beyond their means. This could not be further from the truth. Whether you are a regular exerciser looking for fresh inspiration or a couch potato who doesn’t know where to begin, the one-to-one guidance of a personal trainer through a tailor made fitness programme could turns out to be priceless.

Following is a sampling of the type of courses you can find being offered at different locations throughout the Costa del Sol and by various providers, at any given time. Do take the time to check the credentials of instructors, practitioners and therapists before committing yourself to a course of study.

The beneficial effects of spa bathing have been known for many years and those who have had the pleasure of using the spa have discovered a rejuvenating and revitalising experience. Most people have experienced the blissfully relaxing effects of a modern spa bath at their local swimming pool, leisure club or while staying at a quality hotel.

The quality of health care and hospital facilities in Andalucia (and throughout Spain) is generally of a high standard. Progress is always being made and in January 2005, it was announced that there was a 35% improvement in hospital service in Andalucia. There are excellent doctors, and highly trained Spanish medical staff.

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.

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.

Rentals in Costa de la Luz Cádiz: Tarifa, Bolonia, Atlanterra, Zahara de los Atunes, Barbate, Los Caños de Meca, Vejer de la Frontera, El Palmar, Conil de la Frontera, Roche.

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.

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 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.

Dental clinics offer a wide range of services throughout Andalucia, with the public health system in Andalucia only covering emergency extractions and basic dental care for children.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.