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The whitewashed villages
of Costa del Sol are impressive historical monuments in themselves, and
their people still live according to age-old traditions, inherited from
their Iberian, Roman and Moorish forefathers. Many of the villages near
the coast have become fashionable resorts, while still conserving their
ancient charm, whereas others, lost in the highlands, remain rough and
ready olive-farming towns, with a special appeal for the adventurous
travellers. Most towns began as fortresses, and over the centuries, many
have developed into thriving agricultural centres producing olive oil,
fruit and vegetables and goat milk.
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Places
of Interest - Click on the photos for more details
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Estepona
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 Estepona
is one of the few coastal towns that has succeeded in maintaining its pueblo
charm and character, despite the onslaught of tourism. Notwithstanding, all the
tourist facilities are here, including hotels, restaurants, leisure and cultural
activities, and shops. The flip side is that the numerous street cafes and tapas
bars still serve traditional Spanish delicacies and the steep, cobbled, narrow
streets seem more suited to horses than cars. You'll also find unusual shops and
bodegas in Estepona and very cheap.
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San Pedro
del Alcantara
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 San
Pedro de Alcantara is a refreshingly unspoilt pueblo. its small shops maintain
the life and integrity of the town and despite the development progress
happening around, local people still conduct their way of life as normal. Strict
building regulations ensure that no new buildings can exceed three storeys and
much of the surrounding countryside is well protected with Selwo adventure park,
the largest game reserve in Europe having recently reopened after enhancements
to its visitor attractions.
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Puerto
Banus
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 Puerto
Banus is a very smart resort and has an ultra chic marina bobbing with luxury
yachts and fringed with fine beaches, where some hotels can be found strung
along the sands. The marina complex is a magnet for the jet-set, so if you like
the idea of people-watching, just take a seat at one of the innumerable
waterfront cafes. Shopping is on the stylish side too, with an array of tasteful
boutiques and gift stores to explore There's a full complement of watersports
readily available as well as some magnificent golf courses.
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Marbella
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 Marbella
is the "jet-set" capital of the Costa del Sol, the "in"
place with Europe's and America's fast-living pace-setters. The area is a
golfer's paradise, boasting several excellent courses. There are several tennis
clubs in the resort and horse riding is found at some beaches and some inland
stables. 4 miles from the centre is the modern development of Nueva Andalucia,
covering several square miles. The old town still has a quaint atmosphere and
has retained some of its 16th-century charm.
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Benalmadena
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 Benalmadena is an upmarket coastal
resort built around a large marina equipped to handle more than 1,000 boats and
yachts of all types. Characterised by luxury hotel and apartment complexes, the
resort also offers many sports facilities. It is home to the Sea Life Centre and
the Mississippi Willow, a restored steamboat. Along the main promenade are a
number of Moorish watchtowers and also the Arab-style Castillo del Bil-Bil, used
for conferences, concerts and exhibitions.
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Mijas
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 Mijas
Costa is the part of the municipality of Mijas which covers the 12 kilometre
stretch of coastline joining (from East to West) El Chaparral, La Cala, El Combo
and Calahonda and takes in the two major urbanizations, Riviera del Sol and
Sitio de Calahonda. Although just a twenty minute drive from little village of
Mijas which is still steeped in the old Andalucian traditions and customs, the
residential and beach life of the coast is very much 21st century.
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Nerja
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 Nerja
is a quaint and picturesque fishing village which has much to offer if you want
to mix old and new Spanish in one holiday but Nerja isn't the resort fro those
who want an active holiday. Gradually becoming a popular tourist spot, the
resort is becoming quite built-up. Nerja is typically Andalucian in style, with
whitewashed houses climbing up the hillsides to the rocky mountains beyond, it
has an unspoilt charm that is simply delightful. Lazy days can be passed on the
main sandy/shingle beach or at some of the intimate coves.
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Fuengirola
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 Fuengirola
is a bubbly resort and is absolutely ideal for families and older couples
seeking a sun-filled, fun-filled break. It still boasts a large fishing fleet,
and has a pleasant sea road, narrow but generally busy, stretching the whole
three mile length of the beach, which is one of the best beaches in the area.
The promenade is lined with open-air cafes and bars, ideal for a morning coffee
or afternoon snack. There's a wealth of shops and sports to get into, a
waterpark as well as a Zoo for the kids.
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Malaga
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 Malaga
is a bustling little city, the old and the new meet on Marques de Larios, Plaza
de la Constitución and Calle de Granada, which form the backbone of the
shopping area and the thriving nightlife. The narrow side streets form a
confusing maze of alleys crammed with tapas bars and bodegas - old fashioned
wine shops brimming with casks including the local sweet wine which is similar
to Port. At weekends the area is full of young people going out to enjoy
the thriving nightlife in one of the cities many bars.
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Torremolinos
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 Torremolinos
is bright, bold and packed with all the fun under the sun. Torremolinos is the
most happening resort on this upbeat stretch of coast, is heaven if you want
limitless entertainment on tap. If you can drag yourself away from the sandy
beach, there's a wealth of enjoyment just waiting. The town's old El Calvario
quarter is well worth a tour and if you want a taste of real Spain. Elsewhere,
the town is jam-packed with gift shops, outdoor restaurants and bars, ten-pin
bowl or splash out a brilliant Aquapark.
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Golf in
the Costa del Sol
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 Ranked
No.1 golf destination in Europe the Costa del Golf which has now become the new
name for the region is the most visited region for golfing holidays in Europe.
Pre booking your tee times is advised due to the huge amount of golfers living
and holidaying on the Costa del sol. The peak season for golf is September to
May because of the easy temperatures in the winter and whilst the rest of Europe
is fighting the traditional winter blues.
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