It’s unfair, but for some reason, the Costa del Sol has a little bit of a bad reputation. The free-flowing drinks of certain party-friendly areas, the relatively affordable accommodation, and the influx of tourists from all classes – especially from the UK – have made it so that some people would never even dream of visiting the Costa del Sol. But how wrong they are, and what a fascinating part of the world they are missing out on.
This is the Andalusian coast, southern Spain’s gemlike offering to the world, and the location of much of the region’s connection to its past overlords – the Moors. And this is the enchanting thing about the Costa del Sol; how its history sits in proximity to its resorts, sparkling beaches, and ports. Ruined castles look out over beaches where tourists sunbathe and paddle in the Mediterranean Sea; Roman relics sit next to convenient train connections; Renaissance churches are neighbors with souvenir shops – it all works in harmony.
Malaga
A long established Costa del Sol getaway, Malaga comes complete with a
range of accommodation to suit practically every visitor; there are
many family-friendly resorts and high rise hotels to choose from in this
port city.
Malaga may well have a reputation for partying, but there is a whole
lot of culture and history to learn about and soak up here. Just head to
the medieval Alcabaza – a Moorish palace complete with amazing views –
or the Picasso Museum – set in a converted palace – to experience just a
small portion of what makes Malaga tick.
From the nearby La Concepción Historical-Botanical Gardens to the
beach that the resorts are centered around, the natural landscape here
is something that’s very worth your time. Easy to get in and out of,
Malaga is well connected by road, has a train station, and even an
airport.
Marbella
Further west along the Andalusian coast from Malaga lies the city of
Marbella. Neither the typical ‘soulless’ Costa del Sol that makes many
people shy away from this town nor the expensive haunt of the
nouveau-riche, Marbella boasts 47 kilometers of beach to choose a spot
on. There are also numerous cultural hotspots, all with a backdrop of
the beautiful Sierra Blanca Mountains.
Take a walk around Marbella’s charming old town, choosing to stay
anywhere from an affordable boutique hotel to a luxury resort, and take a
stroll along the many paths of the Parque de la Represa.
Marbella may not have its own train station (it’s the largest city in
Spain without one), but nearby Fuengirola does, and getting the bus
from here to Marbella is simple enough.
Benalmadena
One of the small towns located between Marbella and Malaga,
Benalmádena may be compact, but there is a lot going for this little
Costa del Sol gem.
For families traveling in the area, you’ll be pleased to know that
you’ll be able to amuse your children at least for one day at the Tivoli
World theme park located nearby. They’ll probably also love the dreamy,
fairytale-like castle of Castillo Monumento Colomares, a monument built
in the late 1980s dedicated to the life of Christopher Columbus.
There’s also an aquarium, in the form of Sea Life Benalmádena.
Staying in Benalmádena is easy, thanks to the number of predominantly
budget to mid-range accommodation options. Getting here is simple too,
thanks to the town’s railway station.
Estepona
Complete with the Playa del Cristo beach, castle ruins in the form of
Castillo de San Luis, plenty of affordable mid-range hotels, a train
station, and plenty of other good points, the town of Estepona is a
great option for anybody looking for a place to stay along the Costa del
Sol.
It’s got a little bit of everything. Located west of Marbella,
Estepona is famous for its Puerto Deportivo, complete with a few 5-star
hotel options, a lot of restaurants, bars and cafes; this is also the
place to go for sailing or diving excursions.
Plaza de las Flores is a picturesque place in Estepona to stroll
around, filled as it is with flowers – as you might have been able to
tell from the name. Here is where you’ll find the Colección Garó, home
to a good collection of artworks ranging from 15th-century pieces to
signed Picasso prints.
Nerja
Backed by the peaks of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama
Natural Park, Nerja is located just east of Malaga and offers up a
natural slice of Costa del Sol beauty.
This town is famous for the Caves of Nerja, which are arguably one of
Spain’s most visited tourist sights – and for good reason. This
magnificent wonder boasts neolithic cave paintings and stretches
underground for five kilometers. They are large enough that concerts are
even held inside!
Nearby, the Cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo provide ample opportunities
for peaceful walks among the many trails lacing the cliffs above the
Mediterranean Sea. You can even learn about the history of the town at
the Museo de Nerja.
Thankfully, staying in Nerja is easy – there are numerous affordable hotels and guesthouses in town.
Torremolinos
Practically the whole coastline of Torremolinos is beach; from the
shores of El Bajondillo to the smaller La Carihuela, you’ll have plenty
of space to relax on this portion of sun, sea, and sand.
Situated just north of Benalmádena and a little to the south of
Malaga itself, Torremolinos is well connected; the airport is not too
far away at all. Plus, Torremolinos boasts multiple train stations
(North to South: Los Alamos, La Colina, and Estacion de El Pinillo),
which makes station hopping along the Costa del Sol simple indeed.
Torremolinos is also handily packed with accommodation offerings,
from sea view apartments to family run guesthouses and big resorts, with
just about everything in between – and most on the cheaper side of
mid-range, too. It’s here where you’ll find the super fun,
family-friendly waterpark of Aqualand Torremolinos.
Fuengirola
Another of the Costa del Sol’s quintessential destinations that mixes
beachside fun with history, Fuengirola boasts eight kilometers of
beach, as well as the Moorish era Sohail Castle looking down over the
town.
There’s a museum in town looking at the area’s local history; at the other extreme, there’s also a small waterpark – Aquamijas.
With two train stations – Fuengirola and Los Biloches further north –
this town is easy to get to. There’s a number of affordable hotel
options in town, too. Even the 4-star offerings here are quite easy on
the wallet. Once you’ve bagged yourself a place to stay, there’s even
more culture to discover; for example, Yacimiento Arqueologico Romano –
the extensive ruins of a Roman-era bathhouse – is a fascinating site.
Mijas
Connected to Fuengirola to the south via the A-387 road, Mijas is
situated 430 meters above sea level on a hillside. A long independent
village, Mijas has been through trade with the Phoenicians, Greeks, and
Romans, and ruled by the Visigoths and then the Moors.
Needless to say, its location makes it an intensely picturesque place
to stay. In some ways the fact that it doesn’t have a great deal of
accommodation options keeps it feeling beautifully authentic.
There are a few choices, mainly in the form of lower mid-range villas
and quaint guesthouses. But staying here is all about soaking up the
landscape and enjoying the historic atmosphere – thanks to places like
the wine-oriented Enoteca Museo del Vino Mijas or the beautiful church
of Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña.
Frigiliana
Complete with a wonderful Moorish-era old town, the ruins of Castillo
de Lizar, and the 16th-century palace of El Ingenio which now houses a
molasses factory, Frigiliana is an intriguing Costa del Sol destination.
This town is not actually situated on the coast, but it’s not far
north from Mijos along the winding road of MA-5105. This place is not to
be missed – if not for that Moorish part of town alone, a hilly slice
of town where steps lead through whitewashed houses decked out with
plenty of flowers.
In terms of accommodation, there are B&Bs, villas, and pensions
in Frigiliana, some of which inch into lower high-end territory in terms
of price. It’s worth it though; this town is stunning. And when you
need something to eat or drink, there are a fair few establishments in
town catering to that!
Source : touropia
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