Costa del Sol/Malaga

The Costa del Sol is a region which comprises the coastal towns and communities in the Málaga province, along the Mediterranean coastline. It is in the south of Spain, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. The name translates as "Sunny Coast" [1] in English. Formerly a series of quiet fishing settlements, the region has been completely transformed in the latter part of the 20th century into a tourist destination of world renown, with a near-continuous urban agglomeration of settlements and resorts running along the length of the coastline.

It includes the towns of Málaga, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella, San Pedro de Alcántara, Vélez-Málaga, Nerja, Torrox, Puerto Banús and Estepona.

Settlement in the region dates back to the Bronze Age, and it has been alternatively ruled by many cultures such as the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Visigoths and Moors, before the Reconquista. Traditionally composed of fishing villages, the area was discovered for international tourism in the 1950s and has since been a popular destination for foreign tourists not only for its beaches, but also its tourist culture. The area is particularly famous for hosting towns like Marbella- which provide the Costa del Sol with its super-rich and famous visitors.

In recent years the Costa Del Sol has become known to golf enthusiasts as the 'Costa Del Golf' due to the vast number of high quality golf courses- especially in Marbella. Attracting golfers from all over Europe and indeed the world, the area has benefitted from an increase in tourism and is seeing an increasing number of new complexes being developed to house the growing number of keen golfers in the area.

The area is heavily urbanised, with a thick ribbon of densely-packed buildings running along most of the coast. Architectural styles are a mixture of low-rise, whitewashed villas and much high-rise development, especially among the tourist resorts, much of it unsympathetic to the geography.

Malaga centre is not only the perfect place to explore the many historical monuments, atmospheric little streets and squares with delightful café culture, but it is also a wonderful shopping centre. The main street to head for runs perpendicular to the stunning tree lined avenue, the Alameda, and starts at the Plaza Marina, near the port. Calle Marqués de Larios (often simply referred to as ‘Larios’) was made pedestrian in 2002 as part of the overall improvements being made to Malaga centre. The result is a busy chic area with many boutiques, designer shops and classy cafes, all surrounded by beautifully restored buildings. At the top of Larios is the main square, Plaza de la Constitución, which is centre of attention throughout the year when cultural, traditional and religious events are being celebrated. It is especially pretty in December, when a huge Christmas tree and decorations are the focal point. During Semana Santa (Easter Holy Week), Malaga is taken over by incredible religion processions and the square is decked out with tiers of seats for spectators. Notably during this very important week of religious celebration, Antonio Banderas often continues to take part as he has done since he was a young boy.

The city of Malaga Spain with its approximately 550 000 habitants the second largest city of Andalusia, lies about 370 km to the south of Alicante along the Costa del Sol. Well known amongst tourists and travelers around europe for the Malaga airport, it one of the largest destinations especially for cheap flights to and from Spain. Most travelers use Malaga to reach their hotel or apartment around the Costa del Sol. Malaga is capital of the province and with its lovely Harbor worth a visit. Famous for the pasas (raisins), Malaga is also well known for its superb wines.

The cathedral of Malaga

Malaga's cathedral at the plaza de la cathedral, is one of the most prominent buildings of the city. The construction of the limestone building had been started in 1528 by Pedro Lopez and Diego Siloe. Built on the place of a Malaga mosque, construction had been interrupted various times and finally stopped in 1783 due to lack of money. The southern tower of the church is still not completed and therefore in spanish called la manquita, which means the missing. Due to the various architects working on the cathedral over centuries, one notices the different styles. However the cathedral of Malaga is amongst the cathedral of Seville, Granada and Jaen, one of the four most important of its kind.

The market

Old part of town lies west of the cathedral. With a good map you will find within all these tiny streets and footpath the market area. Worth a visit for any tourist, the market hall with its impressive marble entrance door, displays some of what the city has to offer. The look of tons of fish and the beauty of flowers, vegetables and seafood. Outside the market hall, you will find many nice bars and restaurants. Just right for a little break.

Picasso Museum

One of the most famous sons of the city is Pablo Picasso. You still find his birth house at the Plaza de la Merced 15. The building is home to the Foundation Picasso. The larger and more famous Picasso museum can be found at the Palacio de Buenavista at Calle San Augustin. Certainly worth a visit for anybody interested in Malaga's most famous artist. A little bit further north in the Calle de la Victoria, you will find the lovely church nuestra senora de la victoria from the 15th century.

Malaga's Harbor Area and the Castle of Alcazaba

One of the nicest areas is the Harbor Particularly with a lovely park alongside, it allows you to relax from the sometimes so busy city. The paseo dl Parque pathway leads you from the plaza de marina to the bullfighting arena. It lies just on the feet of the impressive castle de Alcazaba, which reins over the city, make sure you visit it on your next Malaga holiday.

The Alcazaba, Malaga's castle has been built on tests of a roman fortress and was expanded and completed in the 14th century by the Nasrides. The castle is mostly destroyed but with the ruins two museums are located. The archeological museum shows findings from the gotic and greek centuries and the Museo de la Ceramica displays mostly pottery. Within the castle you will find rests of the old Malagan roman theatre from the 1st century.