Costa del Sol, or Coast of the Sun, is the Mediterranean coast in Southern Spain, in the province of Andalusia. The most big city on the coast is considered Malaga, the city has international Airport and accepts direct flights from many countries, including Russia. On the Costa del Sol, resorts are relatively unpopular among Russian tourists, and only in recent years the Russian tourism market has begun to develop this direction. On the Costa del Sol, unlike the Catalan resorts, mainly foreigners vacation, so Russian speech is heard here much less often.
Even in the recent past, resorts on the Costa del Sol were considered elite, where wealthy Spaniards and other Europeans mainly vacationed, but in recent years the place has largely become much more democratic, and now, if desired, you can find accommodation at a resort in any price category, and even the once elite Marbella is gradually turning into a resort quite suitable for middle class holidaymakers.
Tourists are attracted to the Costa del Sol, first of all, by the well-groomed resorts and high level service. In addition, a holiday on the coast in this area of Spain is also an opportunity to combine beach holiday with a guided tour – nearby are the majestic city of Granada with its centuries-old history, the cozy town of Ronda, located on a cliff, as well as beautiful mountains Sierra Nevada.
The climate of the Costa del Sol is very favorable all year round. Winter, for example, is a great time for numerous walks and sightseeing. The swimming season lasts on the Costa del Sol from June to September, but you should be prepared for the fact that the sea temperature here is on average cooler than in the Catalan resorts, this is due to the undercurrent that periodically cools the coastal waters.
If you decide to change your usual direction and go exploring other shores of Spain, then best place to get to know the “other Spain” other than Catalonia, you simply cannot find one. And about what you can see and do in resort towns Read more about Costa del Sol.
Malaga: attractions and top places
Malaga is considered a major port city on the Costa del Sol; people often moor here cruise ships, and therefore at times the city becomes quite crowded due to the numerous tourists who prefer cruise vacations, but this is a temporary phenomenon. Malaga is also the main air gate coast, since there is an international airport that receives regular and charter flights. Most often, tourists who prefer a beach holiday leave Malaga upon arrival in different directions, fortunately the infrastructure, incl. Transport here is well developed, and you can easily get to any resort town on the coast.
But in Malaga itself there is something to see. The most recognizable symbol of the city, preserved in its original form, is Cathedral Malaga, located on a hill in the old part of the city. A visit to the cathedral is considered an absolute must-see of the city due to the magnificent appearance of the cathedral, made in a mixture of Baroque, Gothic and Neoclassical styles. Moreover, lovers cultural life can visit, for example, the Pablo Picasso Museum, because this is his hometown; the museum itself displays a huge number of his works. For entertainment you can also visit permanent exhibition vintage cars or the La Rosaleda stadium, where the largest sporting events in Spain take place.
Romtomtom/flickr
Marbella: attractions and top places
Marbella is perhaps the most famous resort coast of the Costa del Sol, which gained its fame back in the 50s. 20th century. The resort has long been a haven for wealthy Europeans - Spaniards, Germans, and British. Since then, the resort has inherited a fashionable marina, where elite ships and yachts of millionaires are still moored. But since then, the resort has undergone significant changes, becoming more democratic and welcoming to all categories of vacationers.
Marbella has both historical attractions and relatively new ones designed to increase the number of vacationers. The old part of the city is typical snow-white streets decorated with orange trees, it’s not without reason that main square The cities were named after this fruit - Orange Square. The Arab fortress wall and the ancient church of Iglesia de la Encarnacion are also partially preserved here. Curious tourists can also visit the Bonsai Museum and or the Engraving Museum, or even better, take a walk along the Avenida del Mar, decorated with sculptures by the maestro Salvador Dali himself. For tourists who prefer modern entertainment, there is a water park and a crocodile reserve. And, of course, you should definitely take a walk along the amazingly beautiful, one might say chic, seaside promenade, with views of the sea and snow-white yachts.
Harvey Barrison/flickr
Torremolinos: attractions and top places
Torremolinos is a typical seaside resort with developed infrastructure, excellent service and a lot of purely tourist entertainment. The town is great for a beach holiday. The town itself is located on a hill, so if your hotel is not on the first line, then you will have to go downhill to the coast and uphill. All the beaches of the resort, which are 6 km of sand, are municipal, which means that you do not need to pay for entry to the beach, however Additional services(sunbeds, umbrellas, etc.) may be paid.
If you come to Torremolinos for all kinds of entertainment, then it is better to look for them in the Bajondillo area, on the streets of San Miguel and Palma de Mallorca. There are numerous discos, tapas bars, fish restaurants, wine cellars, as well as shops, cafes and pastry shops. This area of the city is considered the busiest and most dynamic. This is the favorite part of the city, according to most tourists who have visited Torremolinos. Another attraction of Torremolinos is the largest water park on the Costa del Sol with a large variety of slides, pools and other water activities.
For a change, while in Torremolinos you can also visit a crocodile farm or botanical garden, where you can escape the midday heat. For a more authentic atmosphere, head to La Carihuela, where many fishermen's restaurants are located among the snow-white streets and pedestrian promenade.
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Fuengirola: attractions and top places
Fuengirola is primarily famous for its wide and clean sandy beaches, some of the best on the Costa del Sol. The coastline of the town stretches for more than 8 km, and the most popular beaches The central beaches of Fuengirola, Los Boliches, Santa Amalia and Las Gaviotas are considered. All of them are well equipped and not only with sun loungers and umbrellas, but also with special play areas for children and adults, bars, restaurants, showers and changing cabins. On the beaches of Fuengirola, everything has been done so that tourists can not just passively relax on the shore, but also have the opportunity to do active species sports and entertainment.
The symbol of the city is the Moorish fortress, from where the seaside promenade begins, ending in Fuengirola Bay. It’s definitely worth walking along this route, stopping at tapas bars and fish restaurants along the way. For entertainment, you can also visit the local 24-hour Biopac Zoo. Why 24/7? And because the animals living here show their main activity at night, so even at night the entrance is open to tourists. The park is thematically divided into animals of Madagascar, Equatorial Africa and Southeast Asia.
It is also worth taking a walk around the city center, where Constitution Square is located, from which many narrow snow-white streets radiate away. It is worth getting lost for a while in at least one of them to feel the atmosphere of the city. And of course, where would we be without such entertainment as a water park and bullfighting? In the first case, it is worth visiting the local water amusement park "Aquatico Mijas", and in the second case, visiting the local bullring.
Houser Wolf/flickr
Benalmadena: attractions and top places
Beach holidays in Benalmadena are somewhat different from holidays in other resort towns on the coast. If in most settlements the beaches are spread out for many kilometers around, then in Benalmadena the beaches look like some kind of closed coves, cozy and hidden from the sea winds. The thing is that the Benalmadena beach line is cut in several places by rock formations, which form quiet coves. Many of Benalmadena's beaches are truly secluded, and many of the coves offer scuba diving.
Benalmadena is decorated with two castles - one in the Moorish style, the other in typical Catalan style. The castles are located in opposite parts of the resort - Bil-Bil Castle on the western end, and Colomares Castle on the eastern end. Benalmadena is also famous for its water and near-water activities. Judge for yourself, here are located entertainment center Tivoli Worlds, La Paloma Park, Selvo Marina dolphin and tropical bird show, Sea Life Aquarium and this is just a little that the local resort has to offer. It is not surprising that Benalmadena is chosen by couples with children; neither adults nor children will be bored here.
For a change, you can also take a ride on cable car, which leads to Mount Calamorro and offers wonderful views of the coast along the way. Fans of exotic entertainment can also take a sea excursion to the shores of three artificial islands in the Mediterranean Sea.
Nerja: attractions and top places
Nerja is one of many small coastal towns located east of Malaga. Having a pronounced resort orientation, Nerja has all the relevant tourist attributes: a developed hotel infrastructure, a high level of service, well-groomed sandy beaches equipped with everything necessary, and also several top attractions. Nerja, how resort town The Costa del Sol is known primarily for its two top attractions - the so-called “balcony of Europe” and karst caves.
The “Balcony of Europe” is an amazing natural observation deck of the Mediterranean Sea, which appeared in Nerja as a result of an earthquake. Today it is a landscaped area resembling a huge terrace with breathtaking views. Here is a statue of the Spanish king, and opposite observation deck City life is always in full swing - here is the central tourist promenade with numerous cafes, bars and restaurants. The height of the balcony is about 25 meters, it is located on a steep cliff, so it offers an extensive 360-degree panorama, most of which is the Mediterranean Sea. By the way, there are legends here that in very good, clear weather, from the balcony of Europe you can even see the coast of Africa, located not so far from the southern part of Spain.
Another local attraction is the Nerja Cave, which is called the natural cathedral of the Costa del Sol, it is so vast. Today, the Nerja Cave is recognized as a national historical and artistic monument. The cave consists of the Lower, Upper and New galleries. There are organized guided tours at the bottom. Inside there are extensive formations of stalagmites and stalactites. The cave even has a Cascade Hall, where musical concerts are periodically held.
Romtomtom/flickr
The distances between towns on the Costa del Sol are relatively short, so when staying in one town you can easily explore nearby ones. Move between settlements It is possible both by train and by bus. A holiday on the Costa del Sol is a great opportunity to combine a quality beach holiday with exploring the many attractions in the vicinity of the resort.
All the tools and ways to find cheap flights from Moscow to Malaga with and without transfers;
A selection of hotels in different resorts on the Costa del Sol: Malaga, Marbella, Nerja, Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola.
What is remarkable about other resorts in Spain - from Catalonia to Andalusia, from the Balearics to the Canaries.
Practical and eventful travels to you!
Vacations in European countries are becoming increasingly popular. Colorful and sophisticated Spain remains one of the most attractive countries for tourists. Today we will get acquainted with the southern part of the country - Costa del Sol.
General information
In the very south of the country is the picturesque and sunny Costa del Sol - a region of the autonomous community of Andalusia, which also includes the settlements of Malaga, located on coastline.
The coast stretches for as much as 300 km. Sandy beaches, slightly diluted with rocks, which sometimes approach the very edge of the Mediterranean Sea, are distinguished by picturesque views and a pleasant atmosphere. All conditions for good and comfortable rest. People with any income will be able to find a suitable option.
A distinctive feature of the region is its high average annual temperature of +19 degrees Celsius. But it is worth noting that the coastal waters are crossed by the cold Atlantic Current, which is why the water temperature is approximately 20 degrees above zero. And only at the height of summer, in July, can it warm up to 23.
Nevertheless, the weather on the coast is quite warm and stable, with 320 sunny days a year. Here's a longer one swimming season than anywhere else in the country.
Capital of the coast
Malaga is a city and municipal center located in Andalusia. The city has an amazing microclimate, which exists thanks to the rocks surrounding it. There are so many sunny days here that it seems like it never rains.
If you do not tolerate heat well, then it is worth remembering that in summer the average air temperature here is +30, and the maximum can be above 40. In autumn and spring, the climate becomes milder and more pleasant. In the evenings, when it becomes easier to breathe and you can take a break from the beaches, it is worth visiting the historical part of the city. Unfortunately, now it is not too big, and one day is enough to see all the sights.
Tourists will be lucky enough to see one of the oldest theaters, the history of which dates back to the 1st century AD. e., and an amazing example of Arab architecture - the Alcazaba Palace, built in the 9th century. Walking through the labyrinth of narrow courtyards, you can see strange plants, amazing flowers and many fountains.
There is everything here to get acquainted with the culture of the country and find out what Spain is like. The Costa del Sol offers a great opportunity to relax and learn a lot of new things.
Torremolinos
In the early sixties there was a real tourism boom. And Torremolinos was the first to host massive flows of people due to its close location to But even today, various tours (Costa del Sol, Spain) offer holidays in this beautiful city. Cozy hotels from three to four stars, located on the first line, are always ready to host guests. The proximity of the airport is not at all noticeable to residents - no noise, because all planes land on the other side.
If you look at the coast of Torremolinos from the sea, you can visually divide it into 2 parts: eastern and western. There is a rock between them.
If you prefer busy beaches and a light bustle, then Bajondillo is for you, otherwise you will need nearby Playamar. It is quite calm here and not too crowded even at the peak of the season. It is worth noting that this place is perfect for families with children and people who do not have swimming skills. The entrance to the water is quite gentle and long.
Whatever option you choose, know: all beaches are city, so you don’t need to pay to visit them.
Benalmadena
The next city after Torremolinos is located quite close - so much so that it can be difficult to accurately determine the border. Benalmadena looks like a huge balcony hanging over Mediterranean Sea. This and beach resort, and mountain.
The city center is presented in the original Andalusian style - white stone houses, narrow crooked streets. Everything here is in order, always clean and comfortable.
Many famous people choose to holiday in the Costa del Sol). You may notice that some residents and guests of the city prefer to travel by watercraft. A variety of options are parked at the front doors of their houses: boats, yachts, scooters.
If you are looking for luxury real estate in Spain (Costa del Sol), then this is the right option. Amazing and fashionable apartments are located on artificially created islands. A three-room apartment in this area costs at least one million euros.
Fuengirola
This city is one of best resorts, which are offered by Spain (Costa del Sol). Fuengirola is located 35 kilometers from Malaga.
The city is not only a resort area, but also a port for fishing boats. It was founded by the Phoenicians, but to this day it is actively working, supplying seafood products to the entire coastal zone.
Experienced tourists advise visiting the city center and enjoying the beautiful views and flavor of the country. Children will definitely enjoy a trip to the zoo, where various representatives of the living and plant world are collected.
The city is an ideal place for a family holiday, which is confirmed by reviews from tourists. The infrastructure is created in such a way that time flows slowly here. Those who like to shop will appreciate modern supermarkets and large shopping centers, Court Ingles and Miramar, known throughout the country.
Mijas
The city was once a small fishing settlement. But together with the rest of its neighbors, it began to actively develop in the post-war period. The picturesque spaces attracted not only ordinary tourists, but also real creative personalities. Inspired by the calm atmosphere and pleasant way of life, famous artist Salvador Dali created several paintings here. You can get a bird's eye view of the coast by visiting one of the observation platforms.
Among other things, the city is visited for pilgrimage purposes. In an ancient chapel carved into the rock, parishioners can pray to the holy face of the Virgin Mary.
A holiday in the Costa del Sol (Spain) can be unusual and attractive for tourists (their reviews indicate this). For example, in Mijas, in order not to sweat in stuffy cars, you can use an exotic form of transport - donkeys. All animals are specially trained and have a neat appearance.
If you love art, then be sure to check out the Museum of Miniatures. For those who prefer a real spectacle, go to bullfighting.
Marbella
Spain opens many beautiful and expensive resorts to tourists. Costa del Sol, Marbella is a truly fashionable, sophisticated and fashionable place. The city extends 28 km along the coastline. The beautiful beaches are surrounded by a picturesque marble promenade lined with palm trees and the towering Sierra Blanca.
The beaches of this city are considered one of the best, and you can spend your holiday here cozy and comfortable. Of no small importance in creating such popularity is Mount La Concha, which, like a huge fence, encloses the city limits and creates a microclimate. The weather here changes very smoothly and gently. In summer the temperature does not exceed 27 degrees, and in winter the thermometer rarely drops below +15.
Guests and residents of Marbella have the opportunity to choose between paid and city beaches. The largest sports port on the entire Mediterranean coast is located here - Puerto Banus.
Nerja
Resorts on the Costa del Sol (Spain) provide a choice for people with different incomes. If you are interested a budget option, then Nerja would be an excellent choice. Despite its low economic status, the city is distinguished friendly residents, beautiful nature and architecture. This place is chosen for privacy and relaxation in the calm atmosphere of cozy beaches and lagoons.
A distinctive feature of the city can be considered the rocky terrain, which creates incredible picturesque pictures.
The most important attraction of the city is the caves. One of them contains a stalactite listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Its height is more than forty meters and its width is more than fifteen.
Another feature of the caves is their unique acoustic data. Thanks to this, an International Music Festival is held here every year, which can be visited in July and August.
Estepona
Despite the huge influx of tourists and constant development, the Costa del Sol (Spain) has preserved one amazing corner, filled with rustic charm and special flavor.
In addition to its beautiful beaches, the city can surprise you with its incredibly picturesque Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja National Park and Reserve. It is here that the only fir forest in the entire country is located.
The climate in the city is no different from its neighboring resorts: mild, subtropical with little precipitation.
Most interesting for tourists East End cities. There is an excellent infrastructure with a variety of hotels, some of which boast a five-star level.
Manilva and Torrox
The Costa del Sol offers us two more wonderful cities. A well-developed tourist base, many hotels, chic restaurants and cozy cafe-bars. There are also places for walking and sightseeing: churches, ancient castles. There are places for secluded relaxation and bustling city beaches.
A visit to each of the cities described above will give you a lot of unforgettable impressions and help you enjoy your vacation. Comfortable hotels, amazing culture, incredible - Spain (Costa del Sol) offers it all. Reviews from tourists about these places are filled with pleasant impressions of a successful holiday.
The southernmost coast of Spain received a simple, but at the same time accurate name: Sunny Beach, Costa del Sol. Small houses, as if whitewashed by the sun, mountains in a haze trembling from the heat, a fragrant mixture of aromas of pine needles and oranges - this is the shore of the sun, sung by one of the best sons of Andalusia, the poet Federico García Lorca. Celebrities prefer to relax in these parts; holidays with children in the Costa del Sol are no less good. All useful information O family vacation in Sunny Beach you will find in our review.
Costa del Sol on the map of Spain
Costa del Sol is the coast of the province of Malaga in the autonomous community of Andalusia. It is located in the south of Spain and is washed by the waters of the Alboran Sea (this is the westernmost part of the Mediterranean Sea).
Sunny Beach stretches from Gibraltar in the west to Nerja in the east. The region's main resorts are located west of administrative center province, city of Malaga. The distance from Malaga to Torremolinos is 18 km, to Benalmadena - 20 km, to Fuengirola - 33 km, to Marbella - 70 km, to Estepona 92 km.
Where the Costa del Sol is located, it is warm all year round, and many tourists come here in winter for excursions around ancient cities. But Sunny Beach receives the most guests in the summer, when you can sunbathe and swim.
Vacation with children
Traveling to the Costa del Sol is a kind of pursuit of a dream. Hot summers, luxurious beaches, fashionable hotels and crowds of celebrities walking along the shore or enthusiastically playing golf - this is what Sunny Beach looks like in advertising brochures.
The most interesting thing is that all this is true. There are a lot of celebrities here, and the hotels are expensive, and the beaches are wonderful. But this does not prevent the Costa del Sol from remaining a place where you can relax with your child in a serene, happy environment.
You just need to take into account that During peak season, the coastline of Malaga province is flooded with tourists, and there are not many quiet corners left. For relaxation with infant at this time it is better to find a small resort without much entertainment, but without crowds on the beaches.
Holidays in the Costa del Sol can be both lazy and eventful. You can simply enjoy the comfort of a five-star hotel or on the beach, or you can travel all over Andalusia to see Moorish palaces, bullfights and flamenco.
Little children won't be bored on Sunny Beach either. The Costa del Sol has a lot of interesting things for children: water parks, animal parks, play centers. Many resorts have good museums, but most of them are concentrated in Malaga.
Only a cold sea can ruin a holiday in the Costa del Sol with children. It doesn’t change from year to year: sometimes the water warms up well, but sometimes the sea remains cold all summer.
When is the best time to go?
The weather on the Andalusian coast is a gift for those who can’t wait to sunbathe on the beach in May and who are not ready to say goodbye to summer in September. Beach season in the Costa del Sol lasts from the beginning of May to the end of October, and at this time there is no room for clouds or rain: the sun is hot in full force.
And at the same time, the choice of when is the best time to go to the Costa del Sol is not so simple. On the one hand, it is undesirable to vacation on this hot coast with a child in July-August, when the air temperature goes through the roof.
On the other hand, only in July does the water in the sea become relatively warm, and therefore it is unprofitable to come here at the beginning of summer. You can get around this weather inconsistency. Firstly, in May-June, that is, at the opening of the season in the Costa del Sol, water parks begin to operate. Secondly, many hotels have swimming pools.
The ideal balance between water and air temperatures is established in September. The heat is subsiding, but the sea remains quite warm.
For excursions to Seville and Granada, it is also better to choose spring, early summer or autumn. This is due to the fact that it is always hotter away from the coast: for example, when on the coast the temperature is +30°C, in Seville the air can heat up to +40°C.
The fact that the resorts of the Costa del Sol are good for relaxation not only in the hottest months is also evidenced by the calendar of events. On the first day of May, the city of Mijas organizes the Sardinada festival, dedicated to the opening of the sardine season.
On June 23, bonfires are lit along the entire coast and festivities are held - this is how St. John's Day is celebrated. And in October, carnival processions take place throughout Andalusia as part of the Feria del Rosario. It is celebrated especially magnificently in Fuengirola.
Weather and climate
No matter what time of year you look at meteorological sites, the weather forecast in the Costa del Sol is hung with “clear” icons like oranges.
The climate of the Costa del Sol is generous with sun and warmth. Here the sun shines 300 days a year, with rare gloomy days falling in winter. It rains only in late autumn, winter and early spring, and in summer precipitation is very rare.
Summer comes to Sunny Beach already in May. The daytime temperature at this time is +23°C, and your vacation in the Costa del Sol can be devoted to trips to Granada and Seville or excursions to the African coast of Spain. In addition to a Panama hat and sunglasses, put warm clothes in your suitcase, since the night temperature drops to +13-14°C.
Already in June, the pleasant warmth gives way to heat. At the beginning of summer, as long as the thermometer does not rise above +27°C, you can come to the Costa del Sol with your baby.
But July-August, when the temperature stays at +30-35°C for a long time, is least suitable for holidays with a child. And although the ardor of the African hot sun is cooled by the sea breeze, we recommend going to the beach in the morning, when thermometers show +25-27°C.
Conditions for best holiday in the Costa del Sol with children develops in the first half of autumn. The heat is subsiding, the air temperature drops to +28°C in September and to +25°C in October. Sometimes it may rain, but it does not bother tourists at all.
The time from November to March is the coldest.
This means that during the day the temperature rises to +15-18°C, and at night it drops to +6-7°C. The weather will take a warming course only in April: the nights will still be very cold, but the daytime temperature will rise to +20°C.
It should be noted that the climate of Marbella and Estepona is slightly different from the rest of the coast: it is a little cooler and there are fewer sunny days.
Sea water temperature
Although summers in the Costa del Sol are very hot, the sea here is never particularly warm. Close Atlantic Ocean brings cold currents, and even in summer the water temperature in the Costa del Sol does not rise above +24°C in the summer months.
Such warm water can only be found in August-September; the rest of the time the sea temperature does not exceed +20-21°C. Look how the sea warmed up from May to October (weather observations for three years were used):
- May - 17-20°C;
- June - 19-22°C;
- July - 20-23°C (the record was +26°C);
- August - 23-25°C;
- September - 21-24°C;
- October - 19-21°C.
Nutrition
Three meals a day at the hotel is uncharacteristic for Spain. Often hotels only offer breakfast, and in the Costa del Sol this can be convenient: cafes and restaurants at the resorts open no earlier than 9 am.
As for lunches and dinners, they can be turned not just into a meal, but into an introduction to Andalusian cuisine. This is where the famous soups gazpacho and salmorejo come from, this is where jamon is as revered as the dried tuna “mojama”, this is where sherry and malaga are produced.
Not all Andalusian dishes are suitable for children, but it is easy to find something for the children's table - for example, Malaga salad (ask not to add dried cod to it) or potato tortilla.
Andalusians eat dinner quite late. While lunch in restaurants is served at 13:00-15:00, dinner time begins only at 20:00-21:00.
If you are going to cook yourself, then you can buy all the products at markets or stores. Markets open early, and shops only open at 9 am.
Transport
Public transport in the Costa del Sol is less in demand than bicycles, taxis or rented cars. Most resorts are small towns that are more pleasant to walk around than to drive.
Use services public transport occurs only in Malaga and partly in Benalmadena and Torremolinos. Travel on a city bus costs about 1.30 euros, on the Malaga light rail - up to 1.50 euros, depending on the type of ticket. There is no discount on tickets for children.
Buses in the Costa del Sol follow a strict schedule. In Malaga they run every 10-15 minutes, in other cities - every 30-40 minutes.
But intercity transport Tourists actively enjoy the Costa del Sol. There is a bus service between all resorts on the coast. Useful routes are No. 110 (Malaga - Torremolinos - Benalmadena) and No. 120 (Torremolinos - Fuengirola). You can also use the train connecting Malaga, Benalmadena and Fuengirola.
To get around the Costa del Sol you can use a taxi. The cost of a trip within the city is about 10 euros. All taxis are equipped with meters. To find out if a car is available, look for the “Libre” sign behind the glass.
If you want to travel a lot during your vacation and not suffer from the heat on the road, it makes sense to rent a car. Car rental companies have offices at Malaga airport and at all resorts.
A nice feature of the Costa del Sol is free parking, including near the beaches. If the free parking lot is full, there are always spaces available in the paid parking lot.
All resort centers of Sunny Beach are connected to each other by regular bus routes. From any point on the coast it is easy to get to the heart of the province of Malaga by bus or train. The interval of commuter trains along the Costa del Sol does not exceed thirty minutes, and the fare will be approximately 3-6 euros, depending on the length of the route. We recommend that you read our article "".
Wherever you stay on the Costa del Sol, you'll have plenty of opportunities to admire Andalusia's picturesque coastline, green landscapes and rugged cliffs. If you wish, it is easy to visit nearby Cordoba and Seville, Almeria (a port city founded by the ancient Romans), Granada and Jerez.
The Sunny Beach resorts also offer excursion trips to Ronda, where the largest bullring is located, or Madrid, the capital of the country, and see or. Guests of the Costa del Sol will find the caves of Nerja and the small town of Frigiliana, located in the Almijara mountains at an altitude of about three hundred meters above sea level. If you wish, you can take a ride to Portugal or Morocco.
Ancient and colorful Tangier, founded by the Carthaginians two and a half thousand years ago, is located not far from the “Sunny Coast”, but on the opposite bank of the Strait of Gibraltar. It is easy to get to, but obtaining a visa can take up to a week. It is worth visiting here only if you come to the Costa del Sol for an extended period of time. The famous Caves of Hercules are located in Tangier, Morocco.
What to try
Malaga's most famous dish is Malaga-style gazpacho. This is a cold gazpacho soup with shrimp, one of the most colorful dishes.
You won’t be able to miss the next dish; it is very common in small cafes. This is the “Plateau de los Montes de Malaga”. It is a large plate with meat, potatoes, eggs and sausages. Very tasty, but very high in calories.
Tarta malaguena is a Malaga style cake. It is baked with the addition of almonds, sweet wine and apricot jam, and sprinkled with raisins on top.
Have a nice holiday in the Costa del Sol, and read our other interesting articles about Spain ( list of links below).
Costa del Sol, the "Sunny Coast", is located in the south of Spain. This is a real resort pearl of the country - here in Andalusia there are amazing beaches, the most luxurious villas, this is the birthplace of flamenco and bullfighting.
Tours to the Costa del Sol are bought by those who want to see a bullfight with their own eyes, taste ice-cold gazpacho like revenge and get a bronze tan on one of the magnificent beaches.
Climate and weather Costa del Sol
Costa del Sol is the warmest place on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. People start swimming here in mid-May. Warm water remains until October. The Andalusian mountains protect the beaches from the wind.
Resorts Costa del Sol
The most famous resorts coast of the Costa del Sol - Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Malaga and Marbella. Tourists also come to Estepona, Nerja and Fuengirola.
Malaga is the capital of the region. Pablo Picasso was born here - the city is very proud of it, spanish king he even gave his own residence, the Buenavista Palace, as a museum. Be sure to check out this museum and get acquainted with the work of the great artist. The uniqueness of this hike is that you can see much of what the artist painted in reality. The beaches in Malaga are crowded but clean. The city regularly hosts various festivals and celebrations - you can admire flamenco and even dance with the Spaniards.
Benalmadena - beautiful family resort. The beaches stretch for several kilometers. The main entertainment here is visiting theme park Selvo Marina, where there is a dolphinarium, an exotic bird show, and a cinema. Tivoli World and Sea Life Aquarium are also must-sees. Tired of sunbathing on the beach, you can take a cable car ride - it will take you to the top of Monte Calamorro. The view is simply breathtaking - some even manage to see Africa and Gibraltar.
Torremolinos is a party resort with many restaurants, bars, discos and themed hotels. It's worth taking a walk along San Miguel Street to feel the whole Spanish atmosphere of this place. The beaches in Torremolinos are wide, the most famous being Carihuela and Bajondillo.
Marbella - luxury resort with super luxury hotels. There are villas of many celebrities here, the bay is completely filled with yachts. The cozy resort of Fuengirola is perfect for families and youth in economy class. In addition to beautiful beaches, there is a water park, a biopark and many restaurants and bars.
Attractions of the Costa del Sol
Arriving on the Costa del Sol, you should definitely visit the city of Malaga. In addition to the indescribable atmosphere of the ancient Spanish city, you will get a lot of impressions from visiting the Pablo Picasso Museum and, if you are lucky with the season, bullfighting. Bullfighting in Andalusia is a long-standing tradition, so a huge arena was built in Malaga to host it - Plaza de Toros. Bullfighting begins in the spring and takes place on Sundays. It is better to book tickets in advance, otherwise you will end up in the most distant places, where you won’t be able to see anything without binoculars. If bloody action doesn’t appeal to you, you can simply look into the bullfighting museum, which is located here, or wander around the arena (entrance to the Plaza de Toros is free on weekdays).
Both children and adults will find it interesting to visit Montes de Malaga Park. On a vast territory, among streams, hills and valleys, live several thousand amazing creatures - birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles. Perhaps a chameleon, of which there are especially many here, would like to meet you. On an excursion it is worth going to Seville, Granada, Cordoba or Madrid. Popular among tourists are visits to the caves of Nerja and the city of Frigiliana.
Cuisine of the Costa del Sol
Andalusian cuisine includes a lot of seafood and fresh vegetables. Of course, you should definitely try the cold gazpacho soup with peppers, cucumbers and croutons, and for the main course - grilled sardines. The fish are prepared using a unique technology - they are strung on a bamboo skewer and stuck into the sand around the coals.
“Sea cocktail”, “pescaito frito” is a great way to try everything at once. Baked oysters, lobsters and octopus in tomato-garlic seasoning will leave hearty memories of your holiday on the Costa del Sol.
Desserts in Andalusia are primarily almonds. The most famous delicacy is the almond pie, “tarta de almendros”. Desserts combine sweet and salty, honey, cottage cheese, raisins and almonds.
