The Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol is the name given to the almost 300 kilometres of coastline
stretching from Gibraltar in the West to Almunecar
in the East. Although officially the Costa del Sol falls within the three
provinces of Cadiz, Malaga
and Granada, it is that bit, stretching from
Nerja to Estepona,
all within the province of Malaga, which is the
most well known.
The Coast consists
of a series of large beaches, coves half hidden amongst cliffs, sports
harbours and fishing grounds. It is protected from the cold north winds
by the mountains and has a mild climate with scant rainfall and sea breezes.
This weather results in subtropical vegetation with many palm trees, cypresses,
oleander and hibiscus and other colourful plants. Oranges, lemons and
olives grow in abundance and it is often a surprise to visitors to find
streets in towns lined with fruit bearing orange trees! Away from the
coast the scenery is largely mountainous with pretty, Spanish villages,
valleys full of orchards and spectacular views.
Malaga,
the fifth largest city in Spain is situated practically in the centre
of the Costa but with major tourist areas to the West. Like the whole
of the coast Malaga has been influenced by the
different cultures which have populated it. Founded by the Phoenicians
in the 7th Century, it later became a Roman municipality until it was
conquered by the Moors and finally re-conquered by the Christians in 1487.
With such a varied history it is no surprise that the City contains a
wealth of interesting features including fine gardens, a magnificent Cathedral,
the Alcazaba (11th century Moorish castle) and numerous museums and galleries.
To anyone not familiar
with the Costa del Sol it may seem that each tourist resort and town is
the same as the others. This is certainly not the case. Each town has
a different character dependant on what it was like before the days of
tourism and how it has developed since. Torremolinos,
the first resort heading west from Malaga was
the pioneer for resorts in the area and many people still associate it
with its reputation of 20 or more years ago.
Whilst it still has its discos and high rise apartment blocks the old
fisherman's quarter has been developed into an area of superb shops and
restaurants and, with its two main beaches, Bajondillo and La Carihuela
it has everything for a wonderful holiday.
Still heading west is Benalmadena Costa
a modern resort built as an extension of the older towns of Arroyo de
la Miel and Benalmadena Pueblo. Between
them these three areas provide every facility from one of the finest pleasure
ports on the Mediterranean, to a modern seaside area and, in Benalmadena
Pueblo, a typical "white" Spanish village.
Another name synonymous
with the Costa del Sol is Fuengirola which
has the longest sea front promenade on the coast together with an older
town centre and all the attractions that you would associate with a good
holiday resort. Mijas is another "white"
village famed for its donkey taxis and now spread down to the coast as
Mijas Costa. Continuing further west
we come to the well known town of Marbella.
Unlike many of the other towns along the coast Marbella
was never a little fishing port but has always been a thriving trading
town. Along with Puerto Banus and
Estepona, further to the west, Marbella
has been very successful in attracting upmarket guests with exclusive
development, luxury hotels and five star shopping.
The area to the east
of Malaga is less well developed with the main
resort town being Nerja, a small town built on
the ledge where the mountains meet the sea. Nerja
is famed for its protected climate, clear air, famous caves ad its magnificent
views over the sea.
For those that are
prepared to travel inland, the area is full of small white villages with
their narrow winding streets and each with their own character and history.
There are several areas of incredible natural beauty and the two inland
towns of Ronda and Antequera
are each extremely interesting in their own way. Ronda
is a particular favourite with visitors with its deep gorge, ancient bullring
and magnificent mansions.
Another outstanding
feature of the area is its numerous golf courses. The Costa del Sol with
its alternative name of Costa del Golf, is a must for golfers who will
always find everything they need for just a round or two or full golfing
holiday. Finally, of course the Costa del Sol is rightly acclaimed
for its way of life, with plenty of small bars to relax in, superb food,
wonderful people and, of course its ferias or fairs. Every town and village
has at least one feria to celebrate its patron saint. These ferias usually
last for a week and are an excuse for residents and visitors alike to
really enjoy themselves from early morning to early the following morning!
If there is a feria on whilst you are on hoiliday - why not visit.
Credit
for this article goes to The Costa Guide a free newspaper for holiday
makers on the Costa del Sol
|