Map of Costa del Sol with cities and towns This map shows cities, towns, main roads, secondary roads, airports in Costa del Sol. The new Muelle Uno port area is popular both day and night. Under the rule of the Roman Republic, the Municipium Malacitanum became a transit point on the Via Herculea, which revitalised the city both economically and culturally by connecting it with other developed enclaves in the interior of Hispania and with other ports of the Mediterranean Sea. Photo: Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 2.0. Notable Places in the Area Villa romana de Ro Verde Archaeological site With excellent airport links, and a friendly, cosmopolitan population, it is also the resort of choice for thousands of visitors who like to stay in Costa del Sol. This is demonstrated by its famous wines with designation of origin, its agricultural landscape dotted with vineyards and lively Harvest Fair.. This unmissable museum in the city of Picassos birth provides a solid overview of the great master and his work, although, surprisingly, it only came to, Its hard to imagine the surreal world that lies beneath the mountain foothills 4km east of Nerja, and its even harder to believe that these vast caverns, Mlagas elaborate cathedral was started in the 16th century on the site of the former mosque. Has anyone heard of Olecosta.com 2:53 pm. For your stay in Frigiliana, you are well blessed with amenities including chemists, petrol station, ATM, health centre and plenty of shops for your self-catering basics. Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas tour from Malaga. [36] Other European criminal entrepreneurs, many of Russian and Dutch origin, have also settled on this coast for the climate and functional advantages for their enterprises, as well as being active investors in the property sector. AVE (Alta Velocidad Espaola, AVE), a high-speed rail service operated by Renfe, the Spanish national railway company, inaugurated the Crdoba-Mlaga high-speed rail line, a standard gauge railway line 155 kilometres (96mi) in length, on 24 December 2007. Following the uprising of Francoist forces in July 1936, control of Andalusia was divided between the Republican forces and the Nationalists, with the Costa del Sol remaining in the Republican zone and Mlaga serving as a naval base for the Spanish Republican Navy. Likely To Sell Out. What more does one need to round off a pleasant day? The rebuilding of the Mlaga Airport was the decisive improvement to infrastructure that facilitated mass tourism on the coast. Other beaches vary in size, down to pretty little rocky coves tucked away, which are popular with naturists. View Map Address Beach of La Concha, 20007, Gipuzkoa, Spain. Costa del Sol's beaches are also bigger, sandier, and, when the waters are calm, better for swimming than the rockier beaches to the west. The Balcony of Europe cant be missed either, with splendid views over El Saln and Calahonda beaches available for photos or even while you dine. Large detailed map of Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes - World Maps The Costa del Sol has spas in Mlaga, Tolox, Estepona, Benahavs, Benalmdena, Mijas, Torremolinos and Marbella, the largest concentration of golf courses on the European continent, fifteen marinas, nine theme parks (including amusement parks, aquariums and zoos), as well as an information and communication technology business park (PTA), a Google cybersecurity center and a Vodafone research and development center. Andaluca. After the initial mistakes of ugly high rises along the front and anywhere else they could be built, Torremolinos had to look inward. The area is blessed with over 320 days of sunshine a year, and what's left provides a balmy, mild, Mediterranean climate that attracts tourists and long stay visitors the year round. In La Cala, you will find a popular childrens play park, complete with caf for mum and dad. Lyon is the capital of the French administrative region of Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes. While beach vendors and shops, kiosks, bars, eateries and restaurants still stretch out along the beach walkway. Things to Do in Costa del Sol, El Salvador | Frommer's With its international airport on the outskirts of the city, its modern port and marina facilities, its many cultural monuments, and more than a dozen sandy beaches stretching along the citys coast, it draws visitors from all over Europe and beyond. The decline of the Roman imperial power in the 5th century led to invasions of Hispania Baetica by Germanic peoples and by the Byzantine Empire. Situated in the province of Malaga, in the Andalusian region of Spain, Costa del Sols history dates back to the Phoenician era. Terms & Conditions (excluding Vrbo bookings). The Costa del Sol also includes the less spoilt coastline east of Malaga, with the resorts of Rincn de la Victoria, Torre del Mar and Nerja, the latter offering a delightful promenade and a famous cave, the Cueva de Nerja. Torremolinos has a great nightlife as well, with most of the bars being in the Playa del Lido area. Churros, fried-dough pastries served hot and dipped in caf con leche or hot chocolate are a typical breakfast food. Estepona Map - Costa del Sol, Spain - Mapcarta That's where the charm of the region lies though, whether you're after quiet or lively, budget or luxury, there's enough variety to suit everyone's trip. This article is about the region. The tourist boom in the area began in the 1920s with the opening of the Baos del Carmen[es] in Mlaga and a golf course in Torremolinos. A large old style market, its a great place for a cheap Spanish lunch of tapas, grilled fish, or a seafood platter, all washed down with a cool beer or glass of wine. [39][40][41][third-party source needed], Since 1998 the Port of Mlaga has been undergoing renovation and expansion as part of the project called the Plan Especial del Puerto de Mlaga. All have their own collection of shops, tapas bars, and restaurants. The Costa del Sol is one of the most important tourist areas in Spain; around 35% of Andalusia's tourism is concentrated in the region; in 2009 it had 17 million overnight stays.[1]. December Weather 1:55 pm. Something worth considering if you are feeding a family. Costa del Sol. What to see and the best travel plans | spain.info Places to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences. Choose from minibus to private car with driver. Away from the 15km of beaches that stretch along Marbellas coastline, there is plenty to be discovered. 01 / Attractions Must-see attractions for your itinerary Museo Picasso Mlaga Mlaga This unmissable museum in the city of Picasso's birth provides a solid overview of the great master and his work, although, surprisingly, it only came to Catedral de Mlaga Mlaga Nightlife in Estepona is varied enough to suit all tastes, and around town you will find plenty of bars, eateries and takeaways to suit most visitors. The settlement history of this coast spans about 2,800 years. It's quieter than your usual Costa del Sol resort but is growing in popularity as a tourist and expat town. Regularly derided but perennially popular, Spains famous sun coast is a chameleonic agglomeration of end-to-end resort towns that were once (hard to believe) mere fishing villages. Some are quiet, some are lively, and our guide will help you decide. It is one of the oldest continuously populated cities in the world, and the sixth most populated city in Spain. Benalmdena Pueblo. Marbella Lighthouse Lighthouse Photo: Harvey Barrison, CC BY-SA 2.0. Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. High-speed trains serve the coastal region and inland areas, the AVE service reaches the Mlaga-Mara Zambrano railway station in 2 hours and 46 minutes from Madrid. The Costa de Sol can be divided into two parts: East and West, of Malaga city and Malaga airport which lies at the centre. Its important to point out that the Costa del Sol in Mlaga is one of the biggest tourist destinations in Spain and the world, hence there is a wide range of accommodation options, possibly the widest in Andalusia. If youre travelling to the Costa del Sol in August, join in with the celebrations at the Mlaga Fair. 20 Things to Do on the Costa del Sol Benalmadena Costa Take an evening stroll around the famous Marina at Puerto Banus in Marbella. By the 1970s trips to Spain were the predominant business of the European tour operators,[17] and the Costa del Sol continued to increase in popularity through the decade. and add an item to your guide. Its name, the Sunshine Coast, couldnt be more appropriate because the Costa del Sol has over 325 sunny days a yearat least thats what the statistics say, and its certainly the case for all the beautiful coastal towns that fall within this area. The region was a relatively prosperous commercial and industrial center for much of the 19th century. [21] The economic boom led to an increase in rapid, largely unplanned building on the periphery of the cities of the Costa del Sol to accommodate the new workers arriving from the countryside. If thats not an option, there is a regular mini-bus service from the village down to Nerja nine times a day. ALSA 50% off pass 1:28 pm. The term Costa del Sol was coined at the beginning of the 20th century by Rodolfo Lussnigg to promote the Almera coastline. Be aware that beach front hotels, apartments, and villas will charge a premium. Development in the last 60 years has been far-reaching and not always subtle, throwing up a disjointed muddle of urbanizaciones, each with its own niche. Popular Destinations. Mlaga Costa del Sol. While you can buy all you need for your self-catering stay, the town also has an excellent range of local shops where you can purchase the local sweet wine, fresh fruit and veg and local sugar cane honey. Designed for speeds of 300km/h (186mph) and compatibility with neighbouring countries' rail systems, it connects Mlaga and Crdoba. Sitting on top of a hill, and split into three main areas, the town and old town area is known as Benalmadena Pueblo, a typically old Spanish hillside village with whitewashed terraced houses, cobbled streets and winding alleyways. Better facilities, an improved choice of dining options, and alternative attractions for a day away from the beach. There are even concerts played in there sometimes, with the caves providing excellent natural acoustics. 10 Best Towns and Resorts in Costa del Sol Where to Stay in the Costa del Sol? Famed for being the birthplace of Picasso, Malaga serves as a gateway to family-favorite stops such as Benidorm and Fuengirola. The views from the summit are spectacular. If youre after sun and sand, this is the place for you, with over 20 km of coastline and 325 days of sun per year. Mlaga travel - Lonely Planet | Andaluca, Spain, Europe From here you can stroll through the alleyways and roads to the other popular squares of Plaza del Reloj, Plaza Dr Arce, and the Plaza Padre Manuel. Excellent seafood and tapas restaurants in the town area are invariably cheaper than those along the promenade and marina. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Baos del Carmen beach was developed and opened in the east of Mlaga. Accommodation is plentiful, and you have the choice of seafront, or inland if you prefer quieter. They range from Moorish style buildings to watchtowers, to the Buddhist Stupa of Enlightenment and the modern Colomares Castle. Take your pick. Marbella is a multi-faceted town. A Guide to the Spanish Costas | Oliver's Travels This stretch includes the exclusive large residential developments of Sotogrande and Alcaidesa. Photo: Fabimaru, CC0. Mijas, a resort area for older families and mature couples, 9. Hotels were opened in Nerja and Mlaga and promoted by Ricardo Soriano and his nephew Alfonso of Hohenlohe. There are water slides for the kids, mini-golf, a climbing wall and jacuzzi. Visit the independent and artisan stores and workshops, or take the kids to the Sea Life Aquarium, before enjoying a coffee or lunch at a table in the sunshine. Monuments and areas of tourist interest. Years of Tourism. College Beach at Amare hotel question 1:01 pm. If markets are your thing, pencil in the Saturday Flea Market in the town. If you prefer your holiday to be a mix of quiet relaxing beach days and more active out and about days, take a closer look at Frigiliana. John Disley, nicknamed the "King of Marbella",[citation needed] (not to be confused with the international criminal Monzer al-Kassar whose nickname is the "Prince of Marbella"), masterminded a 700,000 bank fraud. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours. Photo: Wikimedia, CC0. On top of El Fuerte, the steep hill leading past the top of the village, are the ruins of an old Moorish fort. Couvent des Minimes (Saint-Martin-d'Hres) is a historic building. After your morning of sightseeing and souvenir shopping, head for the two kilometre long avenue that will take you to the seafront promenade. [43] The development of the cruise industry is proceeding with a new passenger terminal, port museum, and environmental education centre planned for inclusion in the cruise ship facilities at Quay 2. Estepona is a resort town on the Costa del Sol in the Mlaga province, about half an hours drive west of Marbella. The Costa del Golf. Formerly made up only of a series of small fishing settlements, today the region is a world-renowned tourist destination. Details on site. With the sun glinting off the sparkling white buildings and their red terra-cotta roofs the village stands out in sharp contrast to the deep olive green of the surrounding pine forests. If youd like a view of the Costa del Sol from the air, theres nothing better than riding the cable car in Benalmdena and reaching the top of Mount Calamorro. Its not surprising you have to think about where to stay in Costa del Sol. To bring the resort into the 21st century. The regional military and the defence of the Mediterranean were administered in the city. There's lots of history to be explored in Fuengirola, from Roman ruins up to the imposing Castillo Sohail, which watches over the town from the west. No longer was a stretch of golden sand, warm sea and hours of sunshine enough. The southern Mediterranean coast was part of Visigothic Spain from the fifth century until the Muslim Arab conquest of Hispania (711718) The city, then known as Mlaqa (), was encircled by defensive walls and became part of the Muslim Empire. In the 16th century, the area entered a period of slow decline, exacerbated by epidemics of disease, several successive poor food crops, floods, and earthquakes. [15], In the 1950s Torremolinos began to become a popular holiday destination and was visited by international celebrities such as Grace Kelly, Ava Gardner, Marlon Brando, Orson Welles, Brigitte Bardot and Frank Sinatra. Or, you can retreat and recharge amid the resort's panoramic views and shimmering . from $138 per adult. Many of the establishments are open fronted, with goods, merchandise, tables and chairs spilling onto the walkways. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. The Sierra Blanca mountain range watches over the city, giving a picturesque backdrop wherever you are. The best way to make the most of this attractive rural area is by hiring a car. It's a coastal city in the Andalusia region, with a busy port in the central district, flanked by a number of beaches stretching either side down the coast. Things might be a little complicated for a person who just now arrived in Malaga, but we are here to help. Estepona. Visit the village and marina of Puerto Banus. The Caves of Nerja are among the major tourist attractions, tunnelling over 5 km into the ground. The coast shows a diversity of landscapes: beaches, cliffs, estuaries, bays and dunes. Stretching over 100 miles along the Spanish Mediterranean coast, Costa del Sol is one of the worlds most popular holiday areas. Like anywhere you choose to stay in Costa del Sol, accommodation in Fuengirola is plentiful, and offers an excellent choice at all levels to suit all budgets for singles, couples, families and groups. And explore the cobbled side streets and alleys for independent fashion labels and chic boutiques. Although tourists tend to flock to Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol, gorgeous beaches line the country on every coast. Some specialise in water-sports, others in a more relaxing, laid-back vibe.