Guide to the Costa del Sol
Interesting Costa del Sol guide with articles about the region.
Costa del Sol Guide and Related Articles
Costa del Sol Guide - Interesting Articles
The Costa Del Sol - A Perfect Holiday Destination - (by Ruth Polak)
Since the 1960’s and the advent of package holidays the Costa del Sol has always been one of the premier holiday destinations in Europe, and with good reason. The weather is perfect, with little or no rain between the beginning of June and the end of September. The beaches are long, clean and sandy and the vast majority have the coverted blue flag award also, the Mediterranean being practically tideless, you never have to worry about the tide being out and bathing is relatively safe.
If this isn’t enough then there is also the excellent night life with bars and clubs staying open until the early hours and a great choice of restaurants up and down the coast. The Andalucian people are very friendly and obliging and crime is relatively low.
Recent years have seen vast improvements in the infrastructure with both the road networks and Malaga airport being significantly improved. In addition air routes into both Granada and Jerez now offer the visitor a greater choice of flights and very reasonable rates. Gibraltar too has increased their number of regular flights.
The type of holidays people are taking has changed in recent years with a shift away from the more traditional package tours as more and more people appreciate the flexibility of renting their own apartment or perhaps a villa with a private pool. Many holiday makers are starting to explore the beautiful countryside just a short drive from the Costa where they can enjoy the peace and quiet of renting a country villa whilst at the same time being able to easily visit the beach.
In addition to lazing on the beach the Costa del Sol now has a lot of other attractions to offer visitors. Selwo Wild Life Park near Estepona being just one. This is a super day out for all the family not only entertaining but educational too. Likewise Selwo Marina is a superb attraction at Benalmadena with the only Dolphinarium in Southern Spain. At Torremolinos and Mijas Costa you will find 2 brilliant Aqua Parks, with a vast array of slides and pools.
If you wish to take a more cultural outing then the Picasso Museum at Malaga should be on your agenda or for plant lovers visit the Botanical Gardens also at Malaga or the Bonsai Museum at Marbella.
For the golfers of course there is an awe inspiring choice of excellent golf courses of all different levels, some by the sea and some set in stunning mountain scenery. New ones are regularly being constructed and as a result many golfers return year after year to the Costa del Sol.
Another first on the Costa is Mijas Race Course where evening meetings are held weekly throughout the summer. In addition they hold many top class concerts, including such artists as Sir Elton John, Rod Stewart, UB 40 and Bryan Adams. They don’t forget classical music lovers either, giving concerts by world class orchestras.
One other attraction for the Costa del Sol is certainly not new but should definitely be on your list of places to visit and that is Gibraltar It is of course steeped in history and has the only troop of wild monkeys in Europe. The beautiful St. Michael’s caves are also well worth visiting and then of course there is the tax free shopping.
So whilst the Costa del Sol is traditionally renown for "sun, sea and sangria" it has moved with the times and now has a lot to offer the more discerning holiday maker who wants more from his holiday than just these ever popular elements.
Article by Ruth Polak the owner of http://www.costadelsol-vacationrentals.com A web site specializing in holiday villas and apartments on the Costa del Sol and in Rural Andalucia. You will also find lots of information about Spain and Andalucia, in particular.
Costa Del Sol Guide - Malaga Tourist Attractions - (by Gary Marshall)
Most visitors bypass Malaga in favour of the Costa del Sol resorts, but this surprising city boasts several notable tourist attractions including the recently opened Picasso Museum and Gibralfaro Castle. Malaga is also renowned for its traditional Spanish tapas bars, many of which are located around calle Nueva in the old town. Specialties include fritura malagueno (fried fish) and boquerones (anchovies).
Malaga's most famous son, Pablo Picasso, was born here in 1881 and he spent his early years in the city. Picasso's birthplace in the corner of the Plaza de la Merced is open to the public and displays some of his personal items. The new Picasso Museum, which opened in 2003, is housed in a converted 16th century palace, the Palacio de los Condes de Buenavista. It contains a collection of over 200 artworks assembled by several of Picasso's heirs, most notably his daughter-in-law Christine Ruiz-Picasso. Items include paintings, drawings, sculptures and ceramics. Another art museum in Malaga, which also opened in 2003, is the CAC which houses an impressive collection of contemporary works.
In the centre of the city is the cathedral which was built over the course of several centuries, resulting in a mixture of architectural styles. Only one of the bell towers was completed, earning the cathedral the nickname 'La Manquita', which can loosely be interpreted as 'one-armed lady'. Malaga has several other notable churches, including the 15th century Iglesia de Santiago (Picasso's baptismal certificate is kept here), and the Iglesia San Juan Bautista, with its 18th century Baroque-style tower.
Overlooking Malaga is the hilltop Castillo de Gibralfaro, built during the 14th century on the site of a former Phoenician lighthouse (hence its name which derives from 'gebel-faro' meaning 'lighthouse on the rock'). All that remains of the castle today are the ramparts from which there are great views over the city. Near the base of the hill is the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, which dates from the 7th century AD, although most of the present structure was built around 1050 AD. Within the Alcazaba are a series of gardens, fountains and patios. There's also a small palace which is home to the city's archaeological museum containing various Phoenician, Roman and Moorish artifacts. Next to the Alcazaba are the remains of the Roman amphitheatre, which has only recently been uncovered.
A short distance to the east of the city's large bullring is the English Cemetery. Founded in 1829 by the British Consul, William Mark, this was the first Protestant graveyard in Spain. Up until then non-Catholics were buried on the beaches in the 'dead' of the night. To the north of the city centre is another quiet spot, the Jardin Botanico La Concepcion. This impressive botanic garden was inaugurated in the mid-nineteenth century by the Englishwoman Amalia Livermore and her husband.
Malaga has excellent transport connections. There is a regular and efficient train service from the city to the airport, around 4 miles (6 km) from the city centre, and also to the Costa del Sol resorts of Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola. The newly-opened AVE railway line means the capital Madrid is now only about 2 hours and 30 minutes away. There are also regular buses from Malaga to Granada, Seville, Almeria and the resort of Nerja.
For more advice and tourist information about Malaga please see: Malaga
Costa Del Sol Guide - Play Golf on the Costa del Sol - (by Ruth Polak)
The Costa del Sol, recently renamed the Costa del Golf, is an absolute Paradise for golfers of all standards. Offering some world-class golf courses in some beautiful locations combined with the highest number of sunshine days per annum in Europe it is hard to beat. Plentiful and cheap flights to Malaga, Gibraltar and now Jerez make it accessible all the year round and not content to rest on it’s laurels new golf courses and academies are being opened up on a regular basis which is why so many golfers return here year after year as there are always new and exciting challenges.
Just A Few of the Many Costa del Sol Golf Courses. Valderrrama (near Sotogrande), home to the Volvo Masters (1988-96), the Ryder Cup (1997) and the World Golf Championships (1999-2000), Valderrama surpasses its reputation as number 1 in Europe and it has twice received the accolade of “Best Golf Club in Europe”La Duquesa Golf Course, designed by Trent Jones has some wonderful Mediterranean views , which could play havoc with your scoring! It is probably the most complete club on the coast offering tennis, swimming pool, squash, gym etc. along with the picturesque Duqesa Port just across the road. There is also an excellent bar and restaurant, and not forgetting of course the world class and demanding golf course itself. La Cañada was designed free of charge by Tent Jones and is the first municipal golf course of the Costa del Sol and has resulted in a surge of interest in golf by the local Spanish populationIt’s nine holes are laid out on a hillside and do not present any particular difficulties. Alhaurin Golf is a little inland from the Costa del Sol but is well worth the trip as the scenery is stunning and the course superb. It is a unique club, in that it has three golf courses -- an 18 hole par 72 course designed by Seve Ballesteros, a nine hole par 3 course bordering a beautiful lake, and an 18 hole junior course (adults may play only when accompanied by a child.) The par 72 course is of international quality with challenging holes, lush green fairways and greens set amongst pine woods. Situated between Mijas and Coín in the Sierra de Mijas, this course has majestic views of mountains to the north and Africa and the Mediterranean to the south. La Qinta Golf and Country Club is home to the former World Champion Manuel Piñero's Golf School. It is a technical course that reflects the designer, Manuel Piñero's, own playing characteristics in that it rewards accuracy rather than long hitting. Alcaidesa Golf is the best and only true links course in Spain. It has recently undergone an extensive programme of re- modelling with fairways being improved and widened and greens levelled off with the result that the layout is now suitable for golfers of all levels.
For further information on some of the best Golf Courses that the Costa del Sol has to offer visit http://www.costadelsol-vacationrentals.com/Costadelsolgolfcourses.html where you will also find a lovely selection of villas and apartments to rent close to some of the best golf courses on the Costa.
About the Author Ruth Polak is the owner of http://www.costadelsol-vacationrentals.com which has a good selection of villas and apartments to rent near some great Costa del Sol Golf Courses.
Costa Del Sol Guide - Holiday to the Costa del Sol - (by Teddy Jogedebermeister)
With its specific microclimate, fair beaches, and all year-round sun, the Costa del Sol is the domain Mecca for holidaymakers. Sparkling low waters glint in the sunlight as boats and yachts side out of the more marinas dotted across this grand maritime domain. From Malaga state in the eastern, to the cusp of Cadiz state in the west, the Costa del Sol, which literally means, “clear slide,” is south-central Spain’s specific free profession. Its white-washed villages have get a pleasing draw for those searching for a feel of reliable Andalucian living, while common maritime towns much as Marbella and Puerto Banus, have get highly common destinations for good amusement. Formerly comprised of fishing villages, collective tourism has transformed the Costa del Sol into a best tourist address, with the regular Costa del Sol beach company providing a beating nightlife, lot of urine sports during the daytime, and wonderful beaches to enjoy in the sunlight.
Experience the reliable Andalucian civilization and be a journey into towns as Ronda, Monda, Coin, Guarro, and Ojen – each a tourist magnet in itself. Take a can at one of the rich tapas bars and have the topical cuisine, including hot treats much as bocarones (low deep-fried sardines), champinones con ojo (mushrooms in garlic), gambas (prawns in garlic), patatas bravas (potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce) and enough many. Food forms an effective factor of the finish, and formerly you’ve laped your tapas downward with an ice of sangria in the society of friends and home, you’ll short name it’s simple plenty to steal into the Spanish course of living! The medicine of Andalucia is the medicine of flamenco, and since Andalucia is too the cradle of more a famed flamenco dancer and vocalist, places much as the Teatro Cervantes in Malaga much point shows featuring best stars of the flamenco view. Check to know more: Holidays to Costa del Sol.
Costa Del Sol Guide - Attractions on the Costa del Sol - (by Gaizka Pujana)
Whether you are looking for sporting recreation, beach relaxation or a look at quaint Spanish villages, Costa del Sol has plenty to offer you.
Costa del Sol is a region that can be found in the south of Spain within the autonomous community of Andalusia. Whichever area of Costa del Sol you choose to stay in, you will find a number of accommodation options, as well as things to do. You will primarily need to decide whether you want a relaxing beach holiday or a holiday based in the city. Many hotels and holiday apartments can be found along the 150km of coastline. These generally include balconies that have stunning views over the vast coastline. Costa del Sol boasts a number of beautiful sandy beaches, but it also has some pebble beaches that tourists can visit.
Costa del Sol has a vibrant nightlife, as well as many restaurants, bars and clubs. If you want to take part in this aspect of life in Costa del Sol, you should stay in the area between Marbella and Nerja. Accommodation to fit any budget is readily available in this area. Marbella is known to be a chic area of Costa del Sol and has become known for attracting many of the richer and more famous of the area's tourists. More than fifty golf resorts can be found in this area of Costa del Sol.
You can find many quaint Spanish villages near to Costa del Sol that are worthwhile visiting. There are also tiny white villages that look as if they are attached to the sides of the mountains that surround Costa del Sol. These are beautiful to visit and while it is a tiring walk up the mountain, taking the time to walk up to look at them will reward the visitor with a stunning view back down to the sea. Benalmadena is a scenic area that has villages on hilltops. It also offers a bustling nightlife by the waters edge. Other areas that tourists may be interested to stay in are Mijas which is known to be Bohemian in nature and Torremolinos which boasts a number of popular bars and clubs. In Estepona you will be able to relax in palm-thatched beach bars that are typically Spanish in style, while in areas like the stylish Puerto Banus on Golden Mile you will be able to stay in any number of self-catering apartments by the beach.
Costa del Sol offers many recreational activities, including world-renowned golf courses and fantastic water sports. Costa del Sol can also act as a base for visiting other European countries as it is easily accessible by sea and road, as well as by rail.
Options for types of accommodation in Costa del Sol range from five star luxury hotels, to rural getaways in the Andalusian countryside. You can also find spa resorts, rental apartments and beachside apartments in exclusive private developments.
For more information visit the authors website at http://www.getreadycostadelsol.com/
Costa del Sol Links: Costa del Sol Information - Costa del Sol Map - Costa del Sol Weather - Andalucia Map - Andalucia Weather
Costa del Sol Hotels: Sotogrande Hotels
Costa Del Sol Property - Puerto Sotogrande Property - Gibraltar Apartment for Sale - Malaga Map
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COSTA DEL SOL PROPERTY 2 bedroom Benalmadena apartment offered for rent by the owner on the Costa del Sol. Full details here: Benalmadena Apartments. |
Places to Visit: San Pedro de Alcantara - Frigiliana - Las Alpujarras - Villacana - Granada - Velez-Malaga
Costa del Sol Golf: Torrequebrada Golf Course - Guadalmina Golf Resort - Marbella Golf - Mijas Golf
Costa del Sol property to sell or rent? Advertise with us - Details here:- Advertise Costa Del Sol Property
Related Links: Costa Almeria - Costa de la Luz
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