Europe's
"sun coast" isn't a modern fabrication of the tourism
industry like some other beach resorts. The Costa del Sol has
been inevitably luring people to its perpetually sunny shores
since Paleolithic man migrated there and settled into its caves.
Once discovered, the fascination has never stopped and everyone
from the Carthaginians to the Romans, Moors, French and, of course,
Spaniards, have competed to call this place home. Happily, the
days of battling empires are long gone and everyone can enjoy
this marvelous place! Visitors soak in the year-round sunshine,
indulge in luxurious hotels, feast on ocean-fresh delicacies,
mix with celebrities on a dance floor till dawn, browse the hillside
markets, golf on 30 oceanview courses, wreck-dive off of Gibraltar,
and whatever other Mediterranean pleasures they dream up.
Additionally, the coast's ancient
history left a rich legacy of monuments, churches, cave drawings,crafts,
and music that are worth exploring. This region of sleepy white-washed
villages, historic sights, and stunning scenery from soaring mountains,
to wooded dells teeming with wildlife, to the crystal sea, is
a spirited land of fiestas, electrifying nightlife, and flamenco
shows with a citizenry that is warm, proud, and beguiling. It's
no surprise to anyone that Europeans have made this 186-mile stretch
of beach their favorite vacation spot!
Areas
Within the Destination
Marbella:
One of Europe's most exclusive seaside resorts full of cafés,
great nightlife, and fine shopping, this place is frequently visited
by royalty and film stars. People mostly flock here in summer
for a sunny Mediterranean getaway, but the appeal lasts all year
and in winter, the major attraction is the spectacular golf. The
ancient town has a rich legacy of impressive monuments and other
sights that surprise unsuspecting visitors. Among them are Roman
ruins, Paleolithic cave drawings, and an Arab castle.
Puerto
Banús: This is Marbella's swank marina, with expensive
shops, world-class restaurants, and a glittering nightlife that
reflect the wealth of its visitors. The atmosphere of distinction
is enhanced by the many luxury leisure boats that cruise the harbor
and the spotlessly clean environment. The air is so clear and
the sun so bright that on some days when the conditions are just
right, you can see the African coast!
Benalmádena
Costa: This town, which retains the look of its Arab ancestry
more than most of its neighbors, caters almost exclusively to
package tours. The rocky beaches give way to a large marina and
many tourists attractions, including the casino, fortress towers,
17th-century Church of Santo Domingo, Tivoli World amusement park,
Paleolithic cave settlements, and a museum of pre-Columbian Latin
American artifacts. The sports harbor won the Best International
Marine Port award in 1995.
Torremolinos:
This is a high-rise vacation metropolis at the eastern foothills
of the Sierra de Mijas is the oldest of the Costa del Sol resorts.
It recently had a major enhancement that resulted in new squares,
a promenade, green spaces, and millions of tons of golden sand
poured in to expand and improvethe beaches. Those 6 beaches have
frequently won the coveted Blue Flag award, and facilities like
the promenade, excellent and varied shopping, buzzing nightlife,
and an Aquapark create a diverse seaside holiday. Interesting
sights include the only remaining molino (mill) from which the
town derived its name, Roman ruins, and a Neolithic settlement.
