Guide to Costa Del Sol

Pristine white beaches and clean blue water make up the stunning shores of the Costa del Sol, Spain’s longest coastline. This is a region of dramatic mountains, sun-baked resorts, archaeological treasures and whitewashed villages.

Moorish palaces, churches and museums can be found in the culturally rich towns of Seville, Cordoba and Grenada, and year round sunshine makes playing on world class golf courses a joy.

The Costa del Sol is home to the flamenco and the fiesta and a place where the true flavour of Spain sits alongside an energetic holiday playground.

Six reasons to visit the Costa del Sol

Long shoreline with Blue Flag beaches

Year round sunshine

Dramatic mountain backdrop

Fiesta, flamenco, folklore

White-washed hilltop villages

World class golf courses

Go… to the beaches

The Costa del Sol is a shoreline of wide sandy beaches, secluded coves and dramatic mountains. With crystal clear waters and year-round sunshine, Costa del Sol is the perfect place for a villa holiday in the sun. Most of the busier resorts have Blue Flag beaches with clean blue waters, ideal for fun family holidays. These large beaches have good facilities including sun loungers, beachside bars and restaurants, and a wide selection of water sports. But take a trip away from the madding crowds and you will find romantic coves and pretty bays, perfect for a secret rendezvous.

Go… exploring

Andalucia has a rich history and has inherited ruins and historical sites from many ancient civilisations. Our well appointed villas make good bases to explore the nearby historic towns. Sports facilities are excellent and some of Europe’s finest golf courses are to be found here as well as water sports from some 11 marinas. National parks and dramatic mountains make good places for walking and cycling as well as providing fantastic views. At Nerja are famous natural caves filled will prehistoric paintings and ancient treasures.

Go… for nightlife

Costa del Sol is known for its lively and varied nightlife. Traditionally Spanish bars, flamenco shows and fiestas sit alongside casinos, sports bars and nightclubs. Malaga, the area’s capital has more bars than anywhere else in Europe. Our resorts at Nerja, Mijas and Frigilana tend to be low-key in comparison. A meal at a restaurant with stunning views of the Mediterranean or an evening stroll along the promenade is usual. Sitting at a pavement café and watching street entertainment is a popular way to spend the balmy evenings.

Go… for good food

A villa holiday on the Costa del Sol is the ideal place to try the Spanish eating experience. Try an al fresco lunch of chilled gazpacho soup or freshly harvested fish with a salad of locally produced vegetables dressed with finest olive oil. Or take a bar crawl and try tapas (small dishes of anything from olives to king prawns) in each new bar. Sample a local dry sherry, or the famous sangria for a true taste of Spain. Mealtimes here are an opportunity to relax, soak up the atmosphere and share in the company of friends.

Take time to go…

…visit Malaga and visit the birthplace of Picasso, and see his works at the Museum, or see the Roman amphitheatre and majestic cathedral

… visit the Feria de Abril in Seville – a typically Spanish festival of feasting, drinking and dancing featuring men parading fine horses and women dressed in brightly coloured gyspy dresses

…visit the caves at Nerja and experience a summer concert in the cavernous main chamber

…get a taste for all things British – Gibraltar makes a great day out with its impressive naval history, great tax-free shopping and cheeky Barbary apes up on the Rock

…people spot at Puerto Banus marina – maybe find a celebrity or two…

…go to the Tivoli World Theme Park, the biggest on the coast, makes a special day out with family and friends

…take a round of golf at one of the many world class golf courses dotted around the region.

Getting there

Costa del Sol is easy to get to and most low cost airlines fly into Malaga. Search our flight database for the easiest way to book, or call us to arrange all your travel needs. Many people hire a car for their villa holiday and leading car rental companies have branches at the airport. We recommend that you book a car in advance, and we can easily do this for you online. If you don’t want to hire a car, we can arrange transfers for you to your villa, or metered taxis are readily available at the airport.

Language

Spanish is the national language of Spain. Most people speak excellent English but the locals will appreciate any effort to speak Spanish.

Currency

Euro.

Time Difference

Like the whole of Spain, Costa del Sol is one hour ahead of Britain.

Holidays and Festivals

Throughout the summer, the towns of Costa del Sol light up with fiery fiestas. The Moors and Christians festival takes place throughout the area and the battle that finally freed Spain from Moorish occupation is re-enacted. Other national holidays in Spain include: January 1 New Years Day January 6 Epiphany 19th March St Joseph’s Day March/April Maundy Thursday March/April Good Friday/Easter Monday May 1 Labour Day August 15 Assumption of the Virgin October 12 National Day November 1 All Saints Day December 6 Constitution Day December 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception December 25 Christmas Day