Choosing the Best of Spain's Costa Del Sol
A Guide to Andalucia’s Top Beaches and Resorts near Málaga
May 18, 2009
So much has been written about these long stretches of sand washed by the deep blue Mediterranean that it’s hard to know where tourists crowd the sand and where to find the idyllic and scenic beaches with only a few others to share them. And if everyone goes to the Costa del Sol, is there a good reason? Tales of unrestrained development, rows of cookie-cutter hotels and T-shirt shops still worry travelers, so here’s the latest dish on the resort towns between Málaga and Gibraltar.
Europe's Best Beaches for Sun
Its record of having the most days of guaranteed sunshine in Europe is a powerful reason for the Costa del Sol’s popularity, which caused serious over-development initially. But the government of Andalucia has not only put a stop to this, it has begun the process of tearing down the worst offenders and returning entire sections of coast to natural landscapes and low-rise, tasteful new building. The result is a merry mix of international and very Spanish experiences, without losing the good-time spirit of this holiday haven.
The Costa del Sol’s Major Towns
The best way to arrive is to fly into Málaga, Spain’s second most important cruise port, which has transformed itself, replacing its main shopping street with a beautiful pedestrian mall lines by sculpture and cafes. Also new is the outstanding Picasso Museum Málaga, showing hundreds of his original works. Other major resorts are close:
- Marbella’s old town, only a few blocks away from the wide beach, is filled with authentic tapas bars, old-world charm and Moorish influences.
- Porto Banus, the artsy and chic marina close to Marbella, is filled with spectacular yachts and their suntanned owners, along with smart boutiques, upscale jewelers and pricey nightlife.
- Torremolinos is also populated mostly by foreigners, but not such wealthy ones, and has an equally international flavor; Spanish is rarely heard there.
Beach Resorts Off the Beaten Path
Those seeking laid-back sun and sand should head east from Málaga, to the point where the sierra drops to the sea dramatically and beaches hide beneath its cliffs. Golfers should head west, to the far end of Marbella.
- Nerja is a quiet resort with the best views of the prettiest part of the Costa del Sol from the Balcon de Europa promenade. To see Paleolithic cave paintings, visit the Cueva de Nerja, where Cromagnon man lived.
- Cabo de Gata, east of Almeria on the coastal road, has a beach, a lighthouse and crystal clear waters for diving.
- Mojacar, just inland from Cabo de Gata, is Spain’s most Moorish village, its compact stack of startlingly white cubes often described as a pile of sugar cubes.
- Nueva Andalucia, a stretch of less developed coast between San Pedro de Alcantara and Marbella, is home to many of the Costa del Sol’s more than 50 golf courses – so many that it’s nicknamed Golf Valley.
For Families in the Costa del Sol
Along with miles of golden beaches to play on and kid-friendly resorts, the Costa del Sol offers family activities and amusements of all kinds.
- Selwo, near Estepona, is a safari-like animal park with about 2000 animals from five continents, living in semi-wild environments.
- Mijas Aqua Park, in Fuengirola and Aqualand in Torremolinos are water parks; Aqualand is biggest in the Costa del Sol.
- Tivoli World, in Benalmadena, is the region’s biggest theme park, with rides for all ages, but with a special section just for toddlers. The park is open until 2 am in the summer.
Getting to Spain’s Costas
Malaga's airport is served by regular flights from Madrid, where there are non-stop connections to New York, Boston, Chicago, Miami and Washington, DC, on Iberia Airlines.
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