The bustling activity which characterises the streets here reaches a crescendo in summer, to become an ever present vivacious background to the lively nightlife in many parts of the area. Throughout the year and to an incredible degree in summer, the coast is a magnet for night birds, and the fun goes on until the early hours of the morning.

The most striking thing about the coastal towns is the variety; from pubs and little bars which offer a wide choice of homecooked tapas to the most sophisticated restaurants, casinos and night clubs. From the sea, the moon and the nocturnal landscapes in the modern resorts to the marinas where sailing boats sway in the gentle breezes which cool the heat of summer.

Location

The Costa del Sol is situated in the South of Spain, which a member of the European community located in the far west of the Mediterranean. The area of coastline that is the Costa del Sol extends northwards from the Straits of Gibraltar, which is the door to the Mediterranean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean. The capital of this land establishes the division between the west of the Costa del Sol, which include; Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Marbella, Estepona, Manilva and areas surrounding Cádiz and Sotogrande; and the east of the Costa del Sol, which include Nerja, Torre del Mar and Tolox.

Málaga borders on the provinces of Granada in the East; Córdoba in the North and Cádiz in the West. Málaga can be easily reached via direct roads from all of these places, however the most direct approach is via the southbound National 5 road from Madrid, through Granada. The road via Córdoba is also quite straightforward and connects with the main road 92, which links Sevilla and Granada.

The National 340 coastal road is not very good quality, however, when you eventually get to Málaga you can take the main road or use the motorway. Coach travel is relatively simple and there are frequent and regular services from Madrid, Barcelona and the North of Spain, Sevilla, Córdoba, Granada and Cádiz to Málaga.

Málaga airport, which is also known as Pablo Ruiz Picasso airport, is the fourth busiest airport in Spain (almost ten million passengers each year) and has the capacity for 500 flights per day. You can fly direct to the majority of the main European capitals as well as big international cities like New York. Many companies also offer regular charter flights to these destinations.

There are numerous companies that fly direct from the Costa del Sol to Madrid and Barcelona throughout the day. Iberia has seven connections a day to Madrid and it is possible to check flight times and book tickets for these flights via their website. The airport is situated next to the main road that runs through the Costa del Sol, which makes it a relatively simple affair to get to your final destination.

The train journey to Madrid is approximately four hours long and is via the Talgo 200 (run by the cost-effective Renfe company). They also run a service called 'coche-cama' which allows you to take your car on the train. From Málaga there are also local trains with good connecting services to other cities in Andalusia.

There are also good connections from the Costa del Sol to various other cities within Spain.

The transport links with the Costa del Sol have been made as convenient, efficient and comfortable as possible due to its importance as an international tourist destination and also the increasing prominence of the South of Spain within the national economy.

Friendly people.

One of the great attractions of the Costa del Sol is its people. You will find that they are open, welcoming and tolerant, in keeping with their historical legacy which witnessed so many cultures live in harmony. Hospitable and courteous towards visistors, you will have the opportunity to join in their festivals and customs.

History of the Costa del Sol.

The South has been inhabited since the Stone Age. The Greeks and Phoenicians colonised it part of their empire and the Vandals conquered it in the 5th Century , giving it its name 'Andalusia' an evolution of the Arabic 'Al-Andalus', Land of the Vandals.

The list does not end here; there followed the Visigoths, until the beginning of the 8th Century, when the Moors crossed the Straits of Gibraltar and in the 3 years had conquered all of Iberia. After 7 Centuries of Muslim rule, it passed into Castilian hands.

What is it in this bit of land that is Andalusia that has inspired such a desire to possess it on the part of so many different people? Join us and experience for yourself the mysterious attraction it exercises. Part of this attraction is precisely the result of the passes of these different cultures, which has made this a land where contrasts flow into harmony. The visible traces can be witnessed in its monuments, but there are others, less apparent, rooted in the character of the people and in the customs and traditions faithfully maintained throughout the Centuries.

Your Second Home.

Along the coast, there are a great many important tourist resorts, such as Mijas and Marbella.

The slopes from Mijas towards the sea provide a fine view, the foothills of the Sierra dotted with little houses, rooftops and swimming pools sprouting magically in odd formations among the green. The fine developments in La Cala, Riviera, Miraflores, Capobino, Elviria and many more, with their excellent beaches are coastal refuges, the destination of many who want to get away from it all and enjoy wide-open green spaces.

Marbella City has become the preferred location for those who enjoy luxury tourism. There are private developments where good taste, comfort and peacefulness vie as the principal feature. Golf courses and fine gardens complete a truly unique situation.