The Costa del Sol is a region in southern Spain, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. Formerly made up of quiet fishing villages, the Costa del Sol has become a world-class vacation destination, made popular for its culture as well as its beaches. Water sports are very popular along the Costa del Sol, as are numerous cultural festivals.

 

 

History

Archaeological evidence indicates that the Costa del Sol region was inhabited in Paleolithic and Neolithic times. First known to be controlled by the Phoenicians, the region passed through the hands of many rulers, including the Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Visigoths, and Moors, before being reconquered for Europe by Henry IV of Castile. The region retains many vestiges of its long history, including Roman baths, Arab castles, and Phoenician ruins.

 

Art & Museums

Malaga, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, is also home to the Picasso Museum, which houses many classic paintings as well as ceramics and sketches by the master. On the level beneath the ground floor, Roman and Phoenician ruins discovered during the building of the museum are displayed. Towering over the city of Malaga are two Moorish castles, the Castillos de Gibralfaro and Alcazaba. The Alcazaba is often said to resemble a garden more than a fortress, and has been beautifully restored. Back in the city at the Interactive Museum of Music, visitors can try their hand at a huge number of different instruments.

 

Nightlife

When it comes to painting the town, Torremolinos and Benalmadena are the Sun Coast's hot spots. Torremolinos boasts hundreds of bars and dance clubs, with a vibrant gay scene. Benalmadena is well known for cabaret and flamenco shows, and has hugely popular nightclubs of its own, particularly in the Marina area. Both cities have a "party all night" attitude; bars and clubs in Benalmadena's 24 hour square regularly stay open past 6am.

 

How to get there

Regularly scheduled flights to the Malaga International Airport from Barcelona, Madrid, and all over Europe will have you soaking in the sun in a flash. Once in Malaga, frequent trains and buses are available to all parts of the region.