Jake PopistThe Costa del Sol is truly one of the most stunning places to go for a holiday in Europe. It is for good reason that millions of travellers every year head there for rest and relaxation.
The Costa del Sol enjoys over 300 days of a year of glorious sunshine, the climate is warm and the Mediterranean coastline and lifestyle is wonderful. There are so many great places to stay on the Costa del Sol, all within easy reach of the main international airport with short Malaga airport transfers, it can be tough to choose the best place to visit. The Costa del Sol has something for everyone, and here are some tips on how to choose the right place for you and your family.
Málaga for culture and history
The city of Malaga itself is a real gem. On the one hand it is a vibrant cosmopolitan city, great for business and pleasure alike and with all the modern amenities you would expect. On the other it is a place of thousands of year of history, and the influence of Roman, Phoenician, Moorish and Christian cultures seen in the very streets.
From the cathedral to the castle overlooking the city, it is a great place for history lovers. There is also plenty for art lovers too. Pablo Picasso was born here, and there is a museum in his honour that is well worth a visit to see a wide range of his works.
Marbella to party in style, or get in some rounds of golf
Marbella is the place to go if you are looking for sun, cocktails and a bit of glamour. Especially in Puerto Banus, known as the playground of the wealthy and where it is perfectly normal to see super yachts owned by billionaires lined up in the marina.
The beach bars are a must see for a day time chill out by the beach, and the nightlife is buzzing, so perfect for a group getaway with friends. The shopping here is also great, with top designers and unique upmarket boutiques to browse. The gastronomy is pretty special too, there are even a couple of Michelin starred restaurants for an extra special treat.
But if you would rather improve your swing, around Marbella there are ten excellent golf courses with great views you can visit to get some practice in.
Benalmadena for family holidays
Benalmadena is a very popular spot to visit, especially for families of all ages. This is because it has a little bit of everything. There are a lot of really good beaches here for families to spend time playing and swimming.
There is an old part of the town, where you can get a feel for traditional Andalucian life, plenty of shops and restaurants, and if that wasn’t enough you can always visit the nearby Tivoli theme park for a bit of fun.
Nerja for an authentic fishing village experience
Nerja is commonly described as the jewel of the Costa del Sol, and for good reason. It is truly beautiful. Imagine a small fishing village, now grown to accommodate visitors but retaining all it’s Andalucian charm and heritage. Whitewashed houses, cobbled streets and fresh seafood is perfect for recharging those batteries.
As an added extra, just outside the town you can visit an ancient cave complex with some of the oldest discovered stalagmites in the world, and know to have been home to Neanderthals thousands of years ago. Occasionally in the summer months you can even catch classical concerts in the caves, making great use of those magical acoustics.
Jake Popist
