Costa del Sol - the sunshine coast of the Mediterranean.

This long and golden coastline known as the Costa del Sol, stretches from Nerja in the east to Gibraltar in the west and is the most famous area of the Andalusian province of Malaga.

With its long, warm summers and short, mild winters, the Costa del Sol enjoys what is probably the best climate of the European mainland.
Add to that a long sandy coastline, beautiful countryside and charming villages and it is easy to understand why so many fall in love with the Costa del Sol and return again and again.

The easy mix of Spanish and European inhabitants has ensured that the area retains the culture and traditions of Spanish lifestyle whilst also offering all the attractions desirable for an unforgettable holiday. It is a place of great contrasts and whatever your holiday dreams you may well find them here in this romantic, historic and attractive region of Spain called Andalusia.

Andalusia – history and culture
Andalusia is rich in culture and history. Experience the passion of Seville or the awe inspiring architecture of Cordoba for an unforgettable experience or spend a day in the city of Granada and explore the Alhambra, which was nominated to become one of "the wonders of the world". There is so much to see and learn about this amazing region.

Nature
This is a region of contrasts, from its gentle sandy beaches, lovely coastline and beautiful hills to the snow topped mountains of the Sierra Nevada. Here in the winter you can take a morning swim in the Mediterranean, then drive up to the mountains and go skiing in the afternoon. Mountains, desert, beautiful valleys and gardens, the ocean and the deltas with its varied wildlife. Here are the beauty and the contrasts that only nature can give.

Sport
Costa del Sol – is often referred to as the "Costa del Golf" with more than 70 fine golf courses in the area. This popular game is so easily incorporated into a lifestyle - however there are numerous other sports to enjoy as well. You can enjoy skiing or dog slegding in the Sierra Nevada, play tennis or polo, horse riding or rock climbing, to mention just a few of the possibilities on land.
You also have a great choice of water sports available such as surfing, water skiing, kite surfing, windsurfing, sailing, diving, fishing, swimming .

This is a perfect place for those who want an active holiday in a great climate.

Towns and villages
The coastal towns of Marbella and Puerto Banus have for decades been favourite spots for the rich and famous. The nightlife in Puerto Banus will satisfy even the most active "jet setter".whilst "the Golden mile" from Marbella to Puerto Banus has many of the most luxurious homes in Spain. However, drive a little way inland and you will discover the "pueblos blancos"; the typical white villages often built into the mountainsides. These small villages with their traditional white facades and red roofs are very typical of Andalusia. Many remain unspoilt by commercial tourism and are wonderful places to explore and experience the traditional Andalusian lifestyle.

Villages on the Costa del Sol
Going inland from Fuengirola you arrive at the very charming and attractive village of Mijas. From Marbella you can drive up to the lovely villages of Ojen and Monda. In Ojen you can sample the local wines in case you want to take some home. From Puerto Banus it is a fifteen minute drive up to the very unspoilt village of Istan with wonderful views over the lake down to the coast. From San Pedro you can drive to Benahavis, the gourmet village, where people come from afar to enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants. Close to Estepona you have the villages of Casares and Gaucin, and from Sabinillas (right before La Duquesa) you can drive to Manilva.

Worth a visit:
Marbella –  Marbella’s motto is 'a way of life' and, certainly this town seems to have it all, becoming a firm favourite with the discerning traveller. Just off the main street you find the 'Orange Square' which is also home to the 16th century town hall and tourist office. Here you can find a mixture of stately buildings, small shops, art galleries,wonderful restaurants and tapas bars and it is a hub of activity day and night. Down by the coast is the La Alameda park where you can book your own personal horse and carriage and travel in style, or you can stroll on the paseo maritimo, next to the sea, arguably one of the most delightful promenades on the coast. Here will find a selection of classy restaurants and bars. From Cabopino to Guadalmina, the Marbella coastline stretches along some 26 kilometres of sunny beaches with many places to enjoy traditional fish and seafood favourites like sardines on a spit, fried fish and the incomparable paella.

Puerto Banus – everyone should drop in to Puerto Banus, sample one of the numerous restaurants or visit one of the many designer stores that are based there. Sit down and watch life at the Paseo Maritimo or just explore Southern Europe’s premier yacht harbour marina and look at some of the most the beautiful yachts and motor cruisers in the world.

Ronda is steeped in history and one of Andalusias loveliest towns. It stands on a towering plateau in the mountains of Malaga Province, and is famous throughout Spain for its plunging river gorge, which divides the medieval from the 18th century parts of the town. This gorge is known as El Tajo – The Cliff, and is spanned by a stone bridge, that once housed a prison. Visitors love to look down into the gorge to see the waters of the River Guadalevín. Ronda is also famous for its bull ring, the oldest, and the most beautiful one in Spain; the arena itself is also the country's largest.

Other places you might enjoy are:

Estepona – a beautiful beach promenade and harbour.

Cabopino – lovely little marina and a lovely place to visit for leaisurely meal in a waterfront restaurant.

Gibraltar – The rock. Remember to take your passport to cross over the border. Fascinating history and plenty of tours of the island. You can even take a boat daytrip over to Morocco.

Benalmadena – with its lovely harbour and many tourist attractions.

Fuengirola – visit the market and the harbour.

These are just a few of the many places to visit and experience during your stay with us and we are sure that you will enjoy the area as much as we do. Have a great vacation !

Grete