Costa del Sol – A Holiday Paradise at the Mediterranean Sea

The Costa del Sol ("Coast of the Sun") is a shoreline of 300 kilometres of length in the south of Spain, which extends from Gibraltar towards the east to the Andalusian province of Granada to the Costa Tropical ("Tropical Coast"). In this way, the major part of the Costa del Sol belongs to the province of Málaga. Important tourist towns at the sunny coast are Marbella, Fuengirola, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Estepona, Nerja and Málaga. The subtropical climate creates pleasantly warm temperatures all year and 300 days of sunshine, which is intensified by the screen of the neighbouring mountain ranges.

The landscape of the Costa del Sol is characterised by long sandy beaches, great and small bays, impressive mountainous areas and subtropical vegetation. Due to the excellent water quality, many beaches have been awarded with the Blue Flag (given to high-quality, environmentally compliant beaches). The wild, unspoiled nature of the mountains, some of which tower in front of the coast and protect it against Atlantic meteorological effects, form a fascinating contrast to the long sandy beaches and the clear, blue water of the Mediterranean Sea. Impressive natural parks at the sunny coast are those of the Sierra de Tejeda, the Sierra de las Nieves and the Montes de Málaga.

At the Costa del Sol - as in other parts of Andalusia - you find many traces of the eventful past of the Moorish rule. Numerous ruins and castles bear witness to the glorious history of the Islamic occupation (711-1492). The best-known buildings from that time are the Alcazaba and the Castillo de Gibralfaro in Málaga. Sohail Castle in Fuengirola and the watchtowers at the coast (e.g. at Cabopino Beach between Fuengirola and Marbella) are part of the Moorish heritage of the Costa del Sol. In addition, the centres of many towns date back to the time of Moorish settlement. White houses, narrow and winding alleys, some of which are decorated with flowers, are characteristic of the villages in this region. One of the most beautiful examples is the small mountain village Frigiliana, which has been declared the "most beautiful village in Andalusia" several times.

The Costa del Sol is known for its lively and atmospheric nightlife. You find an abundance of clubs, bars, discos and restaurants in Málaga, Torremolinos, Benalmádena or Marbella. Many travellers have a bite to eat before they go partying. The local cuisine has a great variety of tapas (small Spanish appetisers), paella as well as fish and seafood. One typical dish at the sunny coast is the pescaito frito (small fired fish). Fish (mostly sardines) on a skewer is often roasted at an open fire at the Costa del Sol.

The Costa del Sol is also called the Costa del Golf and there is a reason for that: you find the highest concentration of golf courses in the whole of Europe at the sunny coast. Water sports fans and hikers also get their money's worth at the Costa del Sol. Over 24 beaches offer great conditions for going surfing, sailing, diving, swimming or simply relaxing. Visitors can go hiking, horseback riding or cycling in the wonderful nature of the Sierra de las Nieves or the Montes de Málaga Natural Park, for example. In addition, the great leisure park Tivoli World in Benalmadena offers fun and entertainment.

Due to the everlasting mild climate and the 300 sunny days per year, a trip to the Costa del Sol is a great idea at any time of the year. You best arrive at the airport in Málaga (AGP) because it is located in the centre of the sunny part of the coast and is therefore the ideal starting point for a trip through the region.