Beaches, art and leisure on the Costa Del Sol

What do we think when we dream of holidays? A perfect setting. The kind that has wide open beaches with warm waters, modern hotel facilities and exclusive golf courses, not to miss the passion for life. Enter Costa Del Sol.

Sun and sand are, without doubt, the trademarks that have made the coast of Malaga province into the ideal destination for more than eight million tourists who come to this privileged part of Andalusia every year. Initially attracted by its exceptional climate (the average annual temperature is about 18ºC), visitors to the Costa del Sol end up being seduced by its attractive towns and villages, many with quiet coves, kilometers of clean sand, unusual natural settings and the Mediterranean sea, perfect for swimming and all sorts of water sports.

Any spot on the Malaga coast is perfect to enjoy the good weather, peace and quiet, cool streets and squares, friendly local people and delicious flavors of the finest fish in a variety of dishes – an essential ingredient in the light, exquisite local cuisine.

The life of leisure and luxury also stand out on the Costa del Sol. Towns like Malaga, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Marbella, Mijas and Estepona are important centers for shopping, culture and business. Casinos, concerts, museums, fiestas, theatres, water parks and theme parks can keep you busy and immerse in fun.

The Costa del Sol’s setting is also perfect for a wide range of open-air sports to keep you one with nature. If there is one dominant sport in Malaga province, however, it is golf. The Costa del Sol is a Mecca for thousands of enthusiasts. There are almost fifty courses to be found over a relatively small area – in places like Marbella, Malaga, Estepona, Guadiaro, San Pedro de Alcántara, Alhaurín de la Torre, Artola, Mijas and Puerto Banús.

The perfect way to relax and tone up the body is in one of the many new spas and hydrotherapy centers that have appeared recently along the Malaga coast offering sauna, massage, Turkish baths and Jacuzzi. There are two traditional spa-centers in the province. They can be found in-land at Carratraca and Tolox, with good access from the coast.

The Costa del Sol, like all of Spain, has a wealth of art and history to enjoy. Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga and the city has just opened a new museum dedicated to this universal artist. It also has historic buildings and monuments like the Cathedral, Moorish “Alcazaba” (Fortress) as well as its old town, full of palaces and stately town houses. It is also well worth visiting nearby towns such as Antequera, Ronda, Marbella and Nerja whose beautiful, mysterious pre-historic caves are not to be missed. It is definitely worth taking time out from your relaxation by the sea to discover the historic/artistic heritage of this welcoming region, worthy of being one of the world’s prime tourist destinations.