Costa Del Sol

Spain > Costa del Sol

Overview

The densely populated coast of Andalusia stretches from Almeria to Tarifa and is Europe's favoured, all-year-round holiday destination. Commonly known as the Costa del Sol, it consists of a string of fine sandy beaches, where the average water temperature is a pleasant 64ºF (18ºC). Picturesque towns have abundant tourist amenities, resorts and high-rise hotels; attractions include zoos, bullfights, water parks, casinos and amusement parks such as the renowned Tivoli World.

A huge beach resort itself and the birthplace of Picasso, the energetic city of Malaga is the capital of Andalusia and the gateway to the Costa del Sol. The most popular resort town on the Costa del Sol is Torremolinos, which retains some elements of traditional Spain, although most main streets are now pedestrian thoroughfares filled with souvenir shops and ice-cream parlours. Torremolinos is a popular party resort and is perfect for all kinds of hedonistic fun in the sun.

Marbella is another favourite, though it's a more elegant, upmarket resort and something of a playground for the elite. Those in the Costa del Sol who yearn for some cultural sightseeing should venture to nearby Granada and its iconic Alhambra fortress.

Tourists can also visit the quaint and scenic villages of Nerja and Mijas to experience some authentic local flavour. Ronda offers holidaymakers some respite from the revelry of the resort towns thanks to its beautiful natural scenery and wealth of cultural attractions.

The airport is situated between Malaga and the large resort of Torremolinos on the national road N340, which connects all towns and resorts along the coast. Trains can be caught from the airport into Malaga City and to Fuengirola. Bus services link the coastal towns as well as the inland towns of Ronda and Granada to each other; there's a train between Malaga and Fuengirola, and a train connecting Ronda to Malaga.

Sightseeing & Attractions

Sightseeing & Attractions

Sightseeing

Once lined with a string of small fishing villages, the Costa del Sol is now dominated by purpose-built resorts and apartment buildings. The beaches are the coastline's greatest attraction, but visitors will find a number of amusement parks and water parks, excellent golf courses, and a very active nightlife at many of the resorts.

Although the historic towns and villages along the Costa del Sol have been somewhat diminished by tourism, it's still possible to get a glimpse of the old Spain. The old town centres in Malaga, Marbella and Mijas are well preserved, and are now home to art galleries, boutiques and restaurants.

Those seeking a more authentic Spain will need to head to inland, where the small villages remain undeveloped and the spectacular natural parks offer dramatic walking and cycling trails. Ronda is a popular excursion because of its iconic bridge and famous bullring.

Attractions

Granada and the Alhambra

Granada is a high altitude city of romance and folklore that boasts one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spain: the Alhambra. A palace-fortress built up between the 9th and 16th centuries, the Alhambra is the most important and spectacular piece of Moorish architecture in Spain. Set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the huge complex includes the Summer Palace with its fountains and gardens, the Palacios Nazaries with its intricate ornamentation, and a hilltop fortress. The queue to get into this UNESCO World Heritage Site gets ridiculously long and tickets should be booked online and weeks in advance to avoid disappointment. At least one full day is required to really explore the vast complex.

Gibraltar

This truly incredible limestone formation sits at the end of the Iberian Peninsula and is famous for its astounding geology and overly friendly monkeys. Though many countries have claimed the beacon over the years, it's officially owned by the British government so it's advised that tourists exchange euros for pounds. The Rock of Gibraltar is easily conquered by cable car, but it's worthwhile to hire a guide to explain the countless caves and rocks, and to entice the wild but sociable monkeys. On clear days, visitors can even view North Africa. St Michael's Cave, long believed to be bottomless, is a thrilling attraction with many myths and stories attached. Part of the massively deep cave is open to visitors and is even used as a concert venue.

Climate

The Costa del Sol enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with sunny, hot summer weather and mild winters, which make it a great holiday destination year-round. As the name suggests, the coastline receives more than 320 days of sunshine per year. Summer temperatures reach an average high of 86°F (30°C), and the winter temperatures seldom drop below 50°F (10°C) on the coast.

Inland temperatures have greater extremes as there are scorching summers and cold winters. Rainfall is sporadic and pretty much limited to the winter months, with the majority falling in November and December. The rain usually comes in the form of intermittent, light showers that give way quickly to sun and blue skies. The temperature of the ocean seldom falls below 68°F (20°C), so swimming is almost always a possibility and is enjoyed in spring and autumn as well as summer.

Summer, between June and August, when the heat is tempered by frequent sea breezes, is by far the most popular time to holiday in the Costa del Sol. Spring, especially late April and May, sees temperatures average between 73°F and 80°F (23°C and 27°C), and is also a glorious time to visit.

Malaga Airport

Malaga Airport is located four miles (6km) southeast of the city centre.

Tel: +34 (0)952 048 838, +34 (0)902 404 704.
www.aena.es/en/malaga-costa-del-sol.html

Facilities

Facilities at the airport include a bank, ATMs, currency exchange, restaurants and bars, shops, a post office, the National Museum of Air Navigation and Transport, and a VIP lounge.

Car Parking

Facilities at the airport include a bank, ATMs, currency exchange, restaurants and bars, shops, a post office, the National Museum of Air Navigation and Transport, and a VIP lounge.

Car Rental

Car rental companies represented at the airport include Avis, Europcar and Hertz, among others.

Taxis

Taxis can be found outside the arrivals area of the terminal building. Fares are higher at night.

Transfer terminals

The three terminals are adjacent and connected.

Transfer City

Buses, trains and taxis all serve Malaga airport. A bus leaving to Malaga city centre departs regularly and the journey takes only 15 minutes. Taxis outside the airport add airport-carrying charges and take approximately 20 minutes to reach the city. There are regular trains to Malaga, Torremolinos and Fuengirola.

See map bigger