The Costa del Sol is the most popular holiday destination in Spain. Situated on the southern coast in Andalusia having an average yearly temperature of 18 degrees, with comfortable hotels, marvellous beaches and coves, and over sixty golf courses, it is easy to see why millions of people travel to the area each year.
The resorts within the Costa del Sol cover 150 kilometres of coast line with long stretches of sand leading into the warm Mediterranean Sea. There are numerous opportunities for aqua sports including dolphin watching in the Straits of Gibraltar. The nightlife is so diverse that there is something to suit all tastes. From a romantic meal in a waterfront restaurant to dancing into the small hours, the Costa del Sol has it all.
The Costa del Sol has widespread appeal. Beautiful beaches with safe bathing for families with small children, water sports with varying degrees of excitement for the adults, magnificent golf courses, superb shopping and a vibrant nightlife, it is no surprise that so many people holiday here.
Although the Costa del Sol is a year round holiday venue, the summer holiday period is probably the most popular time to go, with guaranteed sunshine and warm seas. However, it is also a good place to go to escape from the damp British winter.
There are many resorts along the Costa del Sol including, amongst others Torremolinos, Fuengirola and Marbella. All have a wide variety of hotels, villas and high-rise apartments. Apart from relaxing in the sunshine, the beaches offer many water sports including jet skiing, sailing, scuba diving and dolphin safaris. There are also caves to explore especially at the east end of the Costa del Sol at Nerja.
Inland, the small towns and villages, which were often built on the sides of hills as a defence measure, are in complete contrast to the coastal strip. The whitewashed houses, with their tiled red roofs, nestle together along narrow winding streets. In the hills, the opportunities available are, among others, hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding and hang gliding. There are many excursions from the resorts in the Costa del Sol and Granada , with its palace is one of the most awe-inspiring. A large number of people visit the Costa del Sol for the golf as there are so many first class courses from which to choose.
The Costa del Sol is host to many music, dance and theatre festivals particularly through the summer months. Of special interest are those that are held in the large caverns at Nerja Caves. Flamenco dancing is especially popular as it is the traditional dance of the gypsies of Andalusia. Bull fighting remains part of Spanish culture and the Costa del Sol has its share of bull rings, although the spectacle is no longer so popular among tourists.
The nightlife in the Costa del Sol is noted for its drive and vitality. With numerous bars, clubs, pubs, restaurants and casinos there is something for everyone.
There are many shopping opportunities in the Costa del Sol. You will find everything from high fashion in elegant boutiques, particularly in Marbella’s Golden Mile and in Malaga, to souvenir shops on the sea front. Inland, traditional crafts are found such as hand carved kitchen utensils, pottery and leather goods. If this is insufficient, there are shopping trips to Gibraltar and even to the markets of Morocco.
As expected fish dishes abound in the Costa del Sol with small fried fish and shellfish being firm favourites. There are tapas bars and restaurants to suit all tastes and pockets.
Spain is a Roman Catholic country and many of its festivals are connected with the church. Patron saint days are particularly important. When visiting churches, shoulders and legs should be covered, especially in rural areas, so as not to give offence.
The best time to book a cheap Costa del Sol holiday is outside of the peak summer season. Booking in May or October has a number of advantages, in particularly the price. The resorts will not be as busy, which will result in cheaper accommodation and also cheaper food and drinks. You may also find a cheap Costa del Sol holiday in the winter time providing you steer clear of major holidays such as Christmas and New Year.
Costa del Sol is the most popular holiday destination in Spain, and as a result it will be quite difficult to find a cheap deal, especially in the peak summer period. The area is busy for good reason however. There is so much to see and do including some marvellous beaches and over 60 golf courses which are open for most of the year.
The temperature never drops below 18°C, so even if you do visit the area outside of the peak summer time, the weather will almost certainly be warmer and brighter than the weather in the UK at the same time.
Costa del Sol's beautiful beaches are also very safe, and ideal for families with young children. There are plenty of water sports including jet skiing, surfing, sailing, scuba diving and dolphin safaris plus more so there's definitely something to suit everyone's tastes.
The night life in Costa del Sol is very diverse and you can do anything from having a romantic meal in one of the many high quality restaurants to dancing into the early hours of the morning at a local disco.
There's plenty more to see in Costa del Sol, even outside the busy summer period, but if you're looking for a cheap holiday then you'll want to visit in May or October for the best deals.
