Costa del Sol resort information

On one side the mountains, famed for the presence of forests of Spanish fir, have been declared a Nature Reserve and on the other side the beautiful beaches. The town itself has monuments of great significance, such as the Virgen de los Remedios Parish Church, the Clock Tower and the ruined walls of the 15th-century castle. Selwo Theme Park is a must for safari lovers and is recommended for all ages. The school of Equestrian Arts is another example of the interesting recreational opportunities Estepona has to offer.

With an overall population of 37,000, the "old town", as it's known, is quite a hive of activity. Estepona is one of the few coastal towns, that, whilst providing tourist facilities, maintains it's original charm and character. Its excellent shops, kept by professionals of high category, and the special amicability of this town towards its visitors, make Estepona a marvellous election for the most particular tourist.

MALAGA

Is the capital of the Costa del sol enjoys one of the finest climates to be found anywhere in Europe. The Alcazaba Fortess, Roman theatre, Cathedral and Gibralforo Castle are the four leading architectural lights, not forgetting the Malagueta Bullring, at the end of the Paseo del Parque. Malaga is the major coastal city of Andalucia and is a genuine and typical Andaluz city with a gritty individualism untouched by tourism and the passage of time. The Moors occupied the city until the mid fifteenth century, after which it grew to become one of the foremost merchant centres in the entire Iberian Peninsula. This illustrious past has left its imprint on the historic centre, particularly around La Alcazaba, a fortress which dates back to 1065 and is now a fascinating archaeological museum.

Nature lovers won't be disappointed in Malaga either. In the centre of the city is the beautiful Alameda Gardens, and just outside on the way toAntequera one finds the extensive Jardines de la Concepción. Málaga airport is of course on of the major airports in Spain due to the number of tourist arrivals on charter flights from Northern Europe using Malaga airport as a gateway to the Costa del Sol.

BENALMADENA

Totally devoted to the tourist world, Benalmádena has developed a magnificent structure to that purpose; its good hotels and urbanisation, golf courses and the well known amusement parks, its pleasure crafts harbour and other installations of high level, make this town one of the main attraction in the Costa del Sol for the international tourism. The beaches, as all the others in the Costa del Sol, are clean and nice and the mildness of the climate conduce to a complete enjoyment. Something important to visit is the Archaeological Municipal Museum where a very interesting collection of Neolithic and pre-Columbian pieces are exhibited. Among its traditional dishes are the roasted baby pork, fried fish, grilled sardines, shell fish, gazpacho, etc.

MARBELLA

This town is famous for its gardens and beaches, the jewel in the Costa del Sol's crown offers the visitor a most special panorama, a contrast of sea, mountains, village and cosmopolitan city, where fishermen rub shoulders with wealthy tourists in summer. Marbella is unique. A sun drenched historic town, at the foot of Europe, it is blessed with a specially mild microclimate, thanks to the protection of the impressive Sierra Blanca mountain range, which rises majestically behind Marbella just one mile inland from the shore. Surrounded by luxuriant semitropical vegetation, bathed by the waters of the Mediterranean, cooled by sea and mountain breezes, Marbella has a very special feel.

Marbella is a unusual mixture of old and new, historic and modern. Its carefully conserved historic monuments include the beautiful 16th century parish church with its outstanding organ, built ten years ago by public subscription, its Moorish, whose walls border the eastern perimeter of the Old Town - itself a fascinating collection of old houses and quiet streets. Marbella's archaeological treasures and sites have been carefully catalogued, restored and protected.

The Museum of Engravings is the largest in Europe, whilst its Bonsai Museum is located nearby in the broad Represa stream bed, recently converted into a quiet and beautiful park. All Marbella's wide beaches fly the European Union blue flag there are national and international schools for students of all nations, and soon there will be a university.

NERJA

Nerja is on the seashore some 50 kilometres from Malaga.This is a small seaside toen with only 12,000 inhabitants. Nerja boasts 16 kilometres of beaches where all major water sports are available here, including water skiing, scuba diving and sailing. However, the heart of Nerja is a magnificent promenade along the edge of a towering cliff, once the site of the great Moorish castle, with sweeping panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the small coves and beaches below, against an awesome backdrop of hazy blue mountains.

There are plenty of restaurants and cafes here to choose from, and the visitor can hire a horse-drawn carriage to explore the most romantic corner of the town. The town's monuments include the 17th century Church of El Salvador, in a style which is a charming mixture of baroque and Moorish, or mudéjar, and the beautiful Gardens of Capistrano Playa, which descend to Burriana Beach.