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About Costa Del Sol (Clicking on red colored text will link to more info or videos or official sites)
Plan the trip
The Costa del Sol falls within three provinces of Andalucia which are Cadiz, Malaga and Granada. It is the stretch within the Malaga province, between Estepona and Nerja, which is the best known. Airports servicing are at Malaga and Gibraltar. The coastline itself consists of a series of large beaches, coves hidden amongst cliffs, leisure marinas and fishing ports. Away from the coast the scenery is mainly mountainous with pretty Spanish villages, valleys full of orchards and spectacular views. |
Malaga
This lively, enticing capital city, also the birthplace of Picasso, offers an excellent tapas scene, great beaches and noble historical buildings. Contains a wealth of interesting features including fine gardens, a magnificent cathedral, the Alcazaba (11th century Moorish castle) and numerous museums and galleries. With over twenty museums, fifteen of them grouped together in the same area, become City of Museums. Traditional fried fish is washed down with cold beer at chiringuitos (beach bars). |
Torremolinos
The oldest, busiest and brashest resort on the Costa del Sol, hugely popular. Well-maintained clean broad golden sand beach that stretches for 9km. Famed for its, many championship courses within easy reach. It is divided into Playamar/Bajondillo to the east and Playa La Carihuela to the west. Both are amply provided with sunbeds, shades and lifeguards. La Carihuela features excellent local chiringuitos (beach bars). Most watersports are available at some point along the beach. |
Marbella
A lovely old town with its narrow streets of white houses lined with colorful flowers, statues, fountains and churches contains a lot of small, interesting shops. There’s an endless supply of world-class restaurants, luxury hotels, spectacular golf courses, fashionable shops, a lovely marina and a vast number of lively bars and clubs to keep you entertained til sunrise. The main centre is The Orange Square full of activities. Cabopino is lively port area, perfect for sunbathing, fantastic cuisine abound. |
Mijas
The white village 428 above sea level. Despite its huge popularity with tourists, has somehow managed to retain much of its traditional Andalucian way, locals displaying their unabashed passion for all things festive and relaxed 'mañana' outlook. The craft shops have some wonderful hand made pottery and often affordable paintings and prints by acclaimed local artists, such as Don Clarke and Michele Lehmann. Perfect holiday mementos. A taste of the true Spanish way of life away from the beach! |
Fuengirola
Easily accessible by road, rail or bus, this buzzing cosmopolitan town is the number one choice for tourists. The advent of many up-market tapa bars and good restaurants, interspersed with chic boutiques and other shops of interest, as well as fabulous beaches. The main square, Plaza de la Constitución, has been re-designed but still retains its unique enchantment. Seven kilometres of sandy beaches, stretching from the Sohail Castle to the west and Torreblanca to the east. |
Axarquia
Retains all the charm of yesteryear thanks to unspoilt havens, coves and beaches. Excellent for hiking and several companies now run walking holidays, centred around Competa. Horse trekking is very popular. The "Museo de Vino" is where you can taste the locally made wine, it also sells locally made ceramics, good restaurant serving traditional local dishes. Archaeological remains from Phoenecian, Carthaginian, Roman and Arab eras dot the countryside and coastline. |
Benalmadena
It consists of three parts; Benalmádena Pueblo, Arroyo de la Miel and Benalmádena Costa (most popular). Notable for its leisure facilities, including an amusement park, two aquariums, a casino, a cable car and one of the largest marinas of Andalusia. The coastal area has many hotels, beaches and the award winning Marina, with excellent port facilities and fantastic nightlife. Arroyo de la Miel translates to ‘Honey Stream’ is a former sleepy village, which now links Benalmadena Pueblo to its Costa. |
Nerja Town
The old quarter of the seashore town is still virtually unchanged with narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses, wrought iron terraces. See prehistoric caves millions of years old and contain old cave paintings. Very popular with tourists, Nerja offers plenty to see, including scenic views of the nearby mountain range of Sierra Almijara, traditional Spanish plazas, a beautiful promenade perfect for a morning, afternoon or evening stroll, sandy beaches as well as the ancient Nerja Caves. |
Frigiliana Town
Frigiliana is located seven kilomentres inland from Nerja and has been “The Prettiest Village in Andalucia” by The Spanish Tourism Authority. Enjoy spectacular views along the attractive coastal road as you pass through several white villages on the way to the small village of Frigiliana. Wander the narrow streets surrounded by colorfully painted houses. Visit the old Fortress, the stronghold of the last moors. Traditional, white washed village offers small plazas hidden between narrow, cobbled streets. |
Ronda Town
The historic town built over El Tajo gorge.. Spans the plunging river gorge known as El Tajo, crossed by 18th-century Puente Nuevo bridge. Visit town square, Plaza de Espana, Church of the Holy spirit, Cathedral Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation, known today as the Church of Saint Mary the Elder. Plaza de Toros, the oldest bull ring in Spain, has staged some of the most important events in bullfighting history. The museum's collection of memorabilia includes photos of famous bullfighting fans. |
Rock of Gibraltar
Cross the border from Spain into British territory, where you can see British policemen, spend British money and enjoy duty free shopping. Take a tour of the city and Punta Europa, followed by a minibus tour to the top of the famous Rock of Gibraltar itself, where you can take in the views of the Spanish and Moroccan coastlines. Visit the Saint Michael caves, a dramatic natural grotto sometimes used as a venue for concerts. Meet the locals - the semi wild troop of Barbary "Apes". |
Donkey Sanctuary (Málaga)
Situated 40 minutes from Malaga, the Donkey Sanctuary is also known as El Rufigo del Burrito. Just a short drive away from the city, the donkey sanctuary is a great place for families to mingle with animals. Admission is free of charge both to the sanctuary and the close by flamingo lake. Spend the time exploring the beautiful Spanish landscape while admiring the wildlife. Come and visit their rescued donkeys and feed them some carrots! |
Pablo Picasso (Málaga)
The people of Malaga are proud of the fact that Picasso was born here and it was a big day when the King and Queen of Spain inaugurated the Museo Picasso housed in the Palacio de Buenavista. 12 halls of permanent exhibition gallery, including his classics, also many sketches and ceramics on display. Nearby is the Casa Natal (Birthplace of Picasso), also open to the public. There are now exhibition rooms in the Casa Natal, as well as pictures and early life history. |
La Manquita (Málaga)
The Cathedral of Málaga is a Renaissance church in the city of Málaga in Andalusia in southern Spain. It is located within the limits defined by a now missing portion of the medieval Moorish walls, the remains of which surround the nearby Alcazaba and the Castle of Gibralfaro. Open to the public everyday but Sunday, Malaga’s cathedral is a beautiful building with an unfinished tower, which is why it is often given the name “La Manquita” meaning One Armed Woman. |
Gibralfaro Castle (Málaga)
The magnificent Castillo de Gibralfaro sits on a high hill overlooking Malaga city and port, and dates back to the 10th century. The image of Gibralfaro is well known: you can see it in both Malaga city and province's seal and flag. Situated above the Alcazaba and is connected by a path at the eastern end. The site of the gunpowder arsenal now houses an exhibition potraying the uses of the castle as a military garrison and coastal lookout post. |
Wine Museum (Málaga)
The province is famous for its moscatel, sweet dessert wine. Local moscatel is probably Andalucia's most famous wine. The three DOs (Denominacion de Origin) of the province are Malaga (sweet wines) and Sierras de Malaga (white, red and rose), while the raisins also have their own DO, Pasas de Malaga. The museum is housed in the 18th-century Palacio de Biedmas,in the city centre. See over 400 labels from wine bottles and posters, dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. |
Carmen Museum (Málaga)
Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza, one of the world's foremost art collectors, now has her own museum. The permanent collection consists of 230 works, mainly by 19th-century Spanish artists. One of the most important pieces is a simple 13th-century Italian statue of Christ which is displayed to spectacular effect on a bare white wall. There are also short themed mini-exhibitions with complementary movie screenings and live performances, such as flamenco. |
Art Museum (Málaga)
The exciting contemporary modern art museum (Centro de Arte Contemporáneo or CAC) is located just behind the Alameda train station in the former Wholesalers Market with a permanent collection comprising around 400 works of private collectors. There is also a regular programme of temporary exhibitions dedicated to up-and-coming Spanish artists. It has been created to disseminate and encourage reflection on modern art designed by Luis Gutiérrez Soto. |
Automobile Museum (Málaga)
Housing the private collection of Portuguese car fanatic Joao Magalhaes it is worth around 25 million euros, and is one of the most important vintage car collections in the world. Located in a architecturally stunning building, the old tobacco factory (Fabrica de Tabacos). More than 80 vintage and modern cars, alongside fashionable travel memorabilia, the space measures 6000m2. There are nearly 10 areas dedicated to various eras and themes. |
Crocodile Park (Torremolinos)
Houses prehistoric creatures which have miraculously survived 200 million years of evolution. From a distance of less than 2 metres, you can wonder at the gigantic crocodiles by silently walking beside them, observing the secrets of one of the most fascinating creatures of our world. 300 crocodiles and 12 different species including Big Daddy at 600 kilograms and 4.6 metres long, he is the largest crocodile in Europe. |
Aqualand (Torremolinos)
The biggest water park on the Costa del Sol, with dozens of thrilling rides, slides, flumes plus pools. The Torremolinos Aquapark, is the largest water park on the Costa del Sol! With great attractions such as the kamikaze, twister and boomerang, there’s plenty to keep you entertained all day long! Enjoy 14 attractions including 19 water slides for adults, 15 children's slides and a Mini golf 18 holes. Waves over a meter high in a pool of 1440 square meters. |
Nikki Beach (Marbella)
A worldwide luxury beach club phenomenon, Nikki Beach represents everything cool, sexy and glamorous about spending the day or night at the beach. Divine globally-inspired cuisine, coolest crowd, hottest parties, against a utopian backdrop of swaying palms and exotic bamboo beds, Marbella's in-crowd can be found, bronzing themselves on sunbeds, sipping champagne cocktails and dancing to the grooves of world-class DJs and live musicians. |
Aventura Amazonia (Marbella)
A new and innovative concept of adevnture park. Visitors can enjoy 73 different challenges and 20 impressive zip lines including the longest in Andalucía (240 metresof exhilarating descent!). You get to decide which adventure circuit you want to attempt; all games and circuits are grouped according to their difficulty level, very much like ski slopes! Tackle up to 50 different types of obstacle including: Burmabridges, tarzan jumps, zip lines and more. |
Puerto Banus (Marbella)
The world famous Puerto Banus is a marina just minutes from the centre of Marbella, is also a great place to spend a day, along with the incredible boats and yachts the area also offers designer boutiques, stylish bars, gastronomic restaurants and fantastic nightlife. It has become one of the largest entertainment centres in the Costa del Sol, with 5 million annual visitors. Developed around a coastal village in the Mediterranean architectural style, contains shopping malls, restaurants and bars around the marina. |
Jewellery Centre (Mijas)
The Diamond & Jewelry Centre. All their jewellery is in 18k gold. You can also buy loose diamonds and have them set yourself or have them design a setting for you. Their staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. Make sure to take a tour along with a trip to this enchanting white washed village, it's free. This might not be suitable for independent travelers but if you are looking for some well-crafted jewelry or souvenir, then this is the place for you. |
Fuengirola Zoo (Fuengirola)
Set amidst tropical forests of Madagascar, Equatorial Africa and south-east Asia, this zoo is designed to replicate the natural habitat of each of the animal species living here. Large areas have been created in which water and vegetation are plentiful - rivers, gigantic trees, waterfalls, bamboo-shrouded temples, hanging bridges and abandoned mines. During July and August the zoo is open at night giving a chance to see nocturnal animals by moonlight. |
Arroyo de la Miel (Benalmádena)
A bustling town between Benalmadena Pueblo and the coast. Arroyo de la Miel offers Spanish shops, bars and restaurants as well as everything else you would find in a typical town centre, such as a frequent bus service and a train station. Arroyo de la Miel is also home to Benalmadena’s amusement park, Tivoli World. A favourite tourist attraction on the Coast - the Telecabina (Cable Car) which goes up to the highest point in the Malaga Province. Many great restaurants and bars. |
Tivoli World (Benalmádena)
A huge theme park with 40+ rides, shows throughout the day, mini discos and magic shows, stunning flamenco shows and restaurants to suit everyone's taste. Feel the Far West at Western Square! An authentic Far West town replica, Enjoy the Andalusian folklore at the Andalusia Square, with the flamenco's maximal espression, and enjoy the children shows at the Jungle Square, the Big Wheel Square and the Show Boat. Tivoli World also has a large Theatre where Celebrities perform frequently. |
Cable Car (Benalmádena)
The TelecabinaCable Car is one of the main tourist attractions on the Costa del Sol. The Telecabina takes you on an amazing 15-minute journey in a four-person cable car right up to the highest point on the Málaga coast at an altitude of almost 800m above sea level. From this superb vantage point, you not only have the most magnificent views of the Costa del Sol, but also the awesome panoramic vistas of the Sierra Nevada mountains and on a clear day you can see Gibraltar and African coast. |
Selwo Marina (Benalmádena)
Spend a day at Selwo Marina, located in The Paloma Park, just 5 minutes from the hotel, here you can discover all kinds of marine life. Selwo holds Andalucia’s only dolphinarium and ice penguinarium, with exclusive dolphin, sea lion and exotic bird shows. The Selwo Organization also offers a discount price if you buy entrances to all three of their attractions on the Costa del Sol - Tivoli Cablecars, Selwo Aventura, in estepona & Selwo Marina! |
Estupa (Benalmádena)
Benalmadena is now home to the largest Buddhist temple in the Western World! The building itself is incredibly unique and can be seen from various points across the coast. If you want to have a look inside, the “Stupa” is open to visitors Tuesday to Friday. It is the only one on the Costa del Sol and surprises the visitor with it's beauty. It is in fact, the biggest temple in western Europe. The buddhist statue in Benalmadena is accessible to visitors to admire. Here is where you can learn to relax and meditate. |