Visit Costa del Sol

The popular image of Spain as a land of bullfights and flamenco derives from the spectacular southern region of Andalucia where once Moors, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and others all came and left their mark. Nowadays holidaymakers and Europe's elite have made Andalucia's sunshine coast their own attracted by more than 300 days of sunshine and the magnificent beaches.

Image Gallery Costa del Sol © Miguel Angel Toro/Turismo Costa del Sol/www.visitacostadelsol.com If you are after peace and tranquillity, seek out some of the area's more secluded beaches where you can explore hidden coves whilst golfers will be in paradise with numerous courses, including spectacular ones designed by golfing legends.

Eating & Drinking

Benalmadena: dining options range from typical tapas in small bars to fine dining around the marina whilst there are also a wide choice of "British options" including Fish and chips and steak and kidney pie. The area offers masses of bars and clubs, including a large nightclub.

Fuengirola: There are plenty of restaurants here to suit everyone's taste and pocket, either within the resort or just outside and fish and shellfish, are not surprisingly, the local specialities. There are a good range of varied bars.

Puerto Banus / Marbella:The choice of restaurants here is unlimited and includes excellent beach bars and restaurants specialising in paella and sangria. The most popular bars tend to be found in open-air terraces beside the marina.

Torremollinos: The area caters for all tastes, from fast-food eateries, snack bars and pizzerias to local cuisine and fish specialities. There are also a huge range of bars, discos and nightclubs in which to enjoy a drink or two.

Entertainment

Benalmadena: There is plenty to keep everyone entertained here, with the lively Marina as home to the Sealife centre and the yacht club. There is also the Tivoli World theme park which offers a great day out for all the family, while holidaymakers looking to glimpse into the past can visit the archaeology museum, with its exhibits of Neolithic finds from the local area.

Fuengirola: A lot of the activity centres around the beach here you can find a range of watersports as well as beach volleyball. Shopaholics are also well catered for with four hypermarkets on the outskirts and a large morning market in the centre of the resort.

Puerto Banus / Marbella: Sport lovers are well catered for with famous golf courses, tennis clubs, watersports at the Marina and horseriding. The surrounding countryside is ideal for a scenic drive while visitors who want to take things easy can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the many shops near the port.

Torremollinos: much of the entertainment is beach-based with lots of water sports, including windsurfing, paragliding, water-skiing and pedal boats. There is also an Aqua park with swimming pools and water slides and a nearby crocodile park.

The surrounding area

A picturesque, white-washed mountain village of Mijas is worth a day trip while Nerja, the 'jewel of eastern Costa del Sol' Nerja offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and coastline.

Urban junkies will enjoy a visit to the modern city of Malaga with its historical architecture, picturesque botanical gardens and excellent shopping. If it is shopping you are after though, a visit to Rock of Gilbrltar is a must.