The most beautiful beaches of the Costa del Sol. The best beaches on the Costa del Sol. What is the resort like?

Costa del Sol is the Andalusian coast, stretching from Malaga to the mysterious Gibraltar. Many stars and high-ranking persons have chosen this “sunny coast” (translated from Spanish) for their summer residences.

Photo: Map of the Costa del Sol

The climate of the coast is very gentle - in winter the average daily temperature is +16°C, and in the summer months it reaches +29°C. The water warms up to its maximum in August – up to 23°C. The Gibraltar Current is doing its job - the coastal water is quite cool. If you want to swim, then you need to choose August. But there are many places for surfers.

You can see the coast by watching this author's video:

The Costa del Sol has luxurious beaches, vibrant nightlife and a continuous fiesta, and in some places the atmosphere of good old Andalusia reigns. The most popular resorts are Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Marbella and Estepona.

5 things to do on the Costa del Sol. Things to do:

1. Experience bohemian holidays on the beaches of Marbella;
2. Visit cosmopolitan Malaga or beyond imagination Ronda;
3. Find out how loud you can scream at Tiwoli World;
4. Admire the views of Gibraltar in chic Estepona;
5. Taste Andalusian wines in local bodegas and taste fried sardines.

Photo: Torremolinos

Torremolinos is the most popular resort on the Costa del Sol, the population of which increases up to 6 times during the hay season. In the past, the resort was known as a place where extravagant young people party, but now you can meet people of all ages here. The essence of the resort is luxurious beaches, the best attractions and exciting parties.

Beaches

Photo: La Carihuela

All spacious and crowded beaches of Torremolinos are municipal and therefore free.

The resort is divided into 2 zones:

Bajondillo (Playa El Bajondillo)– excellent sandy beach. Before entering the water there are a few pebbles, but beyond that there is only clean sand. Prices for equipment are affordable, but you can hide under a palm tree.

La Carihuela (Playa La Carihuela)– a large beach with coarse sand. Very flat bottom without rocks. There are oases with greenery and parrots. The best beach for children.

Important: Torremolinos is located on the mountain and to get to the beaches (if your hotel is in the city) you need to take the city elevator or one of the stairs.

The most beautiful building in Torremolinos is the Casa de las Navajas mansion above the Bajondillo promenade. All the most interesting things are concentrated on San Miguel Street: bars and bodegas, restaurants and coffee shops with delicious desserts, shops and, of course, discos. The area of ​​La Carihuela has retained its original atmosphere, as well as the traditional way of preparing the legendary fried sardine.

Here is the largest water park, Aqualand, and a crocodile farm with a national favorite of 5 meters.

Photo: Benalmadena

Benalmadena is a beautiful resort on two hills, rich in gentle sea, beaches, a fabulously beautiful port and a rich history. There are quiet places for families with children and livelier ones for young people. The city is divided into the tourist part of Benalmadena Costa, the shopping and entertainment part of Arroyo de la Miel and Benalmadena Pueblo, which has preserved the atmosphere of an Andalusian village.

Beaches

Photo: Viborillas

The local beaches are the most well-groomed on the coast, which is probably why prim English people prefer to relax here. However, a mixture of sand and pebbles is very common.

Main beaches:

Malapesquera– a huge beach with clean gray sand and a beautiful promenade. There are places for volleyball and football.

Arroyo de La Miel) is a beach in the shopping and entertainment part of the city, therefore not with the cleanest water. The entrance to the sea is pebbly.

Benalnatura– a good beach, there are stones at the bottom, and there are a lot of beautiful shells on the shore.

Carvajal– a calm large beach almost near Fuengirola.

Viborillas Beach– a beach in a green bay with a restaurant on the top of a hill.

Torre Bermeja– a huge clean beach.

Leisure and attractions

Photo: Tiwoli World Amusement Park

When the water is too cold, head to the three 15th-century lookout towers: Torre Bermeja, Torre Muelle and Torre Quebrada. Very interesting are the 17th century Santo Domingo Church and the 20th century Colomares Castle in honor of Columbus, as well as the Bil-Bil Palace in the Moorish spirit. The city museum has a rich collection of ancient art objects.

The most curious will find ancient Roman ruins on Belmadena Costa and even Paleolithic monuments in the caves on Mount Calamorro, which can be reached by cable car.

The Arroyo de la Miel area is home to the famous Tiwoli World amusement park with fun rides, tropical gardens and fresh fountains. The gardens of El Muro and Las Aguilas are also beautiful.

Fuengirola

Fuengirola is a pleasant resort on the bay, surrounded by mountains. There are many elegant hotels right in front of the spacious beaches, as well as a magnificent green water park and a biopark with rare animals. It is also a huge port for sports boats.

Beaches

Photo: Santa Amalia

All Fuengirola beaches have been awarded the “blue flag” and are fully equipped: cabins, showers, toilets, umbrellas and sun loungers, playgrounds and cafes.

Main beaches:

Fuengirola— central crowded beach 1 km away.

Santa Amalia– the best beach of the resort with pleasant fine sand.

Los Boliche and Las Gavitola– huge beaches with volleyball courts and playgrounds.

Castillo (Playa del Castillo)– the beach next to the castle. There is a rental of pedal boats, boats, etc.

San Francisco– a remote beach with a smooth entry into the water for families with children.

Torre Blanca– a beach with magnificent views.

Leisure and attractions

Photo: Bioparc Zoo

Fuengirola has retained the charm of an Andalusian village with its narrow streets emerging like rays from Plaza de La Constitución, in the center of which stands the Church of the Virgin of Rossario and the famous long-lived ficus tree, surrounded by soulful cafes.

The symbol of the city is the 10th century Castillo Soje castle in the Arabic style.

Children will love the Aquatico Mijas water park and the beautiful Bioparc zoo.

Marbella

You can take a look at the city now in this video:

Marbella is a bohemian resort with a 7 km marble promenade lined with palm trees, a beautiful sea, beaches and the mighty La Concha mountain. Thanks to the microclimate, there is no stuffiness or extreme cold here. The coast is decorated with the most luxurious hotels in all of Spain, and during the peak season the entire marina is replete with luxury yachts. You can easily meet a celebrity and even a member of the royal family here. Among other things, this is the safest city in Spain.

Beaches

Photo: Rio Real

The beaches of Marbella are, first of all, golden sand. Best beaches:

Nagueles (Playa Nagueles)– a bohemian beach where you can meet a celebrity.

Fontanilla– the best option in the city center.

Playa del Cabla or Bounty– a youthful and democratic beach near the center with a chill-out atmosphere.

Rio Real (Playa de Rio Real)– a luxurious beach with powerful palm trees.

Alicate– the most popular and equipped beach with an ideal sandy shore.

Playa Hermosa– a very pleasant place 15 minutes from the center.

Real de Zaragoza– a beach with clear water, golden sand and excellent chiringuitos (bars).

Nikki– a glamorous and expensive beach.

Cabopino– a wide beach next to the picturesque dunes of Dunas de Artola. Great place for surfing.

Leisure and attractions

Photo: Alley La Alameda

The most interesting historical place in Marbella is the 10th century Alcazaba fortress, from where you can go to the romantic medieval Orange Square. In Plaza Iglesia, the Church of Santa Maria de la Encarnacion is worth admiring.

In the nearby village of San Pedro, the remains of ancient Rome have survived: Villa de Rio Verde and Roman baths from the 3rd century. Very close by is the oldest monument of the Paleo-Christian era, the 3-4th century Basilica of Vega del Mar.

At your leisure, stroll along the oldest alley of La Alameda, the botanical garden with marvelous ficus trees and the Arollo de La Represa park with interesting bonsai trees.

Estepona

Estepona is a respectable resort at the foot of the mountain with an authentic Spanish atmosphere and developed infrastructure. Estepona's calling card is its numerous shops and salons with decorative items and jewelry. Its coastline offers stunning views of the Cape of Gibraltar.

Beaches

Photo: La Rada

Estepona has 22 km of beaches:

La Rada (Playa de la Rada)– the main beach is 3 km long with yellow-gray sand and excellent service. There is underground parking. There is a beautiful walking strip along the entire beach. Historical places nearby.

El Cristo– a beach in a bay sheltered from the wind, gentle entry into the water.

Arroyo Vaquero (Playa Arroyo Vacero)- a beach far from the bustle with a rocky bottom for divers.

Baya Dorada– a picturesque place in a village where you can go snorkeling.

Leisure and attractions

The best place for a leisurely walk is the Square of Flowers with the scent of orange trees. The crown jewel of the city is the exquisite 18th-century Virgen de Los Remedios church in the Old Town. Not far away you can see the castle walls of Castillo San Luis from the 16th century. The most beautiful ancient villas: Casa de La Borrega and Casa del Marcus de Mudejar.

In Estepona there is an interesting Bullfighting Museum, the Selwo Park adventure zoo on 100 hectares, where animals live in their natural environment.

Summary of the Costa del Sol

There are places on the Costa del Sol where during the season “there is nowhere for the apple to fall” (Torremolinos), but for a tourist tired of the metropolis there is also a secluded place (Fuengirola). Marbella and Estepona are fighting for the title of the most fashionable resort - this is the place for you if your needs are high and your budget is unlimited.

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The Costa del Sol is the southernmost Spanish coast on the Mediterranean Sea. Here, ancient Muslim fortresses and European Gothic, simple fishing villages and luxurious villas of aristocrats, sun-hot sand and the cold waters of Gibraltar are surprisingly intertwined.

• The only international airport on the entire Costa del Sol is located in Malaga. Direct flights from Russia are available only in the summer and only from Moscow and St. Petersburg. In other months and from other cities you will have to travel with transfers. Full list of airlines that fly to Malaga

• Direct train connections connect Malaga only with the cities of Spain: Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Seville and Cordoba. From any other city in Europe, you can get to Malaga by train only with a transfer. You can find a suitable train to Malaga

• You can travel by bus from Madrid, Seville, other cities in Spain, as well as from France through Catalonia. Also, the bus is the main internal means of transportation between the cities of the Costa del Sol. Intercity flights are operated by two large companies: Daibus and Alsa. You can find schedules and prices on the official websites of the companies.

Features of a holiday on the Costa Del Sol

Costa del Sol is somewhat different from the resorts of Catalonia (,) and Valencia ().

• Firstly, this is a very “English resort”. It was the Anglo-Saxons who were the first to choose this coast and still hold the palm among vacationers. Therefore, the Costa del Sol has the most golf courses, the staff of hotels and local travel agencies are most “tailored” to the English, and in local cafes and restaurants it is English preferences that are most often taken into account

• Another feature: Costa del Sol is considered a resort for aristocrats and wealthy people, which, of course, in some places affects the price level; The scions of the most famous aristocratic families in Europe like to relax here
• Despite the fact that the Costa del Sol is the southernmost Mediterranean coast of Spain, due to the characteristics of the sea current, the water here warms up only in July. Comfortable water temperature (above 22 C) lasts only from mid-July to mid-September

Main resorts of the Costa Del Sol

Marbella

Marbella- generally recognized as the most fashionable, most glamorous, most sophisticated and bohemian resort on the entire coast. Many world celebrities and aristocratic families have acquired their personal villas in this fashionable place.

The beach line where their villas are located is called the “golden mile”, and this is the most expensive section of the coast: renting umbrellas and sun loungers here will cost several times more than on other beaches.

The city of Marbella itself is a typical Andalusian settlement with white stone houses, orange trees and tiled roofs. There are many parks and cozy squares, beautiful boulevards and embankments.

A separate attraction can be called the port of Puerto Banus - the largest anchorage for luxury private yachts of the world elite vacationing here. By the way, in Puerto Banus there is a sculpture by Zurab Tsereteli, which local residents nicknamed “Russian for the first time at sea.”

Estepona

Estepona– this is a place for a leisurely and very relaxing holiday, in which the main entertainment is the beach and quiet walks along the seashore. But the beaches here are truly first-class, and the service is impeccable. The old part of the city is very picturesque in Estepona; there is a Bullfighting Museum and an Archaeological Museum.

At the local port you can taste the freshest and perfectly prepared seafood. From Estepona, the closest access is to the Cape of Gibraltar (the southernmost point of Europe - a must-see on the Costa del Sol) and to the Selva Aventura Safari Park (another must-see place on the coast).

Torremolinos

Torremolinos– a typical beach town, which is very suitable for families with children. This is the most affordable resort on the Costa del Sol in terms of prices and public. There are many inexpensive hotels, budget apartments and affordable entertainment.

There are many youth nightclubs and hostels where European students prefer to stay. In general, this is the most crowded resort on the coast. In Torremolinos you can try the most delicious chiringuitos (fried sardines on a stick) in the area and the famous Malaga wines with tapas (a type of snack).

Torremolinos' entertainment options include numerous discos, bars and traditional local restaurants, a crocodile farm and botanical garden in the outskirts of the city, the public promenade of San Miguel Street and the huge Aqualand water park on the outskirts of the city.

The city is located on the slope of a mountain, so when choosing a place to live, pay attention to the location relative to the sea. Some streets have a fairly steep slope, which can be a serious obstacle for strollers and people with disabilities.

Benalmadena- a city that closely borders Torremolinos and is its natural continuation. Unlike the noisy Torremolinos, Benalmadena has a much calmer and more relaxed holiday.

The city is conventionally divided into three parts: the residential zone (the quietest area where local residents and those who rent apartments live), the hotel zone (hotels and a huge number of tourists are concentrated here) and the Arroyo de la Miel district - a kind of entertainment area occupied by shopping streets and entertainment venues.

Benalmadena's promenade is decorated with mosaics, and at the end of the promenade is the Arab-style Bil-Bil Castle, which often hosts live concerts and small exhibitions. The castle is also interesting for its collection of antique furniture and paintings.

The port of Benalmadena Puerto Marina is the center of all kinds of local restaurants, snow-white yachts and Arabian-style houses. Tourists love to gather here. During the day you can feed the fish near the pier or go on a boat trip on one of the many excursion boats, and in the evenings there is live music.

The cultural and historical attractions of Benalmadena include Colomares Castle (Castillo de Colomares), a modern building erected in honor of the great voyages of Christopher Columbus. The castle houses an exhibition telling about the history of the discovery of the New World, the history and customs of Spain during the time of the conquistadors. Also interesting are the streets and churches of the old part of Benalmadena Pueblo.

Benalmadena's entertainment options include the Sea Life Aquarium, the small Paloma Park, the Selwo Marina Dolphinarium, the Butterfly Park, and the Tivoli World amusement park. There is a cable car, Telerifico de Benalmadena, which leads to the top of Mount Calamorro. At the top there is the Park of the Eagles (you can watch a performance with these beautiful birds) and an observation deck with excellent panoramic views of the Costa del Sol.

Fuengirola

Fuengirola– a calm, quiet resort that will not be very interesting for young people and active tourists, but is ideal for families with small children and retirees.

Here, unlike other coastal cities, there is always a place on the beach, the coastal area is equipped with a large number of playgrounds, and the local embankment is considered one of the most beautiful streets on the Costa Del Sol.

Fuengirola is a fairly affordable resort in terms of prices. There are no luxury hotels here, prices in local shops and restaurants are rather in the average category, and in two huge shopping centers El Cortes Ingles and Miramar you can find all the most famous affordable clothing brands.

In general, Fuengirola is the best shopping place on the Costa del Sol for people who do not consider themselves mega-wealthy (the mecca of oligarchs Marbella is affordable only for a select few). In Fuengirola, at the local Sunday market you can buy excellent locally made leather goods at very reasonable prices.

Among the historical sites, Fuengirola can boast of the old Moorish castle of Castilla Soje, which has a small museum, and the exhibition of the Historical Museum of the city, where unique handwritten documents from a thousand years ago are kept. For family fun, head to the Bioparc Zoo and Aquarico Mijas Water Park.

Nerja

Nerja– one of the most charming towns on the Costa del Sol. Its main advantage is that the tourist boom has not changed the historical appearance of the old Andalusian city. This resort is not very well known to the majority of tourists, the more valuable it is for Andalusia connoisseurs vacationing here.

Nerja is known as the place where, in the 1950s, ancient caves were accidentally discovered - the site of the first inhabitants of the Costa del Sol, which preserved unique artifacts and rock paintings of primitive people. There are several monuments from the times of Arab rule (watchtowers, ruins of an ancient fortress).

In the vicinity of Nerja, the ancient Roman Aguila Aqueduct, a grandiose structure that supplied water to the surrounding villages, is perfectly preserved. The beaches of Nerja are in no way inferior to the coastal recreation areas of other cities on the Costa del Sol in terms of cleanliness, comfort and developed infrastructure.

Malaga - capital of the Costa del Sol

Malaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol and the largest city on the coast. This is a universal city that is suitable for recreation for all categories of vacationers.

For history buffs, there is an old town with characteristic narrow streets and medieval buildings. For mothers with children, Malaga has enough playgrounds, wide promenades, and excellent sandy beaches;

for lovers of modernity, numerous museums and exhibitions of contemporary art, various avant-garde and underground movements are of great interest; For reckless youth, the most interesting things begin after dark in numerous entertainment centers.

What to see in Malaga

Malaga is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, local residents value and are proud of this fact, which is why there are two museums of the artist in Malaga. First museum Museo Picasso Malaga located in the very center of the city in the ancient Buenavista mansion, in the permanent exhibition of which are works by Pablo Picasso, including world-famous paintings; in the basement of the museum you can examine the antique walls, which were unexpectedly discovered during the next restoration of the mansion.

Museo Picasso Malaga

Second Museum – house-museum of Pablo Picasso Casa Natal. In addition to paintings, here you can see sketches and graphic works, sculptures and ceramics, as well as get acquainted with the life and personal belongings of Picasso.

Pablo Picasso's Casa Natal, Malaga

Gibralfaro Fortress built in the 10th century during Arab rule. The name of the fortress is translated as “the death of the pharaoh.” Until the beginning of the last century, the fortress was an active fortification structure, in which a garrison was constantly present. Currently, a military museum is opened in the fortress, telling about weapons of different eras, uniforms and soldier’s life, military maps and equipment.

Castillo de Gibralfaro

Alcazaba Fortress (Alcazaba de Málaga)- translated from Arabic as "citadel" - a characteristic Moorish structure, one of the best preserved Arab fortresses in Spain. The fortress was built to protect the city from attacks by North African pirates; for a long time it served as the residence of local rulers. Over the past few years, constant archaeological excavations and restoration work have been carried out in the fortress, so some of the structures are inaccessible to visitors from time to time.

Alcazaba de Malaga

Automobile Museum in Malaga (Museo Automovilístico de Málaga)– a modern museum, the basis of the exhibition of which is a private collection of rare cars. There are more than 80 cars from 1920-1960, and this is one of the most extensive and valuable car collections in the world. Great emphasis here is placed on cars with rare or unusual configurations and tuning.

Museo Automovilístico de Málaga

Museum of Glass and Crystal (Museo del Vidrio y Crystal) is a private museum that displays examples of crystal and glass objects from the Phoenicians to the present day. The museum is interesting because the exhibits here are stored not in ordinary display cases and shelves, but in interiors characteristic of the era to which they belong.

Museo del Vidrio y Crystal, Malaga

Carmen Thyssen Museum- another private collection, which presents paintings by Spanish artists and antique objects of the 19th century.

Museo Carmen Thyssen, Malaga

Cathedral of La Manquita- one of the main cathedrals of the city and the most popular church among tourists. The name of the cathedral is translated from Spanish as “one-armed lady”, since of the two towers of the cathedral originally designed in the 16th century, only one was completed.

La Manquita, Malaga

Museum of the Holy Week (El Museo de la Semana Santa). The Spanish call Holy Week the Holy Week, which precedes the church holiday of Easter. The museum contains everything related to this holiday: church utensils, vestments of clergy, paintings and sculptures on this topic, objects that local residents use during the celebration and for solemn processions around the city dedicated to Easter. Since Catholics celebrate church holidays quite magnificently, many of the museum’s exhibits are very interesting.

El Museo de la Semana Santa, Malaga

Calle Marqués de Larios is a pedestrian street in the center of Malaga, where a large number of shops and restaurants are concentrated. Also, ceremonial processions and folk festivals are held here on national and local holidays. The street is a very beautiful promenade with mansions of the 18th-19th centuries.

Calle Marqués de Larios, Malaga

Antonio Ordoñez Museum (Museo Taurino Atonio Ordoñez) located in the Plaza de Torros and talks about everything related to bullfighting: from luxurious matador costumes to advertising posters and photographs of famous fights. The museum is named after one of Spain's most prominent matadors, whose career was the basis for Hemingway's novel The Dangerous Summer.

Museo Taurino Atonio Ordoñez, Malaga

Botanical Garden of La Concepcion (Jardin Botanico-Historico “La Concepcion”) is a huge collection of plants from all over the world. Several thematic routes have been developed in the garden, which are equipped with convenient signs and a color indicator. In addition to plants, there are fountains, gazebos, sculptural compositions and small mansions, which makes the botanical garden look more like a romantic park than an exhibition space.

Jardin Botanico-Historico "La Concepcion", Malaga

Buses Malaga City tour. If you wish, you can take a ride on the Malaga tourist bus. Unlike numerous travel agencies in the city, which conduct excursions only in English and Spanish, the bus has an audio guide in Russian. You can find out more about excursion buses.

Malaga City tour

Malagueta City Beach– the central beach of the city, conveniently located relative to public transport, close to shopping areas. The beach is well equipped and very convenient for the whole family, including the youngest visitors. The entrance to the water here is very gentle, and the shore is protected from high waves by special stone breakwaters, so the water here is always calm and comfortable for children.

la Malagueta, city beach, Malaga

Activities for children on the Costa del Sol

Safari Park Selvo Aventura, Estepona

In Safari Park Selwo Aventura You can see in natural conditions the inhabitants of different continents and climatic zones of our planet. The vast territory contains over 2000 species. In total, there are 3 zones in the park, in two of them walking is allowed; in the zone with predators you can move only by special transport.

For the little ones there is a large corner with contact animals. For ease of movement around the vast territory of the park, there are special tourist vehicles. There are VIP visit programs, which, in addition to the general excursion, include feeding a tame gibbon, photographs with a tiger, and walks through an area closed to other visitors. More information about the park can be found here www.selwo.es

Selwo Aventura, Costa del Sol

Selvo Marina Marine Park, Benalmadena

Marine Park Selwo Marina- not just a dolphinarium, but a real nursery of marine animals, where in addition to dolphins, fur seals, crocodiles and other aquatic inhabitants there is an aviary with Arctic penguins. Colorful shows are held here every day; for a fee you can swim in the pool with dolphins and fur seals.

The park is divided into several zones:

• Antilles - marine mammals, dolphins and seals, arena for daytime performances
• La Ondonada (“The Gorge”) – seabirds (pelicans, flamingos, herons), there is also a daily parrot show
• Amazonia - reptiles and amphibians (sea snakes, crocodiles, lizards), as well as predatory fish
• Isla de Yelo (“Ice Island”) – a colony of real Arctic penguins

See more information about the park.

Selwo Marina, Costa del Sol

Crocodile Park, Torremolinos

Crocodile Park built in the shape of an African village. There are small crocodiles that you can take photos with, and huge adults, the largest of which, Papa Paco, reaches about 5 meters in length.

The exposition of the local museum will tell you all the most interesting things about the life of crocodiles. In the park you can watch reptiles in their natural habitat; the process of hunting and feeding is especially impressive. In addition to crocodiles, the park contains flamingos, turtles, ostriches and ducks. You can find out more about the park.

Crocodile Park, Costa del Sol

Butterfly Park, Benalmadena

Butterfly Park (Mariposario del Drago)– these are real tropics, home to luxurious specimens from all over the world. Here you can observe all stages of insect life, the most exciting of which is the transformation of a pupa into a butterfly. Strictly speaking, the butterfly park is a scientific facility created by biologists to study lepidoptera. In addition to butterflies, you can see other animals in the park: chameleons, iguanas and kangaroos. Official website of the park.

Mariposario del Drago, Costa del Sol

Bioparc, Fuengirola

Bioparc– this themed animal park, which is divided into 4 zones:

• Africa
• Madagascar
• Southeast Asia
• Pacific region

The zones recreate the natural conditions of each region and collect the animal species living there. There are no cages in the park; different species of animals coexist on the same territory, just as they coexist in the natural environment.

The creators of the park tried to reproduce all natural ecosystems as accurately as possible, so that visitors to the park have the illusion of being completely immersed in the world of tropical flora and fauna. The park also hosts various performances with the participation of animals and circus performers. You can see more about the park.

Bioparc Fuengirola, Costa del Sol

Tivoli Amusement Park, Benalmadena

Amusement park Tivoli World this is the largest amusement park on the entire Costa del Sol. It has everything that a large theme park should: over 40 exciting attractions from little carousels to breathtaking roller coasters, restaurants and souvenir shops, national and themed shows, life-size puppets and performances for the little ones. You can take a closer look at the map of the park and find out all about its entertainment.

Tivoli World, Costa del Sol

Aqualand water park, Torremolinos

Aqualand water park is the largest water park on the coast, which is located on a large area near Torremolinos. In addition to a large number of water attractions, there are swimming pools with artificial sea waves, large Jacuzzi baths, a diving school and a special deep-water pool, artificial rivers and entire water towns for kids. You can find out more information, see the cost and purchase tickets.

Aqualand Torremolinos, Costa del Sol

Mijas Waterpark, Fuengirola

Mijas Water Park It’s smaller in size than Aqualand, but it’s cheaper and has fewer queues. It has everything you need for a comfortable holiday with the whole family: 10 attractions, a restaurant and picnic area, a playroom for the little ones, a locker room and a souvenir shop. The park hosts shows and interactive performances. Detailed information can be found.

Parque Aquatico Mijas, Costa del Sol

Aventura Amazonia Rope Park, Marbella

Aventura Amazonia Marbella Rope Park- This is the only park of its kind on the entire coast. There are 6 routes of varying difficulty levels. The easiest route is for children aged 4-6 years, the most difficult is at a height of 9 meters and includes, in addition to standard hanging obstacles, a real bungee jump, a tightrope walker's bridge and even air surfing.

Aventura Amazonia Marbella, Costa del Sol

All routes in the park are equipped with the most modern safety equipment, a well-thought-out system of carabiners provides a 100% guarantee of safety, and mandatory instruction is provided before starting the route. The park has a children's club where parents can leave their children under the supervision of experienced nannies. Russian version of the official website of Lobo-park, Costa del Sol

Where can you go from the Costa del Sol?

While relaxing in the resorts of the Costa del Sol, you can go to other famous cities in the province of Andalusia.

Seville, capital of Andalusia

• Giralda– a 12th-century Muslim mosque with a viewing platform at the top
• Seville Cathedral, which houses the tombstone of Christopher Columbus and unique paintings by Francisco Goya
• Alcazar Castle– a stunning architectural monument including Moorish walls, throne rooms, unique tapestries and art objects, as well as the famous Moorish gardens

• Old Jewish Santa Cruz quarter– an atmospheric part of the old town with characteristic narrow streets and Gothic buildings
• Plaza de España– one of the most beautiful squares in Andalusia – and the surrounding Maria Luisa Park
  Museum Archives of the Indies, which has collected an extensive collection of objects dating back to the period of the conquest of the Americas

Granada

• Alhambra– one of the most amazing castles in Andalusia from the era of Moorish rule
• Alcaceria– Muslim quarter and covered market, a very colorful area that has preserved all the flavor of the Arab era of the region
• Abbey of Sacromonte– a monastery on Mount Valparaiso, beautiful architecture, an interesting museum of religion and stunning views of the surrounding area from the top of the mountain

• R Ion Albaicin– a typical medieval quarter, the oldest part of the city
• Park of Sciences– modern interactive museum of natural sciences
• Madrasah- a monument of early medieval Arab architecture, which housed a Muslim university before the Reconquista
• Palacio Dar al-Orra(translated from Arabic as “house of the queen”) - the residence of Muslim rulers, then part of a Catholic monastery. The palace is notable for the fact that it has perfectly preserved interior decoration and interiors from the times of Arab rule.

Cordoba (Cordoba)

• Old Roman Bridge– pedestrian area on the Guadalquivir River
• Calahorra Tower– a defensive structure from Arab times, which today houses a museum of three cultures (Muslims, Jews, Christians)
• Alcazar– the former residence of the caliph, after the reconquista the residence of the Spanish kings, now a historical museum where you can get acquainted with the amazing history of the region, as well as look at the instruments of torture of the Holy Inquisition, which, according to historians, was most rampant in Spain

• Cathedral of St. Mary– a former mosque converted into a Christian temple - a unique combination of Muslim and Catholic religious architecture
• Synagogue Krodovy- this is a rare medieval religious building of the Jews in the Mudejar style, which has come down to us in a well-preserved form
• Museum of Fine Arts– a large collection of sculptures, graphics, paintings, and religious objects from the Renaissance. The main decoration of the collection is the work of Francisco Goya

• Mezquita Cathedral- a unique place of worship, which alternately housed a temple for the veneration of Roman gods, a Muslim mosque and, finally, a Catholic church. The Mezquita is notable for the fact that each subsequent religious structure was built around existing walls. Thus, both the mosque and the remains of the Roman temple can be seen today behind the façade of the Catholic Church
• Huderia– the former Jewish medieval quarter, the largest and best preserved medieval quarter in Europe; very interesting for walking with its patios and labyrinths of intricate streets

Transport and food on the Costa del Sol

Rent a car on the Costa del Sol

Most holidaymakers on the Costa del Sol prefer to travel by rented car. Since all the main transport hubs are located in Malaga, it is there that the bulk of rental offices of any taste and budget are concentrated, and most of them are located at the airport. In the city center, the number of offices where you can rent a car is much smaller. In small offices, prices are lower than in large European holdings. For long-term rentals (from 5-6 days) a discount is provided. The highest price level is not the peak of demand, in the summer.

In order to rent a car, you need to have a plastic bank card, cash to pay a deposit (the amount of the deposit depends on the rental period, cost of the car, type of insurance, etc.), and an international driving license. A rental agreement can be concluded by a person over 21-23 years old (the exact age depends on the specific rental company) with at least 1.5-2 years of driving experience. You will also need to take out insurance; Insurance options, coverage area and cost of insurance depend on the internal conditions of the company.

It is important to know that traffic fines in Spain are very high. The most common types of violations committed by foreign tourists: parking in the wrong place, exceeding the permissible speed, violating traffic signs; Russians are often fined for not wearing a seat belt.

Cuisine of the Costa del Sol

The cuisine of Andalusia, which includes the Costa del Sol, combines Arabic and Mediterranean dishes. Seafood is very popular on the coast; in remote mountainous areas they prefer pork raised on special feed.

Traditional dishes of Andalusia that are worth trying on holiday

• Gazpacho– cold tomato soup, although in some areas of Andalusia it is made from bread and onions
• Espetos– sardines, strung on a special skewer, grilled over coals
• Mojamo– a type of tapas whose main ingredient is dried tuna
• Ajoblanco– cold soup made from water, butter, garlic and bread

• Tortilla– fried potatoes with onions, meat and spices, filled with egg
• Pescato Frito– this dish has many varieties, the main essence is fried fish (any method of frying) with the addition of a side dish

We remember Torremolinos for walks along the long Maritimo promenade along the coast - a light breeze bringing the smell of the sea, a lively, festive atmosphere, a local specialty - grilled sardines, which are cooked here on a grill made from an old fishing boat filled with sand.

Availability

The most convenient way to get to Torremolinos is from Malaga - 16 km from the center and only 7 km from the airport, you can take a taxi or go by bus. The town itself has an excellent transport network: several railway stations, bus connections to the nearest Mijas, Marbella and Estepona, as well as Granada, Seville, Cadiz - in principle, even without a car you can easily get to know Andalusia better.

Beach

In fact, the entire 6-kilometer coastline from Malaga in the north to Benalmadena in the south is one huge beach. The central beaches of Torremolinos, Bajondillo and Carihuela, flow into one another and are separated only by a picturesque cliff protruding into the sea. Above Bajondillo are Playamar with its surfing spots and then Los Alamos, which is more party-heavy at night, and south of Carihuela is the calm, family-friendly Montemar.

In general, they form a long promenade along which are lined countless hotels, cafes, chiringuitos, shops, and if you wish, you can stroll with interest from Malaga to Benalmadena on foot in a couple of hours, but we lived in the center, so in the evenings we made small forays here and there. then in the other direction.

The town itself is located on a mountain, so we had to go up and down the stairs several times a day, of which there are many and varied - from gentle to very steep. If you are really lazy, you can also take the elevator, but it worked according to a schedule and generally had a fee.

All the beaches are clean, very well maintained, covered here and there with palm groves, where we periodically escaped the heat.

Beach Sizes

The main beaches, which are easily accessible on foot from the town center, are about 3 km away, the beach strip is quite wide - about 40 meters, there is enough space and even a feeling of spaciousness.

Shore

I wasn’t impressed by the local sand - it’s kind of dirty-dark, coarse-grained, heats up quickly, and walking on it under the scorching August sun barefoot is a dubious pleasure, but it’s great for architectural creations. The entrance to the sea varied, mostly quite flat, but there were also places with a sharp cliff, and in some places there were accumulations of large stones on the shore.

Infrastructure

All beaches are equipped: showers, toilets, playgrounds; you can rent excellent sun loungers with a mattress and umbrellas (4.5 euros). Along the entire beach line there is a multicolored and multilingual series of various bars, restaurants, chiringuitos, and souvenir shops. Life is in full swing!

Night life

The evenings continue both on the beaches, where all establishments are open, music is playing, lights are shining and vacationers are strolling along the promenade, and in the center of Torremolinos, especially on the tourist Caia San Miguel. Here and there, in restaurants, Spanish songs are sung and street musicians are lively - we were lucky to meet the Indians.

After midnight, those who wish go to clubs for every taste - some with Latin or European music, gay bars, small romantic bars with disco and huge ones with a swimming pool, like El Palladium. But it’s not a party place at all, and the most notorious playmakers visit the hot spots of neighboring Benalmadena.

Water activities

Here again it’s standard: water skis, bananas, catamarans.

Hotels

A huge number of hotels along the entire coast, almost all within walking distance from the beaches, many literally across the road from the sea. Mostly hotels are without pretensions, the largest are 4-room hotels, apartments are popular.

Prices

A resort for Spain in the middle price category - renting an apartment cost 50 euros for two, a good dinner was at least 40 euros for two.

Sport

Diving and windsurfing are practiced on the beaches, and a sailing regatta traditionally takes place here in September.

People

Torremolinos is a mid-range resort, mainly for families, elderly and middle-aged couples. Advantages: it’s easy to get here, there are suitable beaches for children and the elderly, there is plenty of entertainment for children and adults - all this attracts vacationers from various countries, it’s even difficult to distinguish who predominates here, and in more or less large restaurants the staff says, -I think, in all the languages ​​of the world.

On weekends, it’s interesting to watch Spanish family picnics – noisy, lots of food and various tourist bells and whistles.

The town has a large water park and next to it a crocodile park with handsome Paco, a five-meter alligator. In the Carihuela area there is a very nice snow-white church of St. Carmen in Carihuela, and in Bajondillo a local landmark is the Casa de las Navajas, a beautiful city administration building.

The name of the city - Torro de los Molinos - was given by a 12-meter medieval tower, although now it is called Pimentel. In the heat, you can escape in the botanical garden and the charming La Bateria park.

Places to visit in the surrounding area

It is attractive because you can spend your entire vacation here and see a considerable part of the region - go to the beaches of Fuengirola, Marbella and Estepona, explore the picturesque Mijas or the rich architecture of Cordoba, or even visit large, ancient cities - the capital of Andalusia, Seville, Granada.

Both trains and buses go to many destinations, and the distance is available for a one-day trip - up to 200 km.

Benalmadena

What is the resort like?

While vacationing in Torremolinos, we couldn’t help but visit neighboring Benalmadena, knowing about its reputation as an entertainment resort. The town is spread out on two hills and rises up in steps from the shore: first there are beaches with a promenade and hotels, then a town with second-line hotels and at the very top – the white-stone old town of Benalmadena Pueblo.

There is an abundance of varied entertainment for both families with children and active youth, many beaches for every taste - from super-equipped and crowded to secluded and wild.

Availability

As with Torremolinos, Benalmadena can be easily reached by bus or taxi from Malaga Airport, where planes land from Moscow - just 10 km. From Malaga to the resort it takes half an hour by bus or train, and Benalmadena is also connected by bus to neighboring Torremolinos and Fuengirola.

Beach

If you go from Torremolinos from the north, going around the Marina port, you can get to the beaches of Benalmadena. There are many of them here (more than 10 for sure), but the border between them is not always noticeable, although the landscape and infrastructure are changing greatly.

The beaches of Malapesquera and Torre Bermeja go from the port itself and essentially constitute one well-equipped beach.

Next to them is Arroyo de la Miel - a nudist beach, and behind the rock is small and cozy Torrevijia, here the pebbles already begin. There are few vacationers here, and it is poorly equipped.

The farthest Las Yucas and Viborilla are wild pebble beaches, suitable for diving, snorkeling, fishing, and closer to Fuengirola there is a secluded Benalnatura beach, also nudist, as the name implies.

Dimensions

Benalmadena has an extensive coastline - about 9 km, the beaches flow into one another, in some places separated by beautiful bays and cliffs, especially near Fuengirola. The beach strip on the central beaches is wide - up to 50 m, and on remote wild ones - in some places it is quite narrow.

Shore

I repeat, you can find different beaches here: on the central ones (Malapesquera, Santa Anna) there is quite fine gray sand, where the entrance to the water is mostly flat, good for children, and starting from Bil-Bil Beach and further the beaches are natural, so coarse-grained the sand here turns into pebbles and even stones; there the entrance to the sea can be steep.

Infrastructure

The main beaches are well equipped: umbrellas, sun loungers, showers, toilets, rental of all kinds of equipment and a huge number of chiringuitos and restaurants, hotels are very close or right on the shore. The Maritimo promenade, which began in neighboring Torremolinos, continues here - a picturesque paved path along the sea.

Night life

The entire nightlife of Benalmadena, for which young people come here and even vacationers from neighboring Torremolinos and Fuengirola make raids, revolves around the Marina port. There is a whole alley of various large and small clubs and disco bars to choose from, and noisy groups, tipsy, wander from one to another until the early morning.

From here you can also go on a night boat trip with free champagne. We liked the format of the beach party on Santa Anna beach on Saturday - a fun, colorful party of different ages, fireworks, music.

Water activities

The beaches starting from the port provide all possible entertainment: bananas, parachutes, water skis, our favorite catamarans with a slide, canoes. You can learn how to sail a yacht, ride on all kinds of sea transport, rent diving and snorkeling equipment. Basically, all such industry is concentrated near the Marina port.

Hotels

There are first-line hotels, some across the road from the beach and promenade, and second-line hotels, but the distances are short, mostly up to 500 meters. The most chic thing, of course, is to live in Puerto Marina, but it is noticeable that the hotels here are quite expensive, there are many private properties.

Prices

If we compare it with neighboring Torremolinos, where we settled, Benalmadena seems more expensive, at least in terms of accommodation: the most budget hostels start from 55 euros, and a decent hotel on the first line starts from 80 euros. Rent of umbrellas and sun loungers - 9 euros, entrance to clubs - 4-6 euros. The cable car ride cost 11 euros, but at the ticket office you can buy a discounted pass for visiting the ski lift, the amusement park, and the Selvo Marina park.

Sport

Not far from the port there are volleyball and football courts, and, of course, there are all water sports: windsurfing, yachting, diving, etc.

People

Mostly English people meet here - for some reason it is very popular with them, and many even purchase a “summer residence” here. In addition, there are a lot of diverse young people and families with children, who come in large numbers on weekends at the expense of the locals.

First of all, the Marina port itself is a never-ending celebration of life against the backdrop of beautiful yachts and water canals, lace bridges, small islands, and luxurious villas. A place for walking at any time of the day or night, for gatherings in bars, shopping, dancing until the morning with a special, carefree atmosphere. There is also a Sea Life Aquarium with an impressive shark tunnel.

From here it is very convenient to start exploring the city: from the port there is an excursion train and a bus with a stop at all the main attractions: Paloma Park, the Selvo Marina Dolphinarium-Penguinarium, an amusement park and the Teleferico cable car, which you must climb up to see the town and its surroundings from above , and you can go down on a donkey for a change.

In the town it is worth visiting the ancient towers, Colomares and Bil-Bil castles.

Places to visit in the surrounding area

It is very conveniently located, and if you don’t have enough local entertainment, you can take a boat trip by tram to neighboring Fuengirola, and you can generally walk from the Marina port, but it’s better to get there by bus - there is an interesting crocodile farm and a large water park.

Just a 45-minute drive to fashionable Marbella, within an hour by bus - Mijas and Estepona, within two hours by car - the unique beaches of Tarifa, and to the major cities of Spain - Seville and - 220 and 140 km respectively, you can take an excursion.

Fuengirola

What is the resort like?

The highlight of Fuengirola is its beaches; perhaps the best we've seen on the Costa del Sol, almost all boasting blue flags. Otherwise, this is an ordinary Spanish resort, which grew up on the site of an ordinary Spanish fishing village.

Availability

Like all resorts on the Coast of the Sun, the easiest way to get to Fuengirola is from Malaga, where you can fly by plane - the distance is about 30 km, you can choose from bus, train and taxi.

Beach

The beaches of Fuengirola begin with the sandy and shell beach of Carvajal, common with Benalmadena, then Torreblanca - these beaches are natural, but at the same time well equipped and very well maintained. Then the open, wide and flat beaches of Los Boliches and Las Gaviotas stretch for more than two kilometers.

On the other side of the port are the central beaches of Fuengirola and Santa Amalia, then on the border of the resort is Castillo beach with a view of the local landmark, the Soail fortress.

On the beaches there is still the same dark sand of the Costa del Sol, burning your feet - on the embankments it is finer and yellower, but perfectly clean and well-groomed, on the outlying, natural beaches - coarse sand with pebbles.

Dimensions

The coastline of Fuengirola is about 8 km. Los Boliches and Las Gaviotas are perhaps the widest beaches on the Costa del Sol - 55 meters, the rest are noticeably narrower, from 20 m.

Shore

Since many of the beaches are artificial, the entrance to the sea here is mostly flat and convenient, but on the outlying beaches there can be a sharp drop-off. The water is clean and transparent, there are moderate waves.

Infrastructure

Almost all beaches are well equipped - showers, toilets, umbrellas and sunbeds (4.5 euros), exercise equipment, rental of all kinds of equipment, playgrounds. The Maritimo pedestrian and entertainment zone stretches along the beaches, originating almost from Malaga. There are festivities, shopping, a huge selection of cafes and bars offering the local specialty - fried sardines.

Night life

It's calmer here than in the party scene of Benalmadena. We enjoyed listening to live music in a jazz cafe and went to dance Latin at the Mai Tai club - they organize various themed parties there and have guest DJs play. And of course, part of the evening and nightlife takes place on Paseo Maritimo, where the fun never stops.

Water activities

On most beaches, entertainment is standard resort: banana boating and water skiing, parasailing, various boat trips, dolphin watching, etc.

Hotels

As in all resorts on the del Sol coast, hotels start from the coastline itself and stretch along it. All hotels are located across the road from the beach, and the second line is within 200-300 meters from the sea.

Prices

The price range is as follows: simple hostels and guest houses - from 40 euros for a double, dinner in a cafe with live music - 50 euros for two, any fast food like pizza or a hamburger with a drink - about 15 euros, 2 sun loungers plus an umbrella - 9 euros.

Sport

In the center of the coast is the sports port of Fuengirola with a yacht club, where you can take boating lessons, and there is a diving center. There is also a golf club, and in winter there are suitable waves for surfing.

People

The predominant population is English, German, and Finnish; in general, the crowd is very decent and reserved, with many mature couples.

The undoubted must-do of the resort is to explore the bay and beaches of Fuengirola from the ancient Soail fortress, photograph the funny monument to the “1 peseta” coin and see the silhouette of the Fuengirola bull - an impressive size metal structure - against the background of the sunset.

A number of local entertainment is aimed at children: a very interesting tropical zoo, where people come from all nearby resorts, a biopark and a small water park, which, however, did not impress; Torremolinos is much better.

Lovers of antiquity can visit the archaeological site of El Secretario - the ruins of a Roman settlement.

Places to visit in the surrounding area

Fuengirola is the last stop of the railway line running from Malaga through Torremolinos (water park, crocodile farm) and Benalmadena (large Sea Life aquarium, the center of party life Port Marina) - the latter, by the way, is easier to get to by bus.

You can also take buses to small towns in the area - Mijas (7 km) and the resort Marbella (36 km), as well as to large cities - Granada (150 km), Cadiz (210 km), Seville (240 km). And be sure to visit the white sand beaches of Tarifa for contrast; it is only 136 km away along the coast.

Marbella

What is the resort like?

If you go to the Costa del Sol, then you must visit Marbella, we told ourselves and went. Marbella appeared to us as a glamorous beauty against a luxurious background: luxury hotels, expensive yachts, elite villages where celebrities and the richest people on earth live, and the number of Bentleys and Rolls-Royces per square kilometer is off the charts.

Availability

From the international airport - 59 km, this distance can be covered by taxi or bus, if you do not have your own yacht, of course.

Beach

The sand on the beaches of Marbella varies - from fine yellow sand to the usual dark gray coarse sand mixed with pebbles on the Costa del Sol. There are a huge number of beaches here (more than 20), many were quite busy in August, but all are very well maintained, many have a blue flag.

There are only a few beaches in the city area; we saw the small Faro with a lighthouse and the more spacious Fontanilla - the most popular, but also the most crowded. You can get here on foot from the center of Marbella; the beach is golden sandy and very beautiful. Here is the famous Paseo Maritimo promenade on the Costa del Sol - a popular pedestrian area with many shops and restaurants overlooking the embankment.

We liked Bounty Beach, also known as del Cable, which is not far from the Funny beach amusement park - it has a pleasant atmosphere, relaxed music and prices in chiringuitos, which pleased us, are quite affordable. The coating is fine golden sand.

Most of the beaches are far from the center; the most popular are Los Monteros, Alicate, Puerto Banus and San Pedro de Alcantara with dark, coarse sand.

10 km from Marbella is Artola Beach, which is next to a natural reserve - sand dunes.

From Puerto Banus begins the “golden mile” - fashionable hotels, luxurious restaurants, expensive nightclubs right on the beach.

Dimensions

In total, in “greater Marbella”, which includes suburban areas, there are 26 beaches of various sizes: Faro is only 200 meters long and 30 m wide, Fontanilla stretches for 1 km with a width of 30 m, Banunti is 1300 m and very wide – up to 70 m.

Shore

The coast of Marbella is generally flat, rocky in places, for example, on the Cortijo Blanco beach it is almost impossible to enter the water, but on most other beaches the entrance is either gently sloping sandy or pebble, but comfortable, the water itself is incredibly clear, and there are practically no waves here.

Infrastructure

The closer to the center of Marbella, the better equipped the beaches are and the more services are provided: showers, umbrellas, sun loungers (5 euros), children's play areas, volleyball courts, a huge selection of restaurants and bars, rental of all kinds of equipment.

Night life

In fashionable Marbella, the “golden youth” hang out - in the luxurious Billionaire Club Marbella, the chain beach club Nikki Beach, and the Pangea club. There are also many dance bars and clubs in the Puerto Banes area, and among the luxury ones you can find mid-range establishments, but if you go to the coast specifically for active nightlife, it is better to settle in Benalmadena.

Water activities

All water activities from catamarans to scooters are represented on the beaches of Marbella, and there is even an amusement park right on the Funny beach where you can ride banana boats and sail boats.

Hotels

As one would expect, along the coastline there are mainly luxury hotels and luxurious villas, at least good four stars, but the resort also has affordable three-ruble rent, boarding houses, and apartments, you just need to look, however, the prices will still be higher than the coastal average.

Prices

Marbella is a celebration of life, but accommodation here will cost a pretty penny: the most budget guesthouses start from 50 euros per night, and the prices for entertainment also correspond to the reputation of an expensive resort, for example, riding a map in Funny Beach - 20 euros, a scooter - 50 euros per night 10-15 minutes. To find an affordable place for dinner, sometimes you have to go deeper from the embankment into the nearby neighborhoods. On the beaches you can find chiringuitos with quite reasonable prices: from 9 euros for a pizza plus a drink.

Sport

A large selection of various sports activities: bicycle and Segway rental, a tennis club and many golf clubs, a diving center, beach volleyball.

People

Undoubtedly, the people themselves make the resort fashionable, and kings, actors, business sharks and politicians from all over the world, and simply wealthy people visit it and have real estate there.

What interesting things to see in the resort itself

Marbella is a beautiful ancient city; be sure to explore its center with the towers of the Alcazaba fortress, Orange Square with a fountain and the city hall, as well as parks, a botanical garden with a collection of bonsai trees.

One of the pearls of the city is Avenida del Mar with sculptures of the great Salvador (the originals, by the way).

On one of the beaches there is an amusement park called Funny beach - karting and various water activities.

A few kilometers from the center of Marbella is the port of Puerto Banus - the quintessence of glamor and luxury of the Costa del Sol, a real vanity fair: snow-white yachts, designer shops, expensive restaurants and a fashionable audience.

Places to visit in the surrounding area

In the direction of Malaga, all neighboring resorts of the Costa del Sol are worth a visit: Fuengirola, Estepona, Benalmadena, Torremolinos. Here you can find a lot of interesting and inexpensive entertainment: a cable car, water parks, various flora and fauna parks, a crocodile farm.

The ancient town of Mijas is 34 km away, and the picturesque mountain villages of Antequera and the snow-white sands of Tarifa are within a radius of 100 km.

Conveniently, all the historical centers of Andalusia are within a one-day trip: (180 km), (212 km), (188), Cadiz (180 km), Jerez (171 km).

Estepona

What is the resort like?

After Marbella, we expected another “vanity fair” from Estepona, but it made a completely different impression on us - the atmosphere here is more restrained, and luxury is demonstrated with dignity, rather than being flaunted. But there is stunning scenery in sight, which includes the Sierra Bermeja mountains, rivers, pine forests, secluded rocky beaches and the skyline of Gibraltar in the distance.

Availability

The most convenient way to get to Estepona, as well as to any resort on the Costa del Sol, is from Malaga International Airport (76 km) by bus or taxi.

Beach

All the beaches of Estepona have the familiar dark, coarse-grained gray sand; in the wilder areas, mixed with pebbles, there are rocky shores.

There are 2 beaches within the city limits: within walking distance from the center along the city embankment lies the spacious La Rada Beach, the most popular and crowded. Across the port from it in the bay is Del Cristo, a very green, windless beach, great for children, but not for those who like to swim - very shallow.

To the east of the resort, a territory stretches for 10 km, which has only recently begun to be developed, so the beaches here are calm, quiet, spacious, very picturesque: sometimes hidden between the river and green fields, sometimes covered with pine trees, sometimes lush vegetation, with rocky shores, or, conversely, , covered with grass.

To the west there are also several beaches: Costa Natura, popular with nudists, and wild and incredibly beautiful Bahia Dorada, where people especially come to fish and snorkel or scuba dive.

Dimensions

The coastline of Estepona is 21 km, but within the city the beach strip is only about 4 km, and its width ranges from 30 to 55 m. Among the suburban beaches there are both secluded and spacious.

Shore

The most comfortable shore is on Del Cristo beach; it is not for nothing that families with children and elderly people have chosen it. It is very shallow here, the entrance to the water is sandy and flat, and the water itself is clear and very warm. On La Rada, the entrance to the water is also gentle, but the depth is not so far. On many beaches the coast is steep and rocky, more suitable for divers.

Infrastructure

Changing rooms, showers, toilets, umbrellas and loungers for rent, a small children's playground on Del Cristo (and a huge number of children's play areas on Paseo Maritimo). Rocky beaches are practically not equipped. Not to say that on the beaches, even the central ones, there was a huge selection of chiringuitos compared to neighboring resorts, for example, on the central Del Cristo there are only two or three.

Night life

In general, Estepona seemed to us a more restrained Spanish resort than Marbella. There is, of course, nightlife here, but its degree is probably average along the coast. In the center of the town, salsa and other Latin American dances are performed at Disco Parasela, and the Plato 68 club, where guest DJs play, is popular among young people. And again, the center of nightlife is the port, here it is Puerto Deportivo, where there is no shortage of clubs or music bars.

Water activities

The beaches offer various boat trips, water skiing, flyboarding, snorkeling and diving.

Hotels

In the center, near La Rada beach, hotels are located across the highway and Paseo Maritimo - the resort promenade; in more remote areas there are hotels right on the beach. In the area of ​​the eastern beaches, which began to develop relatively recently, there are not many hotels and they are often located at some distance from each other.

Prices

Despite the reputation of a luxury resort and the abundance of luxury hotels, you can find simpler accommodation, for example, a hostel 50 meters from the beach for 35 euros/double, but the prices for food correspond to the respectability of the resort: a snack in a tapas bar, which mainly serves snacks, 15 -20 euros per person, and dinner at a restaurant cost 60 euros for two. A visit to the Selvo Aventura safari park – 24.5 euros, discounts for children.

Sport

Sports entertainment for the respectable public: many golf clubs, horse riding, sailing, as well as more affordable diving, snorkeling, surfing (including kites).

People

There are traditionally a lot of English and Europeans at the resort, mostly in couples or families; there are few noisy companies. On weekends, the crowd is diluted by local vacationers, and it becomes a bit crowded.

We walked around the old town - a typical charming Andalusian town - in half a day. We saw the Square of Flowers with a large fountain, the clock tower, ancient mansions, and the Remedios Church.

If you take a walk along the Maritimo promenade, you can reach the Punto Donsella lighthouse, a local symbol.

The huge Selvo Aventura safari park is worth a visit, where elephants, giraffes, rhinoceroses, and kangaroos live in natural conditions.

And, of course, the port of Puerto Deportivo: smart holidaymakers, a series of bars, restaurants, shops, starting points for sea excursions.

I liked the fishing port of Puerto Pesquero, where you can buy the freshest seafood.

Places to visit in the surrounding area

In the nearby resorts of the Costa del Sol you can choose entertainment to suit your taste: a water park and crocodile farm in Torremolinos, a marine aquarium and exotic animal park in Benalmadena, a tropical zoo in Fuengirola, an amusement park and Dali sculptures in Marbella - all within a maximum of 75 km from Estepona. At the same distance, only in the other direction, are the snow-white beaches of Tarifa and Gibraltar.

The large ancient cities of Spain that can be visited in one day are (220 km), (240 km), (209 km), Cadiz (150 km), and the picturesque mountain village of Ronda is only 67 km.

Costa del Sol, or Coast of the Sun, is the Mediterranean coast in Southern Spain, in the province of Andalusia. The largest city on the coast is Malaga. The city has an international airport and receives direct flights from many countries, including Russia. Resorts on the Costa del Sol are relatively unpopular among Russian tourists, and only in recent years has the Russian tourism market begun to develop this area. On the Costa del Sol, unlike the Catalan resorts, mainly foreigners vacation, so Russian speech is heard here much less often.

Even in the recent past, resorts on the Costa del Sol were considered elite, where wealthy Spaniards and other Europeans mainly vacationed, but in recent years the place has largely become much more democratic, and now, if desired, you can find accommodation at a resort in any price category, and even the once elite Marbella is gradually turning into a resort quite suitable for middle class holidaymakers.

Tourists are attracted to the Costa del Sol, first of all, by the well-maintained resorts and the high level of service. In addition, a holiday on the coast in this area of ​​Spain is also an opportunity to combine a beach holiday with an excursion - nearby are the majestic city of Granada with its centuries-old history, the cozy town of Ronda, located on a steep cliff, as well as the beautiful mountains of the Sierra Nevada.

The climate of the Costa del Sol is very favorable all year round. Winter, for example, is a great time for numerous walks and sightseeing. The swimming season lasts on the Costa del Sol from June to September, but you should be prepared for the fact that the sea temperature here is on average cooler than in the Catalan resorts, this is due to the undercurrent that periodically cools the coastal waters.

If you decide to change your usual direction and go to explore other shores of Spain, then you simply cannot find a better place to get to know the “other Spain”, different from Catalonia. Read on to learn more about what you can see and do in the resort towns of the Costa del Sol.

Malaga: attractions and top places

Malaga is considered a major port city on the Costa del Sol; cruise ships often dock here, and therefore at times the city becomes quite crowded due to the numerous tourists who prefer a cruise vacation, but this is a temporary phenomenon. Malaga is also the main air gateway to the coast, as there is an international airport that accepts regular and charter flights. Most often, tourists who prefer a beach holiday leave Malaga upon arrival in different directions, fortunately the infrastructure, incl. Transport here is well developed, and you can easily get to any resort town on the coast.

But in Malaga itself there is something to see. The most recognizable symbol of the city, preserved in its original form, is the Malaga Cathedral, located on a hill in the old part of the city. A visit to the cathedral is considered an absolute must-see of the city due to the magnificent appearance of the cathedral, made in a mixture of Baroque, Gothic and Neoclassical styles. In addition, lovers of cultural life can visit, for example, the Pablo Picasso Museum, because this is his hometown, and a huge number of his works are exhibited in the museum itself. For entertainment, you can also visit the permanent exhibition of vintage cars or the La Rosaleda stadium, where the largest sporting events in Spain take place.

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Marbella: attractions and top places

Marbella is perhaps the most famous resort on the Costa del Sol, which gained its fame back in the 50s. 20th century. The resort has long been a haven for wealthy Europeans - Spaniards, Germans, and British. Since then, the resort has inherited a fashionable marina, where elite ships and yachts of millionaires are still moored. But since then, the resort has undergone significant changes, becoming more democratic and welcoming to all categories of vacationers.

Marbella has both historical attractions and relatively new ones designed to increase the number of vacationers. The old part of the city is typical snow-white streets decorated with orange trees; it is not for nothing that even the main square of the city was named after this fruit - Orange Square. The Arab fortress wall and the ancient church of Iglesia de la Encarnacion are also partially preserved here. Curious tourists can also visit the Bonsai Museum and or the Engraving Museum, or even better, take a walk along the Avenida del Mar, decorated with sculptures by the maestro Salvador Dali himself. For tourists who prefer modern entertainment, there is a water park and a crocodile reserve. And, of course, you should definitely take a walk along the amazingly beautiful, one might say chic, seaside promenade, with views of the sea and snow-white yachts.

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Torremolinos: attractions and top places

Torremolinos is a typical seaside resort with developed infrastructure, excellent service and a lot of purely tourist entertainment. The town is great for a beach holiday. The town itself is located on a hill, so if your hotel is not on the first line, then you will have to go downhill to the coast and uphill. All the beaches of the resort, which are 6 km of sand, are municipal, which means that you do not need to pay to enter the beach area, but additional services (sunbeds, umbrellas, etc.) may be paid.

If you come to Torremolinos for all kinds of entertainment, then it is better to look for them in the Bajondillo area, on the streets of San Miguel and Palma de Mallorca. There are numerous discos, tapas bars, fish restaurants, wine cellars, as well as shops, cafes and pastry shops. This area of ​​the city is considered the busiest and most dynamic. This is the favorite part of the city, according to most tourists who have visited Torremolinos. Another attraction of Torremolinos is the largest water park on the Costa del Sol with a large variety of slides, pools and other water activities.

For a change, while in Torremolinos you can also visit a crocodile farm or botanical garden, where you can escape the midday heat. For a more authentic atmosphere, head to La Carihuela, where many fishermen's restaurants are located among the white streets and pedestrian promenade.

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Fuengirola: attractions and top places

Fuengirola is primarily famous for its wide and clean sandy beaches, some of the best on the Costa del Sol. The coastline of the town stretches for more than 8 km, and the most popular beaches are the central beach of Fuengirola, Los Boliches, Santa Amalia and Las Gaviotas. All of them are well equipped and not only with sun loungers and umbrellas, but also with special play areas for children and adults, bars, restaurants, showers and changing cabins. On the beaches of Fuengirola, everything has been done so that tourists can not just passively relax on the shore, but also have the opportunity to engage in active sports and entertainment.

The symbol of the city is the Moorish fortress, from where the seaside promenade begins, ending in Fuengirola Bay. It’s definitely worth walking along this route, stopping at tapas bars and fish restaurants along the way. For entertainment, you can also visit the local 24-hour Biopac Zoo. Why 24/7? And because the animals living here show their main activity at night, so even at night the entrance is open to tourists. The park is thematically divided into animals of Madagascar, Equatorial Africa and Southeast Asia.

It is also worth taking a walk around the city center, where Constitution Square is located, from which many narrow snow-white streets radiate away. It is worth getting lost for a while in at least one of them to feel the atmosphere of the city. And of course, where would we be without such entertainment as a water park and bullfighting? In the first case, it is worth visiting the local water amusement park "Aquatico Mijas", and in the second case, visiting the local bullring.

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Benalmadena: attractions and top places

Beach holidays in Benalmadena are somewhat different from holidays in other resort towns on the coast. If in most settlements the beaches are spread out for many kilometers around, then in Benalmadena the beaches look like some kind of closed coves, cozy and hidden from the sea winds. The thing is that the Benalmadena beach line is cut in several places by rock formations, which form quiet coves. Many of Benalmadena's beaches are truly secluded, and many of the coves offer scuba diving.

Benalmadena is decorated with two castles - one in the Moorish style, the other in typical Catalan style. The castles are located in opposite parts of the resort - Bil-Bil Castle on the western end, and Colomares Castle on the eastern end. Benalmadena is also famous for its water and near-water activities. Judge for yourself, here are the Tivoli Worlds entertainment complex, La Paloma park, Selvo Marina dolphin and tropical bird show, Sea Life Aquarium and this is just a little that the local resort is ready to offer. It is not surprising that Benalmadena is chosen by couples with children; neither adults nor children will be bored here.

For a change, you can also take a ride on the cable car, which leads up to Mount Calamorro and offers wonderful views of the coast along the way. Fans of exotic entertainment can also take a boat excursion to the shores of three artificial islands in the Mediterranean Sea.

Nerja: attractions and top places

Nerja is one of many small coastal towns located east of Malaga. Having a pronounced resort orientation, Nerja has all the relevant tourist attributes: a developed hotel infrastructure, a high level of service, well-groomed sandy beaches equipped with everything necessary, and also several top attractions. Nerja, as a resort town on the Costa del Sol, is known primarily for its two top attractions - the so-called “balcony of Europe” and karst caves.

The “Balcony of Europe” is an amazing natural observation deck of the Mediterranean Sea, which appeared in Nerja as a result of an earthquake. Today it is a landscaped area resembling a huge terrace with breathtaking views. There is a statue of the Spanish king here, and opposite the observation deck, city life is always in full swing - here is the central tourist promenade with numerous cafes, bars and restaurants. The height of the balcony is about 25 meters, it is located on a steep cliff, so it offers an extensive 360-degree panorama, most of which is the Mediterranean Sea. By the way, there are legends here that in very good, clear weather, from the balcony of Europe you can even see the coast of Africa, located not so far from the southern part of Spain.

Another local attraction is the Nerja Cave, which is called the natural cathedral of the Costa del Sol, it is so vast. Today, the Nerja Cave is recognized as a national historical and artistic monument. The cave consists of the Lower, Upper and New galleries. There are organized guided tours at the bottom. Inside there are extensive formations of stalagmites and stalactites. The cave even has a Cascade Hall, where musical concerts are periodically held.

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The distances between towns on the Costa del Sol are relatively short, so when staying in one town you can easily explore nearby ones. You can travel between settlements by trains and buses. A holiday on the Costa del Sol is a great opportunity to combine a quality beach holiday with exploring the many attractions in the vicinity of the resort.

All the tools and ways to find cheap flights from Moscow to Malaga with and without transfers;

A selection of hotels in different resorts on the Costa del Sol: Malaga, Marbella, Nerja, Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola.

What is remarkable about other resorts in Spain - from Catalonia to Andalusia, from the Balearics to the Canaries.

Practical and eventful travels to you!

(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.