How To Spend Your Days & Nights In Costa Del Sol

Out where Andalusia meets the sea lies the city of Málaga and its Costa del Sol, a glimmering coastline warmed by the Andalusian sun and refreshed by Mediterranean breezes. A sea that witnessed the birth of Picasso extends a broad array of options to accompany its incomparable climate - 326 days per year with more than eight hours of sunlight and pleasant temperatures.

Thanks to its 160 kilometres of coastline, the province of Málaga's beaches come in an enormous variety - broad and sandy or wild and rocky, nudist beaches and small coves, far removed from the urban hustle and bustle, or highly developed beaches with every kind of tourist amenity such as showers, beach umbrellas, sun-beds, bars, etc.

The attractions of the Costa del Sol go far beyond sun and sand however its cultural heritage has Picasso as its primary point of reference, with the Picasso Museum representing the artist's return to his native city. This art gallery features more than two hundred original works including oil paintings, sketches, sculptures, engravings and ceramics that are of supreme international significance, and their greatest complement is only to be found in this city the painter's Birth House Museum. Málaga's Historical District has also preserved the architectural evidence of more than 3,000 years of human settlement, from the Phoenicians down to the present age. The Roman Theatre, the Nazarite Alcazaba, the Gibralfaro Castle, the Málaga Cathedral and the surrounding streets themselves attest to this rich heritage.

Special note should also to be taken of two majestic cities that stand on the borderline between legend and reality Ronda and Antequera. The former is the cradle of bullfighters and bandits and a symbol of Romanticism with artistic treasures of incalculable value. The latter is, in the words of Gerardo Diego, "the city of white and gongorian churches", an ancient town filled with architectural landmarks. The picturesque White Villages that dot the province's interior shouldn't be ignored either.

COSTA DEL SOL BY DAY

Go on a cultural tour of Málaga, a fascinating 2,800-year-old city. Travel back in time as you visit the Roman Theatre, the Gibralfaro Castle or the Arab Fortress, and take a look at Picasso's work in the Picasso Museum. Remember to include one or two of the 30 Museums the city offers, like the Carmen Thyssen Museum or the Pompidou Centre, etc., take a stroll down Calle Larios and explore the sights that will take you on a 2,000-year journey through history.

Spend one day in Serranía de Ronda, the land of bandits and bullfighters. If you are a wine lover, you can visit one of the fine wineries in the region.

Spend one day in Antequera with an impressive architectural and cultural heritage. Or go to Caminito del Rey. The Caminito del Rey is a path that runs between the walls of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge, one of the most surprising nature spots in the province of Malaga, in Spain.

The Costa del Sol is a paradise for shoppers, so save your last day for a shopping spree. Fashion, jewellery, décor and art are all available at luxury boutiques, especially in Puerto Banús.

Relax in one of the unspoilt coves in the Maro cliffs. They are close to the cave of Nerja, named "the Prehistoric Cathedral" after the invaluable archaeological evidence found in it.

Visit white villages perched on the sierras make the typical landscape of rural Malaga and Antequera. You can explore the countryside and its natural wonders while picking up the traces left by the Romans, the Muslims and the Christians.

Scattered across the province, leisure centres are the perfect choice for your family holidays. Zoos, aquariums, go-kart tracks, a cable car and even an ice rink by the sea are waiting for you in Benalmádena, Fuengirola and Estepona.

COSTA DEL SOL BY NIGHT

After a busy day, you can unwind at the beach. There are exclusive beach clubs on the Costa del Sol organising themed parties that last until the wee hours.

Enjoy Sunset walking along the beach or along the beautiful beach promenades. For a more intimate plan, choose one of the seven Michelin-starred restaurants or the casino.

Also festivals like Starlite or "Moorish Moon" (Luna Mora) in Guaro, and events like "All-Nighter" (La Noche en Blanco) are just a few of the things you can do after sunset.

Getting There

If traveling by air, Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport serves as the primary gateway. This airport offers a wide range of domestic and international flights, connecting the region to major cities across Europe and beyond. Additionally, Gibraltar International Airport (GIB) is another option, situated to the southwest of Costa del Sol. From there, various transportation options including buses, taxis, and rental cars are available to take you to your final destination along the coast. If traveling by train, Malaga's train station provides access to the region.

For more information, please visit www.spain.info