For many years the Costa del Sol was thought of as a playground of the rich and famous, while it now more affordable and accessible to all, it still has that touch of class which elevates it above most of the tourist areas that encircle the Mediterranean. Souvenir shops rub shoulders with designer stores in the top resorts and the fabulous Spanish cuisine is very much in evidence in one of the hundreds of restaurants which call the Costa del Sol home.
Malaga provinces nightlife is as vast and varied as you can possibly imagine, from small, intimate wine bars to branded clubs and casinos. There are resorts catering for the younger fraternity as well as those who recognised as being family friendly. The tourism sector in this area has tapped into the potential that lies in their miles of golden sands, and tourists are offered a huge variety of activities and facilities that are that big special.
As well as the sweeping coastlines, further inland Malaga Province you have a wild and beautiful landscape and the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, a trip inland is well worth it but bear in mind it gets hotter the further you move away from the coast. Overall, Malaga Province really has something for everyone, whether star spotting or sipping Sangria in the sun is your thing, this area hasn't got its famous reputation for nothing.
Malaga
Despite being founded by the Romans, the architecture is very Moorish, and it's a crying shame that many tourists only see the inside of the airport before they catch their transfers to their holiday resorts.Malaga is a very beautiful city, and there is much to appeal to the discerning traveller. There are many who aren't aware that Pablo Picasso was a son ofMalaga, and whether you are an art fan or not, the museum bearing his name is well worth a look.
If you enjoy wandering cobbled streets and getting a feel of the real essence of where you are staying head for Malaga old town. The maze of little streets bursting with exquisite bistros and shops are absolute delight to browse around and right at the centre you will suddenly come upon the magnificent Malaga Cathedral. Built between the years of 1528 and 1782, the interior has a both Baroque and Renaissance influences and is one of the finest Cathedrals inSouthern Spain.
The restaurants of Malaga are a real gastronomes delight, this is Spanish cuisine at its best, although you can easily get gourmet international cuisine that's what you prefer. When the sun goes down, Malaga's nightlife comes to life. The beach bars that are open through the day become clubs after dark and the golden sand becomes their dance floor. The list of bars and endless, and the wild party nights at the premier clubs are legendary.
Torremolinos
To the west of Malaga lies the popular tourist resort or Torremolinos. This town was just a poor fishing village until tourism arrived inSpainin the 1950's, and it was one of the first towns on the Costa del Sol to fully develop into a fully-fledged tourist resort. It has always been a firm favourite with British travellers and has one of the largest populations of British expatriates in Spain.
Even now, the town is still developing in all directions as high rise hotels and apartment blocks stand against the skyline, and to counteract the ‘concrete jungle' effect there are many pretty parks and public areas, resulting in a very attractive resort. The centre of Torremolinos was the first part to be developed and is still the most authentically Spanish part of the town.
One of the main attractions are the stunning expanses of golden sands, which tend to be both longer than wider than other beaches is the area. It is also a haven for lovers of water sports, as there is everything here from windsurfing to jet skiing for those who prefer to catch the sun's rays actually on the Med rather than lying beside it.
It is one of the main resorts that benefits from the year round climate, and many tour operators have great deals to Torremolinos in the winter months. Whether you are 18 or 80, the variety of attractions for tourists will satisfy all, and you may find yourself one of the thousands who return year after year.
Fuengirola
For those of you who know about Fuengirola, you will be aware of the 5 miles of golden sands and the luxury hotels and apartments that have an unparalleled view over the Mediterranean. This premier resort has seen big changes in recent years, and all for the better. The promenade has been widened and is now a brightly coloured oasis of flowers and palm trees. The three main beaches are all proud holders of the blue flag award and it is in a perfect location to enjoy the intimate but spectacular province of Malaga.
So why choose Fuengirola over the other resorts? A tough call to be honest but the sheer effort that the townsfolk put into making their town the most desirable in the area deserves to reap the benefits. Food and drink is taken very seriously here, and whether you fancy an English fry-up or traditional Andalucian Tapas you can be assured that the same care and attention will be paid to your meal as to a gourmet feast.
It can be a tough decision what to do through the day in Fuengirola, but only because there is so much choice. The Aqua Park and the Zoo are two activities that you should allow a full day for. Once evening approaches Fuengirola really comes to life, there are numerous bars and entertainment venues that your evening fun, after the sun, is guaranteed.
Other big attractions that bring people into Fuengirola are its many festivals and markets. A beer festival is held every July, top stars such as Jamie Cullum appear in one of the many revue venues and there are several markets to choose from. Every year a unique and exquisite market is held in August at Castle Sohail. Time is wound back several hundred years and this major attraction is transformed into a medieval town for the duration of the market. The 7km Rey de Espana promenade plays host to an extensive craft fair through the summer months which attract crowds from neighbouring villages as well as other resorts in the area.
Glitzy, glamorous and opulent; three words that immediately spring to mind when you think of Marbella. This picturesque town which nestles at the foot of La Concha Mountain has long been a favourite of the rich and famous. The sweeping harbour is the main stopping off point for numerous luxury cruise lines, as well as being home to those yachts that belong to the mega rich.
Marbella is also where many celebrities call home, and this chic resort has earned the title of the Spanish equivalent to St Tropez. A mere 30 minute from Malaga airport and enjoying the enviable climate of this region,Marbella is particularly popular with tourists from Northern Europe, the USA and Saudi Arabia. It is by far the most cosmopolitan of all the resorts in the Malaga Province, and effortlessly combines this with Andalucian traditions.
Although many some to Marbella for sun, sea, sand and Sangria, there is another increasingly popular reason for heading south; surgery. The cosmetic surgery business is booming in Marbella, and let's be honest, there aren't many better places to recover in than this jewel on the Med. Those who just want a great holiday without setting eyes on a scalpel can happily stroll around the pretty and quaint back streets and search for those little treasures that make holidays so memorable.
Tucked away in these cobbled streets are numerous authentic tapas bars, many a tourist has whiled away an hour or so sitting outside these little bars eating tapas, sipping vino, and watching the world go by. The neighbouring resort of Puerto Banus is the only resort that can match Marbella for opulence. If you like to stroll around and soak up the luxury whilst deciding which kind of yacht you will buy when you win the Lotto, then a day in Puerto Banus is a must.
Shopping is a big deal in Marbella, there are the top end designer stores where you can pick yourself up Gucci bag, or a pair of Jimmy Choos and there are the colourful markets which take place in Marbella in Mondays and Puerto Banus on Saturdays. Marbella is a large town, and it can get uncomfortable walking around in the intense heat, so a relaxing and enjoyable way of seeing all the best bits is to jump onto one of the many horses and carriages which are parked in the centre of Marbella at Parque Almeda.
Other Resorts
Whilst these are the largest resorts in Malaga Province, there are many other smaller resorts which you will have heard of, if you haven't actually visited. Estepona, Benalmadena and Mijas are all beautiful resorts which have their own fan base. These aren't as busy and bustling as the larger resorts and make for an altogether more relaxing holiday experience.
Despite being predominately smaller, there is still a wealth of bars, restaurants and entertainment to satisfy the whole family, and they all have the glorious golden sands that are typical of the Costa del Sol. You can really have your cake and eat it in Malaga Province as you can stay in one of the quieter, family orientated resorts and are close enough to all the others to easily travel between them all and get a real idea of the of the diversity of Malaga Province. Estepona in particular is very proud of its traditionally Spanish demeanour and will give tourists more of a taste of the real Spain than the bigger, flashier resorts.
If you enjoy the vibrant and colourful markets that the Spanish do so well, then you are in your Utopia. Every single day of the week there is a market in this area; there are markets in both Estepona and Benalmadena on a Wednesday, Benalmadena hold another one on a Friday as does Mijas and on a Saturday you have a choice of a second one in Estepona or Mijas.
The general opening hours of the markets are between 0900 and 1400, although some may open a little earlier while others stay open a little later. Time flies by as wander around these markets, which sell everything from food to slip flops, and there are always some great bargains to be had. You will also be able to pick up those special little mementoes, which, when you look at them back home, will instantly transport you back to that wonderful holiday you had in Malaga Province.
Malaga Airport
Malaga Airport is the gateway to the coata del Sol. Most of th elow cost airlines operate services to Malaga. To compare car hire in Malaga, please visit the Blue Valley Car Hire website. During the traditionally quieter months between October and March, Malaga is particularly popular for weekend getaways as there are often some great cheap flight deals on offer.