Travel guide – Costa Del Sol
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Overview
The densely populated coast of Andalusia, stretching from Almeria to Tarifa, is Europe’s all-year-round favoured holiday destination, known as the Costa del Sol. It consists of a string of fine sandy beaches, where the average water temperature is 64ºF (18ºC), and picturesque towns have abundant tourist amenities, resorts and high-rise hotels. Attractions include zoos, bullfights, water parks, casinos and amusement parks, like the renowned Parque de Attractions Tivoli. The most popular resort town on the Costa del Sol is Torremolinos, which retains some elements of traditional Spain, although most main streets are now pedestrianised-thoroughfares filled with souvenir shops and ice-cream parlours.
Climate
The summer sunshine and mild winter climate along the coast make the Costa del Sol a year-round attraction. Inland temperatures have greater extremes, with scorching summers and cold winters, where nights can become close to freezing in Granada.
Health
There are no health risks associated with travel to Spain, and no vaccination certificates are required for entry. Spain has a reciprocal health agreement with most EU countries, including the UK, providing free emergency health care at State run hospitals. UK travellers should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Note that private clinics are not covered, and the scheme gives no entitlement to medical repatriation costs, nor does it cover ongoing illnesses of a non-urgent nature, so comprehensive travel insurance is advised.
The basics
Getting Around
The airport is situated between Malaga, the main city on the Costa del Sol, and the large resort of Torremolinos, on the national road N340 that connects all towns and resorts along the coast. Bus services link the coastal towns as well as the inland towns of Ronda and Granada to each other, and there is an electric train between Malaga and Fuengirola along the coast. A train also connects Ronda to Malaga.
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