Costa Del Sol Hotels

Although often ridiculed as a tourist haven for pasty occupants of the British Isles, there is far more to the Costa del Sol than meets the eye. Comprised of 10 major towns and innumerable smaller villages, the Costa del Sol is a hideaway for both Spanish and Moorish culture.

The Basilica of La Victoria is one of Spain’s most beautiful baroque churches, whilst the Cervantes Theatre is home to flamenco, musicals, dance and theatre. If you’re a food lover, you’ll have your choice of some of the most beautiful tapas as well as international fare, and as the tourists dollars roll in, so do more and more of the world’s leading chefs.

Chances are you’re there for the beaches and you won’t leave disappointed. Hopefully, though, unlike the aforementioned pasty Brits, you also won’t leave horribly sunburnt. With over 23 stretches of sand, including Torreblancaand Fuengirola, to choose from, you really are spoilt for choice.

But the Costa del Sol is more about the resorts, sunbathing and water sports you’ll find in the likes of Marbella. Hire a car and trace the coast in search of the White Towns of Ronda, Mijas and Casaraes. Beautiful, charming and sparkling white (funnily enough) on the hillsides, they are the image most associated with Andalusia and the ‘real’ Costa del Sol.

If you’re looking for a Spain away from Spain, a more mysterious and more inviting Spain, head to the Costa del Sol and begin an adventure you won’t soon forget.

COSTA DEL SOL’S TOP 10

COSTA DEL SOL LOCAL

The Costa del Sol is made up of various cities, each unique and offering a different perspective and history of the southern Spanish coast.

Malaga

The largest city on the Costa del Sol and famous for being Picasso’s birthplace, Malaga is pleasant all year-round. Less rushed than Madrid or Barcelona, it is often seen as an escape rather than a stop off on a Contiki or Grand Tour. Aside from art (there are plenty of galleries, including the Picasso Museum and Centro De Arte Contemporaneo), Malaga is famous for its bullring. Spain’s bullfighting tradition of is alive and well at the Plaza de Toros de la Malagueta, with daily and nightly bullfights and festivities.

While the squeamish should probably avoid the main event, the preliminary activities are extremely enjoyable and will give you a taste of traditional culture. The best way to get around Malaga is hiring a bike for the day and cruising around this thoroughly Mediterranean city.

Mijas

Located high on a mountainside, Mijas is a beautiful white beacon of a town – providing amazing views of the African coastline, the Atlas Mountains, and the Strait of Gibraltar. With 12km (7.5 miles) of coastline, Mijas is close to nine separate beaches. The recent influx of affluent tourist dollars to this often overlooked location means that sevengolf courses have sprung up in recent years. Yet the town of Mijas Puebloprovides the biggest attraction within the region, with small artisan workshops and tapas bars lining streets that have not yet corrupted by the evils of the tourist dollar.

Banalmadena

Comprised of three separate districts, the most popular (and rightfully so) is Banalmadena Costa, with healthy beaches and a healthier nightlife. The Harpenny Bridge is an ‘authentic’ Irish pub, set up to catch the best of world football and the best of the coastal beauty.

But if you can tear yourself away from the Guinness and the lager lasses, the best way to explore Banalmadena is by boat, with many extravagant houses (both new and old) lining the foreshore. To get a better view of the surrounding countryside, the Tivoli World Cable Car is as cheap as it is worthwhile – with a steep peak and exceptional views. The local bird life is not to be missed, and you’re likely to see eagles and vultures in their natural habitats if you take the time to look up!

Nerja

Nestled on the foothills of the Sierra Almijara, Nerja is a new kind of resort town – taking its time in finding its footing and its niche rather than rushing into developing as high and as fast as possible. The town manages to maintain most of its Spanish village charm as the tourists who visit are usually Northern Spanish rather than Brits. The Balcon De Europa is built into the natural headland, providing incredible views of the coast and the interior. The Nuestra Senora de las Angustias Hermitage and El Salvador Church are two of the nicest churches on the Costa del Sol and are well worth investigating. The interiors will make believers out of the staunchest atheist (believers in good interior design that is!).

Torremolinos

Something of a victim of the mass appeal of the Costa del Sol, the city has been taken over by tourism. During low season its population is 45,000, but during the height of summer it increases to 250,000 – made up mostly British and French tourists.

Torremolinos is also Spain’s top LGBT holiday destination, and the Nogalera Complex is a comfortable haven filled with gay bars, exclusive restaurants and trendy shops. The city offers a lot of touristy activities, including windsurfing and waterskiing, as well as the biggest water park in Andalusia, Aqualand.

To avoid the rush, venture into La Carihuela, which is the traditional home of the local fishing culture. You’ll find the restaurants and bars a little more real and earthy and a lot less tacky.

COSTA DEL SOL EAT & DRINK

Families around Spain celebrate the Three Kings of the Nativity. Legend has it that the Wise Men travelled back through Spain after the birth of Christ, so on the Fifth of January, children around the country leave their shoes outside the door to receive any leftover generosity from the men who bore gifts to the baby Jesus. You could try your luck, too (although if staying in a hotel, your shoes will probably just be taken away for a shine).

From the middle of June to the middle of July, the Granada Music Festival brings together the best of local and international acts to the Costa del Sol in a celebration of music from around the world.

The Spanish National Orchestra annual concert is not to be missed, and the passion aroused when they play on home soil is incredible.

In September each year, the local harvest is celebrated with gastronomic fairs across the Andalusian ranges and Costa del Sol. Celebrating Spanish culinary traditions, the autumn food festivals incorporate larger food events such as Oktoberfest.

In the middle of the Christmas period, the Verdiales Festival celebrates the rich Spanish tradition of dance. Celebrated throughout the Costa del Sol, the festival shows off the best Flamenco dancers, as well as the finest Arabic music.

WHEN TO GO

· With an average temperature of 20°C (68°F) and around 330 hours of sun a year, the Costa del Sol is appropriately named.

· Not only is the weather year-round quite steamy, but so is the ocean at 23°C (73°F).

· Sheltered by mountain ranges, there is much less rain in the coastal regions than in the nearby western Andalusian region.

WHAT TO AVOID

· Be aware of timeshare rats lurking outside hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners. Hard to shake, ignoring them is the best option.

· Visiting the Castillo Colomares may be cheap, but be aware that when paying your entrance fee you cannot actually enter the castle and can only view the outside from one side.

· Keep valuables close in tourist locations. Troupes of trained pickpockets prowl the boulevards of most southern tourist locations, so don’t trust your back pockets!

GETTING AROUND

· Car: Getting around via hire car is probably your best option during the winter and autumn months, but as soon as it gets warmer, the motorways become more and more clogged.

· Scooters: Becoming a more popular option, motorised scooters are a great way to check out the Costa del Sol. Just make sure you’re confident riding, as the accident statistics are quite frightening.

· Foot: When travelling around the towns, do it by foot. You’ll uncover a lot more down little alleyways and off sneaky paths than you will in a car. If your feet are sore, you’ve done well.

General Information

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