The Costa del Sol

Costa del Sol is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Its great diversity means that it has something to offer for just about everyone - young, old, families, there is enough entertainment and variety to please all types of holiday maker and visitor. The following pages provide tourist information and photographs on the most popular tourist destinations on the Costa del Sol.

Torremolinos, the largest of the Costa's resorts - Benalmadena with its chic new Puerto Marina - Fuengirola the up-and-coming resort - Mijas with its breathtaking village (Mijas Pueblo) perched on the Mountainside and its rambling beaches and urbanizations (Mijas Costa) - Marbella and Puerto Banus, the choice of the rich and famous - and Nerja, the most popular destination to the east of Malaga.

To make sure that you get the most out of your time on the Costa del Sol we recommend that you buy a good guide book for the area. We have reviewed many, you can read our recommendations and buy directly on-line from MalagaWeb in the Guide Books area, all products are in association with Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk to assure the best quality and service.

Stretching from Almería to Tarifa , the Costa del Sol is a densely populated coastal region of Andalusia. It stretches along just over 150 kilometers of Málaga province and is one of Spain's most popular tourist destinations. Evidence of the areas (specifically the western side) popularity is the fact that there are more jet skis per capita than anywhere else in Europe. All year round, people favor its row of fine, sandy beaches and calm Mediterranean waters. The area's mild climate is a major factor in enjoying the beaches and a wide variety of outdoor and water activities year round.

The Costa del Sol’s resorts like Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Torremolinos, and Marbella, with their miles of beautiful fine sandy beaches and splendid weather, have kept tourists coming back year after year, by the thousands. The Costa del Sol caters to young and old, locals and tourists alike, offering an exciting selection of entertainment and relaxation options.

The Costa del Sol is the most developed part of the coast. Many towns have been developed and recently have modernized their boardwalks, or ' paseo maritimos .' The Costa del Sol nightlife is lively and colorful, with a string of bars and restaurants to delight in. Other attractions include zoos and water parks, casinos, bullfights and amusement parks (like the renowned Parque de Atracciones Tivoli).

The coast is often nicknamed "The Costa del Golf,” for it boasts one of the highest representation of first class golf courses. To entertain families and children, there are theme parks, including water parks, safari parks, go karting, and many beautifully landscaped public gardens. The younger generation typically flock to the areas of attraction like the Puerto Marina and the popular '24 hour square' of Benalmadena, as well as in Marbella's Puerto Banus. These places are very trendy and hip, and of course, knowing the youth’s preference for late night fun, these bars and clubs don't get up and alive until near midnight, and stay open until the wee hours of the morning.

Remarkable historical monuments in themselves, the whitewashed towns of Costa del Sol and their people still live according to age-old traditions, inherited from their Roman, Iberian and Moorish forefathers. Many of the villages near the coast have developed posh resorts but nevertheless preserved their archaic charm and magnetism. Communities hidden in the highlands remain rugged, with its serene charisma and olive trees, especially appealing for the more adventurous traveler.

Pictures of Costa del Sol, Spain: