Costa del Sol

The Senda Litoral de Malaga (Malaga Coastal Path) is a projected 160 km path following the entire coast of Malaga province from Manilva to Nerja. Once completed, this long-distance path will be a major tourist attraction for the Costa del Sol, and for Andalucia.

There are many different excursions from La Costa del Sol offering the perfect opportunities to see the major attractions in Andalucia without the hassle of having to organise it yourself. Coach tours where pick up will be either from central meeting points or your hotel.

Mijas can be split into two main areas; Mijas Costa and Mijas Pueblo. Mijas Costa is popular among tourists and has a large English population, it is here that you will find the town's beaches and more hotel and apartment rental opportunities. Mijas Pueblo is the original old town of Mijas and boasts authentic Andalucian town houses, colourfully decorated with flora.

Just 25km from Malaga Airport on the popular Costa del Sol, this Mediterranean coastal town offers winter sun or a lively summer experience. Popular among tourists due to its' accessibility and inexpensive cost of living, Fuengirola has become one of the most popular destinations on this costa.

Home of the popular El Caminito del Rey walk, just south of the stunning Ardeles with its lakes and reservoirs and set in breathtakingly beautiful Andalucian countryside, El Chorro is an excellent destination for those looking for some country air.

Benalmadena is a coastal resort on the popular Costa del Sol with great accessibility from Malaga Airport (19km) and a short drive from popular destinations like Marbella, Torremolinos and Fuengirola. The town is made up of two main parts, the busier Benalmadena on the coast and the more authentic Benalmadena pueblo or old town as it is also known.

Estepona is a rare coastal destination - one of the few towns on the Costa del Sol to have retained its character and traditional feel, despite the influx of tourism in this part of Andalucia. The casco antiguo (old town) is what you'd expect from a picturesque Andalucian town - narrow, cobbled streets lined with beautiful stone houses and plazas, and walls ablaze with vibrant colour from the large variety of flora.

If you're looking for basic, central accommodation in Torremolinos, there is an increasing number of welcoming hostals in the town, especially in Calle del Peligro, which is just a short stroll from the Bajondillo beach. Some of them even have a sea view.

The Caminito del Rey is a cliff-side path hanging 100m above the waters of the river Guadalhorce reservoir, as it runs through the famous beauty spot; El Chorro Gorge, near the villages of El Chorro in Alora and, Ardales, about 25 km inland from Malaga city.

Buying property on the Costa del Sol has long been a popular investment. With good quality villas and apartments spreading from Nerja to Sotogrande, it comes as no surprise. In recent years, the Spanish property market on the Costa del Sol has been providing a steady return on investment.

The Costa del Sol and its resort destinations are home to variety of hotels, here you will find everything from the five star classic accommodation complete with swimming pools, mature gardens with the most amazing tropical foliage, luxury golf resorts hotels, boutique hotels and charming bed and breakfasts.

The major international car rental companies have offices in most Andalucian cities and at the airports such as Málaga Airport, Seville, Jerez. The smaller local car rental companies tend to be less expensive. It's advisable to reserve a rental car online before arriving, particularly during peak periods. On arrival follow the instructions in your rental confirmation.

It is easy to understand why Malaga City is capital of the Costa del Sol. Once considered the poor cousin of Andalusia’s capital city, Seville, it now competes successfully for attention, thanks to its profusion of quirky museums, delightful pedestrianised centre, innovative restaurants and stylish hotels, many featuring trendy rooftop terraces with bar, pool and stunning views.

The name Alhambra comes from an Arabic root which means "red or crimson castle", perhaps due to the hue of the towers and walls. Created originally for military purposes, the Alhambra was an "alcazaba" (fortress), an "alcázar" (palace) and a small "medina" (city), all in one. Alhambra fortress had existed since the 9th century and a residence of Kings in the 13th century.

The Costa de Sol can be divided into two sections: East and West, with Malaga city at its centre. The eastern Costa del Sol is much shorter, stretching from the provincial capital as far as Nerja, where it meets the Costa Tropical of Granada province.

Andalucía is a birdwatcher's paradise and attracts ornithologists throughout the year. The best time of the year, however, is during the spring, as this is when you can see many wintering species, together with those arriving for the summer months.

There is a frequent service between the main towns alson the Costa del Sol and to other parts of Andalucia and also day and overnight services to and from Madrid and Barcelona. Buses will be the only form of public transport into the surrounding villages. The bus and coach services are operated by different private bus companies.

The main gateway to the Costa del Sol is Malaga - Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) located 5 km west of Malaga city centre. The A-7 coast road, and the AP-7 toll motorway are the principal means of communication between the airport and the resort towns of the Costa del Sol.

Hostals and hostels are a fantastic way to travel Andalucia on a budget. Despite their affordable prices, this doesn't mean to say that you have to compromise on quality, with many well known for their individual character and centralised location. Most hostals tend to offer free wifi, and hostels are more well known for providing computers so that you can stay in touch and remain connected whilst on your travels.