About the Costa Del Sol
The Costa Del Sol is a stretch of coast in the Andaluciá region of Spain, running south from Malaga on the east coast. Renowned for year- round warm and sunny weather, with the average yearly temperature being 18 degrees, it is a pleasant and popular holiday destination for visitors from all over the world.
Sometimes referred to as the Costa Del Golf, the main attraction for a lot of visitors to this region is the choice of world class golf courses situated along the coast. There are more than 70 to choose from, each offering a range of luxury accommodation, guest facilities and other recreational activities including sailing, horse riding, scuba diving and other water sports.
The towns in this region of Spain offer much more than a golfer’s paradise. Many are full of cultural and historical places of interest and offer visitors a glimpse into small village life on the Spanish south coast.
The area was originally populated with Phoenician and Greek settlers, followed by the Romans. Later, the region was also ruled by Moorish settlers for nearly 800 years, leaving behind a smattering of mosques, palaces, amphitheatres and other reminders of Spain’s colourful past, all waiting to be discovered. It is well worth your while venturing a little further from the golfing trail to visit some of these places and to enjoy the atmosphere of “real” Spanish country living.
Here are some of the highlights of the Costa Del Sol that should not be missed on your itinerary:
Malagá, Costa Del Sol
Often referred to as the capital of this region, Malagá is a port city, and the gateway to the Costa Del Sol. There is an international airport just 8kms from the city centre, where most visitors begin their journey down the coast. While most simply head straight for the nearest golf course, Malagá is a city overflowing with history and there are several attractions important to the region located here that are well worth a visit.
Malagá is the birthplace of world famous painter Pablo Picasso, hailed as one of the first to bring the cubist art movement to life during the peak of this era between 1908 and 1914. As well as the chance to visit his original home in the heart of the old town, there is also an excellent museum dedicated to his life, located just a short walking distance away. The Picasso Museum was officially opened in 2003 and features 12 permanent exhibition halls with an assortment of not just his paintings, but also of his sketches and ceramic work. There are also temporary exhibitions available depending on the season. You can purchase a combined ticket for 8€ , or entry to the permanent exhibition is 6€ and 4.50€ for the temporary exhibition only.
Also in the old part of town is the Alcazabar Fortress. This 15th century Fort, built during the Moorish rein is one of the highlights of the city of Malagá. From it’s rooftop, one can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the city and harbour below. Built on top of Roman ruins, the fort was originally a governors residence, and later a royal residence for visiting nobility. Inside there are gardens and courtyards as well as a museum with artifacts from the Phoenician and Roman periods. The fort has been extensively restored and is well worth the 2€ entry fee to visit. To the left of the main entrance to the Alcazabar fortress, the remains of a Roman Theatre can be found. Having remained buried until the early fifties, the theatre is still undergoing restoration and can be visited free of charge. At night the site is illuminated.
Further uphill from the Alcazabar fort is the Gibralfo castle, built between the 8th-14th Century to protect the palace below. The ruins are in surprisingly good condition. You can visit the well, old bakery and gardens within it’s walls, as well as enjoy spectacular views of the Malaga region. Open between 9:30am- 8pm during the summer, free entry on Sunday afternoons, or 2€ at other times. You can purchase a combined ticket for the castle and fortress for 3€.
Marbella, Costa Del Sol
Just 30 mins drive from the airport at Malagá, Marbella has earned a reputation of being the most cosmopolitan town on the Costa Del Sol. It’s home to an array of luxurious resorts and properties, mostly owned by the worlds richest and most famous.
It’s one of the most popular places for foreign investment, thanks to its beautiful location, between the foothills of the Sierra Blanca mountains and the sparkling Mediterranean sea, however there are plenty of things to see and do for every kind of traveller, with or without millions to spend! The old part of town is well preserved and is worth some time to wander around, away from the glamour of the beachfront areas. Like a lot of smaller towns in Spain, it’s a labyrinth of small cobble stoned streets, alleyways and whitewashed facades, dotted with local craft and boutique shopping and local art galleries.
The best place to start a tour of the old town is in the Plaza de los naranjos, located in the centre of the old town and named after the orange trees lining it’s walls. Highlights of the plaza are a 15th century fountain, gardens, the Old Town Hall and Governor’s House, as well as plenty of good restaurants, art galleries and shops. Other features of the old town include the Moorish Castle and city walls, built during the 11th century to fortify the town against invasion. Near the walls is the Church de la Incarnacíon. Construction began in 1618 but wasn’t finished until 1756, when Salvador Gavez completed the stunning main facade. Concerts and organ recitals are sometimes held inside during the summer.
In the way of museums, many visitors enjoy the charming Bonsai Museum, which is home to more than 300 different trees, some more than 500 years old. There are more than 40 species on display, including some local pines and other trees native to the area. The museum is built around a picturesque turtle lake and gardens. It’s a pleasant place to spend an afternoon, for a modest 2€ entry fee.
Another excellent museum is the Museo del Grabado Español, or Museum of Spanish Engravings. It was once the residence of Don Alonso, an early mayor of Marbella. He donated the house in his will to serve as a hospital for all citizens of the city, including the poor. Today the building serves as a museum, and includes engravings by Picasso and Miro, donated by a local art collector.
The city is also famous for it’s beautiful parks and gardens, including the popular La Almeda, full of tropical plants and gardens with marble and tiled accents. In the centre of the park is a decorative fountain. You can hire a horse drawn carriage from the park to tour around the city.
Torremolines, Costa Del Sol
Just 7 kms from the airport at Malagá, the town of Torremolines was originally a tiny fishing village, but among the first to be redeveloped as a tourist resort on the Costa Del Sol in the early fifties and sixties. It’s not the ideal location for those interested in discovering “the real” Spain, but it is the place to go if you are looking for a sunny place to enjoy your beach holiday, whilst still being only a short distance away from the Costa Del Sol’s cultural centres like Malagá and Marbella. With 9kms of wide sandy beaches, it’s not hard to see why water sports are among the top attractions of Torremolines. From para-sailing, jet boating, sea kayaking and wind surfing, you can rent it or do it all in Torremolines. If you feel like taking some time out from extreme water sports, you can visit one of the many chiringuitos (beach huts) selling light snacks and refreshments right on the beach.
The Paseo Maritimo beach promenade or Calle San Miguel is where you’ll find most of the action in the way of shops, bars and restaurants. There you’ll also find some of the regions best seafood restaurants located on the way to La Carihuela from Torremolines. Most people venture this way to escape the crowds and take a look at some of the original fisherman’s cottages still here.
For family fun, Torremolines hosts a wide range of theme parks to keep the young and the young at heart happy. The best of these is Aqualand, the summer fun theme park with water slides, spas, lagoons, rapids and a giant wave pool. At 19.50€ for Adults and 14€ for children up to the age of 12, it’s not a cheap day out, but one guaranteed to keep the kids happy and wear them out a bit so you can enjoy some peace and quiet on the beach! Other theme parks attractions close by are: the sharks and rays at Sea Life at the Marina; one of the largest and oldest theme parks in the world: Tivoli World with roller-coasters and other family friendly rides; and the 300 plus crocodiles at the Crocodile Park.
Torremolines is home to arguably the biggest nightlife scene in the area. Start your evening with some tapas or a seafood dinner along the Paseo Maritimo, then head towards Avenida Palma de Mallorca where bars and clubs will be buzzing well on into the night. The Palladium disco and Fun Beach bar both have several dance floors as well as a swimming pool! Bar Central is good for cocktails and snacks and the best gay bars in town include Abaida, Contactos and Tension.
