Where is Costa del Sol located? Resort Costa del Sol, Andalusia. Attractions, best beaches, activities and recreation on the coast. Marbella: attractions and top places

Costa del Sol... At the mere mention of this name, my soul immediately becomes warm and sunny pictures of the Mediterranean coast, serene relaxation and eternal holiday emerge in my memory! And it’s no coincidence, because this is the southernmost, warmest region of the Spanish coast. The name Costa del Sol itself translates as Coast of the Sun, and it is for this feature that it is so loved by numerous tourists who come to enjoy sunny days, which are in abundance here, and the cleanest, many kilometers of beaches that this Spanish coast is so rich in.

The Costa del Sol resort area is located in one of the largest and southern autonomous communities of Spain - Andalusia. I especially like this region because here you can feel the “real” Spain - sultry, hot, passionate. The heart of Spain is hidden in Andalusia. The mixture of European culture and the Arab East turns this place into a real treasure trove for the curious tourist and makes it so attractive and alluring.

Costa del Sol is a resort area on the Mediterranean coast. It extends from Malaga west almost to Gibraltar and east to Almeria. , Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella, Nerja, Estepona - each city is interesting in its own way, you can choose any one and you won’t be mistaken, everywhere there is a southern flavor and everything is conducive to a pleasant holiday. The western part of the coast is more popular with tourists than the eastern part. In the recent past, these were simple fishing villages, which, thanks to their geographical location and excellent climate, have turned into modern and fashionable resorts. The Sun Coast, like a magnet, attracts crowds of travelers from different countries, including Russia.

When I’m on the Costa del Sol, I can’t help but feel like I’m on the edge of Europe, but that’s how it is: Africa is very close, across the road, or rather, across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Majestic cathedrals, wine and vineyards, sandy beaches, palm trees, bullfighting, the famous national flamenco dance, orange and olive trees, sun, mountains and sea - this is what the South is rich in and for which it is worth coming to the very edge of Spain, on the Costa del Salt.

How to get there

The resorts of the Costa del Sol from Russia can be reached by different means of transport. It all depends on how much time and money you want to spend on the trip. Train, car and plane are suitable for self-planned travel. Travel companies organize bus tours and sea cruises and these two modes of transport can also be used to get to the South of Spain. If you prefer to travel with a travel agency, there are options to suit different tastes and budgets.

By plane

The easiest, fastest and cheapest way to get to the Costa del Sol is by air.

No matter where you're flying from, you can compare flight options for your dates.

From Moscow

There are direct regular daily flights from Aeroflot airlines from Moscow to Malaga. There are two flights on Saturdays and Sundays, and additional flights are organized during the high season. Flight time is about 5.5 hours. The price of a round trip ticket is about 320 EUR (approximately 20,000 RUB).

From Saint-Petersburg

There are no direct regular flights from St. Petersburg to Malaga. In my opinion, the most convenient way to get from the northern capital is by transit through Moscow. The flight to Moscow lasts no more than 1.5 hours, the connection between flights is from 3 hours, the price of a round-trip ticket is approximately 350 EUR (about 23,000 RUB). Flights are operated by Aeroflot airline.

Through Europe

Malaga can be reached through almost any European capital, as well as in transit via Turkish Airlines.

Costa del Sol Airport

Planes fly to the main air harbor of the coast - Malaga Airport, named after the famous native of the city, Pablo Picasso. From the airport, getting to the tourist area is very easy. If you decide to stay in Malaga, the city is easily accessible from the airport in just 20 minutes.

By train

Another option for true travelers is to combine air travel and rail travel. You can take a direct flight from Moscow to Madrid or Barcelona, ​​and from there high-speed Ave trains (the name translates from Spanish as “bird”) run in the direction of Malaga. The journey will take 2.5–3 hours - the train rushes at a speed of about 350 km/h.

Trains arrive at the main railway station of the city, Estacion de Malaga Maria Zambrano. Information on ticket prices and schedules can be found on the website of the Spanish National Railway Company (Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Espanoles), where they can also be booked and purchased.

Getting from Russia to the Costa del Sol by train is quite problematic. There is no direct train connection from Moscow, so you will have to make transfers through France or Italy. The method is not very convenient: you will spend a lot of time on the road, but it is expensive compared to air tickets.

By bus

Getting to the Costa del Sol by bus is not the best idea: it will take a very long time to travel, unless these are special tours offered by agencies. As a rule, such routes cover several European capitals and are very often combined with air travel or rail travel.

By car

You can get to the resorts by car, but I don’t think this method will have many fans: it’s costly in both time and money. The journey will take about 44-45 hours from Moscow and the same from St. Petersburg, but this does not take into account traffic jams and overnight stays.

By ferry

The easiest way to get to the Costa del Sol by sea is to buy a special Mediterranean cruise from a travel agency. These cruises include visits to major European cities on the coast and day excursions in each city.

But this method is not very suitable for a complete holiday on the Costa del Sol.

Clue:

Costa del Sol - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 2

Kazan 2

Samara 3

Ekaterinburg 4

Novosibirsk 6

Vladivostok 9

When is the season? When is the best time to go

The Costa del Sol and the whole of Andalusia can easily be called an all-season tourist destination. The average annual temperature in cities on the coast is + 19 °C. The time of year to visit the Costa del Sol depends on what you plan to do during your trip.

If the purpose of your visit is to relax on the sea coast, then the best time to travel to the Costa del Sol is summer. The season starts from the end of May and lasts until the end of September. If you want to see as many sights as possible and visit different cities, spring and autumn are perfect. Winter is not the best choice for a trip: tourists come here for the sun and sea, and in winter the sky is often overcast and there is no way to swim in the sea. Prices, of course, are lower in the off-season than at the height of summer - this can also be an additional incentive to travel in winter. But, in my opinion, it is better to start your very first trip and acquaintance with the Costa del Sol in the warm season, when the bright sun is shining, in order to feel the southern flavor and enjoy all the pleasures that this fertile region offers.

Costa del Sol in summer

An interesting feature of Spain is that the calendar summer here begins not on the first of June, as in Russia, but on the 21st of June. But despite this, wonderful summer weather sets in here even before June 1st. It is worth keeping in mind that the end of July and August are the hottest times: the air warms up to +40 °C. So, most likely, you will only have the energy to visit the beach, but not to explore the sights.

Of course, on the Costa del Sol the heat is much easier to bear thanks to the sea breeze. But in the interior of the region, away from the coastline, the heat is simply unbearable. The famous city was even nicknamed the Spanish frying pan! Therefore, it is unlikely that you will want to explore the sights in such heat - only the beach and the sea will attract your attention.

If you like to swim in the warm sea, keep in mind one more feature of the Costa del Sol: although this is the hottest region of Spain, the sea, unfortunately, warms up no more than +24 °C - and only closer to August. This is due to the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean and underwater currents. There are the most tourists during this period, so you should take care of booking a hotel and purchasing air tickets in advance.

Costa del Sol in autumn

If you are more interested in sightseeing than a beach holiday, then the optimal time to visit is the off-season. In autumn it is not so hot, but comfortable, so excursion tours are especially popular at this time of year. But a beach holiday should not be discounted either. The sea in September becomes even warmer than in summer and warms up to 25°C. There are slightly fewer tourists on the coast than in the high season, although not significantly; autumn on the Costa del Sol is no less popular. To visit, it is better to choose the second half of September and the whole of October, but November will not be so sunny, rain is possible.

At the beginning of autumn, you can enjoy ripened berries and fruits, such as grapes.

Costa del Sol in spring

Spring is my favorite time of year to visit the Costa del Sol. It’s already warm, but not hot, the air temperature is about 20-23 °C. It’s too early to swim in the sea, especially in March and April, but you can sunbathe. An excellent time for excursions and walks around the city. In March, fruit trees begin to bloom, nature awakens after winter. It's worth coming in spring to see the orange trees blooming and, most importantly, to breathe in that sweet aroma!

Various festivals are also held in the spring. For example, La Semana Santa is Easter week, Feria de Abril is the April fair. A cheerful and festive atmosphere reigns in the cities, everyone dresses up in national costumes. Holidays are a great reason to come here in the spring!

Costa del Sol in winter

In winter, the weather on the Costa del Sol is quite comfortable, the air warms up to +15-19°C. Mountains protect the coast from severe cold. However, there is a possibility of frequent rains.

In addition, small resort towns will be quite boring without a beach holiday. Therefore, winter is not the best time to visit the Costa del Sol, especially the coastal area. Although you can come here for Christmas or New Year to take a little break from the Russian frosts. And if you manage to visit the Costa del Sol in February, you can see the carnivals that are held in different towns along the coast, including in the capital of the region - Malaga.

Clue:

Costa del Sol - weather by month

What are the prices for holidays?

Holidays on the southern coast of Spain and in particular on the Costa del Sol have always been considered much more expensive than, for example, in the more democratic Catalonia.

Housing prices

In the 90s, there were practically no three-star hotels on the coast; mainly four and five-star hotels were offered. Now the situation has changed: you can find a good hotel with two or three stars. The average price of accommodation starts from 40 EUR per night; in a good four-star hotel the price per room will be from 100-150 EUR. The larger the city, the greater the choice of different categories of hotels. You can stay in some well-known global hotel chain or choose a mini-hotel or boarding house.

Prices for food and drinks

• Breakfast - from 4 EUR.
• Lunch at the bar - from 10 to 20 EUR.
• Dinner - 30-40 EUR.
• In expensive restaurants you can pay about 60 EUR per person.
• A bottle of soda or beer will cost 1-1.5 EUR, a glass of wine - 2 EUR.

Entertainment

• Visiting museums and some cathedrals will cost up to 10 EUR. A little tip: before going to the museum, you should go to the website and check the schedule and ticket prices. Very often, many museums have free admission on weekends - this is a great opportunity to save money. As a rule, this information is available on websites.
• A ticket to a flamenco show in a special tablao, the price of which includes a drink, is quite expensive - from 50 EUR. But in fact, you shouldn’t waste money on flamenco: there will be a lot of impressions and just as much delight!

Transport prices

The price of a ticket depends on the distance of the trip, for example, from Malaga it takes twenty minutes to travel and the ticket will cost about 3 EUR. A bus from Malaga to Marbella takes an hour, the trip costs 8 EUR.

Main attractions. What to see

There are many attractions on the Costa del Sol; in almost every seaside town you can find something interesting besides the beach. Of course, the leader in interesting places is the provincial capital of Malaga, but I will give a list of five attractions that are not in the capital, but in other cities. These places are definitely worth seeing.

Top 5

The list of top attractions on the Costa del Sol includes:

Beaches. Which ones are better

I consider the beaches of the Costa del Sol to be some of the best beaches in Spain, maybe even the best. Wide, sandy, well equipped, marked with a blue flag, environmentally friendly. Each city on the coast has several first-class beaches.

Most beaches are marked with a blue flag. This means that the beach is clean and meets all sanitary standards. The eastern coast of the Costa del Sol is pebbly and rocky in places. The total length of the beaches is about 160 kilometers, the best sandy beaches are located to the west of Malaga.

Beaches of Torremolinos

The coast of Torremolinos consists of the following beaches:

• The central beach of La Carihuela is covered with dark sand and is well equipped.

• El Saltillo Beach is in the center of the tourist area, equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas.

• Playamar Beach - suitable for surfers and volleyball players.

• Montemar beach is quiet and calm, adjacent to the port of Benalmadena.

• Los Alamos is a wide and calm beach..

Beaches of Fuengirola

Fuengirola is not far behind Torremolinos and boasts some cool beaches, including:

• Los Boliches beach is very crowded and popular. There's an old-time seaside bar here.

• Carvajal Beach is located far from the city center. This is the calmest of the local beaches.

• Santa Amalia beach is marked with a blue flag and is adjacent to the landmark of Fuengirola - Sohail Castle.

• The beach is perfect for families with children.

• Fuengirola Beach is the central city beach.

Beaches of Malaga

There are about 15 beaches within Malaga. Of course, they are all better than the other! I'll tell you about some of them:

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

The most famous cathedral on the Costa del Sol is the Malaga Cathedral. A majestic building by the architect Diego de Siloe. The cathedral is unusual in that it has only one bell tower: the second one was not completed because there were not enough funds. People called him the “one-armed lady.” There is a museum of its history attached to the cathedral.
Also worthy of attention is the beautiful neo-Gothic Church of the Sacred Heart - Iglesia de Sagrado Corazon, built in the 20th century.

In Marbella, in the Old Town there is an interesting church, the Iglesia de Encarnacion.

The outside of the church is not very decorated, the walls are painted white, and only the beautiful main portal attracts attention. But inside the church there is a magnificent altar. Free admission.

Among the Catholic churches on the Costa del Sol you can find a completely unexpected religious building. A Buddhist stupa (temple) was erected near Benalmadena! It immediately catches your eye thanks to its tall golden spire. There is a Buddha statue inside the stupa. The walls are decorated with paintings done by artists from Nepal.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

There are actually a lot of museums in the Costa del Sol! I will give a list of the most interesting in my opinion.

Museums of Malaga

The place where museums are concentrated, of course, is.

And in Malaga there are flamenco museums, a museum of religious art, a city museum of fine arts and many others.

Marbella Museums

Marbella also has several interesting museums that are worth visiting.

Museums of Torremolinos

In Torremolinos it is worth visiting the Tattoo Museum, where you can see how tattoos are made, read books on the history of tattoo creation, and see photographs and sketches.

Neighboring regions

For those who are tired of beach holidays and the sea, there is an excellent opportunity to arrange a mini-trip deep into the region.

Food. What to try

On the Costa del Sol, as on any other popular international resort, there will be no problems with food. Every coastal town has a huge number of restaurants, bars, snack bars with different dishes on the menu, the usual pizza and pasta, various salads, and meat dishes.

For fans of fast food, there will also be no problems with food: on the coast, in almost every resort town you can find global chains of fast eateries.

But I think it would be a real crime not to try at least a few dishes from traditional Spanish cuisine. The most iconic and favorite place among the Spaniards are tapas bars. Tapas are light snacks served with a drink - beer or wine. It can be:

• small bouretbrodiki with jamon (Spanish ham);
• seafood - for example, squid, mussels;
• vegetable snacks;
• olives, skewered, etc.

You can try different types and even get your fill very well - you won’t need a full lunch anymore. I was lucky enough to attend the Feria de Tapas, or Tapas Fair, held in Malaga. The feria was held in a bullring. By the way, not a single bull was harmed then. You buy special tokens, and you can use them to try different types of beer and snacks, and you can vote for your favorite ones.

Read more about Spanish food in. Here I will list the most famous masterpieces of Spanish cuisine, characteristic of the South:

• Also a popular soup famous throughout Spain, you can also try it on the Costa del Sol - Sopa de Ajo. It is a clear garlic soup with bread.

Also on the coast you can taste different seafood and fish, thanks to the Mediterranean Sea:

• anchovies, sardines - they are eaten fresh here, most often fried, and not in the form of canned food;
• mussels;
• lobsters;
• sea ​​bream;
• One of the most popular types of fish here is bakalo, or cod.

Very tasty and expensive pastries are prepared by monks in Andalusian monasteries. I definitely recommend trying it, I really liked it!

Beverages

The south of Spain is a wine region, so tasting local wines is a must.

In Malaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol, they produce sweet wine Dulce, somewhat similar to port.

The famous sherry is produced on the limestone soils near the city. The wine is aged in barrels. Young and mature wine are mixed periodically.

In extreme heat, the best drink is sangria. This is a light red summer wine with the addition of oranges, apples, sugar, a little liqueur, and ice. All this is served in glass jugs with a long wooden spoon for stirring.

Coffee is a very popular hot drink on the coast. Spaniards don’t drink tea, but I, as a special lover of this drink, always bought it in supermarkets. To be honest, the choice is small. There is no such diversity as we have, but you will still be able to find something.

Where to buy food

Those who like to cook on their own while on vacation may find information about food supermarkets and markets useful.

My favorite is the supermarket at the famous El Corte Ingles department store. Each of them has a grocery store on the ground floor with a wide selection. For example, there are many types of jamon in vacuum packaging from different manufacturers, and the prices are very attractive: you can buy a package for 1 EUR. The store also has a large selection of olives, cheeses, vegetables and fruits.

You can also go to Mercadona for groceries. Or go to the Super Sol supermarket - the store is considered inexpensive and often has special offers for different categories of goods.

Don't forget an important detail: on Sundays all stores are closed, including grocery stores! Be prepared to buy anything you need in advance. Although there is a lifesaver in such situations - these are small shops owned by immigrants from China. You can buy everything there: from a toothbrush to a bottle of wine. And they work even on Sundays.

Vegetables and fruits need to be bought at markets. There is a wonderful indoor market called Atarasanas in Malaga. There is a very large selection here.

Holidays

Throughout the year, the Costa del Sol hosts many different festivals and fairs, during which you can get acquainted with the traditions of different cities in the province. Most of the holidays are related to history and traditional cuisine, so tourists have a great opportunity to learn about the folk culture of the Costa del Sol region. Here is a list of several holidays that are interesting in my opinion:

Safety. What to watch out for

In any place where a large number of people gather, you need to remain vigilant and be very attentive, as thieves and pickpockets are attracted to such an environment. In general, security is the same as in the rest of Spain. It is better to store valuables in safes. There is no need to carry your passport with you to the beach and leave your things unattended. Be sure to make a photocopy of your passport and visa before your trip, just in case: using copies will make it easier to restore documents in the event of force majeure.

Things to do

Sport

The Sun Coast offers its guests a variety of water sports, such as windsurfing, water skiing, diving and snorkeling. Among other sports, golf is popular on the Costa del Sol.

Sunny Beach can offer its active tourists about 30 equipped fields. Not every Mediterranean resort can boast such a developed golf infrastructure!

Mountains

In winter, the Soligneve ski resort in the Sierra Nevada mountains, 150 kilometers from Malaga and not far from Granada, is a success. By the way, it is considered the southernmost ski resort in Europe.

Costa del Sol is the Andalusian coast, stretching from Malaga to the mysterious Gibraltar. Many stars and high-ranking persons have chosen this “sunny beach” (translated from Spanish) for their summer residences.

Photo: Map of the Costa del Sol

The climate of the coast is very gentle - in winter the average daily temperature is +16°C, and in the summer months it reaches +29°C. The water warms up to its maximum in August – up to 23°C. The Gibraltar Current is doing its job - the coastal water is quite cool. If you want to swim, then you need to choose August. But there are many places for surfers.

You can see the coast by watching this author's video:

The Costa del Sol has luxurious beaches, vibrant nightlife and a continuous fiesta, and in some places the atmosphere of good old Andalusia reigns. The most popular resorts are Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Marbella and Estepona.

5 things to do on the Costa del Sol. Things to do:

1. Experience bohemian holidays on the beaches of Marbella;
2. Visit cosmopolitan Malaga or beyond imagination Ronda;
3. Find out how loud you can scream at Tiwoli World;
4. Admire the views of Gibraltar in chic Estepona;
5. Taste Andalusian wines in local bodegas and taste fried sardines.

Photo: Torremolinos

Torremolinos is the most popular resort on the Costa del Sol, the population of which increases up to 6 times during the hay season. In the past, the resort was known as a place where extravagant young people party, but now you can meet people of all ages here. The essence of the resort is luxurious beaches, the best attractions and exciting parties.

Beaches

Photo: La Carihuela

All spacious and crowded beaches of Torremolinos are municipal and therefore free.

The resort is divided into 2 zones:

Bajondillo (Playa El Bajondillo)– excellent sandy beach. Before entering the water there are a few pebbles, but beyond that there is only clean sand. Prices for equipment are affordable, but you can hide under a palm tree.

La Carihuela (Playa La Carihuela)– a large beach with coarse sand. Very flat bottom without rocks. There are oases with greenery and parrots. The best beach for children.

Important: Torremolinos is located on the mountain and to get to the beaches (if your hotel is in the city) you need to take the city elevator or one of the stairs.

The most beautiful building in Torremolinos is the Casa de las Navajas mansion above the Bajondillo promenade. All the most interesting things are concentrated on San Miguel Street: bars and bodegas, restaurants and coffee shops with delicious desserts, shops and, of course, discos. The area of ​​La Carihuela has retained its original atmosphere, as well as the traditional way of preparing the legendary fried sardine.

Here is the largest water park, Aqualand, and a crocodile farm with a national favorite of 5 meters.

Photo: Benalmadena

Benalmadena is a beautiful resort on two hills, rich in gentle sea, beaches, a fabulously beautiful port and a rich history. There are quiet places for families with children and livelier ones for young people. The city is divided into the tourist part of Benalmadena Costa, the shopping and entertainment part of Arroyo de la Miel and Benalmadena Pueblo, which has preserved the atmosphere of an Andalusian village.

Beaches

Photo: Viborillas

The local beaches are the most well-groomed on the coast, which is probably why prim English people prefer to relax here. However, a mixture of sand and pebbles is very common.

Main beaches:

Malapesquera– a huge beach with clean gray sand and a beautiful promenade. There are places for volleyball and football.

Arroyo de La Miel) is a beach in the shopping and entertainment part of the city, therefore not with the cleanest water. The entrance to the sea is pebbly.

Benalnatura– a good beach, there are stones at the bottom, and there are a lot of beautiful shells on the shore.

Carvajal– a calm large beach almost near Fuengirola.

Viborillas Beach– a beach in a green bay with a restaurant on the top of a hill.

Torre Bermeja– a huge clean beach.

Leisure and attractions

Photo: Tiwoli World Amusement Park

When the water is too cold, head to the three 15th-century lookout towers: Torre Bermeja, Torre Muelle and Torre Quebrada. Very interesting are the 17th century Santo Domingo Church and the 20th century Colomares Castle in honor of Columbus, as well as the Bil-Bil Palace in the Moorish spirit. The city museum has a rich collection of ancient art objects.

The most curious will find ancient Roman ruins on Belmadena Costa and even Paleolithic monuments in the caves on Mount Calamorro, which can be reached by cable car.

The Arroyo de la Miel area is home to the famous Tiwoli World amusement park with fun rides, tropical gardens and fresh fountains. The gardens of El Muro and Las Aguilas are also beautiful.

Fuengirola

Fuengirola is a pleasant resort on the bay, surrounded by mountains. There are many elegant hotels right in front of the spacious beaches, as well as a magnificent green water park and a biopark with rare animals. It is also a huge port for sports boats.

Beaches

Photo: Santa Amalia

All Fuengirola beaches have been awarded the “blue flag” and are fully equipped: cabins, showers, toilets, umbrellas and sun loungers, playgrounds and cafes.

Main beaches:

Fuengirola— central crowded beach 1 km away.

Santa Amalia– the best beach of the resort with pleasant fine sand.

Los Boliche and Las Gavitola– huge beaches with volleyball courts and playgrounds.

Castillo (Playa del Castillo)– the beach next to the castle. There is a rental of pedal boats, boats, etc.

San Francisco– a remote beach with a smooth entry into the water for families with children.

Torre Blanca– a beach with magnificent views.

Leisure and attractions

Photo: Bioparc Zoo

Fuengirola has retained the charm of an Andalusian village with its narrow streets emerging like rays from Plaza de La Constitución, in the center of which stands the Church of the Virgin of Rossario and the famous long-lived ficus tree, surrounded by soulful cafes.

The symbol of the city is the 10th century Castillo Soje castle in the Arabic style.

Children will love the Aquatico Mijas water park and the beautiful Bioparc zoo.

Marbella

You can take a look at the city now in this video:

Marbella is a bohemian resort with a 7 km marble promenade lined with palm trees, a beautiful sea, beaches and the mighty La Concha mountain. Thanks to the microclimate, there is no stuffiness or extreme cold here. The coast is decorated with the most luxurious hotels in all of Spain, and during the peak season the entire marina is replete with luxury yachts. You can easily meet a celebrity and even a member of the royal family here. Among other things, this is the safest city in Spain.

Beaches

Photo: Rio Real

The beaches of Marbella are, first of all, golden sand. Best beaches:

Nagueles (Playa Nagueles)– a bohemian beach where you can meet a celebrity.

Fontanilla– the best option in the city center.

Playa del Cabla or Bounty– a youthful and democratic beach near the center with a chill-out atmosphere.

Rio Real (Playa de Rio Real)– a luxurious beach with powerful palm trees.

Alicate– the most popular and equipped beach with an ideal sandy shore.

Playa Hermosa– a very pleasant place 15 minutes from the center.

Real de Zaragoza– a beach with clear water, golden sand and excellent chiringuitos (bars).

Nikki– a glamorous and expensive beach.

Cabopino– a wide beach next to the picturesque dunes of Dunas de Artola. Great place for surfing.

Leisure and attractions

Photo: Alley La Alameda

The most interesting historical place in Marbella is the 10th century Alcazaba fortress, from where you can go to the romantic medieval Orange Square. In Plaza Iglesia, the Church of Santa Maria de la Encarnacion is worth admiring.

In the nearby village of San Pedro, the remains of ancient Rome have survived: Villa de Rio Verde and Roman baths from the 3rd century. Very close by is the oldest monument of the Paleo-Christian era, the 3-4th century Basilica of Vega del Mar.

At your leisure, stroll along the oldest alley of La Alameda, the botanical garden with marvelous ficus trees and the Arollo de La Represa park with interesting bonsai trees.

Estepona

Estepona is a respectable resort at the foot of the mountain with an authentic Spanish atmosphere and developed infrastructure. Estepona's calling card is its numerous shops and salons with decorative items and jewelry. Its coastline offers stunning views of the Cape of Gibraltar.

Beaches

Photo: La Rada

Estepona has 22 km of beaches:

La Rada (Playa de la Rada)– the main beach is 3 km long with yellow-gray sand and excellent service. There is underground parking. There is a beautiful walking strip along the entire beach. Historical places nearby.

El Cristo– a beach in a bay sheltered from the wind, gentle entry into the water.

Arroyo Vaquero (Playa Arroyo Vacero)- a beach far from the bustle with a rocky bottom for divers.

Baya Dorada– a picturesque place in a village where you can go snorkeling.

Leisure and attractions

The best place for a leisurely walk is the Square of Flowers with the scent of orange trees. The crown jewel of the city is the exquisite 18th-century Virgen de Los Remedios church in the Old Town. Not far away you can see the castle walls of Castillo San Luis from the 16th century. The most beautiful ancient villas: Casa de La Borrega and Casa del Marcus de Mudejar.

In Estepona there is an interesting Bullfighting Museum, the Selwo Park adventure zoo on 100 hectares, where animals live in their natural environment.

Summary of the Costa del Sol

There are places on the Costa del Sol where during the season “there is nowhere for the apple to fall” (Torremolinos), but for a tourist tired of the metropolis there is also a secluded place (Fuengirola). Marbella and Estepona are fighting for the title of the most fashionable resort - this is the place for you if your needs are high and your budget is unlimited.

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Without a doubt, the Costa del Sol is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. This southern coast, whose name translates as “Sunny Beach”, stretching from Almeria to Tarifa, caters to tourists of all preferences, ages and nationalities, offering such a wide range of amenities and entertainment that everyone will be delighted. Russian travelers planning a vacation to the Costa del Sol in 2020, Spain - prices, entertainment, attractions - do not stand aside either.

The history of the area dates back to the Phoenicians, who were the first to appear here. Since then, it has been inhabited by Greeks, Romans and Moors, who have left a colorful mark on the architecture and culture of the region.

Previously, all resort centers were ordinary fishing villages. In the 20s of the last century, the coast remained virgin and until the 50s it gradually developed as a resort. Since the 60s, the region has experienced a tourism boom that continues to this day.

The Costa del Sol is as rich in culture as the rest of Andalusia, from Picasso to bullfighting, flamenco to colorful fairs. The capital of the region, Malaga, is the second largest Andalusian city with a population of 600 thousand. The locals are very friendly and open, perhaps because of the consistently good weather and hot sun, or because of the fabulous Mediterranean diet, or maybe simply because they live in a beautiful, cultural city by the sea.

Malaga's sister cities are Manila in the Philippines, Faro in Portugal, the capital of Peru, Lima, and Mobile and Galveston in America.

Costa del Sol on the map:

How to get there

It has a large airport that receives daily flights from many world airlines. Including, flights fly here daily from. Travel time is 5 hours. The cost of the flight depends on the season. In the summer months it is approximately 400-500 euros round trip, at other times 300 euros. Direct flights are usually more expensive than connecting flights.

An alternative way to get to Malaga, saving money, is to choose flights with transfers from low-cost airlines. For example, fly to Berlin, and then take Ryanair or EasyJet. In any case, you need to worry about tickets in advance, then you will have to pay less.

Best time to relax

The climate in southern Spain is favorable for travelers throughout the year. But the choice of travel time depends on its purpose.

1. March, April and May are considered the middle season. March marks the transition between winter and spring. The average temperature is 20ºC. These are good days for sunbathing, but the sea is not warm enough. Although in May, many daredevils are already swimming. The three months of spring are not the best time for noisy parties, which is something that lovers of dance entertainment need to know, since there are significantly fewer vacationers than in summer. But the general price level is lower. The middle season is the most favorable for visiting Malaga and the white Andalusian towns to explore the sights.
2. June, July, August are the months when the season comes into effect. The number of tourists increases day by day until the end of August. An ideal time for those who love the beach, sun, warm evening temperatures, nightlife. September is considered by many to be the best time to visit the Costa del Sol, as it brings together the best of the high and low seasons. The weather is mild and pleasant compared to August with its sweltering heat. There are no huge tourist crowds, and the water is still warm - + 25ºC.
3. October to February is the low season, but these are great months for a cultural visit. There are many sunny, warm days, and the atmosphere is more relaxed. The coldest and rainiest days are between mid-January and February.

Tourists wishing to see the fun Spanish holidays should choose the following dates:

1. On the first Sunday in May, Archidona celebrates Caterpillar Day, which includes the procession of the Virgin de Gracia. The origin of this tradition dates back to 1743, when an infestation of caterpillars devastated the fields of the region and the patronage of the Virgin Mary contributed to their disappearance.
2. On September 9, 2020, the festival of Moors and Christians opens in Alfarnate. It has been celebrated since the 17th century on the occasion of the conquest of Granada by Christian troops. The town is transformed into a medieval village, where there is a clear division between Christians and Moors, and more than 400 people dress in period costumes. A unique holiday that takes you back to the past.
3. On May 20, 2020, the Orange Festival begins in the city of Koin. Almost all events take place in Plaza José Bermudez de la Rubia. There, hundreds of liters of freshly squeezed orange juice, salads and orange soups are offered to tourists free of charge. All this is enlivened by musical performances.
4. August 19 is a holiday in honor of the incorporation of Malaga into the Castilian state, which occurred in 1487. The festival is accompanied by fireworks and costumed processions. There is a fair where you can taste wines and tapas accompanied by music in the historic streets of Malaga.

Orange Festival in Koin

Transport

There will be no problem getting around on the Costa del Sol.

1. Rail transport is provided by high-speed AVE trains to Madrid, Seville, Cordoba and Barcelona. Suburban communication with stations in the vicinity of Malaga is carried out along the Cercanías Málaga railway lines. There are 2 directions in total - C1 and C2. Line C1 connects Malaga and Fuengirola, line C2 connects Malaga and Alora. Line C1 runs along the coast. By rail you can quickly and easily reach most resort towns. Tickets are sold at ticket offices and vending machines. The price depends on the zone, from 1.75 to 3.55 euros.
2. Bus. Buses depart from Malaga Central Bus Station to all nearby towns. There are many intracity routes and long-distance flights. Tickets can be purchased at the bus and station ticket offices. City buses operate until 11 p.m., and there are also night routes. The price of the trip is 1.1 euros, a comprehensive ticket for 10 trips will cost 7 euros. Travel passes can be purchased at press kiosks.
3. It is better to ask the hotel or restaurant staff to order a taxi; it is difficult to stop one on the street. A trip inside Malaga will cost at least 10 euros.

AVE trains in Malaga

Connection

In Spain, communications are represented by three main cellular operators - Movistar, Orange, Vodafone. Buying their SIM cards is only beneficial for domestic calls or for mobile Internet. Cost - 10-12 euros. For international calls, Lebara and another operator, Happy Movil, have a good offer. But their mobile Internet is not of high quality.

Free WiFi is available in hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and large museums.

Where to stay

The choice of the best places to live depends on the type of vacation you prefer. It is important to know what is nearby and what to do in these areas, and then choose hotels, hostels and apartments, of which there are a huge number with a wide range of prices.

1. For those looking for luxury, the best option is Marbella. Here are some of the best beach clubs in the world, Ocean Club and Nikki Beach, where the price for a sunbed alone is 200 euros per day. The Golden Mile in Marbella and Puerto Banus are fashionable areas on the Costa del Sol with extravagant and expensive fashion boutiques, luxury yachts and gourmet restaurants.
2. For a budget holiday, you need to choose the destinations Torremolinos, Mijas Costa and Fuengirola, where you can rent a hotel room or rent an apartment starting from 30 euros.
3. Holidays with children will be unforgettable in Nerja - a quiet town with a unique microclimate and family entertainment in the city and surrounding areas.
4. If a tourist is looking for tranquility, then the best place to stay is Estepona. Here you can rent sailboats for excursions with your family, watch dolphins, and appreciate the picturesque view of the opening coast of North Africa and the Rock of Gibraltar.
5. Some tourists stay in charming villages with white stone houses and bright flowers on their walls, such as Frigiliana, just 6 kilometers from the coast. The same magnificent village 8 kilometers from the sea coast near Benalmadena is Mijas Pueblo. Here you can ride a donkey to see the main attractions. In these places, travelers will fully enjoy the life of a typical Andalusian town.
6. Nightlife lovers should choose the areas of Benalmadena (Puerto Marina), Torremolinos and Marbella. There are many nightclubs and discos in Malaga.

Mijas Pueblo

Excursions

The Costa del Sol has an incredible number of places to go and what to see, from architectural monuments to beautiful natural parks. You can take excursions on your own using a rented car, public transport, or take advantage of the suggestions of guides in Russian.

1. Tourists will not miss the opportunity to visit the capital of the Costa del Sol - Malaga. The city offers a rich collection of museums, Roman and Arab monuments. There is something going on in Malaga all year round, including music concerts of all types and flamenco shows. The traveler will be spoiled for choice. Art lovers will certainly know that Malaga is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. They will definitely visit the house-museum of the great artist. Ticket price is 6 euros, minors under 18 years old are free.
2. Setenil de Las Bodegas. The village that holds the mountain is popular throughout the country. Many of the old town's houses are built right into the rocky mountain. Nowhere in Spain has this method of construction been used so spectacularly, although there are other similar cities.
3. The Natural Park of Los Alcornocales takes its name from the numerous cork oak trees - "alcornocales" in Spanish. There are about 80 species of plants, hawks, eagles, vultures, and many species of mammals. There you can see archaeological deposits from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. Inside the park there are beautiful Moorish villages, there is the opportunity to ride a bicycle and go horseback riding.
4. The caves of Nerja are a must-visit place if tourists live nearby. Discovered by chance in 1959 by a group of children, they have been revealing their wonders to scientists for many years. The cave contains remarkable archaeological and geological treasures, including paintings by Neanderthals who lived more than 42 thousand years ago. Entrance tickets are 9 euros, children are 5 euros.
5. Caminito del Rey, known until recently as the most dangerous path in the world, has been renovated to make it safer. Now it is one of the most famous attractions in the province of Malaga. Built in the early 20th century as a service road for construction workers at the El Chorro power plant, the road now poses far fewer risks but still offers a serious adrenaline rush.
6. Granada. Just over an hour's drive from the beaches of the Costa del Sol, lies one of Spain's most exciting cities, beautiful Granada. In addition to the famous Alhambra there is the magnificent Albaicin area, flamenco, the cave houses of Sacromonte, the Sierra Nevada mountains.
7. Rhonda. History, nature, gastronomy and art are closely intertwined in this city. Emblematic Roman and Moorish monuments, lush natural surroundings, one of Spain's most prized wines, and a breathtakingly dramatic location make this an incredibly attractive destination.

Setenil de Las Bodegas

Leisure

The southern coast of Spain offers excellent opportunities for active recreation.

1. The second name of the Costa del Sol is Costa del Golf. Here are the best golf clubs in Spain. Players from all over the world host top tier tournaments.
2. At Burriana Beach in Nerja you can rent a kayak, and at Maro Beach you can rent single and double kayaks with the company Salamander Aventura. Explorers will see a picturesque waterfall, rocks resembling animals, and underwater cave grottoes.
3. Lovers of natural beauty and hiking should head to El Torcal Park. The ancient rock formations give the landscape, which has many trails, a surreal atmosphere.
4. Near Almeria, the Cabo de Gata Park is the best place for diving with crystal clear sea waters and breathtaking scenery. There are shops selling specialized equipment and diving schools. Prices vary depending on the level of service desired.

Kayaking trip on Maro Beach

Shopping

The Costa del Sol offers a wide selection of goods to suit every budget and taste.

1. El Corte Ingles shopping centers are located in Malaga and Marbella. For expensive goods from famous brands, you need to go to Puerto Banus in Marbella. Prices are the highest for all goods in Marbella; in other cities they are much lower.
2. In the markets in Malaga and Estepona you can find products from local craftsmen - artistic ceramics, wickerwork, bamboo bags and blinds. The most famous antiques market is the Mercado de Antiguedades, open on Saturdays in Nueva Andalucia, near Marbella.
3. Leather products are bought in the city of Ubrique

What to bring with you to Russia:

1. Traditional Andalusian fans, combs, shawls. Cheap samples are sold at every turn, but there are stores where you can buy truly high-quality and memorable items. The price of a good fan ranges from 40 to 500 euros.
2. Sweet local wine "Malaga" or excellent brandy "Cardenal Mendosa", which costs 23-24 euros here. In, if you are lucky enough to find it, then for no less than 50 euros. This drink is very popular in the world; there are even clubs for fans of “Cardenal Mendosa”.
3. In the village of Mijas Pueblo there is a small chocolate factory where chocolates and candies are made by hand and offer souvenir samples to take home.

Andalusian fans

Andalusian cuisine

The cuisine of Andalusia has made its own unique contribution to Spanish cuisine. Traditional food here is fish, seafood, and meat. Marbella has several fine dining restaurants with Michelin stars. The most famous are “Dani Garcia” and “El Lago”.

Inexpensive restaurants and cafes are found in abundance in all resort towns. In Torremolinos you can eat well and affordably at Ajopicao (Calle Casablanca 20), a typical Spanish restaurant. A set menu of several courses in cheap establishments costs 9-12 euros.

What to try:

• pescadito frito - freshly caught small fish, deep fried;
• solomillo de atun, tuna entrecote;
• espeto de sardinas - sardines cooked over an open fire;
• tapas, Spanish snacks priced from 1.50 euros cold, from 4 euros hot;
• seafood paella.

Espeto de sardinas

What to take with you

1. A smartphone with installed, where you can open interactive maps without the Internet, is an invaluable assistant for independent travelers.
2. Necessary medications. They may not be available in Spain, or they may have different names and are not available without a prescription.
3. A minimum of clothing and shoes - only the essentials.
4. Bank cards. You can pay with them almost anywhere.

Safety

In general, the region is safe, but wherever large crowds of people gather, pickpocketing occurs, so it is better not to carry documents and large sums of money with you, but to leave them at the hotel.

On the Costa del Sol, tourists will find a combination of relaxing holidays and exploration of ancient Spanish cities. The 150 kilometers of coastline are lined with different beaches - lively and quiet, where everyone will find their own paradise.

A little more resort atmosphere in the video:

The Costa del Sol is located in the southernmost part of the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Its borders are the Strait of Gibraltar in the north and the province of Malaga in the south of Andalusia. These 300 kilometers are imbued with the special atmosphere of real Spain - the way tourists imagine it from films and books. The region with the romantic name “Coast of the Sun” enchants its guests with its amazingly beautiful nature. The climate of the Costa del Sol is simply unparalleled! Elite resorts and hotels are also located here, and on the famous Golden Mile there are villas of the “powers that be.”

Transport accessibility

Marbella (the capital of Malaga and the coast in general) boasts excellent transport accessibility. There is a major airport 8 km from the city. The flight from Moscow to Malaga lasts only 5 hours. From the airport to the city center you can take a bus or train. If Malaga is not your final destination, then from there you can easily reach any other resort - by bus, taxi, train or rental car.

Climate

The name “Coast of the Sun” justifies itself 100%. Can you imagine a place with 320 sunny days a year? At the same time, the climate of the Costa del Sol is mild. Thanks to the mountains and the Atlantic current, which brings coolness, the sweltering heat is not felt here in the summer. The maximum temperature in summer is +32°C. The most comfortable month for a holiday in the Costa del Sol is August. The air at this time does not warm up to more than +30°C. Winter is short, with an average temperature of +17°C. Separately, it should be said about the water temperature. Due to the Atlantic current, it is slightly cooler here than in other areas of Spain. This prevents the growth of germs and bacteria in it.

Beaches

Most of the territory is a series of numerous beaches. If you choose the beaches of the Costa del Sol, you won't have to worry about availability. It is never crowded here even at the height of the tourist season. In addition, there are nudist beaches (in Estepona, the suburbs of Marbella and Benalmadena) - especially for those who prefer an even tan without white stripes on the body. Below is a list of “Best beaches on the Costa del Sol” according to ABC:

1. Burriana,
2. Torreblanca,
3. Artola (nudist),
4. Sabinillas,
5. La Rada,
6. La Malagueta,
7. Calahonda,
8. Maro,
9. Puerto Banus,
10. Los Alamos.

Hotels

The number of hotels on the Sunshine Coast amounts to hundreds. Hotels on the Costa del Sol, Spain, are mainly rated 5 or 4 stars. Staying in them guarantees you a luxurious holiday in comfortable conditions!

Puente Romano 5* (Marbella)

The territory of Puente Romano is literally surrounded by greenery. Guests can enjoy swimming pools, tennis courts, cafes with gluten-free treats, restaurants serving Thai, Nikkei, Italian and Japanese cuisine, a sauna, and a children's club. In addition, the hotel price includes use of the golf course and transfer to it.

Torrequebrada 5*(Benalmadena)

Located halfway to Malaga airport. The hotel is separated from the beach by a beautiful garden with a variety of plants, ponds and even miniature waterfalls. The 11-story hotel building houses Europe's largest casino. At the Sala Fortuna club, dancers constantly perform flamenco. The beach is only 20 meters away!

Rincon Andaluz 4* (Marbella)

Four-star hotels on the Costa del Sol are furnished according to the latest hotel fashion. For example, Rincon Andaluz 4* was built in a typical Andalusian style in 1980, but after that it was reconstructed. White buildings, cozy courtyards, small squares formed by neighboring buildings, a chapel... It’s as if you’ve always lived in this small Andalusian town! Perfect for families with children - there is a lot of children's entertainment. The restaurants have a children's menu, and the swimming pools have special sections for children. But adults are unlikely to be bored here either - all kinds of show programs are held, and live music plays in the evenings. Distance to the beach – 300 meters.

Las Piramides 4* (Fuengirola)

The hotel is located in the busiest resort area of ​​the Costa del Sol. Therefore, it is very convenient from here to get out to neighboring cities - on excursions or just for a walk. Near the hotel there are excellent golf courses, the Miramar zoo and shopping center, as well as the ancient Arab castle of Sohali. The beautiful sandy beach is only 25 meters away. The hotel will be appreciated by sports lovers - there is an excellent fitness center on site, and water sports equipment on the beach.

Resort cities

Holidays in this part of Spain are notable for the fact that there are Costa del Sol resorts focused on luxury holidays (Marbella, Estepona), but average tourists can also get their portion of the Costa del Sol by settling, for example, in Benalmadena or Fuengirola. Prices here are more affordable.

Marbella is the largest city in the province of Malaga. The bulk of vacationers in Marbella and Malaga are representatives of the elite. These are politicians, actors, musicians, entrepreneurs, and scions of royal families. Many of them no longer stay in local hotels, but come to their own villas or apartments. It is known that the city embankment is washed daily with a special cleaning agent. A few kilometers from Marbella is the famous harbor of Puerto Banus - celebrities often have fun there.

This is another fashionable resort on the Costa del Sol. It began to be actively developed relatively recently. Therefore, in the city center you can admire buildings in the ancient Andalusian style, and on the embankment you will see the most modern buildings - hotels, villas, apartment buildings. When the sky is clear, you can see the outline of Africa from the Estepona promenade. Nature lovers are advised to visit the Selwo Aventura safari park, located in the vicinity of Estepona.

Torremolinos

Torremolinos is only 7 kilometers from the airport. Thanks to this location, the city has become the most visited and cosmopolitan resort on the coast. In the warm season it is quite noisy and crowded here. Hotels for all categories of tourists, long and wide beaches, turnkey infrastructure, a whole sea of ​​entertainment - this is what Torremolinos looks like today.

Benalmadena

Benalmadena is practically adjacent to Torremolinos. There are slightly fewer hotels here, but the beaches are freer even in high season. The local yacht club is considered one of the most beautiful in Spain. As evening approaches, discos open and the city becomes truly party-oriented. The central part of the city in Benalmadena, as well as in Estepona, conveys the flavor of a typical Andalusian settlement. And the embankment is a concentration of entertainment - an amusement park, a penguinarium and a dolphinarium, boutiques, souvenir shops, casinos, nightclubs, restaurants, bars...

Fuengirola

In the mid-20th century, one of the many fishing settlements turned into a popular resort with long beaches and developed infrastructure. The city has a zoo, a water park, and a huge number of shops. Therefore, tourists who come here mainly for the beaches have an excellent opportunity for shopping. Local hotels are aimed at middle-class tourists, although there are also elite ones. In winter it is much more crowded than neighboring Benalmadena or Torremolinos.

Attractions

The beaches of the Costa del Sol are magnificent. However, numerous monuments of history and culture of Spain also claim the attention of visitors. Andalusia, where the Costa del Sol is located, is called the soul of Spain. It was here that everything “most Spanish” originated - bullfighting and flamenco. Islam, Christianity, and the cultures of the ancient Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans are reflected here. Let's look at the most famous attractions of the Costa del Sol.

Church of Santa Isabel (Malaga)

Santa Isabel is the smallest church in the world. Its area is only 1.96 m2 and for this occasion the church is included in the Guinness Book of Records. The chapel is hidden inside another religious building - Colomares Castle. It was erected in the 20th century in honor of Christopher Columbus and the discovery of America. The castle's architects brought into their work features of all the architectural roots of Spain - Byzantine, Romanesque, Moorish and Gothic styles.

The cathedral is the epitome of Gothic architecture. Construction took place from 1528 to 1782, that is, more than 250 years. The best masters of his time participated in its creation, including the artist Alonso Cano and the sculptor Pedro de Mena. Locals affectionately call the cathedral “the one-handed one” (La Mankita), since the construction of one of the towers was never completed. The fact is that part of the money for the construction of the cathedral was donated for conquests in the colonies.

San Miguel is perhaps the most famous street in the resort of Torremolinos. The number of shops per square meter here is simply off the scale, which makes the street a place of active activities... shopping! Historical attractions here include an ancient Moorish tower dating back to the 14th century and an ancient mill. By the way, it was thanks to the numerous mills that the resort got its name.

In the historical part of this now popular resort, many monuments of the past have been preserved - Bil Bil castle, towers. These buildings are surrounded by charming white houses in typical Spanish style. Tourists interested in the history, culture and way of life of Spain willingly visit the Museum of Pre-Columbian History.

Kitchen

Once all the sights of the Costa del Sol have been explored, you can begin to explore the local cafes and restaurants. Although it is advisable to combine both. People from different countries have been vacationing on the coast for a long time, so here you can taste dishes from all over the world. As for the national cuisine itself, it mainly consists of seafood dishes. Vegetables and raw salads are prepared using local olive oil. Traditional Spanish gazpacho soup can be enjoyed almost everywhere. Desserts on the Costa del Sol often consist of honey and various types of nuts. There are a lot of sweet dishes - amarquillos and polvoron macaroons, donuts, torrijos, honey cookies... Spain is a real paradise for those with a sweet tooth!

Russian diaspora

Among the foreigners living on the Coast of the Sun, there are many Russians. The greatest concentration of our compatriots is observed in Marbella.
And yet Russians on the Costa del Sol do not tend to stick together, but rather spread out more or less evenly. There are about a dozen Russian shops, one Orthodox church, and even some media in Russian. The stores not only sell typically Russian goods, but also deliver parcels.
So, if sometimes you are overwhelmed by nostalgia for your homeland, finding a piece of Russia in the Costa del Sol is quite possible. Please enable JavaScript to view the

From the city of Malaga to the west to Gibraltar stretches the most popular tourist area of ​​Andalusia - the Costa del Sol or the Coast of the Sun. In summer, the resorts of the Costa del Sol are extremely crowded and no one is surprised by the multilingual speech here. The total length of the beaches is more than 300 km.
This is the pearl of Spain - the most vibrant and interesting province. The ancient cities of Seville, Granada, Cordoba and Ronda surround the coast like a “golden ring”. Since ancient times, Andalusia has attracted various conquerors: from the Romans and Greeks to the Visigoths and Arabs. By visiting ancient cities, you will see how different cultures, architectural styles and traditions harmoniously combine.
It has everything you need for a summer holiday: excellent beaches and a well-established communication system, a sea as if created for sea baths and windsurfing, proximity to the historical cities of Andalusia - such as Granada, Ronda, Mijas.

Thanks to the Sierra Nevada mountains, which protect from cold winds, the Costa del Sol has a mild subtropical climate with an average annual temperature of +20C, and the sun shines here 360 ​​days a year. It is not for nothing that many world celebrities have chosen this coast as their vacation spot, building luxurious villas here and mooring their magnificent yachts in the Puerto Banus harbor.
The Costa del Sol offers a lot of entertainment for every taste, everyone can find something to their liking here. This is an ideal place for playing golf and tennis - there are 32 golf courses and 21 tennis clubs, a huge number of yacht clubs. Water sports enthusiasts can improve their skills in water skiing, windsurfing, and diving. And for young people and nightlife lovers, each resort town has a large number of discos, bars, and restaurants. But they don’t forget about older people and lovers of a relaxing holiday; in every town there are hotels located in quiet, cozy corners away from the noise and bustle.
By choosing any of the Costa del Sol resorts, you will taste national cuisine and appreciate Jerez wine, because Andalusia is the birthplace of this wonderful drink. Andalusia will meet all your hopes and make your holiday exciting and unforgettable.
Description: Costa del Sol is Andalusia. Andalusia is the real Spain, exactly the way we imagine it from books and films, music, songs and stories - it is the birthplace of bullfighting and flamenco, full of Spanish temperament.
The Costa del Sol coast means “Sunny Beach” in Spanish, and its name is quite justified - the sun shines here 11 months a year.
The Costa del Sol coast, 300 km long, is located in the south of the Iberian Peninsula and belongs to the category of expensive and prestigious resorts - largely thanks to the luxurious Marbella resort. There are only luxury hotels here, surrounded by wonderful parks and gardens, and along the coast for a whole mile - it is called the Golden Mile - there are private villas owned by members of royal families and world celebrities. Of course, there are all the trappings of luxury here - from yacht clubs, the most famous of which is located in the Puerto Banus harbor, to excellent golf courses. There are resorts on this coast for the middle class: Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola. Entertainment: Entertainment on the Costa del Sol - for every taste. Children will be delighted by the Tivoli-world park in Benalmadena, with its magical world of exciting adventures. In the same city there is one of the largest aquariums in Europe - Sealife. You will be able to see amazing inhabitants of the deep sea, including sharks. And in the water parks of the cities of Malaga, Torremolinos, Estepona and Mijas, anyone will feel like a fish in water. Diving clubs, shops, restaurants, bars and discos - each of the coastal resorts offers all this in abundance. Selwo Park has been operating in Estepona for a whole year now - the largest and most interesting adventure theme park on the coast, where you can see African animals in their natural habitats.
And, of course, one of the most distinctive provinces of Spain cannot fail to offer its guests an impressive excursion program. The legendary Sevilla and the house of the famous Barber, medieval Cordoba, “Western Damascus” - Granada, little Ronda with the largest bullfighting area in Spain, the Moroccan city of Tanger and many more interesting things can be seen here.

Kitchen.

In Spain they love and know how to eat deliciously, which is probably why there are so many skilled chefs here. The impressions of Spanish cuisine and wines can eclipse all other impressions received in Spain. And the famous red wine can turn the head of anyone, even the most fastidious gourmet. Probably the most famous Spanish dish is paella. It is prepared differently in every restaurant and is delicious in its own way.

Transport.

You can go to Malaga from any of the resorts (except Marbella and Estepona) by commuter train, running every 30 minutes (daytime only), the fare will be from 1.2 to 2.1 euros (depending on the route ), or by bus.
All resort centers are connected by bus routes to each other and to major settlements. A trip to Malaga by taxi will cost you significantly more; fares vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and distance. During the season, a pleasure boat runs between the resorts of Benalmadena and Fuengirola several times a day, the fare for which is about 15 euros one way.

Malaga.
Malaga is the capital of the province of the same name and the largest city on the Costa del Sol. This port and commercial city, whose population a few years ago exceeded half a million, enjoys one of the best climates on the European continent. It was founded by the Phoenicians and was a major trading port in the Middle Ages.

Malaga is an incredibly lively city and has everything you'd expect to find in Andalusia. Walking around the city, you can enjoy the monumental ensemble, such as the Arab castle of Alcazaba, the Roman theater (Teatro Romano), the Gibralfaro fortress, and contemplate facades and buildings steeped in history. In Merced Square stands an obelisk erected in honor of General Torrijos, who fought against the despotism of King Ferdinand VII. Nearby is the house where the artist Pablo Picasso, the famous son of Malaga, was born. On San Agustin Street you can visit the Palace of the Counts of Buenavista. In 2003, the King of Spain established the Picasso Museum in this building, housing more than 200 works by the artist.

Malaga is not only a cultural center, it is also a center of excellent Mediterranean cuisine. Locals love their food, bars and restaurants are a real social hub. Malaga cuisine is light, healthy and typically Mediterranean. This includes shrimp in all possible variations, fried fish. Tapas, small portions of various dishes, Andalusian tradition and a great opportunity to appreciate the uniqueness of Mediterranean cuisine. It is impossible to pass by bodegas (old-style wine shops) without trying the famous Andalusian wine.

In Malaga, much attention is paid to the conservation and restoration of nature. The Aula del Mar Maritime Museum houses more than 500 representatives of the fauna and flora of the Alboran Sea and is working to save endangered sea turtles and dolphins. The Botanical Garden contains European, tropical and subtropical plants from all over the world.

Don't forget to take a stroll along Malaga's main shopping street: Calle Larios. Here you will find boutiques of the most prestigious and fashionable companies, as well as numerous souvenir shops where you can buy a souvenir to remember this beautiful city. Malaga is waiting for you!

The oldest resort on the Costa del Sol, a pioneer of Spanish mass tourism, and until the early 60s an unknown fishing village. It has everything for a varied and exciting holiday - ultra-modern hotels, magnificent beaches, numerous restaurants with excellent cuisine, a well-established entertainment industry, and many attractions.

Torremolinos(Torremolinos) is located along a nine-kilometer strip of beaches 12 km from the provincial capital of Malaga and 8 km from Malaga airport.

A big city where life is in full swing at any time of the day. In the city center there is a special tourist area, accessible only to pedestrians, where resort shops, cozy restaurants, cafes and bars are concentrated. The water park has a huge number of different slides - from small and gentle ones, suitable for the little ones, to an attraction, the nature of which is indicated by its name “kamikaze”.

Benalmadena(Benalmadena) is an ancient city whose name means “children of the mines” in Arabic, which is located 15 km from the city of Malaga and 11 km from the airport.

One of the most famous resorts on the Costa del Sol, famous for its wonderful beaches, the total length of which is more than 8 km. In the early 90s, a magnificent sports port was built in Benalmadena, where up to a thousand pleasure craft, yachts and boats can simultaneously moor.

The city is divided into three parts: the historical center of Benalmadena - a typical Andalusian white town; the Arroiro de la Miel area and the sports port of Marina Benalmadena are one of the best evening entertainment centers on the Costa Del Sol. The city's favorable location allows it to offer tourists various types of leisure activities, such as relaxing in silence, playing sports, and attending cultural events.

Here you are unlikely to be bored, but children will be especially happy: after all, in Benalmadena they will meet the Tivoli amusement park and have the opportunity to visit Sea World - a large underwater aquarium with rare marine animals and even tiger sharks that swim in 10 meters underwater tunnel. We also advise you to visit the local archaeological museum. And the charming Bil-Bil Castle on the seashore hosts annual summer music and dance festivals. The luxurious Torrequebrada hotel complex with a casino is also located here.

Benalmadena is considered the entertainment center of the entire Costa Del Sol.
The most attractive place in the city, where even residents of Malaga come to relax, is Puerto Marina - a sports port and a huge entertainment complex, which includes several dozen shops, discos, nightclubs and bars, where live music is played in the evening.
Nearby is the See Life Aquarium, which we recommend visiting for lovers of the underwater world.

Marbella(Marbella) is located 65 km from the provincial capital - Malaga and 60 km from Malaga airport. This is the pearl of the Costa del Sol, which will delight you with beautiful sandy beaches stretching along embankments with palm trees, gardens and parks. The resort is considered one of the most aristocratic and fashionable in Spain. The “cream of society” live here - sports and show business stars, representatives of the European aristocracy and members of royal families.

One of the attractions of Marbella is the largest sports port on the Mediterranean Sea, Puerto Banus, where you can see the yachts of the richest and most famous people in the world. Here you can also visit the Bonsai Museum and see the most beautiful collection of dwarf trees in Europe. Along the whole of Marbella there is more than twenty kilometers of sandy beaches, where you have unlimited opportunities for practicing all types of water sports.

Of particular interest to tourists is the historical part of the city, which enchants the traveler with an intricate labyrinth of winding narrow streets, bordered by rows of small white houses, from whose carved balconies garlands of flowers fall. The old part of the city will delight you with the beauty of the white Andalusian quarters with many flowers and cozy open-air restaurants, where famous Spanish dishes await you, not to try which means not to fully experience the charm of this amazing region. Located on the Mediterranean coast of the Costa Del Sol, Marbella is adjacent to cities such as Malaga, Granada, Seville and is in close proximity to two international airports - Malaga and Gibraltar. Marbella has a true Andalusian flavor.

Marbella is also known as a golf paradise. You can play golf any day, even at night, as it is home to the first floodlit golf course in Europe.

Marbella is home to luxury hotels, boutiques, shopping centers and unforgettable nightlife.
The average annual temperature is 19-25 degrees Celsius, and there are about 320 days of sunshine per year. Magnificent beaches, mild climate, unique opportunities for sports lovers, rich cuisine, entertainment - all this will make your holiday in Marbella unforgettable.

Estepona located on the Mediterranean coast of the Costa del Sol, 25 km from Marbella. This is a prosperous and fashionable resort that has preserved the original spirit and special atmosphere of the Andalusian settlement. Estepona is a former fishing village, now one of the main resort centers of the Costa Del Sol.
The port of Estepona was built in 1977. Here you can rent a boat or yacht for sea trips. On Sundays there is a large market in the port. From here a small boulevard stretches towards the city center. Estepona's main square is the square of flowers with the 22-meter Reloj clock tower, built in the 15th century. The square is surrounded by orange groves, bars and cafes. Every Wednesday there is a market here, where numerous souvenirs and products of Spanish craftsmen are sold. Opposite this place on Calle Castillo are the preserved walls of an ancient castle. The Municipal Paleontological Museum is located on Missionary Square.

The Cristo beach area includes La Rada Beach and many bars. La Rada has been awarded the European Blue Flag for the cleanliness of its coastal waters. In addition to beach holidays, the city is famous for golf lovers: 8 of the 40 golf courses on the Costa del Sol are located in Estepona.

Estepona is called the city of celebration because it hosts many festivals. At night, Estepona lights up. There are many clubs, bars, restaurants here.

Estepona is a fairly calm place.
Location: On the border of the Costa del Sol and Costa de La Luz.
Entertainment: You can travel around the theme areas of the park on foot or by jeep, and you can take a break and have a snack in one of the many restaurants and bars. This year, for the first time, Selwo Park offers evening show programs with dinner and ethnic dances.
Cuisine: We recommend that you visit one of the chiringuitos fish restaurants located on the promenade by the sea. Here, fresh fish, shrimp and other delicious seafood will be quickly prepared for you.
Excursions: While relaxing in Estepona, recharge your batteries with energy and fun at the Water Park and be sure to visit the unique Selwo Park adventure theme park. Here, on an area of ​​100 hectares, lions, rhinoceroses, giraffes, elephants, aquatic animals, birds and reptiles live in natural conditions. Even the real African tribe - the Maasai - invites you to visit!

Fuengirola.
Fuengirola is a famous European resort with excellent tourism and recreation infrastructure, equipped beaches and modern hotels. Most hotels are located on the first line of the beach along the seaside boulevard - Paseo Maritimo, which is considered one of the longest and most beautiful on the entire Costa Del Sol.

Granada.
The cultural heritage of Granada, located on one of the spurs of the picturesque Sierra Nevada mountain, belongs to the best examples of world art. The city was under Moorish rule for several centuries. And the Catholic kings never managed to turn Granada into a Christian city; its soul is still mysterious in the Eastern sense, despite the abundance of Christian churches and monasteries.

Life here flows measuredly and leisurely. You can still see pack donkeys accompanied by drivers on the streets of the city. White houses and narrow stone-paved streets create an amazing atmosphere of calm and privacy. And Granada at night is not distinguished by noisy, unbridled fun; it is rather self-absorbed, thoughtful and quiet.

Eight centuries of Arab influence have left their mark on the city. The solitude characteristic of Arab culture has found its refuge here. She entered the courtyards with stone fences decorated with flower pots, hid under the thick shadow of large cypress trees and thought by the fountains that are in almost every courtyard. The fountains of Granada can speak in different voices. In the courtyards, strict and symmetrical, surrounded by motionless trees, it seems that they are talking about something mystical and eternal. It was these fountains that inspired Juan Ramon Jimenez to write his Mystical Gardens. The poor traveler, who happened to hear the endless whisper of water, could no longer leave this place and walked next to it for hours.

Another Arabic tradition that has become part of the everyday life of the residents of Granada is the tradition of tea drinking. And although coffee has now become more popular, every year more and more tea establishments decorated in Muslim style appear in the Arab quarter. They offer their visitors various types of tea and infusions, accompanying the meal with oriental rhythms.

It is impossible to imagine Granada without the Alhambra, the pearl of Andalusia. This magnificent Arabic palace is located within the city itself. Beautiful architecture and beautiful gardens delight and fascinate everyone who comes here to touch the history of Granada.

Other interesting sights of Granada are the Generalife - the summer residence of the Sultan and the Palace of Charles V.

Excursion around the central part of the city (Alcaysería Catholic Kings Square, Coal Yard). The pearl of this city is rightfully considered "Al Kal"a al-Hambra" - the Red Fortress (Alhambra) - the most famous and striking monument of Arab art in Spain, a magnificent palace and fortress, built in the 12th-15th centuries by order of the Nazarene kings.

Cordoba.
Cordoba - today a quiet provincial town - was an important administrative center under the Romans. Seneca, Lucian and many other outstanding people were born in this city - mathematicians, metaphysicians, theologians, poets and thinkers. The most pleasant thing for a tourist coming to Cordoba is to wander through the streets of the old quarters crowded around the mosque. They seem to invite you to come in and get lost in another world.

Cordoba is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Spain. The Iberians, Romans, Visigoths, Moors, Christians, replacing each other, left traces of their civilizations on this land. But the city reached its greatest prosperity and power in the 10th century AD during the Korodovo Caliphate. When the entire Western world was in savagery and ignorance, a university was opened here, where students studied philosophy and medicine, literature and languages. The population was up to a million people and Cordoba competed on equal terms with the brilliant Baghdad. After the expulsion of the Moors, the city plunged into provincial slumber for many centuries, and only numerous ancient monuments reminded of its former greatness. The pearl of Moorish architecture, the Mezquita was the second largest mosque in the Muslim world after the Haram in Mecca. Openwork marble arches, exquisite Moorish mosaics, shell-shaped vaults - it’s simply impossible to take your eyes off all this. You can explore the Jewish Quarter, mosques, visit the bridge from the Roman Empire, the construction of which is attributed to the Emperor of Rome, Augustus. Lunch awaits you in a typical restaurant on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, offering stunning views of the city.

Seville.
Seville is perhaps the most famous Spanish city. Almost the whole world knows about him. Seville is famous for its unique architectural elegance, the Mudejar style, which has been widely developed here. For 800 years this city was under Arab rule. However, Seville has a much older history. Long before the arrival of ancient civilizations, the Tartessian culture flourished here, which we know from Greek chronicles and archaeological finds.

The Giralda is not only a symbol of Seville, but also a symbol of the crossroads of civilizations and eras. It is still unknown exactly when the first foundation of the minaret of the main mosque of Seville, now the Giralda, was laid. The tower received its name Giralda in the 16th century, when a figure of a holy angel was installed on its top, rotating as the wind blew. In Spanish, to rotate is girar, which is why the tower was named Giralda. The Giralda became the symbol of Seville and the pride of Muslim Spain, aroused envy among neighboring Arab states and lust among Christians, it was a refuge for artists, and even “a longing for those setting out on the road.”

Another symbol of Seville is the Golden Tower. It was built in 1120 by order of the representative of the Caliph of Morocco in Seville and named Borg Al Dsageb, which means Golden Tower in Arabic. The Tower received this name because the white clay bricks from which its upper part was made glittered in the sun so much that they seemed golden. The Golden Tower was one of the battle towers of the Alcazar - the castle of Seville and was connected to the wall. Currently, the Golden Tower houses the city's navigation museum.

Seville is the center of bullfighting and flamenco. And, of course, it has its own unique cuisine. When you arrive in Seville, don’t be lazy to go to a small cafe and drink a glass of Jerez or Manzanilla - apple liqueur - traditional drinks of Seville.

During the sightseeing tour you will explore the city and its most interesting architectural monument - the Cathedral. The height of the cathedral is 116 m, it is the third largest Christian cathedral in the world (after St. Peter's in Rome and St. Paul's in London), and the largest of the Gothic ones.

Nerja Frigiliana.
Frigiliana is located 300 meters above sea level in the Almijara mountains on the east coast of Malaga. You will visit the amazing Nerja Cave, opened in 1959 and which is a monument of world natural architecture.

Flamenco Show at the PEPE LOPEZ tavern.
Colorful flamenco shows at the Pepe Lopez tavern, located in the center of Torremolinos.

Sierra Nevada.
Sierra Nevada is the southernmost ski resort in Europe. This resort has existed for a long time, but it has received the greatest development over the past 10 years.
Over the years, new access roads have been built and powerful road services have been formed to ensure
access to the resort at any time of the year and in any weather; new ski slopes have been planned, the total length of which is currently more than 60 km; zones have been allocated for snowboarding and other non-traditional winter sports: new lines of lifts have been put into operation; A system of snow cannons has been created to ensure uninterrupted skiing throughout the season, which usually lasts from the end of November to the first days of May. The highest point of the Sierra Nevada is Veleta Peak - 3,398 m.
The village of Pradogliano has grown up around the ski resort (the central part of the village is at an altitude of 2,100 m), which consists mainly of hotels, apartments, sports equipment rentals, ski schools, as well as numerous restaurants, bars, cafes, discos, etc. However, despite the fact that the number of hotel beds is constantly increasing, the popularity of Sierra Nevada is growing even faster. Therefore, if you want to get guaranteed seats for the middle or high season (from late January to mid-March), this must be taken care of in advance, at least 5-6 weeks before the start of the trip.
In 1996, the Alpine Ski World Championships were successfully held on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada. Since then, European and world-level competitions have been held here annually. If you are planning a trip to the Sierra Nevada, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the competition schedule in advance, since during this period most hotels in Pradollano are occupied by athletes, organizers and team staff. In addition, tourists are not allowed on many tracks during competitions.

Rhonda.
Far from the sea, small settlements are scattered along the mountain slopes, which, because of the shining whiteness of their houses, are nicknamed “pueblos blancos” - white towns. This is a special world, unlike the resort towns of the coast. We invite you to visit one of these white towns – the most interesting one.

The town with the sonorous name Ronda is spectacularly located on two steep cliffs, separated by the narrow and deep Tagus gorge. Now both parts of the city - old and new - are connected by an impressive bridge. But once upon a time there was no trace of this bridge, just like the New City. The old part of modern Ronda, founded by the Arabs, remained one of the last strongholds of the Moors in Andalusia: each time the Tagus gorge stood as an insurmountable obstacle to the Christians. Ronda was conquered only in 1485. Most of the historical monuments and noteworthy buildings are located in the Old Town, whose narrow streets have preserved the atmosphere of a typical "Pueblos Blancos". However, not quite typical...

It is assumed that you are traveling to Ronda from the coast. In the area of ​​San Pedro de Alcantara, you need to turn off the N-340 highway onto the A-376 road leading into the mountains, along which you have to drive 55 km. Get ready for panoramic views and serpentine roads. It's a serpentine road, not scary, but you won't be able to go fast.

When entering Ronda from the south, you will first enter the Old Town. We cross it and leave the car in the new part of the parking lot. Naturally, we will explore Ronda on foot. The new city is notable primarily for its bullring (hereinafter - numbers on the plan of Ronda). The Plaza de Toros arena is the oldest and one of the most prestigious in Spain. Famous matadors consider it an honor to perform in Ronda. In the presence of royalty and nobles, it was opened on May 19, 1785, with a battle involving Pedro Romero and Pepe Hillo, leading representatives of the two rival schools from Ronda and Seville.

Pedro Romero Martinez was a famous bullfighter from the Romero family, a dynasty of matadors living in Ronda. Later he will create the classic style of Ronda - more severe compared to the Seville school. Pedro Romero is considered the father of modern bullfighting, and Ronda is the birthplace of bullfighting.
The arena is still in operation, and there is a bullfighting museum, which displays posters, photographs, swords and costumes of matadors, as well as a large collection of ancient weapons.

Every year in the first week of September, Ronda hosts a fiesta in honor of Pedro Romero, during which a “Goya-style bullfight” is held. It was first held in 1954 on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the great bullfighter, and the most famous modern matadors took part in it.
The event was a success and after a few years it became an integral part of the festival.

“Bullfight in Goya style” are theatrical events that recreate the era of the 18th century. So if, upon arriving in Ronda, you meet a lady in an old-fashioned dress accompanied by a gentleman in a nobleman’s suit, do not be surprised. You have arrived at the right time and in the right place.

Near the arena you can find a small nice Alameda square and the Iglesia de la Merced church, built in the 16th–17th centuries. The observation deck on the cliff offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
The travel agency in Plaza de España (by the way, there is a Plaza de Espana in Spain in any town that has the slightest self-respect) will give you a free map of Ronda and a pack of booklets as souvenirs.

To the south of the square is the symbol of Ronda - the Puente Nuevo bridge, connecting the old and new parts of the city. It was built in the 18th century. above the deepest part of the gorge at an altitude of 100 m. The bridge looks so impressive that it looks more like a fortress. The architect who supervised its construction fell to his death by falling into a gorge during another inspection of the construction site. For some time there was a prison at the bottom of the bridge. Such a gloomy bridge...

Hidden high in the mountains is the ancient Spanish town of Ronda, divided into two parts by the deep – 100 m – Tagus gorge. The “old”, founded by the Arabs, and the “new” parts are connected by a spectacular bridge - an achievement of engineers of that era. Due to its position, the city remained a stronghold of the Moors until 1485.
In Ronda, you will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the history of bullfighting by visiting the very first bullring in Spain (matadors consider it an honor to perform in Ronda) and the bullfighting museum located here. You will see a typical house of a wealthy family from the 18th century, as well as a distinctive cathedral.

Tangier.
Welcome to Africa, welcome to the Arab world of Morocco! Don't miss the opportunity to visit not only another state, but also another continent. You will cross the Strait of Gibraltar by ferry, and upon arrival in Tangier, take a bus tour around the city and see the confluence of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Taking a walking tour of the ancient fortified city of the Kasbah, you will be transported back in time while watching traditional artisans at work. After purchasing souvenirs, tourists will have lunch, during which you will be treated to dishes of national Arab cuisine.

Attention! Visiting Tangier on your own (without an organized excursion) is only possible with a double-entry Schengen visa. Otherwise, you simply will not be allowed back into Spain. Tourists visiting Tangier as part of an excursion are given a group visa, the cost of which is already included in the excursion.