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.
The lively city of Malaga, on the coast about 80 miles (129km) southeast of Seville, is the gateway to Spain’s popular Costa del Sol holiday resort region. The city was also the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, and features several galleries displaying his work. Most notable is the 16th-century Museum of Fine Arts, alongside the Cathedral. Picasso’s birthplace in Plaza Merced is open to the public and showcases his life and works. Like most Andalusian cities Malaga has Moorish roots, and its illustrious past has left an imprint on the historic centre, particularly around the fortress of La Alcazaba, dating from 1065, which is now an archaeological museum. The Moorish castle nearby is now a state hotel. The city’s famous botanical garden sited on the Calle Alameda, dates from the days when Malaga was a popular winter resort for the rich and famous, and is also worth a visit.
Things to do and see in or around Malaga
Granada
Granada, a high altitude city of romance and folklore, boasts one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spain, the Alhambra palace-fortress. Built by the Nasrid rulers in the 14th century the Alhambra is the most important and spectacular piece of Moorish architecture in Spain. The huge complex, set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, includes the summer palace with its fountains and gardens; the Palacios Nazaries with its intricate ornamentation; and a hilltop fortress. The city also boasts a Cathedral containing a Royal Chapel in which Isabel and Ferdinand of Spain lie buried, and a Moorish medina area, known as the Albaicin, with its labyrinth of narrow streets and whitewashed houses. North of Granada is Sacromonte hill, famed for its cave dwellings which were once the home of a large gypsy community.
Situated 25 miles (40km) southwest of Malaga, the few miles of coast between Marbella and Puerto Banus, is Spain's answer to Monte Carlo. Spain's elite, and Britain's more successful felons, have flashy houses on the surrounding hills, and swanky yachts in the marina. Marbella is the Costa del Sol's quality resort - the restaurants and bars are more stylish (and expensive) and the town has been spared the worst excesses of concrete development that have blighted neighbours such as Torremolinos. The old town is hidden away and retains some of its medieval charm and has some good clothes shops and restaurants. The more exclusive Puerto Banus, six miles (10km) to the west, is where you will find the casino and the seriously large yachts. Those visitors who drive just a few miles inland to the villages in the hills around Ronda will discover a Spain completely untouched by tourism, with village markets and tapas bars to be explored.
Things to do and see in or around Marbella
Ronda
Situated on a towering plateau in the mountains thirty miles (48km) inland from Marbella stands Ronda, one of the loveliest and most historic towns in the region. Ronda is a popular day-trip for holidaymakers on the Costa del Sol wanting to escape the beach and soak up some culture in one of the many cafés and restaurants. It is famous for the plunging river gorge that divides the medieval from the 18th-century parts of the town. Known as El Tajo, the gorge is spanned by a stone bridge, Puente Nuevo, which once housed a prison and now acts as a dramatic viewpoint for visitors. There is a spectacular walkway, El Parador, along the river gorge, which offers superb views of the surrounding countryside. Ronda is also well known for its bullring - the oldest and largest in Spain. When there are no fights, the bullring is open to visitors, and has a fascinating museum.
Southern Spain’s answer to Benidorm, Torremolinos is a vast purpose-built resort situated 10 miles (16km) west of Malaga, on the road to Marbella. Holidaymakers looking for a cultural experience will be disappointed, as Torremolinos, particularly in high season, is noisy and fast-paced 24 hours a day. With six miles (10km) of wide, sandy beaches, lots of watersports, masses of bars and restaurants and an exhausting nightlife, the resort attracts tourists of all ages from all over Europe. There is a large gay scene, but the resort is equally popular with families and the inevitable 18 to 30 crowd.
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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