Costa del Sol - Spain

Costa del Sol or the Sunny Coast as it would be translated into English. The name says a lot about the place. It is the southernmost area in Europe, and Costa del Sol is the only place in Europe which has a subtropical climate. Here you can see parrots in the trees and turtles in the rivers.

The resort towns are lined up on the Costa del Sol. The most famous towns are Malaga, Marbella, Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola.

History of Costa del Sol and Andalucia

Costa del Sol and the rest of Andalucia is full of history. Here you can wander around in ancient castles and Arab palaces, where you can imagine how the kings and sultans have been relaxing in the luxurious surroundings. Spain has through time been occupied by, among others, the Romans and the Moors. The Arab occupation lasted for more than 700 years and has left its distinct mark on Andalucia. The Spanish architecture, food, music, names of places and many words and expressions are influenced by Arabic culture. After Spain became Christian again in the late 1400-century southern Spain was severely ravaged by Arab pirates from Northern Africa for over 200 years. The pirates plundered and took slaves that were sold at slave markets in Northern Africa. There are still guard towers along the Costa del Sol, which was used to scout for pirates in ancient times. The Norwegian Seamen's Church in Calahonda is built in one of Calahondas oldest farms and has loopholes in the walls of the church. This was a vital necessity only a few hundred years ago in the event of a pirate attack.

Attractions on Costa Del Sol

Costa del Sol has a lot of fun and exciting activties to offer like scuba diving golf, skiing in Sierra Nevada, fishing, dance, amusement parks, nature reserves, hiking and so on.

Mijas Pueblo is a white mountain village with fantastic views over Costa del Sol. You can get there by car or by bus from Fuengirola. Most businesses in Mijas Pueblo are related to tourism, and the village is filled with restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops where you can buy traditional hand crafted ceramics and leather products.
Gibraltar is located on the western area of Costa del Sol, and is a site that must be seen and experienced while you are on the Costa del Sol.
Ronda can reached by bus or car from Marbella. A deep canyon runs through Ronda and divides the village in two. It is said that the oppositors of the Franco regime during the dictatorship where thrown down the canyon.
Malaga Alcazaba - the old arab palace that lies on a hill above Malaga. The atmosphere in these ruins will bring you back to the middle ages.
The Picasso museum. Malaga is the birth city of Pablo Picasso and the Picasso Museum hosts many of his original works.

There are also plenty of great destinations just a few hours from the Costa del Sol like Tarifa, Sevilla and of course Granada.

Things to do on Costa Del Sol

Fotball match in Malaga. Malaga plays in la Liga. Thus you have the opportunity to see Real Madrid or Barcelona play live against Malaga.
Puerto Banus is the harbour in Marbella. Here you can stroll along the waterside and let yourself get impressed by all the luxury cars and yachts.
The Crocodile Park in Torremolinos, where you among other things can hold a baby crocodile and experience a fearless guide that jumps into the crocodile enclosures with only a stick to defend himself.
Tivoli in Benalmadena. The Horror house with live actors is strongly recommended.
Selwo Marina in Benalmadena is a suitable one-day excursion for families. Here you can swim with dolphins and experience different kinds of shows with animals.
The Bird Park in Benalmadena can be reached by the cable car that starts in front of the tivoli. Here you can see a spectacular eagle show and the view over Costa del Sol is absolutely breathtaking.
Fuengirola Zoo was awarded as the best Zoo in Europe in 2004.
Selwo Aventura in Estepona is a safari park with proper safari jeeps and plenty of wild animals.

Shopping in Costa Del Sol

Las Cañadas, Marbella is located just outside of Marbella
Calle Larios, is the shopping street in Malaga
El Corte Inglés, Malaga is located next to the train station in Malaga centre
El Corte Ingles, Mijas Costa/Fuengirola is located next to the highway
Plaza Mayor is next to the airport and is the largest shopping are in Costa del Sol. Here you'll also find IKEA

Street Markets. Every day there is a street market somewhere in one of the cities or towns of the Costa del Sol. The largest street market in Costa del Sol is held on Tuesdays on the fairground in Fuengirola. Here is a complete list of all markets in Costa del sol.

Costa del Sol - Spain

History of Costa del Sol and Andalucia

Attractions on Costa Del Sol

Things to do on Costa Del Sol

Shopping in Costa Del Sol

Things to do in Malaga

Fuengirola, Costa del Sol

Marbella