A Guide to the Costa del Sol

2010-01-26T03:38:00.001-08:00

Costa del sol is most developed and density populated part of the coast of Andalucia, stretching for 150km of Malaga province. Its primary resorts are made up of Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Torremolinos and Marbella to name a few. The area is very popular with tourists, many have stayed or bought their own Costa del Sol Villas or Costa del Sol Apartments.

The coast has the nickname "Costa del Golf" has one of the highest number of 1st class golf courses. There are also many theme parks including water parks, safari parks, go karting and public gardens to entertain the family. For those enjoy who lively nights out there are Puerto marina, "24 hour square" of Benalmadena and Marbella's Puerto Banus which have hip and trendy bars which don’t really get going until about midnight. The Costa del Sol and Malaga province hosts some of the best Flamenco plus bull fight shows and Tapas restaurants.

There are also many historical sites to view. Costa del sol's history dates back to the Phoenicians. The coast has been inhabited by Greeks, Romans and Moors. Who have left their mark on its culture and architecture. Most towns began as fortifications and over the years, many developed into agriculture producers of olive oil, goat's milk and various vegetables. To the east of Malaga the Sierra Almijara joins the with high cliffs leading on the Mara coastal plain with urban landscapes and traditional agriculture around it. The Rhonda is a towering plateau nestled in the mountains 48km inland from Marbella. Rhona is a pretty and historical town. Its proves popular for day trippers with its cafes and El Tajo a plunging river gorge which divides the medieval parts from the 18th century part of the town. Also the gorge has a stone bridge running over it. Puerto Nuevo, which was once a prison, has some great views as well as the walkway El Parador. Ronda is also known for its bull ring which is the oldest in Spain plus its museum is open to the public.

Costa del sol's infrastructure is well organised. The new autopista del sol gives access from Malaga to Estepona and Gibraltar. There are links inland also to Sevelle, Granada and Cordoba. The old coast road offers good views if a bit slower. The international airport is 10 minutes from Malaga and within 30 minutes of many other popular resorts. There are flights to and from many major cities. Malaga City has the Maria Zambrano train station with routes to Seville and Cordoba and other cities as well as good bus routes.

Costa del sol beaches are suited for sun bathers to watersports users alike because of the climate. Which is very pleasant, this is because of it's mountain system that shelters it from the interior winds. So this makes for warm winter temperatures and summers do not get affected by the extreme high temperatures as the interior.

The bathing season is not completely restricted to summer months as there are 300 sunny days per year on average. So bathing is done all year round.

The types of beaches are quite varied. Ranging from wide sandy ones with all facilities, most having a promenade to secluded rarely used ones with stunning landscapes. These are nudists beaches Estepona, Benalmadena, Cabopino (Marbella) and Torre del Mar for bathing in the condition that person prefers. Other beaches nudism is tolerated as due to the low number of visitors, while topless bathing is accepted throughout.

The beaches even in the case of the less used ones, which have some of the best scenery, are all well linked to the coastal and interior parts of the province. As there is a off-road shuttle transport system in place. So you can access most of the beaches easily.

The beaches with the blue flag, which is European Union standard of good water and sand quality and all beaches to meet that standard are likely to be most crowded in summer. The ones situated near the large urban areas and have greatest number of facilities. They have toilets, showers, beach bars, children’s' playgrounds, jet ski water cycle and ski rental, first aid stations plus cool palm oasis.

Costa del Sol Holidays

A Guide to the Costa del Sol