Costa del Sol is sun, sand and sangria all rolled into one. You can’t beat the beach and bright lights of Torremolinos for the perfect holiday break. From pub grub to tapas, lager to fine local wine, you can sample as much or as little as you like of Spain’s fiery flavours.
There are plenty of bustling beaches, and there’s small coves sheltering quieter sandy shores. Away from the coast there are theme parks like Tivoli World or idyllic nature reserves up in the Sierras.
Stretched along Spain’s southernmost coast, the Costa del Sol has long been its holiday mecca. Golden sands rule the shores.
Things to do
Golf lovers of all levels will love Costa del Sol as there are many well tended courses designed by some of the all time greats such as Gary Player and Tony Jacklin. For those where golf isn’t their thing, there are plenty of sea and land based activities to enjoy.
With over a hundred miles of coastline, warm water and more than three hundred days of sun a year, the Costa del Sol is perfect for water sport enthusiasts. You can book water skiing or scuba diving lessons; so there’s plenty of ways to explore the area.
Other activities include horse riding and nature parks as well as amusement parks and zoos. There’s plenty to make grand days out. Almost every community has a festival too. There are over three thousand fiestas in the region every year, so plenty to keep locals and tourists alike, entertained.
Shopping
Marbella and Puerto Banus in the Costa del Sol are great Shopping locations, full of designer name boutiques and glamorous fashion outlets. In Torremolinos and Benalmadena, the Shopping comes more from the cheap and colourful drawer. On every corner, you’ll see the tourist traps selling blue and white Andalucian dishes, soft leather bags, straw baskets and endless flamenco shawls, fans and twirling dolls.
Malaga has marble paved boulevards which play host to famous Spanish department store El Corte Ingles plus countless high street fashion chains, antique dens and gift shops.
Nightlife
Nightlife is more sedate and relaxing in resorts like Frigiliana, Marbella and Estepona. You can sip on sangria at sunset and nibble on tapas, followed by a trip to a flamenco or live jazz show.
However, in Nerja there are quiet restaurants and lively bars side by side, so if you want to mix up your evenings, there’s plenty of variety to choose from.
To find the ultimate party nights, head towards Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola and raise the rafters at the numbers of bars, clubs and pubs to keep any socialite happy. Benalmadena has a 24 hour square where you can dance ‘til dawn and live the Spanish vibe to the full!
Eating out
In Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola, the streets and promenades are full with British style pubs and expat-owned cafes. There’s full English breakfasts, roast dinners and steak and kidney pies, so it’s no drama if you’re looking for a taste of home.
For those who want to experience Spanish cuisine, or any other international cuisine, there’s plenty in the way of tapas, chow mein, tikka or even bolognaise. If you want to stick to local cuisine, Nerja and Torremolinos’ pretty La Carihuela quarter is pretty good for early evening tapas treks. Expect slices of chorizo, albonigas (meatballs in tomato sauce), ‘jamon serrano’ (salt cured ham). One thing is guaranteed, you won’t go hungry in Spain!