Costa del Sol Spain what a sea. Features of holidays on the Costa del Sol. A resort for the independent and wealthy. Sports and active recreation

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Every year, millions of Europeans and our fellow citizens go on vacation to the Costa del Sol, and subsequently often decide to buy real estate here. Similar popularity over others European resorts This place received thanks to a number of significant features.

The unique climate of the Costa del Sol

In Russian, Costa del Sol sounds like “Sunny Coast”, which is absolutely true for a geographical point where, according to statistics, out of 365 days a year there are more than 320 sunny days. At the same time, the weather is exceptionally mild with moderately hot summers and warm winters, as well as low humidity. The mild climate of the coast with minor temperature fluctuations is formed by the waters located in the immediate vicinity Atlantic Ocean and the chain of Sierra Morena mountains that separates it from the continent. IN summer months Atlantic waters cool the coastal air, and Mountain chain does not let in hot continental air, providing an average daily temperature of + 28⁰С / + 32⁰С. In winter, the oceanic mass that has warmed up over the summer months serves as a heat accumulator, and the mountains, again, serve as a protective barrier, but from the cold air masses of continental Spain. The daytime temperature in January - February stays at + 15⁰С / + 19⁰С. The average annual temperature is +18⁰С.

Excellent ecology

Low crime rate

The Costa del Sol is one of the safest areas in Spain with low rate offenses. This situation developed here historically several decades ago. Due to the fact that the overwhelming number of residents Western Europe When purchasing property in Spain, they chose the Costa del Sol; the number of respectable foreigners living here is greater than anywhere else in Spain. Fashionable Marbella and Puerto Banus are especially popular among wealthy foreigners. Local authorities value such a neighborhood and effectively prevent crime by not allowing dubious individuals to come here.

Best holiday with children

The Costa del Sol is perhaps the best choice for a holiday with children. This is due to the unique mild climate, high degree of personal safety, beautiful clean beaches, many centers for children's entertainment, including water parks, zoos, amusement parks, sports schools and much more.

High life expectancy

Excellent ecology, unique weather conditions, as well as a balanced social policy of the state bring life expectancy on the Costa del Sol to a very high level. According to statistics, the average life expectancy of a Spanish man is 40% higher than the life expectancy of a Russian, and women live in Spain for an average of 87 years, which is the maximum among other European countries.

Centuries-old cultural heritage

The Costa del Sol is not just one of best places for recreation or residence; it boasts a rich cultural heritage. Everyone knows that most great civilizations originated and developed on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The reason for this was the mild climate, abundance of food and the possibility of maritime trade. Traces of many great civilizations remain on the Costa del Sol and Andalusia to this day. An example of this is Cadiz, founded by the Phoenicians more than 3,100 years ago, considered the most ancient city in Western Europe. The Roman Empire also left their mark, as well as the Moors, who ruled in Andalusia for almost 800 years and considered what they created architectural complex Alhambra is heaven on earth. Andalusia is literally crammed with outstanding attractions, and many of its cities are considered museums under open air. Moreover, many attractions are classified by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Cultural Heritage Humanity. Travel time by car from the coast to such amazing cities as Seville, Cadiz, Cordoba, Alhambra, Jerez de la Frontera, Ronda is only about 2 hours. Thus, while on the Costa del Sol, you will never be faced with the question of what to do with yourself.

Sports and active recreation

Nature has generously endowed this southern Spanish coast with a varied landscape and mild climate, which provides almost unlimited opportunities for year-round sports. Weather allow you to practice football, tennis and golf or cycling outdoors all year round. It is important that today the coast boasts several dozen excellent multi-hole golf courses. It is for this reason that it received a second official name, Costa del Golf, and signs for Costa del Sol - Costa del Golf are quite common when driving along the Mediterranean highway N-340 leading from Malaga to Estepona.


Moving from Malaga towards Tarifa, we quickly find ourselves on the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. The constant winds in the Strait of Gibraltar provide excellent opportunities for windsurfers and kitesurfers, who consider this area of ​​Tarifa one of the best in the world. Diving is available both in the Mediterranean Sea and in the coastal areas of the Atlantic Ocean.

Departing from Malaga towards Granada, in 1.5 hours we will find ourselves at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This international resort has a large number of a variety of slopes for professional skiers and snowboarders, as well as for beginners and children, and offers first-class services for active recreation in winter.

Of course, we can talk further about the Costa del Sol, mentioning its other advantages, but we tried to indicate the most important of them that influence the decision to purchase real estate here for the purpose of further residence, or simply to go here on vacation.

Vacations in European countries are becoming increasingly popular. Colorful and sophisticated Spain remains one of the most attractive countries for tourists. Today we will get acquainted with southern part countries - Costa del Sol.

General information

In the very south of the country is the picturesque and sunny Costa del Sol - a region of the autonomous community of Andalusia, which also includes the settlements of Malaga, located on coastline.

The coast stretches for as much as 300 km. Sandy beaches, slightly diluted with rocks, which sometimes approach the very edge of the Mediterranean Sea, are distinguished by picturesque views and a pleasant atmosphere. All conditions for a good and comfortable stay are created here. People of any income can find suitable option.

A distinctive feature of the region is its high average annual temperature+19 degrees Celsius. But it is worth noting that the coastal waters are crossed by the cold Atlantic Current, which is why the water temperature is approximately 20 degrees above zero. And only at the height of summer, in July, can it warm up to 23.

Nevertheless, the coast has fairly warm and stable weather, with 320 sunny days a year. There is a longer swimming season here than anywhere else in the country.

Capital of the coast

Malaga is a city and municipal center located in Andalusia. The city has an amazing microclimate, which exists thanks to the rocks surrounding it. There are so many sunny days here that it seems like it never rains.

If you can't stand the heat well, then it's worth remembering that in the summer here... average temperature air +30, and the maximum can be above 40. In autumn and spring, the climate becomes softer and more pleasant. In the evenings, when it becomes easier to breathe and you can take a break from the beaches, it is worth visiting the historical part of the city. Unfortunately, now it is not too big, and one day is enough to see all the sights.

Tourists will be lucky enough to see one of the oldest theaters, the history of which dates back to the 1st century AD. e., and an amazing example of Arab architecture - the Alcazaba Palace, built in the 9th century. Walking through the labyrinth of narrow courtyards, you can see strange plants, amazing flowers and many fountains.

There is everything here to get acquainted with the culture of the country and find out what Spain is like. The Costa del Sol offers a great opportunity to relax and learn a lot of new things.

Torremolinos

In the early sixties there was a real tourism boom. And Torremolinos was the first to host massive flows of people due to its close location to But even today various tours(Costa del Sol, Spain) offer holidays in this beautiful city. Cozy hotels from three to four stars, located on the first line, are always ready to host guests. The proximity of the airport is not at all noticeable to residents - no noise, because all planes land on the other side.

If you look at the coast of Torremolinos from the sea, you can visually divide it into 2 parts: eastern and western. There is a rock between them.

If you prefer busy beaches and a light bustle, then Bajondillo is for you, otherwise you will need nearby Playamar. It is quite calm here and not too crowded even at the peak of the season. It is worth noting that this place is perfect for families with children and people who do not have swimming skills. The entrance to the water is quite gentle and long.

Whatever option you choose, know: all beaches are city, so you don’t need to pay to visit them.

Benalmadena

The next city after Torremolinos is located quite close - so much so that it can be difficult to accurately determine the border. Benalmadena is like a huge balcony hanging over the Mediterranean Sea. This is both a beach resort and a mountain resort.

The city center is presented in the original Andalusian style - white stone houses, narrow crooked streets. Everything here is in order, always clean and comfortable.

Many famous people choose to holiday in the Costa del Sol). You may notice that some residents and guests of the city prefer to travel by water technology. A variety of options are parked at the front doors of their houses: boats, yachts, scooters.

If you are looking for luxury real estate in Spain (Costa del Sol), then this is the right option. Amazing and fashionable apartments are located on artificially created islands. A three-room apartment in this area costs at least one million euros.

Fuengirola

This city is one of best resorts, which are offered by Spain (Costa del Sol). Fuengirola is located 35 kilometers from Malaga.

The city is not only a resort area, but also a port for fishing boats. It was founded by the Phoenicians, but to this day it is actively working, supplying seafood products to the entire coastal zone.

Experienced tourists advise visiting the city center and enjoying beautiful views and the color of the country. Children will definitely enjoy a trip to the zoo, where various representatives of the living and plant world are collected.

The city is ideal place for a family holiday, which is confirmed by reviews from tourists. The infrastructure is created in such a way that time flows slowly here. Lovers of shopping will appreciate the modern supermarkets and large shopping centers, Court Ingles and Miramar, known throughout the country.

Mijas

The city was once a small fishing settlement. But together with the rest of its neighbors, it began to actively develop in the post-war period. The picturesque spaces attracted not only ordinary tourists, but also real creative personalities. Inspired by the calm atmosphere and pleasant way of life, famous artist Salvador Dali created several paintings here. You can get a bird's eye view of the coast by visiting one of the observation platforms.

Among other things, the city is visited for pilgrimage purposes. In an ancient chapel carved into the rock, parishioners can pray to the holy face of the Virgin Mary.

A holiday in the Costa del Sol (Spain) can be unusual and attractive for tourists (their reviews indicate this). For example, in Mijas, in order not to sweat in stuffy cars, you can use an exotic form of transport - donkeys. All animals are specially trained and have a neat appearance.

If you love art, then be sure to check out the Museum of Miniatures. For those who prefer a real spectacle, go to bullfighting.

Marbella

Spain opens many beautiful and expensive resorts to tourists. Costa del Sol, Marbella is a truly fashionable, sophisticated and fashionable place. The city extends 28 km along the coastline. The beautiful beaches are surrounded by a picturesque marble promenade lined with palm trees and the towering Sierra Blanca.

The beaches of this city are considered one of the best, and you can spend your holiday here cozy and comfortable. Of no small importance in creating such popularity is Mount La Concha, which, like a huge fence, encloses the city limits and creates a microclimate. The weather here changes very smoothly and gently. In summer the temperature does not exceed 27 degrees, and in winter the thermometer rarely drops below +15.

Guests and residents of Marbella have the opportunity to choose between paid and city beaches. The largest sports port on the entire Mediterranean coast is located here - Puerto Banus.

Nerja

Resorts on the Costa del Sol (Spain) provide a choice for people with different incomes. If you are interested a budget option, then Nerja would be an excellent choice. Despite its low economic status, the city is distinguished by its friendly residents, beautiful nature and architecture. This place is chosen for privacy and relaxation in a calm atmosphere cozy beaches and lagoons.

A distinctive feature of the city can be considered the rocky terrain, which creates incredible picturesque pictures.

The most important attraction of the city is the caves. One of them contains a stalactite listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Its height is more than forty meters and its width is more than fifteen.

Another feature of the caves is their unique acoustic data. Thanks to this, an International Music Festival is held here every year, which can be visited in July and August.

Estepona

Despite the huge influx of tourists and constant development, the Costa del Sol (Spain) has preserved one amazing corner, filled with rustic charm and special flavor.

In addition to its beautiful beaches, the city can surprise you with its incredibly picturesque Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja National Park and Reserve. It is here that the only fir forest in the entire country is located.

The climate in the city is no different from its neighboring resorts: mild, subtropical with little rainfall.

Most interesting for tourists East End cities. There is an excellent infrastructure with a variety of hotels, some of which boast a five-star level.

Manilva and Torrox

The Costa del Sol offers us two more wonderful cities. A well-developed tourist base, many hotels, chic restaurants and cozy cafe-bars. There are also places for walking and sightseeing: churches, ancient castles. There are places for secluded relaxation and bustling city beaches.

A visit to each of the cities described above will give you a lot of unforgettable impressions and will help you enjoy your vacation. Comfortable hotels, amazing culture, incredible - Spain (Costa del Sol) offers it all. Reviews from tourists about these places are filled with pleasant impressions of a successful holiday.

We remember Torremolinos for walks along the long Maritimo promenade along the coast - a light breeze bringing the smell of the sea, a lively, festive atmosphere, a local specialty - grilled sardines, which are cooked here on a grill made from an old fishing boat filled with sand.

Availability

The most convenient way to get to Torremolinos is from Malaga - 16 km from the center and only 7 km from the airport, you can take a taxi or go by bus. The town itself has an excellent transport network: several railway stations, bus connections to the nearest Mijas, Marbella and Estepona, as well as Granada, Seville, Cadiz - in principle, even without a car you can easily get to know Andalusia better.

Beach

In fact, the entire 6-kilometer coastline from Malaga in the north to Benalmadena in the south is one huge beach. The central beaches of Torremolinos, Bajondillo and Carihuela, flow into one another and are separated only by a picturesque cliff protruding into the sea. Above Bajondillo are Playamar with its surfing spots and then Los Alamos, which is more party-oriented at night, and south of Carihuela is the calm, family-friendly Montemar.

In general, they form a long promenade along which are lined countless hotels, cafes, chiringuitos, shops, and if you wish, you can stroll with interest from Malaga to Benalmadena on foot in a couple of hours, but we lived in the center, so in the evenings we made small forays here and there. then in the other direction.

The town itself is located on a mountain, so we had to go up and down the stairs several times a day, of which there are many and varied - from gentle to very steep. If you are really lazy, you can also take the elevator, but it worked according to a schedule and generally had a fee.

All the beaches are clean, very well maintained, covered here and there with palm groves, where we periodically escaped the heat.

Beach Sizes

The main beaches, which are easily reached on foot from the town center, are about 3 km away, beach strip quite wide - about 40 meters, there is enough space and even a feeling of spaciousness.

Shore

I wasn’t impressed by the local sand - it’s kind of dirty-dark, coarse-grained, heats up quickly, and walking on it under the scorching August sun barefoot is a dubious pleasure, but it’s great for architectural creations. The entrance to the sea varied, mostly quite flat, but there were also places with a sharp cliff, and in some places there were accumulations of large stones on the shore.

Infrastructure

All beaches are equipped: showers, toilets, playgrounds; you can rent excellent sun loungers with a mattress and umbrellas (4.5 euros). Along the entire beach line there is a multicolored and multilingual series of various bars, restaurants, chiringuitos, and souvenir shops. Life is in full swing!

Night life

The evenings continue both on the beaches, where all establishments are open, music is playing, lights are shining and vacationers are strolling along the promenade, and in the center of Torremolinos, especially on the tourist Caia San Miguel. Here and there, in restaurants, Spanish songs are sung and street musicians are lively - we were lucky to meet the Indians.

After midnight, those who wish go to clubs for every taste - some with Latin or European music, gay bars, small romantic bars with disco and huge ones with a swimming pool, like El Palladium. But it’s not a party place at all, and the most notorious playmakers visit the hot spots of neighboring Benalmadena.

Water activities

Here again it’s standard: water skis, bananas, catamarans.

Hotels

A huge number of hotels along the entire coast, almost all within walking distance from the beaches, many literally across the road from the sea. Mostly hotels are without pretensions, the largest are 4-room hotels, apartments are popular.

Prices

A resort for Spain in the middle price category - renting an apartment cost 50 euros for two, a good dinner was at least 40 euros for two.

Sport

Diving and windsurfing are practiced on the beaches, and a sailing regatta traditionally takes place here in September.

People

Torremolinos is a mid-range resort, mainly for families, elderly and middle-aged couples. Advantages: it is easy to get here, there are suitable beaches for children and the elderly, there is plenty of entertainment for children and adults - all this attracts holidaymakers from the most different countries, it’s even difficult to identify who predominates here, and in more or less large restaurants the staff speaks, in my opinion, all the languages ​​of the world.

On weekends, it’s interesting to watch Spanish family picnics on the road – noisy, lots of food and various tourist bells and whistles.

In the town large water park and next to it is a crocodile park with handsome Paco, a five-meter alligator. In the Carihuela area there is a very nice snow-white church of St. Carmen in Carihuela, and in Bajondillo the local landmark is the Casa de las Navajas, beautiful building city ​​administration.

The name of the city - Torro de los Molinos - was given by a 12-meter medieval tower, although now it is called Pimentel. In the heat you can escape in botanical garden and the charming La Bateria park.

Places to visit in the surrounding area

It is attractive because you can spend your entire vacation here and see a considerable part of the region - go to the beaches of Fuengirola, Marbella and Estepona, explore picturesque Mijas or the rich architecture of Cordoba, or even visit large, ancient cities- the capital of Andalusia, Seville, Granada.

Both trains and buses go to many destinations, and the distance is available for a one-day trip - up to 200 km.

Benalmadena

What is the resort like?

While vacationing in Torremolinos, we couldn’t help but visit neighboring Benalmadena, knowing about its reputation as an entertainment resort. The town is spread out on two hills and rises up in steps from the shore: first there are beaches with a promenade and hotels, then a town with second-line hotels and at the very top – the white-stone old town of Benalmadena Pueblo.

There is an abundance of varied entertainment for both families with children and active youth, many beaches for every taste - from super-equipped and crowded to secluded and wild.

Availability

As with Torremolinos, Benalmadena can be easily reached by bus or taxi from Malaga Airport, where planes land from Moscow - just 10 km. From Malaga to the resort it takes half an hour by bus or train, and Benalmadena is also connected by bus to neighboring Torremolinos and Fuengirola.

Beach

If you go from Torremolinos from the north, going around the Marina port, you can get to the beaches of Benalmadena. There are many of them here (more than 10 for sure), but the border between them is not always noticeable, although the landscape and infrastructure are changing greatly.

The beaches of Malapesquera and Torre Bermeja go from the port itself and essentially constitute one well-equipped beach.

Next to them is Arroyo de la Miel - a nudist beach, and behind the rock is small and cozy Torrevijia, here the pebbles already begin. There are few vacationers here, and it is poorly equipped.

The farthest Las Yucas and Viborilla are pebbly wild beaches, are suitable for diving, snorkeling, fishing, and closer to Fuengirola there is a secluded Benalnatura beach, also nudist, as the name implies.

Dimensions

Benalmadena has an extensive coastline - about 9 km, the beaches flow into one another, in some places separated by beautiful bays and cliffs, especially near Fuengirola. The beach strip on the central beaches is wide - up to 50 m, and on remote wild ones - in some places it is quite narrow.

Shore

I repeat, you can find different beaches here: in the central ones (Malapesquera, Santa Anna) there is quite fine gray sand, where the entrance to the water is mostly flat, good for children, and starting from Bil-Bil Beach and further the beaches are natural, so coarse-grained The sand here turns into pebbles and even stones; there the entrance to the sea can be steep.

Infrastructure

The main beaches are well equipped: umbrellas, sun loungers, showers, toilets, rental of all kinds of equipment and a huge number of chiringuitos and restaurants, hotels are very close or right on the shore. The Maritimo promenade, which began in neighboring Torremolinos, continues here - a picturesque paved path along the sea.

Night life

The entire nightlife of Benalmadena, for which young people come here and even vacationers from neighboring Torremolinos and Fuengirola make raids, revolves around the Marina port. There is a whole alley of various large and small clubs and disco bars to choose from, and noisy groups of drunken people wander from one to another until the morning.

From here you can also go on a night boat trip with free champagne. We liked the format of the beach party on Santa Anna beach on Saturday - a fun, colorful party of different ages, fireworks, music.

Water activities

The beaches starting from the port provide all possible entertainment: bananas, parachutes, water skis, our favorite catamarans with a slide, canoes. You can learn how to sail a yacht, ride on all kinds of sea transport, rent diving and snorkeling equipment. Basically, all such industry is concentrated near the Marina port.

Hotels

There are first-line hotels, some across the road from the beach and promenade, and second-line hotels, but the distances are short, mostly up to 500 meters. The most chic thing, of course, is to live in Puerto Marina, but it is noticeable that the hotels here are quite expensive, there are many private properties.

Prices

If we compare it with neighboring Torremolinos, where we settled, Benalmadena seems more expensive, at least in terms of accommodation: the most budget hostels start from 55 euros, and a decent hotel on the first line starts from 80 euros. Rent of umbrellas and sun loungers - 9 euros, entrance to clubs - 4-6 euros. The cable car ride cost 11 euros, but at the ticket office you can buy a discounted pass for visiting the ski lift, the amusement park, and the Selvo Marina park.

Sport

Not far from the port there are volleyball and football courts, and, of course, there is everything aquatic species sports: windsurfing, yachting, diving, etc.

People

Mostly English people meet here - for some reason it is very popular with them, and many even buy here " summer residence" In addition, there are a lot of diverse young people and families with children, who come in large numbers on weekends at the expense of the locals.

First of all, the Marina port itself is a never-ending celebration of life against the backdrop of beautiful yachts and water channels, lacy bridges, small islands, luxury villas. A place for walking at any time of the day or night, for gatherings in bars, shopping, dancing until the morning with a special, carefree atmosphere. There is also a Sea Life Aquarium with an impressive shark tunnel.

From here it is very convenient to start exploring the city: from the port there is an excursion train and a bus with a stop at all the main attractions: Paloma Park, the Selvo Marina Dolphinarium-Penguinarium, an amusement park and the Teleferico cable car, which you must climb up to see the town and its surroundings from above , and you can go down on a donkey for a change.

In the town it is worth visiting the ancient towers, Colomares and Bil-Bil castles.

Places to visit in the surrounding area

It is very conveniently located, and if you don’t have enough local entertainment, you can take a boat trip by tram to neighboring Fuengirola, and you can generally walk from the Marina port, but it’s better to go by bus - there is an interesting crocodile farm and a large water park.

Just 45 minutes drive to fashionable Marbella, within an hour by bus - Mijas and Estepona, within two hours by car - unique beaches Tariffs, and up to major cities Spain - Seville and - 220 and 140 km respectively, you can take a tour.

Fuengirola

What is the resort like?

The highlight of Fuengirola is its beaches; perhaps the best we've seen on the Costa del Sol, almost all boasting blue flags. Otherwise, this is an ordinary Spanish resort, which grew up on the site of an ordinary Spanish fishing village.

Availability

Like all resorts on the Coast of the Sun, the easiest way to get to Fuengirola is from Malaga, where you can fly by plane - the distance is about 30 km, you can choose from bus, train and taxi.

Beach

The beaches of Fuengirola begin with the sandy and shell beach of Carvajal, common with Benalmadena, then Torreblanca - these beaches are natural, but at the same time well equipped and very well maintained. Then the open, wide and flat beaches of Los Boliches and Las Gaviotas stretch for more than two kilometers.

On the other side of the port are the central beaches of Fuengirola and Santa Amalia, then on the border of the resort is Castillo beach with a view of the local landmark, the Soail fortress.

On the beaches there is still the same dark sand of the Costa del Sol, burning your feet - on the embankments it is finer and yellower, but perfectly clean and well-groomed, on the outlying, natural beaches - coarse sand with pebbles.

Dimensions

The coastline of Fuengirola is about 8 km. Los Boliches and Las Gaviotas are perhaps the widest beaches on the Costa del Sol - 55 meters, the rest are noticeably narrower, from 20 m.

Shore

Since many of the beaches are artificial, the entrance to the sea here is mostly flat and convenient, but on the outlying beaches there can be a sharp drop-off. The water is clean and transparent, there are moderate waves.

Infrastructure

Almost all beaches are well equipped - showers, toilets, umbrellas and sunbeds (4.5 euros), exercise equipment, rental of all kinds of equipment, playgrounds. The Maritimo pedestrian and entertainment zone stretches along the beaches, originating almost from Malaga. There are festivities, shopping, a huge selection of cafes and bars offering the local specialty - fried sardines.

Night life

It's calmer here than in the party scene of Benalmadena. We enjoyed listening to live music in a jazz cafe and went to dance Latin at the Mai Tai club - they organize various themed parties there and have guest DJs play. And of course, part of the evening and nightlife takes place on Paseo Maritimo, where the fun never stops.

Water activities

On most beaches, entertainment is standard resort: banana boating and water skiing, parasailing, various boat trips, dolphin watching, etc.

Hotels

As in all resorts on the del Sol coast, hotels start from the coastline itself and stretch along it. All hotels are located across the road from the beach, and the second line is within 200-300 meters from the sea.

Prices

The prices are as follows: simple hostels and guest houses - from 40 euros for a double, dinner in a cafe with live music - 50 euros for two, any fast food like pizza or a hamburger with a drink - about 15 euros, 2 sun loungers plus an umbrella - 9 euros.

Sport

In the center of the coast there is the sports port of Fuengirola with a yacht club, where you can take boating lessons, and there is a diving center. There is also a golf club, and in winter there are suitable waves for surfing.

People

The majority are British, Germans, and Finns; in general, the crowd is very decent and reserved, with many mature couples.

The undoubted must do of the resort is to explore the bay and beaches of Fuengirola with ancient fortress Soil, take a photo of the funny monument to the “1 peseta” coin and see the silhouette of the Fuengirola bull - an impressive size metal structure - against the background of the sunset.

A number of local entertainment is aimed at children: a very interesting tropical zoo, where people come from all nearby resorts, a biopark and a small water park, which, however, did not impress; Torremolinos is much better.

Antique lovers can visit archaeological excavations El Secretario – ruins of a Roman settlement.

Places to visit in the surrounding area

Fuengirola is the last stop of the railway line running from Malaga through Torremolinos (water park, crocodile farm) and Benalmadena (large Sea Life aquarium, the center of party life Port Marina) - the latter, by the way, is easier to get to by bus.

You can also take buses to either small towns in the area - Mijas (7 km) and the resort of Marbella (36 km), and in big cities- Granada (150 km), Cadiz (210 km), Seville (240 km). And be sure to visit the white sand beaches of Tarifa for contrast; it is only 136 km away along the coast.

Marbella

What is the resort like?

If you go to the Costa del Sol, then you must visit Marbella, we told ourselves and went. Marbella appeared to us as a glamorous beauty against a luxurious background: luxury hotels, expensive yachts, elite villages where celebrities and the richest people on earth live, and the number of Bentleys and Rolls-Royces per square kilometer is off the charts.

Availability

From the international airport - 59 km, this distance can be covered by taxi or bus, if you do not have your own yacht, of course.

Beach

The sand on the beaches of Marbella varies - from fine yellow sand to the usual dark gray coarse sand mixed with pebbles on the Costa del Sol. There are a huge number of beaches here (more than 20), many were quite busy in August, but all are very well maintained, many have a blue flag.

There are only a few beaches in the city area; we saw the small Faro with a lighthouse and the more spacious Fontanilla - the most popular, but also the most crowded. You can get here on foot from the center of Marbella; the beach is golden sandy and very beautiful. Here is the famous Paseo Maritimo promenade on the Costa del Sol - a popular pedestrian area with many shops and restaurants overlooking the embankment.

We liked Bounty Beach, also known as del Cable, which is not far from the Funny beach amusement park - it has a pleasant atmosphere, relaxed music and prices in chiringuitos, which pleased us, are quite affordable. The coating is fine golden sand.

Most of the beaches are far from the center, the most popular are Los Monteros, Alicate, Puerto Banus and San Pedro de Alcantara with dark, coarse sand.

10 km from Marbella is Artola Beach, next to nature reserve - sand dunes.

From Puerto Banus begins the “golden mile” - fashionable hotels, luxurious restaurants, expensive nightclubs right on the beach.

Dimensions

In total, in “greater Marbella”, which includes suburban areas, there are 26 beaches of various sizes: Faro is only 200 meters long and 30 m wide, Fontanilla stretches for 1 km with a width of 30 m, Banunti - 1300 m and very wide - up to 70 m.

Shore

The coast of Marbella is generally flat, rocky in places, for example, on the Cortijo Blanco beach it is almost impossible to enter the water, but on most other beaches the entrance is either gently sloping sandy or pebble, but comfortable, the water itself is incredibly clear, and there are practically no waves here.

Infrastructure

The closer to the center of Marbella, the better equipped the beaches are and the more services are provided: showers, umbrellas, sun loungers (5 euros), children's play areas, volleyball courts, a huge selection of restaurants and bars, rental of all kinds of equipment.

Night life

In fashionable Marbella, the “golden youth” hang out - in the luxurious Billionaire Club Marbella, the chain beach club Nikki Beach, and the Pangea club. There are also many dance bars and clubs in the Puerto Banes area, and among the luxury ones you can find mid-range establishments, but if you go to the coast specifically for active nightlife, it is better to settle in Benalmadena.

Water activities

All water activities from catamarans to scooters are represented on the beaches of Marbella, and there is even an amusement park right on the Funny beach where you can ride banana boats and sail boats.

Hotels

As one would expect, along the coastline there are mainly luxury hotels and luxurious villas, at least good four stars, but the resort also has affordable three-ruble rent, boarding houses, and apartments, you just need to look, however, the prices will still be higher than the coastal average.

Prices

Marbella is a celebration of life, but living here will cost a pretty penny: the most budget guesthouses start from 50 euros per night, and the prices for entertainment also correspond to the reputation expensive resort, for example, ride a map in Funny Beach - 20 euros, scooter - 50 euros for 10-15 minutes. To find an affordable place for dinner, sometimes you have to go deeper from the embankment into the nearby neighborhoods. On the beaches you can find chiringuitos with quite reasonable prices: from 9 euros for a pizza plus a drink.

Sport

A large selection of various sports activities: bicycle and Segway rental, a tennis club and a lot of golf clubs, a diving center, beach volleyball.

People

Undoubtedly, the people themselves make the resort fashionable, and kings, actors, business sharks and politicians from all over the world, and simply wealthy people visit it and have real estate there.

What interesting things to see in the resort itself

Marbella is a beautiful ancient city; be sure to explore its center with the towers of the Alcazaba fortress, Orange Square with a fountain and the city hall, as well as parks, a botanical garden with a collection of bonsai trees.

One of the pearls of the city is Avenida del Mar with sculptures of the great Salvador (the originals, by the way).

On one of the beaches there is an amusement park called Funny beach - karting and various water activities.

A few kilometers from the center of Marbella is the port of Puerto Banus - the quintessence of glamor and luxury of the Costa del Sol, a real vanity fair: snow-white yachts, designer shops, expensive restaurants and a fashionable audience.

Places to visit in the surrounding area

In the direction of Malaga, all neighboring resorts of the Costa del Sol are worth a visit: Fuengirola, Estepona, Benalmadena, Torremolinos. Here you can find a lot of interesting and inexpensive entertainment: cable car, water parks, various flora and fauna parks, a crocodile farm.

The ancient town of Mijas is 34 km away, and the picturesque mountain villages of Antequera and the snow-white sands of Tarifa are within a radius of 100 km.

What's convenient, everything historical centers Andalusia is within a day trip: (180 km), (212 km), (188), Cadiz (180 km), Jerez (171 km).

Estepona

What is the resort like?

After Marbella, we expected another “vanity fair” from Estepona, but it made a completely different impression on us - the atmosphere here is more restrained, and luxury is demonstrated with dignity, rather than being flaunted. But there is stunning scenery in sight, which includes the Sierra Bermeja mountains, rivers, pine forests, secluded rocky beaches and the skyline of Gibraltar in the distance.

Availability

The most convenient way to get to Estepona, as well as to any resort on the Costa del Sol, is from Malaga International Airport (76 km) by bus or taxi.

Beach

All the beaches of Estepona have the already familiar dark, coarse-grained gray sand; in the wilder areas, mixed with pebbles, there are rocky shores.

There are 2 beaches within the city limits: within walking distance from the center along the city embankment lies the spacious La Rada Beach, the most popular and crowded. Across the port from it in the bay is Del Cristo, a very green, windless beach, great for children, but not for those who like to swim - very shallow.

To the east of the resort, a territory stretches for 10 km, which has only recently begun to be developed, so the beaches here are calm, quiet, spacious, very picturesque: sometimes hidden between the river and green fields, sometimes overgrown with pine trees, sometimes lush vegetation, with rocky shores or, conversely, covered with grass.

To the west there are also several beaches: Costa Natura, popular with nudists, and wild and incredibly beautiful Bahia Dorada, where people especially come to fish and snorkel or scuba dive.

Dimensions

The coastline of Estepona is 21 km, but within the city the beach strip is only about 4 km, and its width ranges from 30 to 55 m. Among the suburban beaches there are both secluded and spacious.

Shore

The most comfortable shore is on Del Cristo beach; it is not for nothing that families with children and elderly people have chosen it. It is very shallow here, the entrance to the water is sandy and flat, and the water itself is clear and very warm. On La Rada, the entrance to the water is also gentle, but the depth is not so far. On many beaches the coast is steep and rocky, more suitable for divers.

Infrastructure

Changing rooms, showers, toilets, umbrellas and loungers for rent, a small children's playground on Del Cristo (and a huge number of children's play areas on Paseo Maritimo). Rocky beaches are practically not equipped. Not to say that on the beaches, even the central ones, there was a huge selection of chiringuitos compared to neighboring resorts, for example, on the central Del Cristo there are only two or three.

Night life

In general, Estepona seemed to us a more restrained Spanish resort than Marbella. There is, of course, nightlife here, but its degree is probably average along the coast. In the center of the town, salsa and other Latin American dances are performed at Disco Parasela, and the Plato 68 club, where guest DJs play, is popular among young people. And again, the center of nightlife is the port, here it is Puerto Deportivo, where there is no shortage of clubs or music bars.

Water activities

The beaches offer various boat trips, water skiing, flyboarding, snorkeling and diving.

Hotels

In the center, in the La Rada beach area, hotels are located across highway and Paseo Maritimo - a resort promenade; in more remote areas there are hotels right on the beach. In the area of ​​the eastern beaches, which began to develop relatively recently, there are not many hotels and they are often located at some distance from each other.

Prices

Despite the reputation of a luxury resort and the abundance of luxury hotels, you can find simpler accommodation, for example, a hostel 50 meters from the beach for 35 euros/double, but the prices for food correspond to the respectability of the resort: a snack in a tapas bar, which mainly serves snacks, 15 -20 euros per person, and dinner at a restaurant cost 60 euros for two. A visit to the Selvo Aventura safari park – 24.5 euros, discounts for children.

Sport

Sports entertainment for the respectable public: many golf clubs, horse riding, sailing, as well as more affordable diving, snorkeling, surfing (including kites).

People

There are traditionally a lot of English and Europeans at the resort, mostly in couples or families; there are few noisy companies. On weekends, the crowd is diluted by local vacationers, and it becomes a bit crowded.

Old city– a typical charming Andalusian town – we walked around it in half a day. We saw the Square of Flowers with a large fountain, the clock tower, ancient mansions, and the Remedios Church.

If you take a walk along the Maritimo promenade, you can reach the Punto Donsella lighthouse, a local symbol.

The huge Selvo Aventura safari park is worth a visit, where elephants, giraffes, rhinoceroses, and kangaroos live in natural conditions.

And, of course, the port of Puerto Deportivo: smart holidaymakers, a series of bars, restaurants, shops, starting points for sea excursions.

I liked the fishing port of Puerto Pesquero, where you can buy the freshest seafood.

Places to visit in the surrounding area

IN nearby resorts Costa del Sol you can choose entertainment according to your taste: a water park and a crocodile farm in Torremolinos, seawater aquarium and the exotic animal park in Benalmadena, the tropical zoo in Fuengirola, the amusement park and Dali sculptures in Marbella - all a maximum of 75 km from Estepona. At the same distance, only in the other direction, snow-white beaches Tariffs and Gibraltar.

The large ancient cities of Spain that can be visited in one day are (220 km), (240 km), (209 km), Cadiz (150 km), and the picturesque mountain village of Ronda is only 67 km.

Costa del Sol... At the mere mention of this name, my soul immediately becomes warm and sunny pictures of the Mediterranean coast, serene relaxation and eternal holiday emerge in my memory! And it’s no coincidence, because this is the southernmost, warmest region of the Spanish coast. The name Costa del Sol itself translates as Coast of the Sun, and it is for this feature that it is so loved by numerous tourists who come to enjoy sunny days, which are in abundance here, and the clean, many-kilometer beaches that this Spanish coast is so rich in.

The Costa del Sol resort area is located in one of the largest and southern autonomous communities Spain - Andalusia. I especially like this region because here you can feel the “real” Spain - sultry, hot, passionate. The heart of Spain is hidden in Andalusia. The mixture of European culture and the Arab East turns this place into a real treasure trove for the curious tourist and makes it so attractive and alluring.

Costa del Sol - resort area in the Mediterranean sea ​​coast. It extends from Malaga west almost to Gibraltar and to east direction to Almeria. , Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella, Nerja, Estepona - each city is interesting in its own way, you can choose any one and you won’t be mistaken, everywhere there is a southern flavor and everything is conducive to have a nice holiday. West Side coast is more popular with tourists than the east. In the recent past, these were simple fishing villages, which, thanks to their geographical location and excellent climate, have turned into modern and fashionable resorts. The Sun Coast, like a magnet, attracts crowds of travelers from different countries, including Russia.

When I’m on the Costa del Sol, I can’t help but feel like I’m on the edge of Europe, but that’s how it is: Africa is very close, across the road, or rather, across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Majestic cathedrals, wine and vineyards, sandy beaches, palm trees, bullfighting, the famous national flamenco dance, orange and olive trees, sun, mountains and sea - this is what the South is rich in and for which it is worth coming to the very edge of Spain, on the Costa del Salt.

How to get there

The resorts of the Costa del Sol from Russia can be reached by different means of transport. It all depends on how much time and money you want to spend on the trip. Train, car and plane are suitable for independently planned trips. Travel companies organize bus tours and sea cruises and these two types of transport can also be used to get to the South of Spain. If you prefer to travel with a travel agency, there are options to suit different tastes and budgets.

By plane

The easiest, fastest and cheapest way to get to the Costa del Sol is by air.

No matter where you're flying from, you can compare flight options for your dates.

From Moscow

There are direct regular daily flights from Aeroflot airlines from Moscow to Malaga. There are two flights on Saturdays and Sundays, and additional flights are organized during the high season. Flight time is about 5.5 hours. The price of a round trip ticket is about 320 EUR (approximately 20,000 RUB).

From Saint-Petersburg

There are no direct regular flights from St. Petersburg to Malaga. In my opinion, the most convenient way to get from the northern capital is by transit through Moscow. The flight to Moscow lasts no more than 1.5 hours, the connection between flights is from 3 hours, the price of a round-trip ticket is approximately 350 EUR (about 23,000 RUB). Flights are operated by Aeroflot airline.

Through Europe

Malaga can be reached through almost any European capital, as well as in transit through an airline Turkish Airlines.

Costa del Sol Airport

Planes fly to the main air harbor of the coast - Malaga Airport, named after the famous native of the city, Pablo Picasso. From the airport, getting to the tourist area is very easy. If you decide to stay in Malaga, the city is easily accessible from the airport in just 20 minutes.

By train

Another option for true travelers is to combine air travel and travel railway. You can take a direct flight from Moscow to Madrid or Barcelona, ​​and from there high-speed Ave trains (the name translates from Spanish as “bird”) run in the direction of Malaga. The journey will take 2.5–3 hours - the train rushes at a speed of about 350 km/h.

Trains arrive at main railway station Estacion de Malaga Maria Zambrano. Information on ticket prices and schedules can be found on the website of the Spanish National Railway Company (Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Espanoles), where they can also be booked and purchased.

Getting from Russia to the Costa del Sol by train is quite problematic. There is no direct train connection from Moscow, so you will have to make transfers through France or Italy. The method is not very convenient: you will spend a lot of time on the road, but it is expensive compared to air tickets.

By bus

Getting to the Costa del Sol by bus is not the best best idea: It will take a very long time to travel, unless these are special tours offered by agencies. As a rule, such routes cover several European capitals and are very often combined with air travel or rail travel.

By car

You can get to the resorts by car, but I don’t think this method will have many fans: it’s costly in both time and money. The journey will take about 44-45 hours from Moscow and the same from St. Petersburg, but this does not take into account traffic jams and overnight stays.

By ferry

The easiest way to get to the Costa del Sol by sea is to buy a special Mediterranean cruise from a travel agency. Such cruises include visits to major European cities on the coast and day excursions in every town.

But this method is not very suitable for a complete holiday on the Costa del Sol.

Clue:

Costa del Sol - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Ekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season? When is the best time to go

The Costa del Sol and the whole of Andalusia can safely be called all-season tourist destination. The average annual temperature in cities on the coast is + 19 °C. The time of year to visit the Costa del Sol depends on what you plan to do during your trip.

If the purpose of your visit is to relax on the sea coast, then best time Summer is the best time to travel to the Costa del Sol. The season starts from the end of May and lasts until the end of September. If you have a desire to see as many sights as possible and visit different cities, perfect for spring and autumn. Winter is not the best choice for a trip: tourists come here for the sun and the sea, and in winter the sky is often overcast, so you can’t swim in the sea. Prices, of course, are lower in the off-season than at the height of summer - this can also be an additional incentive to travel in winter. But, in my opinion, it is better to start your very first trip and acquaintance with the Costa del Sol in the warm season, when the bright sun is shining, in order to feel the southern flavor and enjoy all the pleasures that this fertile region offers.

Costa del Sol in summer

An interesting feature of Spain is that the calendar summer here begins not on the first of June, as in Russia, but on the 21st of June. But despite this, wonderful summer weather sets in here even before June 1st. It is worth keeping in mind that the end of July and August are the hottest times: the air warms up to +40 °C. So, most likely, you will only have the energy to visit the beach, but not to explore the sights.

Of course, on the Costa del Sol the heat is much easier to bear thanks to the sea breeze. But in the interior of the region, away from the coastline, the heat is simply unbearable. Famous city They even called it the Spanish frying pan! Therefore, you are unlikely to want to explore the sights in such heat - only the beach and the sea will attract your attention.

If you like to swim in the warm sea, keep in mind one more feature of the Costa del Sol: although this is the hottest region of Spain, the sea, unfortunately, warms up no more than +24 ° C - and only closer to August. This is due to the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean and underwater currents. There are the most tourists during this period, so you should take care of booking a hotel and purchasing air tickets in advance.

Costa del Sol in autumn

If you are more interested in sightseeing than a beach holiday, then the optimal time to visit is the off-season. In autumn it is not so hot, but comfortable, so at this time of year they are especially popular. sightseeing tours. But a beach holiday should not be discounted either. The sea in September becomes even warmer than in summer and warms up to 25°C. There are slightly fewer tourists on the coast than in the high season, although not significantly; autumn on the Costa del Sol is no less popular. To visit, it is better to choose the second half of September and the whole of October, but November will not be so sunny, rain is possible.

At the beginning of autumn, you can enjoy ripened berries and fruits, such as grapes.

Costa del Sol in spring

Spring is my favorite time of year to visit the Costa del Sol. It’s already warm, but not hot, the air temperature is about 20-23 °C. It’s too early to swim in the sea, especially in March and April, but you can sunbathe. An excellent time for excursions and walks around the city. In March, fruit trees begin to bloom, nature awakens after winter. It's worth coming in spring to see the orange trees blooming and, most importantly, to breathe in that sweet aroma!

Various festivals are also held in the spring. For example, La Semana Santa is Easter week, Feria de Abril is the April fair. A cheerful and festive atmosphere reigns in the cities, everyone dresses up in national costumes. Holidays are a great reason to come here in the spring!

Costa del Sol in winter

IN winter time The weather on the Costa del Sol is quite comfortable, the air warms up to +15-19°C. Mountains protect the coast from severe cold. However, there is a possibility of frequent rains.

In addition, in small resort towns it will be quite boring without beach holiday. Therefore, winter is not the best time to visit the Costa del Sol, especially the coastal area. Although you can come here for Christmas or New Year to take a little break from the Russian frosts. And if you manage to visit the Costa del Sol in February, you can see the carnivals that are held in different towns along the coast, including in the capital of the region - Malaga.

Clue:

Costa del Sol - weather by month

Main cities

What are the prices for holidays?

Rest on south coast Spain, and in particular the Costa del Sol, has always been considered an order of magnitude more expensive than, for example, in the more democratic Catalonia.

Housing prices

In the 90s, there were practically no three-star hotels on the coast; mainly four and five-star hotels were offered. Now the situation has changed: you can find a good hotel with two or three stars. The average price of accommodation starts from 40 EUR per night; in a good four-star hotel the price per room will be from 100-150 EUR. The larger the city, the greater the choice of different categories of hotels. You can stay in some well-known global hotel chain or choose a mini-hotel or boarding house.

Prices for food and drinks

• Breakfast - from 4 EUR.
• Lunch at the bar - from 10 to 20 EUR.
• Dinner - 30-40 EUR.
• In expensive restaurants you can pay about 60 EUR per person.
• A bottle of soda or beer will cost 1-1.5 EUR, a glass of wine - 2 EUR.

Entertainment

• Visiting museums and some cathedrals will cost up to 10 EUR. A little tip: before going to the museum, you should go to the website and check the schedule and ticket prices. Very often, many museums have free admission on weekends - this is a great opportunity to save money. As a rule, this information is available on websites.
• A ticket to a flamenco show in a special tablao, the price of which includes a drink, is quite expensive - from 50 EUR. But in fact, you shouldn’t waste money on flamenco: there will be a lot of impressions and just as much delight!

Transport prices

The price of a ticket depends on the distance of the trip, for example, from Malaga it takes twenty minutes to travel and the ticket will cost about 3 EUR. A bus from Malaga to Marbella takes an hour, the trip costs 8 EUR.

Main attractions. What to see

There are many attractions on the Costa del Sol; in almost every seaside town you can find something interesting besides the beach. Of course, the leader in interesting places is the provincial capital of Malaga, but I will give a list of five attractions that are not in the capital, but in other cities. These places are definitely worth seeing.

Top 5

The list of top attractions on the Costa del Sol includes:

Beaches. Which ones are better

I consider the beaches of the Costa del Sol to be some of the best beaches in Spain, maybe even the best. Wide, sandy, well equipped, marked with a blue flag, environmentally friendly. Each city on the coast has several first-class beaches.

Most beaches are marked with a blue flag. This means that the beach is clean and meets all sanitary standards. The eastern coast of the Costa del Sol is pebbly and rocky in places. The total length of the beaches is about 160 kilometers, the best sandy beaches are located to the west of Malaga.

Beaches of Torremolinos

The coast of Torremolinos consists of the following beaches:

• Central Beach La Carihuela is covered in dark sand and is well equipped.

• El Saltillo Beach is in the center of the tourist area, equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas.

• Playamar Beach - suitable for surfers and volleyball players.

• Montemar beach is quiet and calm, adjacent to the port of Benalmadena.

• Los Alamos is a wide and calm beach..

Beaches of Fuengirola

Fuengirola is not far behind Torremolinos and boasts some cool beaches, including:

• Los Boliches beach is very crowded and popular. There's an old-time seaside bar here.

• Carvajal Beach is located far from the city center. This is the calmest of the local beaches.

• Santa Amalia beach is marked with a blue flag and is adjacent to the landmark of Fuengirola - Sohail Castle.

• The beach is perfect for families with children.

• Fuengirola Beach is the central city beach.

Beaches of Malaga

There are about 15 beaches within Malaga. Of course, they are all one better than the other! I'll tell you about some of them:

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

The most famous cathedral on the Costa del Sol is the Malaga Cathedral. A majestic building by the architect Diego de Siloe. The cathedral is unusual in that it has only one bell tower: the second one was not completed because there were not enough funds. People called him the “one-armed lady.” There is a museum of its history attached to the cathedral.
Also worthy of attention is the beautiful neo-Gothic Church of the Sacred Heart - Iglesia de Sagrado Corazon, built in the 20th century.

In Marbella, in the Old Town there is an interesting church, the Iglesia de Encarnacion.

The outside of the church is not very decorated, the walls are painted white, and only the beautiful main portal attracts attention. But inside the church there is a magnificent altar. Free admission.

Among the Catholic churches on the Costa del Sol you can find a completely unexpected religious building. Built near Benalmadena buddhist stupa(temple)! It immediately catches your eye thanks to its tall golden spire. There is a Buddha statue inside the stupa. The walls are decorated with paintings done by artists from Nepal.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

There are actually a lot of museums in the Costa del Sol! I will give a list of the most interesting in my opinion.

Museums of Malaga

The place where museums are concentrated, of course, is.

And in Malaga there are flamenco museums, a museum of religious art, a city museum of fine arts and many others.

Marbella Museums

Marbella also has several interesting museums that deserve attention.

Museums of Torremolinos

In Torremolinos it is worth visiting the Tattoo Museum, where you can see how tattoos are made, read books on the history of tattoo creation, and see photographs and sketches.

Neighboring regions

For those who are tired of beach holidays and the sea, there is an excellent opportunity to arrange a mini-trip deep into the region.

Food. What to try

On the Costa del Sol, as on any other popular international resort, there will be no problems with food. Every coastal town has a huge number of restaurants, bars, eateries with different dishes The menu includes the usual pizza and pasta, various salads, and meat dishes.

For fans of fast food there will also be no problems with food: on the coast in almost every resort town you can find worldwide fast food chains.

But I think it would be a real crime not to try at least a few dishes from traditional Spanish cuisine. The most iconic and favorite place among the Spaniards are tapas bars. Tapas are light snacks served with a drink - beer or wine. It can be:

• small bouretbrodiki with jamon (Spanish ham);
• seafood - for example, squid, mussels;
• vegetable snacks;
• olives, skewered, etc.

You can also try different types and it’s even very good to get enough - you won’t need a full lunch anymore. I was lucky enough to attend the Feria de Tapas, or Tapas Fair, held in Malaga. The feria was held in a bullring. By the way, not a single bull was harmed then. You buy special tokens and use them to try different kinds beer and snacks, and you can vote for your favorites.

Read more about Spanish food in. Here I will list the most famous masterpieces of Spanish cuisine, characteristic of the South:

• Also a popular soup famous throughout Spain, you can also try it on the Costa del Sol - Sopa de Ajo. It is a clear garlic soup with bread.

You can also taste different seafood and fish on the coast, thank you Mediterranean Sea:

• anchovies, sardines - they are eaten fresh here, most often fried, and not in the form of canned food;
• mussels;
• lobsters;
• sea ​​bream;
• One of the most popular types of fish here is bakalo, or cod.

Very tasty and expensive pastries are prepared by monks in Andalusian monasteries. I definitely recommend trying it, I really liked it!

Beverages

The south of Spain is a wine region, so tasting local wines is a must.

In Malaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol, they produce sweet wine Dulce, somewhat similar to port.

The famous sherry is produced on the limestone soils near the city. The wine is aged in barrels. Young and mature wine are mixed periodically.

In extreme heat, the best drink is sangria. This is a light red summer wine with the addition of oranges, apples, sugar, a little liqueur, and ice. All this is served in glass jugs with a long wooden spoon for stirring.

Coffee is a very popular hot drink on the coast. Spaniards don’t drink tea, but I, as a special lover of this drink, always bought it in supermarkets. To be honest, the choice is small. There is no such diversity as we have, but you will still be able to find something.

Where to buy food

Those who like to cook on their own while on vacation may find information about food supermarkets and markets useful.

My favorite is the supermarket at the famous El Corte Ingles department store. Each of them has a grocery store on the ground floor with a wide selection. For example, there are many types of jamon in vacuum packaging from different manufacturers, and the prices are very attractive: you can buy a package for 1 EUR. The store also has a large selection of olives, cheeses, vegetables and fruits.

You can also go to Mercadona for groceries. Or to the Super Sol supermarket - the store is considered inexpensive, people often go there Special offers for different product categories.

Don't forget an important detail: on Sundays all stores are closed, including grocery stores! Be prepared to buy anything you need in advance. Although there is a lifesaver in such situations - these are small shops owned by immigrants from China. You can buy everything there: from a toothbrush to a bottle of wine. And they work even on Sundays.

Vegetables and fruits need to be bought at markets. There is a wonderful indoor market called Atarasanas in Malaga. There is a very large selection here.

Features of mentality

People's lifestyles are always influenced by climate and geographical location. For tourists from Northern Europe and for Russians, the abundance of sunshine is, of course, a holiday, because we don’t see the sun for almost six months and miss it very much. But sometimes you need to save yourself from it. And this is why siesta exists in the south of Spain; it means an afternoon nap. All shops, pharmacies and other establishments close for a three-hour break from 14:00 to 17:00-18:00, and after opening they continue to work until 21:00.

During the siesta, the streets die out, and in the late afternoon life begins to bustle again until late at night. The Spaniards really like to sit in some tapas bar with a glass of wine or beer with friends, discuss pressing problems and just chat.

The Spaniards are very welcoming and friendly, always ready to help a tourist, even if he does not understand Spanish. But when you start a conversation with locals in their native language This causes a storm of emotions for many; they are very happy and even a little shocked. In one of the bars, when I spoke to the waiter in Spanish and started to place an order, he asked me what country I was from, and when he heard my answer that I was from Russia, he didn’t believe me and even asked again, as if I was from Russia? This, of course, somewhat discouraged me, but then it turned out that he had not yet come across tourists from Russia who knew Spanish. Of course, I didn’t believe him and took his words as a compliment.

Holidays

Throughout the year, the Costa del Sol hosts many different festivals and fairs, during which you can get acquainted with traditions different cities provinces. Most of the holidays are related to history and traditional cuisine, so tourists have a great opportunity to learn folk culture region of the Costa del Sol. Here is a list of several holidays that are interesting in my opinion:

Safety. What to watch out for

In any place where a large number of people gather, you need to remain vigilant and be very attentive, as thieves and pickpockets are attracted to such an environment. In general, security is the same as in the rest of Spain. It is better to store valuables in safes. There is no need to carry your passport with you to the beach and leave your things unattended. Be sure to make a photocopy of your passport and visa before your trip, just in case: using copies will make it easier to restore documents in the event of force majeure.

Things to do

Sport

The Sun Coast offers its guests a variety of water sports, such as windsurfing, water skiing, diving and snorkeling. Among other sports, golf is popular on the Costa del Sol.

sunny Beach can offer to his active tourists about 30 equipped fields. Not every Mediterranean resort can boast such a developed golf infrastructure!

Mountains

In winter, the Soligneve ski resort in the Sierra Nevada mountains, 150 kilometers from Malaga and not far from Granada, is a success. By the way, it is considered the southernmost ski resort Europe.

Bullfight

Well, what would it be without bullfighting! Anyone who is interested in this sport (perhaps even art) should definitely attend a bullfight.

There is constant debate about bullfighting. Ardent animal defenders are in favor of banning fighting, while fans, on the contrary, cannot imagine traditional Spain without bullfighting. In my opinion, it’s better to see it once and then draw conclusions whether you liked it or not. Bullfighting has been banned in Catalonia. But in the South it continues to exist.

There are bullfighting arenas in Seville and Cordoba and in the main cities of the provinces - Malaga, Almeria, Granada, Huelva.

Fights are held regularly only in Seville, in other cities - only during Easter week, the April fair and on holidays.

Bullfighting is very popular in the South. The best fights of famous matadors are held in large, first-class arenas. Fast matadors in Spain are real stars; they are even second in popularity to football celebrities.

Flamenco

Another event that you can't miss when you're on the south coast is the flamenco show.

Flamenco evenings are often held for tourists right on the hotel grounds, but it is best to go listen and watch in a traditional place where performances are shown - it is called a tablao. Typically, a tablao is a mixture of a theater and a restaurant. The room is equipped with a small stage around which there are tables. As a rule, there are few of them and the stage is so close to the audience that when you watch the performance, you feel like a direct participant, you feel all the energy of what is happening on stage. The tablao offers drinks and light snacks.

Flamenco is singing, dancing and playing the guitar. The performers use castanets, snap their fingers, click their heels and always shout out the traditional “Ole”! Flamenco is a mixture of elements of gypsy and Muslim music. The performers are dressed in stunning suits, the women in full skirts, the men in black trousers and white shirts. The performance touches the soul - you don’t need to know Spanish to understand what is being sung: you can feel the meaning! Flamenco talks about sad fate, unhappy love and life.

Shopping and shops

Shopping is always a pleasure, especially on vacation. Everyone will love shopping in Spain.

In large shopping centers There are off-season sales, in the summer from July 1 and Christmas sales in December. You can also find special promotions and offers in stores.

The famous Spanish department store El Сorte Ingles - a good place to update your wardrobe.

The chain of department stores is represented throughout the country, with branches in major cities on the Costa del Sol in Malaga, Marbella, and Fuengirola. A department store usually occupies several floors, each representing a separate section. Clothes for women, men, children, household goods, toys, and a grocery supermarket on the ground floor. On the central streets of almost all coastal cities there are large chain stores of Spanish brands - Mango, Bershka, Stradivarius, Zara, etc. Prices in stores are usually lower than in Russia or other European cities.

To buy clothes and accessories from luxury brands, you need to go to Puerto Banus.

Clubs and nightlife

Nightlife and club lovers should enjoy the Costa del Sol. There are many establishments in Benalmadena and Torremolinos. But the real epicenter of nightlife is Marbella.

Club life on the coast does not depend on the season; parties are held throughout the year. Famous DJs often come here. The most famous clubs in Marbella:

• Nikki Beach Club is located on the beach of the Don Carlos Hotel. This favorite place hangouts of golden youth.
• Club Pangea with panoramic view to Marbella.
• Club Olivia Valere is considered the most elite club in Marbella.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Traditional Spanish products can be purchased as souvenirs.

Fans of all kinds of colors and sizes from tiny to huge, which decorate the walls, have different prices: you can come across both cheap and very expensive ones.

Ceramics, pottery, vases, cups, and figurines are sold everywhere along the coast.

Traditional Spanish clothing - dresses with fluffy skirts of various colors and Manila shawls - local beauties wear during major holidays, the April fair, some prefer to sew to order, others buy ready-made outfits. But in both cases, the price of the suits is rather high and starts from 400 EUR.

Espadrilles. Once traditional peasant shoes made of jute. Today it is very comfortable for everyday wear, in the form of closed slippers for both men and women, or open sandals with a high platform or flat shoes. They are very useful in hot weather; thanks to the natural material you feel very comfortable.

It’s very nice, already at home, to receive a bright colorful postcard in the mail as a reminder of have a wonderful holiday and unforgettable days.

How to get around the region

A huge advantage of the Costa del Sol region is transport accessibility. Therefore it is ideal for independent travel. The region has well-developed rail and bus connections. Trains and buses run according to schedule and are very convenient and comfortable.

Taxi. What features exist

In my opinion, there is no point in using taxi services. Why overpay when you can easily get to your destination by train or bus, in very comfortable conditions and with obvious savings.

But for those who still prefer not to use public transport, I advise you to always order a taxi by phone and not catch a car on the street. Taxi numbers can be obtained from hotel reception desks. Taxis are usually equipped with meters. A green light or libre sign indicates that the taxi is available. A trip from the airport to the center of Malaga will cost approximately 20 EUR.

Public transport

Public transport in the South is very well developed. Buses are an excellent means of getting around the Costa del Sol. They also go to places where there is no railway connection. Suburban trains ply along the coast from Malaga to Fuengirola. After Fuengirola, the train service ends, and to get to Marbella or Estepona, for example, you will need to take a bus. approximate cost Train travel from the airport to Fuengirola costs 7 EUR.

Transport rental

You can rent a car in all resort towns Costa del Sol. Typically, rental points are located at airports and train stations, as well as in the center resort towns. You can order a car on the spot upon arrival, but in high season, especially in summer, it is better not to risk it and book a car in advance on the Internet. Car rental offers can be viewed. In Spain, international driving licenses apply.

Rules traffic generally the same as in Russia. It is better not to violate them and not exceed speed limits. If you are caught in violation, you will have to pay a hefty fine. A big difficulty for motorists is parking. It is not possible to park near the sidewalks everywhere; most of the parking lots are paid, the price is approximately 1-2 EUR per hour.

All major cities of the Costa del Sol are connected by highways, including many toll roads.

Costa del Sol - holidays with children

The Costa del Sol is ideal for family vacation with kids. Sandy beaches with a gentle entrance into the water are just what little tourists need. The main thing is not to sit in the sun for a long time during the hottest hours. In addition to the beach, the resort has many other attractions:

Ski holiday

5 must-do things in this region

Anything to add?

Malaga - seaport, administrative center province of the same name. The city has international Airport, which is usually used to get to the Costa del Sol. The city has several pretty decent beaches where you can spend a day for a change. But as beach resort It is not customary to consider Malaga in any way. People come here mainly for excursion purposes.

Malaga is the birthplace of Picasso and, of course, there are museums dedicated to the artist. The car museum is also worth a visit. Lovers ancient architecture will be able to appreciate Cathedral, the Arab fortress of Alcazaba, the castle-lighthouse of Gibralfaro, many Roman ruins, medieval streets and several tens of kilometers of fortress walls built in different periods.

There are many antique shops in Malaga where you can find interesting rarities for your collection. well and best hotels and boutiques in Malaga are located on Marques de Larios Boulevard.

To say that Marbella is considered the resort capital of the Costa del Sol is an understatement. After all, it is the most popular, most famous, most expensive and glamorous resort of the entire Mediterranean coast of Spain. It is in this city and surrounding villages that the richest villas belong to screen stars and other famous personalities, including royalty. This is where you can see the most expensive yachts and, perhaps, even meet some famous person on vacation.

Hotels

Despite all the pomp and ambition, Marbella has an abundance of both expensive luxury hotels and excellent three-star accommodation options. Therefore, tourists with average incomes can easily afford the luxury of relaxing in this paradise.

Beaches

The most luxurious beaches of the resort are San Pedro de Alcantara and Carihuella. More democratic free beaches Las Dunes, Don Carloe, Babalu, Kabopilo and U Victor are also very popular among holidaymakers.

Marbella is a port city. There is one fishing port and three sports ports. Among them, Puerto Banus deserves special mention. This is the largest sports port in the whole Mediterranean coast and the most luxurious place on the entire Costa del Sol. This is not just a marina for the richest people in the world, but also a place where there are great shops, chic restaurants, luxurious casinos and all kinds of entertainment centers. A local landmark is the sculpture of a giant standing on the shore, donated to the city by the sculptor Tsereteli. The townspeople jokingly call her the Russian who saw the sea for the first time.

Attractions

As a reminder of the historical past, Marbella has preserved the Old Town, where you can see many interesting objects. Built in the 10th century, Vorovskaya and Royal Tower remained from the Alcazaba fortress. There are also more ancient monuments: Roman baths and mosaics of the 3rd century, a basilica of the 3rd-4th centuries. The ancient squares with Gothic medieval buildings are also impressive. Perfect place for walks - Marbella parks: Poplar Alley and the Botanical Garden, as well as the magnificent marble embankment stretching for seven long kilometers, framed by a palm alley. On one of the city streets you can see a whole collection of original sculptures by Salvador Dali right in the open air.

Torremolinos

Torremolinos is one of the most popular resort towns on the coast. The beach areas of Bajondillo and La Carihuela are a six-kilometer-long strip of sand. All Torremolinos beaches are clean, comfortable and, most importantly, free. There are hotels both in the coastal area and in the city itself, located on the mountain. You can go up and down using numerous stairs. Some of them are quite steep, and not everyone can handle such a climb. But there are fairly gentle stairs, as well as elevators that operate on a schedule. In general, if you settle on the mountain, you will get a chance to get your legs in shape.

Walks

In your free time from the beach bliss, you can stroll along the embankment or turn onto San Miguel Street, as if intended for tourists. Here you will find shops, discos, bars, and wine cellars, where you can taste all types of Spanish wines with light snacks. There is also an ancient tower from which the city borrowed its name.

The La Carihuela area is famous not only for its beaches, but also for its colorful fish restaurants, which serve a traditional dish - fried sardines. An interesting way of preparing signature sardines: they are fried over coals, and an old boat filled with sand is used as a barbecue, the old fashioned way. This is a must try.

Entertainment

On the northern outskirts of Torremolinos is the largest water park on the coast, which is a whole town of cascading pools, intricate slides and other attractions. Here you can have a great time both with children and with peers.

Another way to diversify your holiday is to visit a local crocodile farm. The highlight of the program is the five-meter crocodile Paco, the largest crocodiles living in Europe.

And finally, you can simply relax your soul, enjoy the picturesque landscapes and take a closer look at strange plants in the botanical garden, located in the suburbs of Torremolinos.

The picturesque resort town is known for its wonderful beaches with fine soft sand. The beach area stretches for eight kilometers. All beaches are free, clean and well equipped. Blue flags They show off on them every summer. The city is conventionally divided into three regions with different purposes.

Benalmadena Costa is a coastal resort area where all the city beaches are located. Here is a beautiful city ​​embankment with the Bil-Bil Palace, where various cultural events are held. In Benalmadena Costa you can see ancient Roman ruins.

Arroyo de la Miel is an area of ​​the city located on a hill. It offers stunning views of the coast. Most of the shops, restaurants and all kinds of entertainment venues, where tourists usually flock in search of experiences, are concentrated here. By the way, local park entertainment Tiwoli World is known throughout the Costa del Sol. Arroyo de la Miel also has wonderful tropical gardens with fountains and ponds that provide relief from the summer heat. But when you see the Big Singing Fountain here, you can feel proud, because... it was built according to the design of Russian architects.

Benalmadena Pueblo is a non-tourist area, an ordinary Andalusian village where people live measured life local residents. On central square Benalmadena Pueblo can be photographed against the background of the symbol of the city - a sculpture depicting a local girl.

History buffs will pay attention to the preserved buildings in the city. observation towers(XV century), the Church of Santo Domingo (XVII century) and be sure to go to the Archaeological Museum, where a unique collection of ancient art is kept.

It is also interesting to visit the sports port of Benalmadena Puerto Marina. Stunning architecture, beautiful yachts at the pier, many cafes and restaurants and fragrant flowers blooming all year round - you have never seen such a port before. Here you can learn how to manage yourself sailing yacht or go to cruise To artificial islands located nearby.

The city has a zoo, a marine aquarium with a transparent tunnel, and two bullrings. If you are interested in bullfights, come here on Sunday at 19:00.