Spain island Costa del Sol. A complete guide to the best beaches on the costa del sol. Costa del Sol on the map of Spain

Costa del Sol... At the mere mention of this name, my soul immediately becomes warm and sunny pictures of the Mediterranean coast, serene relaxation and eternal holiday emerge in my memory! And it’s no coincidence, because this is the southernmost, warmest region of the Spanish coast. The name Costa del Sol itself translates as Coast of the Sun, and it is for this feature that it is so loved by numerous tourists who come to enjoy sunny days, which are in abundance here, and the cleanest, many kilometers of beaches that this Spanish coast is so rich in.

The Costa del Sol resort area is located in one of the largest and southern autonomous communities of Spain - Andalusia. I especially like this region because here you can feel the “real” Spain - sultry, hot, passionate. The heart of Spain is hidden in Andalusia. The mixture of European culture and the Arab East turns this place into a real treasure trove for the curious tourist and makes it so attractive and alluring.

Costa del Sol is a resort area on the Mediterranean coast. It extends from Malaga west almost to Gibraltar and east to Almeria. , Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella, Nerja, Estepona - each city is interesting in its own way, you can choose any one and you won’t be mistaken, everywhere there is a southern flavor and everything is conducive to a pleasant holiday. The western part of the coast is more popular with tourists than the eastern part. In the recent past, these were simple fishing villages, which, thanks to their geographical location and excellent climate, have turned into modern and fashionable resorts. The Sun Coast, like a magnet, attracts crowds of travelers from different countries, including Russia.

When I’m on the Costa del Sol, I can’t help but feel like I’m on the edge of Europe, but that’s how it is: Africa is very close, across the road, or rather, across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Majestic cathedrals, wine and vineyards, sandy beaches, palm trees, bullfighting, the famous national flamenco dance, orange and olive trees, sun, mountains and sea - this is what the South is rich in and for which it is worth coming to the very edge of Spain, on the Costa del Salt.

How to get there

The resorts of the Costa del Sol from Russia can be reached by different means of transport. It all depends on how much time and money you want to spend on the trip. Train, car and plane are suitable for self-planned travel. Travel companies organize bus tours and sea cruises and these two modes of transport can also be used to get to the South of Spain. If you prefer to travel with a travel agency, there are options to suit different tastes and budgets.

By plane

The easiest, fastest and cheapest way to get to the Costa del Sol is by air.

No matter where you're flying from, you can compare flight options for your dates.

From Moscow

There are direct regular daily flights from Aeroflot airlines from Moscow to Malaga. There are two flights on Saturdays and Sundays, and additional flights are organized during the high season. Flight time is about 5.5 hours. The price of a round trip ticket is about 320 EUR (approximately 20,000 RUB).

From Saint-Petersburg

There are no direct regular flights from St. Petersburg to Malaga. In my opinion, the most convenient way to get from the northern capital is by transit through Moscow. The flight to Moscow lasts no more than 1.5 hours, the connection between flights is from 3 hours, the price of a round-trip ticket is approximately 350 EUR (about 23,000 RUB). Flights are operated by Aeroflot airline.

Through Europe

Malaga can be reached through almost any European capital, as well as in transit via Turkish Airlines.

Costa del Sol Airport

Planes fly to the main air harbor of the coast - Malaga Airport, named after the famous native of the city, Pablo Picasso. From the airport, getting to the tourist area is very easy. If you decide to stay in Malaga, the city is easily accessible from the airport in just 20 minutes.

By train

Another option for true travelers is to combine air travel and rail travel. You can take a direct flight from Moscow to Madrid or Barcelona, ​​and from there high-speed Ave trains (the name translates from Spanish as “bird”) run in the direction of Malaga. The journey will take 2.5–3 hours - the train rushes at a speed of about 350 km/h.

Trains arrive at the main railway station of the city, Estacion de Malaga Maria Zambrano. Information on ticket prices and schedules can be found on the website of the Spanish National Railway Company (Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Espanoles), where they can also be booked and purchased.

Getting from Russia to the Costa del Sol by train is quite problematic. There is no direct train connection from Moscow, so you will have to make transfers through France or Italy. The method is not very convenient: you will spend a lot of time on the road, but it is expensive compared to air tickets.

By bus

Getting to the Costa del Sol by bus is not the best idea: it will take a very long time to travel, unless these are special tours offered by agencies. As a rule, such routes cover several European capitals and are very often combined with air travel or rail travel.

By car

You can get to the resorts by car, but I don’t think this method will have many fans: it’s costly in both time and money. The journey will take about 44-45 hours from Moscow and the same from St. Petersburg, but this does not take into account traffic jams and overnight stays.

By ferry

The easiest way to get to the Costa del Sol by sea is to buy a special Mediterranean cruise from a travel agency. These cruises include visits to major European cities on the coast and day excursions in each city.

But this method is not very suitable for a complete holiday on the Costa del Sol.

Clue:

Costa del Sol - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Ekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season? When is the best time to go

The Costa del Sol and the whole of Andalusia can easily be called an all-season tourist destination. The average annual temperature in cities on the coast is + 19 °C. The time of year to visit the Costa del Sol depends on what you plan to do during your trip.

If the purpose of your visit is to relax on the sea coast, then the best time to travel to the Costa del Sol is summer. The season starts from the end of May and lasts until the end of September. If you want to see as many sights as possible and visit different cities, spring and autumn are perfect. Winter is not the best choice for a trip: tourists come here for the sun and sea, and in winter the sky is often overcast and there is no way to swim in the sea. Prices, of course, are lower in the off-season than at the height of summer - this can also be an additional incentive to travel in winter. But, in my opinion, it is better to start your very first trip and acquaintance with the Costa del Sol in the warm season, when the bright sun is shining, in order to feel the southern flavor and enjoy all the pleasures that this fertile region offers.

Costa del Sol in summer

An interesting feature of Spain is that the calendar summer here begins not on the first of June, as in Russia, but on the 21st of June. But despite this, wonderful summer weather sets in here even before June 1st. It is worth keeping in mind that the end of July and August are the hottest times: the air warms up to +40 °C. So, most likely, you will only have the energy to visit the beach, but not to explore the sights.

Of course, on the Costa del Sol the heat is much easier to bear thanks to the sea breeze. But in the interior of the region, away from the coastline, the heat is simply unbearable. The famous city was even nicknamed the Spanish frying pan! Therefore, it is unlikely that you will want to explore the sights in such heat - only the beach and the sea will attract your attention.

If you like to swim in the warm sea, keep in mind one more feature of the Costa del Sol: although this is the hottest region of Spain, the sea, unfortunately, warms up no more than +24 ° C - and only closer to August. This is due to the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean and underwater currents. There are the most tourists during this period, so you should take care of booking a hotel and purchasing air tickets in advance.

Costa del Sol in autumn

If you are more interested in sightseeing than a beach holiday, then the optimal time to visit is the off-season. In autumn it is not so hot, but comfortable, so excursion tours are especially popular at this time of year. But a beach holiday should not be discounted either. The sea in September becomes even warmer than in summer and warms up to 25°C. There are slightly fewer tourists on the coast than in the high season, although not significantly; autumn on the Costa del Sol is no less popular. To visit, it is better to choose the second half of September and the whole of October, but November will not be so sunny, rain is possible.

At the beginning of autumn, you can enjoy ripened berries and fruits, such as grapes.

Costa del Sol in spring

Spring is my favorite time of year to visit the Costa del Sol. It’s already warm, but not hot, the air temperature is about 20-23 °C. It’s too early to swim in the sea, especially in March and April, but you can sunbathe. An excellent time for excursions and walks around the city. In March, fruit trees begin to bloom, nature awakens after winter. It's worth coming in spring to see the orange trees blooming and, most importantly, to breathe in that sweet aroma!

Various festivals are also held in the spring. For example, La Semana Santa is Easter week, Feria de Abril is the April fair. A cheerful and festive atmosphere reigns in the cities, everyone dresses up in national costumes. Holidays are a great reason to come here in the spring!

Costa del Sol in winter

In winter, the weather on the Costa del Sol is quite comfortable, the air warms up to +15-19°C. Mountains protect the coast from severe cold. However, there is a possibility of frequent rains.

In addition, small resort towns will be quite boring without a beach holiday. Therefore, winter is not the best time to visit the Costa del Sol, especially the coastal area. Although you can come here for Christmas or New Year to take a little break from the Russian frosts. And if you manage to visit the Costa del Sol in February, you can see the carnivals that are held in different towns along the coast, including in the capital of the region - Malaga.

Clue:

Costa del Sol - weather by month

Main cities

What are the prices for holidays?

Holidays on the southern coast of Spain and in particular on the Costa del Sol have always been considered much more expensive than, for example, in the more democratic Catalonia.

Housing prices

In the 90s, there were practically no three-star hotels on the coast; mainly four and five-star hotels were offered. Now the situation has changed: you can find a good hotel with two or three stars. The average price of accommodation starts from 40 EUR per night; in a good four-star hotel the price per room will be from 100-150 EUR. The larger the city, the greater the choice of different categories of hotels. You can stay in some well-known global hotel chain or choose a mini-hotel or boarding house.

Prices for food and drinks

• Breakfast - from 4 EUR.
• Lunch at the bar - from 10 to 20 EUR.
• Dinner - 30-40 EUR.
• In expensive restaurants you can pay about 60 EUR per person.
• A bottle of soda or beer will cost 1-1.5 EUR, a glass of wine - 2 EUR.

Entertainment

• Visiting museums and some cathedrals will cost up to 10 EUR. A little tip: before going to the museum, you should go to the website and check the schedule and ticket prices. Very often, many museums have free admission on weekends - this is a great opportunity to save money. As a rule, this information is available on websites.
• A ticket to a flamenco show in a special tablao, the price of which includes a drink, is quite expensive - from 50 EUR. But in fact, you shouldn’t waste money on flamenco: there will be a lot of impressions and just as much delight!

Transport prices

The price of a ticket depends on the distance of the trip, for example, from Malaga it takes twenty minutes to travel and the ticket will cost about 3 EUR. A bus from Malaga to Marbella takes an hour, the trip costs 8 EUR.

Main attractions. What to see

There are many attractions on the Costa del Sol; in almost every seaside town you can find something interesting besides the beach. Of course, the leader in interesting places is the provincial capital of Malaga, but I will give a list of five attractions that are not in the capital, but in other cities. These places are definitely worth seeing.

Top 5

The list of top attractions on the Costa del Sol includes:

Beaches. Which ones are better

I consider the beaches of the Costa del Sol to be some of the best beaches in Spain, maybe even the best. Wide, sandy, well equipped, marked with a blue flag, environmentally friendly. Each city on the coast has several first-class beaches.

Most beaches are marked with a blue flag. This means that the beach is clean and meets all sanitary standards. The eastern coast of the Costa del Sol is pebbly and rocky in places. The total length of the beaches is about 160 kilometers, the best sandy beaches are located to the west of Malaga.

Beaches of Torremolinos

The coast of Torremolinos consists of the following beaches:

• The central beach of La Carihuela is covered with dark sand and is well equipped.

• El Saltillo Beach is in the center of the tourist area, equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas.

• Playamar Beach - suitable for surfers and volleyball players.

• Montemar beach is quiet and calm, adjacent to the port of Benalmadena.

• Los Alamos is a wide and calm beach..

Beaches of Fuengirola

Fuengirola is not far behind Torremolinos and boasts some cool beaches, including:

• Los Boliches beach is very crowded and popular. There's an old-time seaside bar here.

• Carvajal Beach is located far from the city center. This is the calmest of the local beaches.

• Santa Amalia beach is marked with a blue flag and is adjacent to the landmark of Fuengirola - Sohail Castle.

• The beach is perfect for families with children.

• Fuengirola Beach is the central city beach.

Beaches of Malaga

There are about 15 beaches within Malaga. Of course, they are all better than the other! I'll tell you about some of them:

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

The most famous cathedral on the Costa del Sol is the Malaga Cathedral. A majestic building by the architect Diego de Siloe. The cathedral is unusual in that it has only one bell tower: the second one was not completed because there were not enough funds. People called him the “one-armed lady.” There is a museum of its history attached to the cathedral.
Also worthy of attention is the beautiful neo-Gothic Church of the Sacred Heart - Iglesia de Sagrado Corazon, built in the 20th century.

In Marbella, in the Old Town there is an interesting church, the Iglesia de Encarnacion.

The outside of the church is not very decorated, the walls are painted white, and only the beautiful main portal attracts attention. But inside the church there is a magnificent altar. Free admission.

Among the Catholic churches on the Costa del Sol you can find a completely unexpected religious building. A Buddhist stupa (temple) was erected near Benalmadena! It immediately catches your eye thanks to its tall golden spire. There is a Buddha statue inside the stupa. The walls are decorated with paintings done by artists from Nepal.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

There are actually a lot of museums in the Costa del Sol! I will give a list of the most interesting in my opinion.

Museums of Malaga

The place where museums are concentrated, of course, is.

And in Malaga there are flamenco museums, a museum of religious art, a city museum of fine arts and many others.

Marbella Museums

Marbella also has several interesting museums that are worth visiting.

Museums of Torremolinos

In Torremolinos it is worth visiting the Tattoo Museum, where you can see how tattoos are made, read books on the history of tattoo creation, and see photographs and sketches.

Neighboring regions

For those who are tired of beach holidays and the sea, there is an excellent opportunity to arrange a mini-trip deep into the region.

Food. What to try

On the Costa del Sol, as on any other popular international resort, there will be no problems with food. Every coastal town has a huge number of restaurants, bars, snack bars with different dishes on the menu, the usual pizza and pasta, various salads, and meat dishes.

For fans of fast food, there will also be no problems with food: on the coast, in almost every resort town you can find global chains of fast eateries.

But I think it would be a real crime not to try at least a few dishes from traditional Spanish cuisine. The most iconic and favorite place among the Spaniards are tapas bars. Tapas are light snacks served with a drink - beer or wine. It can be:

• small bouretbrodiki with jamon (Spanish ham);
• seafood - for example, squid, mussels;
• vegetable snacks;
• olives, skewered, etc.

You can try different types and even get your fill very well - you won’t need a full lunch anymore. I was lucky enough to attend the Feria de Tapas, or Tapas Fair, held in Malaga. The feria was held in a bullring. By the way, not a single bull was harmed then. You buy special tokens, and you can use them to try different types of beer and snacks, and you can vote for your favorite ones.

Read more about Spanish food in. Here I will list the most famous masterpieces of Spanish cuisine, characteristic of the South:

• Also a popular soup famous throughout Spain, you can also try it on the Costa del Sol - Sopa de Ajo. It is a clear garlic soup with bread.

Also on the coast you can taste different seafood and fish, thanks to the Mediterranean Sea:

• anchovies, sardines - they are eaten fresh here, most often fried, and not in the form of canned food;
• mussels;
• lobsters;
• sea ​​bream;
• One of the most popular types of fish here is bakalo, or cod.

Very tasty and expensive pastries are prepared by monks in Andalusian monasteries. I definitely recommend trying it, I really liked it!

Beverages

The south of Spain is a wine region, so tasting local wines is a must.

In Malaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol, they produce sweet wine Dulce, somewhat similar to port.

The famous sherry is produced on the limestone soils near the city. The wine is aged in barrels. Young and mature wine are mixed periodically.

In extreme heat, the best drink is sangria. This is a light red summer wine with the addition of oranges, apples, sugar, a little liqueur, and ice. All this is served in glass jugs with a long wooden spoon for stirring.

Coffee is a very popular hot drink on the coast. Spaniards don’t drink tea, but I, as a special lover of this drink, always bought it in supermarkets. The choice, frankly speaking, is small. There is no such diversity as we have, but you will still be able to find something.

Where to buy food

Those who like to cook on their own while on vacation may find information about food supermarkets and markets useful.

My favorite is the supermarket at the famous El Corte Ingles department store. Each of them has a grocery store on the ground floor with a wide selection. For example, there are many types of jamon in vacuum packaging from different manufacturers, and the prices are very attractive: you can buy a package for 1 EUR. The store also has a large selection of olives, cheeses, vegetables and fruits.

You can also go to Mercadona for groceries. Or go to the Super Sol supermarket - the store is considered inexpensive and often has special offers for different categories of goods.

Don't forget an important detail: on Sundays all stores are closed, including grocery stores! Be prepared to buy anything you need in advance. Although there is a lifesaver in such situations - these are small shops owned by immigrants from China. You can buy everything there: from a toothbrush to a bottle of wine. And they work even on Sundays.

Vegetables and fruits need to be bought at markets. There is a wonderful indoor market called Atarasanas in Malaga. There is a very large selection here.

Features of mentality

People's lifestyles are always influenced by climate and geographic location. For tourists from Northern Europe and for Russians, the abundance of sunshine is, of course, a holiday, because we don’t see the sun for almost six months and miss it very much. But sometimes you need to save yourself from it. And this is why siesta exists in the south of Spain; it means an afternoon nap. All shops, pharmacies and other establishments close for a three-hour break from 14:00 to 17:00-18:00, and after opening they continue to work until 21:00.

During the siesta, the streets die out, and in the late afternoon, life begins to bustle again until late at night. The Spaniards really like to sit in some tapas bar with a glass of wine or beer with friends, discuss pressing problems and just chat.

The Spaniards are very welcoming and friendly, always ready to help a tourist, even if he does not understand Spanish. But when you start a conversation with locals in their native language, for many it causes a storm of emotions, they are very happy and even a little shocked. In one of the bars, when I spoke to the waiter in Spanish and started to place an order, he asked me what country I was from, and when he heard my answer that I was from Russia, he didn’t believe me and even asked again, as if I was from Russia? This, of course, somewhat discouraged me, but then it turned out that he had not yet come across tourists from Russia who knew Spanish. Of course, I didn’t believe him and took his words as a compliment.

Holidays

Throughout the year, the Costa del Sol hosts many different festivals and fairs, during which you can get acquainted with the traditions of different cities in the province. Most of the holidays are related to history and traditional cuisine, so tourists have a great opportunity to learn about the folk culture of the Costa del Sol region. Here is a list of several holidays that are interesting in my opinion:

Safety. What to watch out for

In any place where a large number of people gather, you need to remain vigilant and be very attentive, as thieves and pickpockets are attracted to such an environment. In general, security is the same as in the rest of Spain. It is better to store valuables in safes. There is no need to carry your passport with you to the beach and leave your things unattended. Be sure to make a photocopy of your passport and visa before your trip, just in case: using copies will make it easier to restore documents in the event of force majeure.

Things to do

Sport

The Sun Coast offers its guests a variety of water sports, such as windsurfing, water skiing, diving and snorkeling. Among other sports, golf is popular on the Costa del Sol.

Sunny Beach can offer its active tourists about 30 equipped fields. Not every Mediterranean resort can boast such a developed golf infrastructure!

Mountains

In winter, the Soligneve ski resort in the Sierra Nevada mountains, 150 kilometers from Malaga and not far from Granada, is a success. By the way, it is considered the southernmost ski resort in Europe.

Bullfight

Hotels- don’t forget to check prices from booking sites! Don't overpay. This !

Rent a Car- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!

Anything to add?

When planning your holiday in Spain, many of us often came across information about southern Spanish Costa del Sol... and postponed their vacation there until later, slightly afraid of the less common and difficult to pronounce city names: Malaga, Benalmadena, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Marbella. In addition, the city of Marbella was superficially familiar to many of us from the expensive and fashionable vacations of celebrities, and therefore automatically inaccessible to us, parents with children, and the city of Malaga was associated with the popular football team and the wine brand of the same name.
“What should we, parents with children, do in such places?” - we thought and leafed through the offers of travel agencies, preferring to go to our previously favorite places on the Costa Brava or Costa Dorada. However, the Costa del Sol has to offer wonderful holiday in Spain at reasonable prices, primarily for those people who cannot imagine traveling without children.

Weather on the Costa del Sol

Costa del Sol translates as " shore of the sun" This southern part of Spain can rightfully be called the Sunny Beach: it is in this part that the largest number of sunny days is about 320 per year!
There is no winter here, as such, since even in the coldest months the air temperature does not drop below 20 degrees. This is why the Costa del Sol is such an attractive destination for tourists of all ages at any time of the year. There is no sweltering heat here, and the periodically cool currents of Gibraltar pleasantly cool those swimming in the sea during the hottest months of summer.
You can safely go here with both the youngest children and older children, since the mild pleasant climate is easily tolerated at any age and that terrible word “acclimatization”, which every parent thinks about when choosing a vacation spot, is forgotten in the first days after arrival.

Costa del Sol: map and resorts

The coast itself stretches 50 km along the Mediterranean Sea, and approximately 150 km inland. Here map of Costa del Sol, Spain, click on the image to enlarge (you can also download the map to your computer by right-clicking on it and selecting “Save image as”)

The administrative center of this Spanish province is the main transport hub of the coast. There is also an airport and the oldest port in Spain. Despite the fact that the city is a kind of business center of the coast, it is good for accommodation there with the smallest children, since the developed infrastructure and transport links allow you to get to the desired place in the southern part of Andalusia in a matter of time, and the sea and beaches are the same clean, like on the entire coast.
From Malaga you can get independently to almost any resort town on the Costa del Sol, so if you want to get away from the usual bustle of the city, then welcome to Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Marbella or Estepona.

Torremolinos is the closest beach resort to Malaga, but despite its proximity to the administrative center (about 10 km), the noise from landing planes is not heard here. In addition to its sonorous and difficult to pronounce name, Torremolinos boasts beautiful beaches, delicious fish restaurants, and one of the best. In the west, the city smoothly passes into the borders of its neighbor, Benalmadena, which, in our opinion, is an ideal place for a holiday with children of any age.

(Costa del Sol) is the southernmost coast of the Mediterranean Sea in Spain, which stretches from the city of Malaga to the Strait of Gibraltar. Translated into Russian, the name of this resort region means “shore of the sun.” The resorts of the Costa del Sol are considered the most prestigious and fashionable on the entire Spanish coast. Many celebrities, aristocrats and owners of large companies have chosen the Costa del Sol as a place for their residences. Here, picturesque and clean beaches stretch for many kilometers, and throughout the entire coastal region you can feel the atmosphere typical of Andalusia, considered one of the richest in culture and history of the autonomies of Spain, which has its own unique flavor due to customs and traditions preserved for centuries.

By visiting any of the Costa del Sol resorts, you can visit many interesting places in various cities of Andalusia. You will feel as if you have rediscovered Spain.

Cities and landmarks

Malaga(Malaga) - the provincial capital and resort city with picturesque natural landscapes, clean, well-equipped beaches and many historical monuments annually attracts many tourists with its rich history, customs and traditions. Lush and vibrant holidays are another reason to visit this unique town.

Montes de Malaga Park(Montes del Malaga), located just a few kilometers north of Malaga, is one of the most famous nature reserves in Spain. Its territory occupies almost 5 thousand hectares, located in unique places in terms of landscape, rich in hills, valleys and streams. The main value of the park is its rich flora and fauna. Here you can see about 400 species of plants, 27 species of mammals, 90 species of birds, 8 species of amphibians and 19 species of reptiles, among which you can see chameleons, which have become rare in Andalusia.

Parque la Ciera de la Nieve(La Sierra de las Nieves) is another magnificent national park with rich flora and fauna, located near Malaga.

Marbella(Marbella) - a resort located 60 km from Malaga, considered the pearl of the Costa del Sol. This is the most luxurious and fashionable resort not only in Spain, but throughout Europe

Marbella(Marbella) - a resort located 60 km from Malaga, considered the pearl of the Costa del Sol. This is the most luxurious and fashionable resort not only in Spain, but throughout Europe, which amazes with the beauty of its gardens and parks. Along the entire embankment there are sandy beaches of extraordinary beauty, surrounded by palm trees on the city side. It is this beautiful city that attracts the attention of many celebrities, aristocrats and influential businessmen who buy luxury villas here. Among them: members of the royal family, American television stars and even Arab sheikhs.

Marbella, like many resort towns in Spain, is divided into two parts: the old town and the modern city. However, the architecture of modern buildings in Marbella did not at all disrupt, but even harmoniously complemented the ensemble of the ancient part of the city.

Puerto Banus(Puerto Banus) - an expensive resort near Marbella, where all the hotels are four or five star, super-luxury entertainment complexes, and each villa has its own parking for several yachts

(Torremolinos) is the closest resort town to Malaga, located only 12 km. This city is considered the heart of the Costa del Sol.

The coast of Torremolis is divided into two parts: Carihuela beach(Cariuela) and Bajondillo beach(Bajondillo). These wide, picturesque beaches are separated by a small cliff.

This city is famous for its abundance of hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine, namely the cuisine of the southern regions of Spain, which is rich in seafood dishes. Nightlife in Torremolinos is distinguished by its brightness and richness, since the abundance of nightclubs and discos is an important factor in attracting young people. Connoisseurs of medieval architecture can get acquainted with the old part of the city, which has been perfectly preserved to this day. But in the central part of the city there is a famous tourist area in Torremolinos - San Miguel Street, where only pedestrians can move. On this street is the famous Pepe Lopez tavern, where visitors can see the traditional Spanish flamenco on the day of St. Michael (or San Miguel) - the patron saint of Torremolinos.

Nightlife in Torremolinos is distinguished by its brightness and richness, since the abundance of nightclubs and discos is an important factor in attracting young people.

This holiday is celebrated on September 29, when on the street you can see many tents with pilgrims, which are brightly decorated with flowers. And after the solemn service, a fair opens in the city, which lasts 3 days, which are some of the most fun of the year: songs, dances, fireworks and treats. During the fair, another holiday is celebrated, which has already become traditional in Torremolinos - Tourist Day, which is accompanied by various sports competitions, a sailing regatta and other spectacular competitions. But each of these fun days is also famous for bullfighting, which many people want to watch and take part in.

Aqualand water park attracts many tourists of all ages every day. Extreme slides and other water attractions can make even the most reserved people glow with delight.

Benalmadena(Benalmadena) is another picturesque coastal town on the Costa del Sol, which is famous for its spacious beaches of gray sand, stretching 9 km along the coast. Being located next to Torremolinos, Benalmadena can be considered part of it, since during the existence of these cities, their borders have almost been erased, which very often happens with nearby resort towns. Benalmadena is divided into three parts: Benalmadena Pueblo, Arroyo de la Miel and Benalmadena Costa.

Benalmadena Pueblo(Benalmádena Pueblo) is a typical Andalusian village located on a hillside. From here you have a magnificent view of the sea and the surrounding picturesque landscapes, as well as historical monuments: the majestic Colomares Castle and its surroundings. In the square in the center of the village there is a fountain “The Girl from Benalmadena”, which is a symbol of the city.

Arroyo de la Miel(Arroyo de la Miel) is a busy commercial and residential area of ​​Benalmadena. There is also a famous amusement park here Tivoli(Tivoli World).

Benalmadena Costa(Benalmádena Costa) is the coastal part of the city, where there are numerous hotels, bars, restaurants and cafes. Luxurious wide beaches stretch along the coast for almost 5 km, only occasionally intersected by small rocks.

Benalmadena is a small town in terms of the number of attractions, however, in terms of opportunities for a pleasant stay and an unforgettable vacation, this city ranks one of the first places on the Costa del Sol. From almost every hotel you can quickly walk to the sports port Puerto Marina, in which, in addition to sports centers, there are a large number of discos, bars, nightclubs and restaurants.

Theme park Selvo Marina(Selwo Marina) in Benalmadena, dedicated to the fauna of South America, is another extraordinary place that is worth a visit. The park itself is divided into four zones. In the Las Antillas area - "Antilles" there is a huge glass dolphinarium. And it is home to sea lions, with whom you can swim if you wish. In the La Hondonada area you can see a stunning show of exotic birds, whose habitat is the Amazon River Valley. The Amazonia zone features all kinds of fish and reptiles that inhabit the Amazon. But on the island of Isla de Hielo, penguins live in artificially created cold conditions. Also here you can visit a unique 3D cinema.

Cable car Benalmadena (Telecabina (Teleférico) takes tourists to the top of Monte Calamorro, which offers magnificent views of the coast. In good clear weather, you can even see the coast of Africa and Gibraltar.

Fuengirola(Fuengirola) is no less famous resort than Benalmadena or Torremollinos. It is located 35 km south of Malaga and 25 km from Marbella. There are wide, beautiful beaches along which there are numerous hotels, bars, restaurants and shops. Fuengirola also has a sports port with more than two hundred anchorages.

In addition to a large market, a yacht club and a fishing harbor, Fuengirola has a famous coastline zoo(Zoo Fuengirola). This is a modern zoo, which was built in 2001. In it you can see the flora and fauna of the rainforest. It should be noted that this zoo is the only one of its kind in Europe. It consists of three zones: “Madagascar”, “Equatorial Africa” and “Southeast Asia”, each of which incredibly conveys the atmosphere of those places.

However, the entire tourist infrastructure of Fuengirola is aimed at visitors of somewhat conservative views, so this resort is an ideal holiday destination for people who prefer quiet resorts.

Rhonda Andalusia - stands on the edge of the deep (more than 100 m) Tagus gorge.

Rhonda(Ronda) - one of the most picturesquely located cities in Andalusia - stands on the edge of the deep (more than 100 m) Tagus gorge. The town with a population of 35 thousand inhabitants attracts millions of tourists due to its history and the title of the capital of bullfighting.

Gibraltar, Nerja and Mijas are small resort towns on the Costa del Sol, and an excursion to each of them will take no more than one day. Each city has its own rich history and traditions, which are carefully preserved by local residents.

Booking a boat trip to the Atlantic Ocean at Dolphin World (Giblartar) will help you get an unforgettable experience of watching the graceful inhabitants of the ocean - dolphins and whales.

The Mijas Acuatic Park water park in Mijas can also provide a lot of delight and excitement from visiting the most modern water attractions and slides.

A truly unique resort, by visiting which you can see many interesting and unforgettable places, and most importantly, discover such a different and wonderful place with its fiery dances, cheerful holidays and love for traditions.

Located in Andalusia, the southern coast of the Spanish Mediterranean, which is simply created for recreation and tourism. Here you can relax in comfort and study the history of this country through medieval Gothic temples and palaces and ancient Muslim mosques and fortresses. On the Costa del Sol in the Middle Ages, Christianity and Islam, crusaders and Saracens collided.

The nearest airport is in Malaga. In the summer season, planes from Moscow and St. Petersburg fly there on direct charter flights. At other times of the year and from other Russian cities, you can get to the Costa del Sol and back only with transfers. And by rail you can directly arrive from the main Spanish cities: Madrid, Seville and Cordoba.

Who is the resort suitable for?

This resort region is intended for wealthy people. Unlike other resorts in Spain and Catalonia, the Costa del Sol is considered an “English resort” because it was British citizens who first opened this coast for recreation. To this day, the bulk of holidaymakers here are English.

The Costa del Sol has the most golf courses, and cafes and restaurants serve English cuisine. Also, representatives of the European aristocracy and world celebrities like to relax here - Hollywood stars, famous athletes, representatives of show business and European bohemia.

Resorts on the Costa del Sol

On the coast there are many expensive, fashionable, glamorous, bohemian, fashionable resorts for every taste with impeccable service:

Each of these resort towns has its own attractions, museums, temples and castles, cafes and restaurants with excellent European cuisine and rare Spanish wines, luxurious private yachts and golf clubs, the best European beaches and places for entertainment and sports.

Malaga - capital of the Costa del Sol

Malaga is not only the capital, but also the largest city on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. This is also a resort town, it will suit any category of vacationers: young and old, with or without children, rich oligarchs and poor students, connoisseurs of Spanish history and culture and fans of beach holidays.

Malaga has a huge number of excellent art museums and exhibitions dedicated to classical and modern, avant-garde painting. The city often hosts great music concerts: from classical to avant-garde, from mainstream traditional music to underground.

Sights of Malaga

First of all, Malaga is famous for being the birthplace of this brilliant avant-garde artist who invented cubism in painting. The first museum, located in an ancient castle, has a permanent exhibition of works by Pablo Picasso. The second museum is the house where the artist was born and lived. Here you can see his personal household items and get acquainted with the everyday side of Picasso’s life.

It was erected in the 10th century, when Andalusia was under Arab rule. The name of the fortress translated from Spanish means “death of the pharaoh.” Until the beginning of the 20th century, it was active, with its own permanent military garrison. Today in Gibralforo there is a museum telling about the weapons, uniforms and everyday life of soldiers from different eras of Spanish history.

The museum is dedicated to the biblical Holy Week on the eve of Easter. There is a permanent exhibition of religious objects, church utensils, and you can see ancient clothes of clergy. There are also paintings and sculptures here that the residents of Malaga carry around the city during various celebrations and processions dedicated to church holidays, and especially Easter.

What is Spain without bullfights? The Antonio Ordonez Museum is entirely dedicated to this favorite pastime of the Spaniards. He tells and shows everything that is directly or indirectly related to bullfighting: costumes and swords of matadors, photos and videos of the most famous fights, posters, articles and advertisements in the press, etc. As you know, the matador Antonio Ordonez himself became the hero of Ernest Hemingway’s story “Dangerous summer".

Entertainment for children

This park contains a wide variety of animals from all over the world, more than two thousand species in total. They live in the safari park in natural conditions, and you can observe their lives from the outside. This park is visited not only by tourists for the purpose of entertainment, but also by zoologists from all over the world to study the animal world.

The entire safari park is divided into three zones, where visitors can walk or ride on local buses. And in the area where predatory animals live, you can only move in an armored vehicle. A corner is allocated for children where they are allowed to communicate with contact animals.

This is not just an ordinary dolphinarium, but a real nursery for marine life. Fur seals live here alongside dolphins. There are separate areas for seabirds and tropical reptiles. In the cool zone you can see real chinstrap penguins.

Every year, park employees hold amazing shows with the participation of sea inhabitants, which attract tourists and residents from all over the coast. For a small fee you can swim in the large outdoor pool with dolphins and other harmless sea animals.

This park is home to tropical lepidopteran butterflies of extraordinary beauty with an incredible wingspan. Visitors to the park have the opportunity to observe all periods of the life of these amazing insects: for example, the magic of turning a pupa into a butterfly.

The Costa del Sol also has a huge number of unique cathedrals, synagogues, mosques, madrassas, palaces, castles, parks, museums and exhibitions. It is simply impossible to admire them all during one Spanish holiday. Therefore, you will certainly return to these blessed places again and again.

Vacations in European countries are becoming increasingly popular. Colorful and sophisticated Spain remains one of the most attractive countries for tourists. Today we will get acquainted with the southern part of the country - Costa del Sol.

General information

In the very south of the country is the picturesque and sunny Costa del Sol - a region of the autonomous community of Andalusia, which also includes the settlements of Malaga, located on the coastline.

The coast stretches for as much as 300 km. Sandy beaches, slightly diluted with rocks, which sometimes reach the very edge of the Mediterranean Sea, are distinguished by picturesque views and a pleasant atmosphere. All conditions for a good and comfortable stay are created here. People with any income will be able to find a suitable option.

A distinctive feature of the region is its high average annual temperature of +19 degrees Celsius. But it is worth noting that the coastal waters are crossed by the cold Atlantic Current, which is why the water temperature is approximately 20 degrees above zero. And only at the height of summer, in July, can it warm up to 23.

Nevertheless, the weather on the coast is quite warm and stable, with 320 sunny days a year. There is a longer swimming season here than anywhere else in the country.

Capital of the coast

Malaga is a city and municipal center located in Andalusia. The city has an amazing microclimate, which exists thanks to the rocks surrounding it. There are so many sunny days here that it seems like it never rains.

If you do not tolerate heat well, then it is worth remembering that in summer the average air temperature here is +30, and the maximum can be above 40. In autumn and spring, the climate becomes milder and more pleasant. In the evenings, when it becomes easier to breathe and you can take a break from the beaches, it is worth visiting the historical part of the city. Unfortunately, now it is not too big, and one day is enough to see all the sights.

Tourists will be lucky enough to see one of the oldest theaters, the history of which dates back to the 1st century AD. e., and an amazing example of Arab architecture - the Alcazaba Palace, built in the 9th century. Walking through the labyrinth of narrow courtyards, you can see strange plants, amazing flowers and many fountains.

There is everything here to get acquainted with the culture of the country and find out what Spain is like. The Costa del Sol offers a great opportunity to relax and learn a lot of new things.

Torremolinos

In the early sixties there was a real tourism boom. And Torremolinos was the first to host massive flows of people due to its close location to But even today, various tours (Costa del Sol, Spain) offer holidays in this beautiful city. Cozy hotels from three to four stars, located on the first line, are always ready to host guests. The proximity of the airport is not at all noticeable to residents - no noise, because all planes land on the other side.

If you look at the coast of Torremolinos from the sea, you can visually divide it into 2 parts: eastern and western. There is a rock between them.

If you prefer busy beaches and a light bustle, then Bajondillo is for you, otherwise you will need nearby Playamar. It is quite calm here and not too crowded even at the peak of the season. It is worth noting that this place is perfect for families with children and people who do not have swimming skills. The entrance to the water is quite gentle and long.

Whatever option you choose, know: all beaches are city, so you don’t need to pay to visit them.

Benalmadena

The next city after Torremolinos is located quite close - so much so that it can be difficult to accurately determine the border. Benalmadena is like a huge balcony hanging over the Mediterranean Sea. This is both a beach resort and a mountain resort.

The city center is presented in the original Andalusian style - white stone houses, narrow crooked streets. Everything here is in order, always clean and comfortable.

Many famous people choose to holiday in the Costa del Sol). You may notice that some residents and guests of the city prefer to travel by watercraft. A variety of options are parked at the front doors of their houses: boats, yachts, scooters.

If you are looking for luxury real estate in Spain (Costa del Sol), then this is the right option. Amazing and fashionable apartments are located on artificially created islands. A three-room apartment in this area costs at least one million euros.

Fuengirola

This city is one of the best resorts that Spain (Costa del Sol) has to offer. Fuengirola is located 35 kilometers from Malaga.

The city is not only a resort area, but also a port for fishing boats. It was founded by the Phoenicians, but to this day it is actively working, supplying seafood products to the entire coastal zone.

Experienced tourists advise visiting the city center and enjoying the beautiful views and flavor of the country. Children will definitely enjoy a trip to the zoo, where various representatives of the living and plant world are collected.

The city is an ideal place for a family holiday, which is confirmed by reviews from tourists. The infrastructure is created in such a way that time flows slowly here. Lovers of shopping will appreciate the modern supermarkets and large shopping centers, Court Ingles and Miramar, known throughout the country.

Mijas

The city was once a small fishing settlement. But together with the rest of its neighbors, it began to actively develop in the post-war period. The picturesque spaces attracted not only ordinary tourists, but also real creative personalities. Inspired by the calm atmosphere and pleasant way of life, famous artist Salvador Dali created several paintings here. You can get a bird's eye view of the coast by visiting one of the observation platforms.

Among other things, the city is visited for pilgrimage purposes. In an ancient chapel carved into the rock, parishioners can pray to the holy face of the Virgin Mary.

A holiday in the Costa del Sol (Spain) can be unusual and attractive for tourists (their reviews indicate this). For example, in Mijas, in order not to sweat in stuffy cars, you can use an exotic form of transport - donkeys. All animals are specially trained and have a neat appearance.

If you love art, then be sure to check out the Museum of Miniatures. For those who prefer a real spectacle, go to bullfighting.

Marbella

Spain opens many beautiful and expensive resorts to tourists. Costa del Sol, Marbella is a truly fashionable, sophisticated and fashionable place. The city extends 28 km along the coastline. The beautiful beaches are surrounded by a picturesque marble promenade lined with palm trees and the towering Sierra Blanca.

The beaches of this city are considered one of the best, and you can spend your holiday here cozy and comfortable. Of no small importance in creating such popularity is Mount La Concha, which, like a huge fence, encloses the city limits and creates a microclimate. The weather here changes very smoothly and gently. In summer the temperature does not exceed 27 degrees, and in winter the thermometer rarely drops below +15.

Guests and residents of Marbella have the opportunity to choose between paid and city beaches. The largest sports port on the entire Mediterranean coast is located here - Puerto Banus.

Nerja

Resorts on the Costa del Sol (Spain) provide a choice for people with different incomes. If you are looking for a budget option, then Nerja is an excellent choice. Despite its low economic status, the city is distinguished by its friendly residents, beautiful nature and architecture. This place is chosen for privacy and relaxation in the calm atmosphere of cozy beaches and lagoons.

A distinctive feature of the city can be considered the rocky terrain, which creates incredible picturesque pictures.

The most important attraction of the city is the caves. One of them contains a stalactite listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Its height is more than forty meters and its width is more than fifteen.

Another feature of the caves is their unique acoustic data. Thanks to this, an International Music Festival is held here every year, which can be visited in July and August.

Estepona

Despite the huge influx of tourists and constant development, the Costa del Sol (Spain) has preserved one amazing corner, filled with rustic charm and special flavor.

In addition to its beautiful beaches, the city can surprise you with its incredibly picturesque Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja National Park and Reserve. It is here that the only fir forest in the entire country is located.

The climate in the city is no different from its neighboring resorts: mild, subtropical with little precipitation.

The eastern part of the city is most interesting for tourists. There is an excellent infrastructure with a variety of hotels, some of which boast a five-star level.

Manilva and Torrox

The Costa del Sol offers us two more wonderful cities. A well-developed tourist base, many hotels, chic restaurants and cozy cafe-bars. There are also places for walking and sightseeing: churches, ancient castles. There are places for secluded relaxation and bustling city beaches.

A visit to each of the cities described above will give you a lot of unforgettable impressions and help you enjoy your vacation. Comfortable hotels, amazing culture, incredible - Spain (Costa del Sol) offers it all. Reviews from tourists about these places are filled with pleasant impressions of a successful vacation.