Introduction

This site provides a general guide and information on the Andalucia and the south coast of Spain. Where available photographs are available to give a better sense pf life in Spain.

History and culture

Spains proximity to the African continent plays an important historical role in it's cultural and heritage. Spain was inhabited by the Moors for many hundreds of years. This Arabian influence is still apparent in many of the villages, buildings, farms that are scattered along the hillsides just off the coastline. Spain experienced centuries of decline, following defeat and the end of the Islamic domination. This led to people searching for prosperity and leaving their homeland to set up up colonies in other parts of the world, like the Latin America. In the last few centuries, Spain has seen massive growth and upturn that has helped shaped the country into one of the leading members of the European Union.

Costa del Sol towns and resorts of interest

The Costa Del Sol is the name given to over 300Kms of Mediterranean coastline on the southern tip of Spain belonging to the region of Andalusia. The Costa del Sol comprises the provinces of Almeria, Granada, Cadiz and Malaga. This area stretches from the bay of Almeria to the rock of Gibraltar. The landscape is extreme and varied, ranging from rocky snow capped mountain ranges to the long sandy coastal beaches. At the heart stands the province of Malaga.

Malaga is the fifth largest city in Spain and is situated in the center of the costa region. As the Costa capital, and providing the main airport, Malaga welcomes millions of holiday makers to Spain every year. Although the tourists filter their way the neighboring beach resorts, they are starting to appreciate the Charm and history of this most important Spanish city. So much so that there are now tours to the main sites including important historical shopping streets, ancient architecture, Arabian fortress, lighthouse, museum and Cathedrals. In August, Malaga hosts a huge festival that includes fairgrounds, fireworks displays, street flamenco dances.

Torremolinos is approximately one quarter of an hour drive from Malaga and is the first resort heading west, away from Malaga. This has been a popular holiday destination for many British families for the past 30 years. The neighboring resorts are first Benalmadena and then Fuengirola.

Benalmadena is just a couple of kilometers west of Torremlinos. Access is along the main coastal road. The first attraction you come across is the marina, which is the biggest on the Andalusian coast. Other attractions further down the coastline are Sea world, Tivoli world amusement park and casino. The road winds past a number of holiday complexes, holiday properties and villas before it reaches the resort of Fuengirola.

Fuengirola has the longest seafront on the coast of the Costa del Sol. Although Fuengirola has seen the completion of a number of modernization projects, the village of Los Boliches still retains some of its fishing village charm. Continuing down the west is Mijas and the well known Marbella.

Marbella is a thriving trading town and has attracted some of the most exclusive developments, hotels and properties in this region of spain. To the east of Malaga is the less well developed area including Nerja. Further inland there are areas of natural beauty and character including the towns of the Ronda and Antequerra.

Ronda has a number of features including ancient bull rings and numerous golf courses. The area is popular for its golfing holidays leading to it being called the Costa del Golf. This area of the Spanish coast is acclaimed for its bars, food, people and fairs. Other places of interest include : Calahonda, Estepona, San Pedro. Moving towards the East of Malaga City -

Nerja is towards the East of Malaga and is set against the backdrop of the Sierra de Tejeda mountains. This is a picturesque area of Spain, fairly un spoilt and away from the more popular beach resorts it still retains is beauty with such as sea bays, coves and long beaches.

Granada is approximately 40 kilometers from the coast and is set against the snow capped Sierra Nevada mountains. To this day, with its castles and ancient architecture, the city of Granada still exhibits its Moorish history.

Gibraltar forms the bridgehead between the continents of Africa and Europe. A span of water approximately 25 kilometers separates Gibraltar from Africa. Britain has occupied Gibraltar since the 18 th century though Spain has tried to regain control many times. With its tax free status on liqueur, tobacco, electronic equipment and perfumes, Gibraltar has become a shoppers paradise for Britain's in recent years. Access to Gibraltar is through the border guard from Spain. Attractions include the nature reserve, botanical gardens and various caves.

Spanish traditions

Bullfighting acceptability is divided in the UK and in many parts of the world, yet forms a key part of the Spanish culture and tradition. It symbolizes macho image over wild creatures. The best bullfighters demand the highest respect. The Spanish flamenco dance has its history with the gypsies that crossed into Europe from Africa and Asia. These dances are very popular not only in Spain but in other parts of Europe and beyond.

Weather, temperature and climate

One of the key attractions to Spain is the Spanish climate. With as many as 300 sunny days per year and temperatures averaging between 12 [winter] and 30 [summer] degrees Celsius, it is not difficult to see why the Costa del Sol is sometimes called the sunshine coast. In the summer the hot and dry temperatures are tempered by the breeze from the Mediterranean sea. In winter periods differential pressures between the spanish coastline and the mountain ranges can lead to more variable climates and occasional storm.

A resort for all of the family

The exceptional weather climates have made the Costa del Sol a popular British holiday destination no matter what time of year. With cheap flights from the majority of uk airports and a host of bargain family holiday packages, it in not difficult to see why Spain has become the number one vacation retreat.

Properties, Villas and Hotels

Recently, many of the spanish resorts have seen an influx of English people who have invested in the Spanish property market. Nowadays many families have a second holiday home in Spain. There are still property bargains to be found and the property market continues to provide good grow rates.

Spanish Food and bars

There are many English bars and restaurants to visit and eat. Charges are still relatively cheap compared to mainland UK. There are a selection of local and british beers, ales and lager available. Alternatively Spanish Tapas bars provide both food and drink at normally lower costs. This is particularly true in some of the side street bars found just off the beach front.