A GUIDE T0 the Costa Del Sol Introducing Costathe Del Sol

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A GUIDE T0 THE Costa del Sol Introducing Costathe del Sol

ith 325 days of sunshine a year, 126 sandy Costa del Sol Statistics Wbeaches (many Blue Flag), a clutch of lively seaside resorts and a vast choice of hotels, including Population Around 2 million both luxury and all-inclusive options, the Costa del Sol Main town/city Málaga is a justifiably popular year-round destination within Currency Euro just a couple of hours’ flight time of the UK. Official language Spanish One of Europe’s best-known holiday hotspots, as well Flight time from London Around 3 hours as the home to a large expat community, the 160km ‘Coast of the Sun’ – part of the Andalucía region – includes the province of Málaga, the city of Málaga and famous seaside resorts including Benalmádena, Torremolinos and Marbella.

The whole Costa del Sol area is ideal for short breaks, given that most UK regional airports Benalmadena have regular flights to Málaga. But there is so City of Málaga much more to the Costa del Sol, and you can easily spend much longer here.

Margaret, Travel Counsellor

Marbella Torremolinos Climate

With the most reliable weather in mainland Spain, the of around 20–24°C). Even in winter it’s much warmer Costa del Sol enjoys hot summers (highs of around here than in the rest of northern Europe, with 28–31°C and 11 hours of sunshine daily) along with temperatures around 14°C and 5–7 hours of sunshine very pleasant spring and autumn days (temperatures a day. There’s very little rain.

AVERAGE DAILY MAX (°C)

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC 17 17.8 19.5 21.8 24.6 28.4 30.8 31.3 28.1 24.1 20.1 17.5

2 Interesting facts

hough the region’s tourist boom started in the Malaga was the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and T1970s, its earliest resorts date back to the 1950s has one of the few museums displaying work from and were frequented by Hollywood stars including all seven of his artistic periods. Today the Costa del Grace Kelly and Marlon Brando, European aristocrats, Sol continues to be popular with Spanish and foreign international tycoons and Saudi royals. artists for its light.

The Costa del Sol’s first settlers are though to have The Costa del Sol has eight Michelin-starred been the Phoenicians around 2,800 years ago, restaurants, four of them in Marbella, as well as the followed by Greeks, Romans, Visigoths, Vandals foodie pilgrimage site of Benahavís village. and Moors – all of whom left their cultural and architectural legacy.

As well as stunning churches and cathedrals, the Costa del Sol’s religious venues include Moslem mosques, Jewish synagogues and a Buddhist shrine.

3 After a busy day of exploring Málaga city, it was time to sample the rich local and international gastronomy in one of the many establishments found in the old quarter of Málaga. Fried fish, gazpacho, Málaga salad… all accompanied by the delicious wines Spain produces. On Plaza de la Constitutión you will find many bars, tapas bars, restaurants and cafés buzzing with activity. Taste Noreen, Travel Counsellor

Ajoblanco Ensalada Malagueña Porra antequerana

A cold soup made with bread, A traditional potato salad A thick gazpacho soup often crushed almonds, garlic with salt cod, oranges and served as a tapas dish. and olive, often served with onion. grapes or melon slices.

Espetos de Sardinas Pescaíto frito

Skewered sardines cooked Small battered fish, deep over hot coals to produce a fried in olive oil. Costa del Sol classic.

4 Our 5 Favourite Sights

The Costa del Sol’s charming ‘white towns’, including El Torcal Nature Reserve with is surreal ancient rock Mijas, Nerja, Frigiliana, Casares and Ronda — the formations, its archaeological sites, its hiking routes, latter described by Ernest Hemingway as ‘the most its observatory, and wildlife including ibex, golden romantic town in Spain’. eagles and griffins.

The gorgeous countryside around Málaga, with its Benalmádena’s Castillo de Colomares, a modern- mountains, fruit groves and olive trees. Head for built monument to Christopher Colombus, combining Antequera, the Axarquia or the Serrania de Ronda. Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic and Mudéjar influences. Carved with representations of the Málaga itself, with its hilltop Moorish citadels, Roman explorer’s discoveries, It also features the world’s amphitheatre, soaring Renaissance cathedral, smallest church. botanical gardens and Picasso Museum.

Antequera Frigiliana Benalmadena

A visit to Mijas is not to be missed or indeed any of the other typical white villages such as Casares or Coin.

Annette, Travel Counsellor El Torcal Malaga Nature Reserve

5 Travel Counsellors Recommend...

ake a look at some of our Travel Counsellors’ Tinsider recommendations for the Costa del If you want somewhere to relax and watch the world go by, Sol. To share your own special holiday memories, Estepona is perfect. I would say this is my favourite and a must-see, even if you decide not to stay there. Some of the upload your images to your social media account surrounding smaller towns are also well worth going along using the hashtag #TCexperience. to for relaxing in a marina-side bar while people-watching and soaking up some wonderful sun.

Ronda is great for hiking, and being an inland, mountaintop city, has some amazing views. In Ronda and the surrounding villages there are many beautiful buildings and culture to immerse yourself in. From cobbled streets to vineyards, you will not be bored.”

Michelle, Travel Counsellor

I go to this area as much as possible as it’s a short flight and transfer. I like to stay on the outskirts of Fuengirola in the little town of Los Boliches, as it still retains much of its charm. There is a lovely long promenade here that leads into the centre of town […] The beach is wide and sandy and Ronda stretches for miles […] Dig deep and you will find countless tapas places as well as some fantastic restaurants and bars. There is a market on a Tuesday on the fairground too.

A place to visit about 30 minutes away is the hillside town of Mijas with its great views and lots of charm. Again, it has Fuengirola many tapas places and is good for shopping. This area is popular with artists, too.

Sandra, Travel Counsellor

A visit to Mijas is not to be missed, or indeed very typical white villages such as Casares or Coín. Although we didn’t visit Granada or Ronda this time, they are within very easy Puerto Banus reach and well worth the trip. Also. Gibraltar isn’t that far away, for a few duty-free items and a visit to the rock to see the baboons and the caves. The kids love this!

If you fancy a bit of people-watching, you won’t be disappointed at Puerto Banús – my word, there are some Estepona fantastic yachts and cars there! Annette, Travel Counsellor

6 Chat with the Locals

an’t speak Spanish? Never fear! We’ve collated some useful phrases for Cyou to practise before you go. You might not pronounce the words like a local but you’ll be able to feel like one when you order a glass of wine and some tapas in Spanish!

HELLO THERE!

Hello! Goodbye. Pardon me. Hola! Adiós. Perdón

Good morning! Please. I don’t speak Spanish. Buenos días! Por favor. No hablo español

Good evening! Thank you. Do you speak English? Buenas noches! Gracias. ¿Hablas inglés?

See you soon! Thank you very much. Hasta pronto! Muchas gracias.

LET’S GET A BITE TO EAT

Two coffees, please. A table for two, please. Where is the toilet? Dos cafés, por favor. Una mesa para dos, por favor. ¿Dónde está el baño?

I’d like … please. Do you have vegetarian dishes? The bill, please. Me gustaría…, por favor. ¿Tiene platos vegetarianos? La cuenta, por favor.

It’s delicious! What are your specialities? ¡Qué rico! ¿Cuáles son los platos de la casa? (¡Qué rica! if the food starts with ‘la’)

LET’S EXPLORE

A map of the city, please. Un mapa de la ciudad, por favor. May I take photos? I would like to book a guided tour of… ¿Puedo tomar fotos? Quisiera reservar una visita guiada de Excuse me, where is…? ¿Disculpa, dónde está…? No flash. Two tickets please. Sin flash. Dos entradas, por favor Can you show me on the map? ¿Me puedes mostrar en el mapa? I’m lost. When does the… open? Estoy perdido. ¿Cuándo se abre…? Take me to this address, please. ¿Me puedes llevar a esta dirección, How much does it cost? When does the… close? por favor? ¿Cuánto cuesta? ¿Cuándo se cierra…?

7 Costa del Sol’s Best Beaches

Playa de Algarrobo Costa: A stunning palm-lined beach east of Málaga, within a short stroll of the old town centre with its whitewashed Arabic buildings.

Artola, Guadalmina, El Cable, Casablanca and El Faro: Five Blue Flag beaches in the famous resort of Marbella, which is also known for its restaurants, nightlife and shopping. Artola Casares Playa Ancha: A gorgeous stretch of golden sand in Casares, overlooked by a 16th-century watchtower and perfect for snorkelling.

Torrevigia, Fuente de la Salud and Torrebermeja-Santa Ana: Three Blue Flag beaches in the resort of Benalmádena.

El Cristo, El Padrón and El Saladillo: Three Blue Flag beaches in the pretty town of Benalmádena Estepona, with its marina-side restaurant and Estepona its golf courses.

Boliches-Gaviota, Carvajal and Fuengirola: Three Blue Flag beaches in the town of Fuengirola with its 8km promenade and 10th- century castle.

La Cala, Del Bombo and Calahonda: Three tranquil Blue Flag beaches on the outskirts of Carvajal whitewashed Mijas, blessed with calm waters. Calahonda

8 Costa del Sol’s Best Golf Courses

he Costa del Sol won the 2019 IAGTO Award for Best Golf Destination in Europe. It is home to more than 60 golf Tcourses where you can play in the sunshine, on undulating landscapes, complete with Mediterranean views.

Torrequebrada Golf: This emblematic course was founded in 1976 and designed by José Gancedo.

Valderrama Golf Club: A Robert Trent Jones Senior venue widely held to be one of the top golf courses in Europe.

Río Real Golf: With 18 holes and more than 6,000m in length, the Royal Spanish Golf Federation consider it to be one of the best courses in Spain. Torrequebrada Valderrama La Cala Golf Resort: A venue with three championship courses, the best known of which is Campo America.

Los Naranjos Golf: A club famed for not only its tremendous course, but also its very popular social events.

La Reserva: One of Andalucía’s top courses, with spectacular Mediterranean views from its Río Real elevated setting. La Cala

The Costa del Sol is a popular choice for golfers of any ability and has been so since the 1970s. With a great choice of courses and accommodation that won’t break the bank, it’s a great choice for someone who wants to give it a go, as well as the most experienced golfers.

Mandy, Travel Counsellor Los Naranjos La Reserva 9 Spending Money

ondering how much spending money you’ll need for your travels? WHere’s a rough guide to the price of some things you might buy or do on your holiday in the Costa del Sol:

Meal for two €30 Draught Beer €2 Cappucino €1.50 Golf €60-90

Airport Taxi €70 Imported Beer €2.70 Bottled Water €1

A bottle of imported beer (0.33 litres) €2.70 A local draught beer (0.5 litres) €2.00

A bottle of water (0.33 litres) €1.00 A regular Cappuccino €1.50

A taxi from Málaga airport to Marbella €70 A round of golf on an 18-hole course €60-90

A three-course meal for two €30 in a mid-range restaurant

10 Try something a little different

Walk the King’s Pathway: Not for vertigo-sufferers Go Caving in Nerja: Stretching for almost 5km and or the faint-hearted, El Caminito del Rey is a wooden home to the world’s largest stalagmite, this is a boardwalk attached to the sheer walls of a narrow great alternative to a day on the beach. You can gorge in El Chorro, north-west of Málaga. Almost even attend one of the regular concerts hosted here, 8km long, it takes 2-3 hours to complete. within a chamber forming a natural amphitheatre.

Learn To Dance the Flamenco: Many venues along the Costa del Sol host flamenco shows, but if you Stunning, picturesque Nerja. A taste of the real Spain. feel like truly getting into the swing of it, you can pick I loved this area so much that I’ve booked again with my two best mates for another weekend this September. up this sensual, classically Spanish dance yourself at lessons in Málaga or elsewhere in the region. Suzanne, Travel Counsellor

11 Go Caving in Nerja: Stretching for almost 5km and home to the world’s largest stalagmite, this is a great alternative to a day on the beach. You can even attend one of the regular concerts hosted here, within a chamber forming a natural amphitheatre. Where to Stay

he Costa del Sol lends itself to so many different types of travel experience, from Málaga city breaks to Tfly-and-flop holidays in Nerja or Marbella. Marbella and Puerto Banús are known for their luxury properties, while Torremolinos, Mijas Costa and Fuengirola tend to appeal to those on a tighter budget. For families, Nerja, Mijas Costa, Benalmadena and Estepona are all popular, while nightlife-lovers flock to Nerja, Torremolinos, Marbella and central Málaga.

Kempinski Hotel Bahía, Estepona Vincci Selección Estrella del Mar, Marbella

This beachfront hotel lures luxury-lovers and families With its own adults-only beach club on the best with its superb spa, exciting culinary experiences, stretch of sand on this part of the coast, this elegant eco-friendly water sports, and kids’ club. Nestled in option offers exceptional service and just 137 chic, subtropical gardens, it has sophisticated rooms and pale-hued rooms and suites in a contemporary suites, all with balconies, patios or verandahs and building with Arabic inflections. A spa, restaurants many with views over the Mediterranean. serving wonderful seafood and fresh Mediterranean cuisine, and a seasonal kids’ club means that all ages Eat and drink at Baltazár (Spanish gastronomy), Spiler are kept happy. Beach Club (Argentine fare beside the sea) and trendy cocktail spot Black Rose The Bar. There’s also the Spiler Pool Bar including an adults-only area with 4* Meliá Marbella Banús Balinese beds. Located next to the luxurious Puerto Banús marina and just 50 metres from the beach, the Meliá Marbella Club, Golf Resort & Spa, between Marbella Marbella Banús offers something for families and and Puerto Banús couples alike with the Kids&CO programme keeping younger guests entertained while adults can enjoy Oozing old-school charm and offering both a sense access to the private Level Lounge with personalised of space and wholesome Mediterranean dining, service and additional food and drink options. Relax this long-established, fairly intimate resort within in the onsite wellness centre and be cosseted by the lush jasmine-scented gardens has 121 inviting excellent selection of health and beauty treatments. rooms, a beach club with water sports, an 18-hole golf course and an extensive kids’ club. The on-site Thalasso Spa harnesses the natural healing powers of seawater with state-of-the-art facilities including a thalassotherapy pool.