Discovering the Costa del Sol
Driving in the Costa del Sol is easy, with the A-7 (E15) motorway providing easy access from Malaga airport to all the major Costa del Sol resorts. Driving inland from Malaga, the roads become smaller and undulate through the Andalucian countryside. The scenery inland from Malaga is often spectacular, dominated by mountain ranges such as the Sierra Nevada which is popular with skiers. There are plenty of vehicle rental companies offering direct from Malaga Airport, so it is easy to pick up a car and drive into the Andalucian countryside. Walkers and climbers should head for the hills in areas such as Antequera, which is located around 35 km inland from Malaga.
Alternatively, the Spanish city of Malaga located on the south coast of Spain has plenty to offer visitors all year round due to the sub-tropical climate of the region. The historical old town of Malaga is a maze of streets, leading towards Gibralfaro Castle located on a hill overlooking the old town and port area. The castle is accessible via bus or the walk from the old town in around 20 minutes.
Malaga also has a beautiful cathedral – Malaga Cathedral, the Picasso Museum (Malaga is the birthplace of Picasso) and a large number of restaurants, tapas bars, cafes and shops. El Pimpi’s bar in the old town is a must for wine and port lovers.
Below is a guide to some of the major resorts of the Costa del Sol:
Fuengirola
Fuengirola is home to the 10th century Moorish fortress Sohail Castle, which is set in the foothills of the mountains outside Fuengirola. The castle has been restored over the last 20 years, and has access from the A7 motorway.
Nerja
To the east of Malaga is the town of Nerja. Slightly quieter than Fuengirola and Torremolinos, Nerja is a popular family holiday resort. Nerja is a popular destination for walkers and climbers, with easy access to several popular climbing ranges. The pretty hillside village of Frigiliana set in the hills behind Nerja is also a favored location for visitors.
Mijas
The attractive whitewashed village of Mijas is located around 30km to the west of Malaga and a few kilometres inland from Fuengirola. Set back in the hills overlooking the mediterranean coastline Mijas is very popular with visitors. There is a busy market every Wednesday and Saturday which attracts visitors from all over the Costa del sol region.
Marbella
Marbella is the most exclusive resort of the Costa del Sol and is the favoured resort of the rich and famous. Located around 30 minutes to the west of Malaga Airport, Marbella is frequented by many boat owners, many of whom moor their boats in the harbour. Marbella has a popular waterfront area with many exclusive bars and restaurants, although the prices are generally higher than in neighbouring resorts such as Fuengirola and Torremolinos. Marbella also has a beautiful old town area which should not be missed.
Puerto Banus
Puerto Banus it is an expensive resort that offers plenty of high scale nightlife on a regular basis. While drinks can get a bit pricey, it is known as the crème de la crème of the Marbella night life scene with excellent beach clubs and many exclusive VIP only clubs that will make celebrity sightings almost a guarantee if you can gain admittance.
Torremolinos
Located roughly between Malaga and Mijas, the town of Torremolinos is a fishing village that has turned into a major tourist destination for those who want a pedestrian friendly town centre complete with shops and an easy path down to the beach line. Famous for its cuisine and considered a safe place for homosexual holiday goers, the city at times is referred to as a gay Mecca.