The wonderful region of the Costa Del Sol has been a popular holiday destination for decades. Travellers from Northern Europe looking to escape chilly temperatures and grey skies find this region an absolute haven, with its contrasting sunny blue skies and warm weather.
But there’s so much more to the Costa Del Sol than just the weather. The area teams with history and culture as well as cosmopolitan cities, beautiful landscapes and stunning coastlines.
With so much choice available to the discerning traveller, knowing where to begin your holiday can be a challenge. So here’s a quick rundown of some of the best bits to be enjoyed when exploring the Costa Del Sol.
Arriving in the Costa Del Sol
Malaga is the fourth busiest airport in Spain and due to its central location it is the best airport for many destinations on the Costa Del Sol. With airlines competing to provide the cheapest airfare, most times of the year you can purchase a flight for under $20 euros to Malaga, making holidays to the Costa Del Sol an affordable option for most people.
Getting to a holiday destination on the coast is relatively simple too with trains, buses, car hire, taxis and airport transfers from Malaga airport all available depending on your preference.
Let’s Start Our Journey
The wonderful city of Malaga is known as the birthplace of Picasso and is literally filled with cultural and historical attractions. There’s something to see around every corner of this intriguing city. Whether your prefer exploring the city’s historical past or shopping in modern boutiques there’s something for everyone in Malaga.
One of the main highlights of the city is its Alcazaba, a marvellously preserved Moorish fortress palace. With its cobbled pathways, marble columns, ornate architecture, peaceful garden areas, a trip here is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. When you reach the top you are presented with a magnificent viewing point for the city of Malaga, so be prepared to take your camera. Other top attractions within Malaga city include Castillo de Gibralfaro, Malaga Cathedral and the Picasso museum, to name but a few.
The Next Leg of the Journey
Imagine yourself sipping on mint-iced Mojitos enjoying the sun setting in a luscious pink sky, whilst gazing upon a millionaires marina. Super yachts owned by A-list film stars make your jaw drop and flame-red Ferraris used for day trips and status symbols are parked all around.
Have you guessed where we are yet? Yes we are in Marbella, dining out on fine cuisine that tastebuds die for.
This glamorous resort town has become known as the playground of the rich and famous and the Puerto Banus area with its luxury marina and shopping areas reflects the expensive lifestyle of its wealthy visitors.
Getting to Marbella from Malaga airport by transfer, bus or car is nice direct way of reaching this popular destination promptly. So it’s no surprise that Marbella is ever becoming more well known as a great holiday destination for the ‘not so famous’ with its stunning beaches and coastline, amazing varieties of food and exclusive sought after clubs (with some being vip invitation only!) It is said that some of the finest sea foods in Spain can be tasted in their untainted purest form here and what better environment to do so than in a food lovers paradise.
Final Stop – Nerja
Further up the coast is the pretty seaside town of Nerja. Described as the gem of the Costa Del Sol, it’s easy to see why holiday makers choose to return to here year after year. Located just 50 kilometres from the city of Malaga, travel to nerja by a taxi transfer takes the stress out of navigating your way around the town or having to adjust to driving on the opposite side of the road.
This pretty whitewashed town, nestled by the Almijara mountain range has a warm temperate climate all year round. Enjoy an afternoon stroll around Nerja’s old town with its winding streets that gradually make their way down to the stunning viewpoint that is the Balcon De Europa and take advantage of the wonderful photo opportunity that presents itself there. Coffee lovers can enjoy an endless array of bars, cafes, restaurants within Nerja. Tapas (small dishes of food) are a big part of culture in Spain, so enjoy a tasty tapa with your beer or even take a tapa tour of Nerja itself and enjoy a unique experience.
One of the Costa Del Sol’s best beaches are located here in Nerja, Burriana beach, which was awarded Blue Flag status. Its calm, clear waters and large stretch of sand makes this beach one of Nerjas premier bathing destinations. Enjoy a homemade paella at the famous AYO’s restaurant or take your pick from the numerous ice cream parlours located nearby.
There is something for all the family at Nerja market which is routinely held on Tuesday mornings. Here you can purchase handmade Spanish and Moroccan leather goods such as quality bags, belts and wallets. There’s also a large selection of unique local Spanish goods which make an excellent souvenir to treat family.
If exploring underground caverns sounds exciting enough to keep the young members of the family occupied, then a trip to the nearby Nerja Caves is an absolute must. These fascinating underground ‘rooms’ would make England’s Cheddar Gorge look like pot holes in comparison. Don’t forget a bus ride to the nearby ‘iconic’ white washed, Spanish village of Frigiliana nestled in the nearby mountains.
There’s really so much to do in the Costa Del Sol, it’s hard to pinpoint where to start but hopefully our little journey has given you an idea of where to begin.