Spain Costa de la Luz. Features of holidays on the Costa del Sol. A resort for the independent and wealthy. Main resort towns of the Costa de la Luz

Atlantic coast of Spain Costa de la Luz located in an unusually beautiful place, between the banks of the Guadiana River (province of Huelva) and the city of Tarifa (province of Cadiz). The main feature of this area in comparison with most other Spanish resorts is strong winds blowing from the Atlantic and lower water temperatures, despite this, this coast is considered a very popular holiday destination, although, of course, it is inferior in popularity to such resorts as Costa del Sol and .

The history of the Costa de la Luz dates back tens of centuries, when Phoenician ships plied the Atlantic. Translated from Spanish Costa de la Luz sounds like “coast of light.” There are a number of important natural and historical attractions here, which are visited by many thousands of tourists every year.

Doñana National Park, located at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River, is one of these attractions. It is a swampy area consisting of dense forests, salt lakes, floating dunes and bushes. Every year several hundred birds fly here for the winter. Here you can admire the largest heron colony in the Mediterranean. The park is home to such rare bird species as Sultan's hens, pink flamingos and golden eagles, as well as many other representatives of the feathered world. In addition to birds, deer, Spanish lynx and fallow deer live here. To get to the park, you need to go on a tour from any nearby town. You can enjoy the amazing scenery of the reserve on foot or on horseback. Recently, due to development of the surrounding lands, the swamps here have begun to dry out and, as a result, the ecology of the park has already been significantly disturbed.

The main religious attraction of the coast Costa de la Luz- The Franciscan monastery of Santa Maria de La Rabida is located in the city of Palos de la Frontera (province of Huelva). This monastery was built in 1261 and became the first monastic settlement in the province. It is built in the Gothic style. The area of ​​this temple complex reaches almost 2000 square meters. meters. On its territory lie the ashes of the army lieutenant of the famous Cortes, Gonzalo de Sandoval, who participated in the bloody battles for the conquest of Mexico, and Christopher Columbus spent several days within the walls of the holy monastery before his famous journey to overseas lands. The walls of the monastery are painted with artistic frescoes by the outstanding Spanish artist Daniel Vazquez Diaz. These wonderful murals symbolize the conquest of America.

An equally striking attraction of the resort is the city of Cadiz, one of the most ancient in Europe. It was founded a thousand years BC. Phoenicians. During the Roman Empire, the city was called Hades. In ancient times, it was considered the place where the world's oceans begin and the earth ends. Despite its venerable age, Cadiz reached its greatest prosperity only in the mid-18th century, when it became the central Spanish port. Today it is a kind of open-air museum, washed by the azure waters of the Atlantic. Every year, many thousands of guests from different parts of the world arrive in the city to gain respect for ancient times, enjoy the amazingly beautiful landscapes, and swim in the clear waters of the ocean. Modern Cadiz is divided into two parts, each symbolizing its own era. The old part is replete with fragments of ancient fortresses and monasteries, and the new part is full of luxury hotels, ultra-modern architecture, huge shopping centers, expensive restaurants and entertainment venues.

Cape Trafalgar is one of the most picturesque places on the coast Costa de la Luz. It is famous for the battle between the British fleet and the Spanish-French flotilla of Emperor Napoleon. In 1860, in memory of this significant event, a 34-meter lighthouse was built here, thanks to which the cape can be seen from almost any distance.
The climate on the coast is very mild. The air temperature in summer rises to high levels, but strong winds prevent the heat from being felt.
Most popular resorts Costa de la Luz are Chiclana de la Frontera, Rota, Cadiz, El Puerto de Santa Maria, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Chiclana de la Frontera. The coast of the resort is most suitable for lovers of water sports, as well as people who cannot stand the bustle of the city. There are no skyscrapers or 24-hour discos here, but you can rent a cozy bungalow and enjoy universal peace.

The southwestern coast of Spain is not characterized by sharp changes in temperature at different times of the year. In summer the weather is moderately hot, the maximum temperature on the Costa de la Luz is 31°C, often dropping to 17°C-19°C. In winter, the temperature minimum is around 9°C, but the average value remains around 16°C. There is little precipitation, one in summer, 3-4 days per month in autumn. In winter, after a short rain, the sun quickly comes out and the sky instantly becomes clear.

The ocean waters of the Costa de la Luz are still cold with the onset of spring, with temperatures around 15°C, not suitable for swimming. The winds are still blowing, causing strong waves. At the end of May, the weather on the Costa de la Luz opens the season for water sports. The time is good for excursion trips, because there are still few tourists and prices are still low. The air heats up to 25-27°C, and the water temperature is 21-22°C. Such water indicators are 1-2°C higher than at, which is due to warm Atlantic currents. The bulk of precipitation occurs in March; about 5 days of the month the weather is cloudy and rainy.

The beaches of the Costa de la Luz are among the best in the world, spacious, clean, sunny. And the small number of vacationers is due to the lack of tourist infrastructure and constant winds that interfere with a comfortable holiday at sea. With the arrival of summer, the beach season opens, attracting many tourists eager to go sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. Many wild beaches are filled with water sports enthusiasts in hot weather. Temperature maximums of 30-31°C are reached in July and August. At sunset in June and July, respectively, the summer temperature minimum is 17-19°C. Precipitation occurs on 1-2 days of the month. By August the water warms up to 27°C.

With the onset of autumn, the weather on the Costa de la Luz becomes less hot. The average temperature in September is 23°C, in October 21°C. At night there is a drop of another 5-7°C. Daylight hours are reduced to 9 hours; in November the sun is on the horizon for only 7 hours. The water temperature drops, in September the lower limit for swimming is still 21°C, in October only lovers of cool water swim - 19°C. The amount of precipitation also increases; at the end of autumn, rainy weather can occupy 7-8 days of the month. Vacationers come to the Costa de la Luz in late autumn mainly for the purpose of excursions. For evening walks it is better to take jackets and hats.

Individual and group excursions around Andalusia will offer leisure activities.

This resort has a wonderful name, it translates as “Coast of Light”. Costa de la Luz is the southernmost resort in Spain and the gloomy days here can be counted on one hand. The rest of the time the region is bathed in sunshine.

Popular about the Costa de la Luz resort

The only thing that brings coolness here is the nearby waters of the Atlantic Ocean, which wash the resort. They are always a couple of degrees cooler than in the Mediterranean Sea.

However, the Costa de la Luz also has something that is rarely found in other resorts. These are quite strong, lingering winds blowing from the coast, so there is practically no calm surf here. The waves splash constantly, and sometimes it’s even stormy. But this does not stop many tourists, because the wind even contributes to a more intense and faster tan. Although, perhaps due to the remote location of the resort or because of high temperatures in summer, much less people come here than to Mediterranean resorts. Here you rarely see beaches crowded with tourists, and in the cities the Spanish dialect is heard much more often than anywhere else.

Fans of active recreation are used to relaxing here. For extreme sports enthusiasts who practice windsurfing, the local beaches are a godsend. You can also see many yachtsmen who are eager to conquer at least a part of the Atlantic Ocean on their sailing “schooners”. There are also those who came here to be away from the bustle of the city, to relax and listen to the rustling of the waves, and not the noisy polyphony on one beach. Traveling artists and writers looking for inspiration come here. Local landscapes can put anyone in a masterpiece mood.

The beaches of the resort deserve special attention. There are no rocks or large vegetation, and the width of the coast at some points reaches two hundred meters. Some of them are overgrown with short grass. The rest are just hot, almost white sand. The coastline is not as long as in Mediterranean resorts, but there is much more space due to the flat terrain. Moreover, the swimming season here begins a month earlier, which is quite good, considering that tickets and hotel rooms can be booked in early spring, when their cost is much lower.

How to get to Costa de la Luz

Getting to the resort is easy. There are two ways that tourists use:

· The first way is to fly from Malaga International Airport. This option has only one transfer. There are regular flights from Iberia and Vueling to Malaga from Russia. You can then use local airlines to travel directly to the resort. Flight time from Malaga is approximately 5 hours. This option may not be very convenient, since you will have to endure 2 flights at once. Excessive overwork is not a sign of a good vacation.

· The second way is to change trains in Madrid or Seville to Cadiz. This option will allow you to save a little and give you the opportunity to see the country in close proximity. Buses run from the provincial capital of Cadiz to any resort town. In any case, you can stay right in Cadiz.

Main resort towns of the Costa de la Luz

Several of the hottest cities make up the province of Costa de la Luz, which has been considered a resort area for decades. Each of them attracts tourists with a wide variety of services and entertainment.

Some towns are a real historical treasure trove, because they were all founded during the reign of Muslims, or even earlier. Even then, people knew the significant value of these settlements, and now the resort and tourism business brings the region almost half of the budget of the entire Spain.

• CADIZ

No one imagines the province of Costa de la Luz without its capital, the city of Cadiz. Today, this small settlement is the oldest among European countries. Once upon a time, the Byzantines inhabiting these lands considered Cadiz literally the “end of the world.” It was from here that the famous traveler and adventurer of all times, Christopher Columbus, began his expeditions.

Since ancient times, many historical buildings have remained in the city, which even now attract attention with their unique beauty. In addition, Cadiz has a well-developed modern infrastructure. The streets of the city are lined with all kinds of shops, boutiques and luxury hotels.

The only thing that has remained virtually unchanged in Cadiz is the magnificent sandy beaches, which stretch for more than ten kilometers. The most visited of them is the city beach of Playa de la Caleta. It is only half a kilometer long, but from the embankment, which is lined with cafeterias, bars and restaurants, you can watch a stunningly beautiful sunset, perhaps the best on the planet. The remaining beaches are much larger and no less popular.

Getting to Cadiz is easy. The nearest airport is located in the town of Jerez de la Frontera. There are regular flights there from Madrid or Barcelona. There is also a bus service from Seville (ticket price 10 euros). You can also get there by bus from Malaga. From larger cities it takes a few hours to get here by train. Cadiz has a modern railway station.

The climate in the city is quite dry, hot and windy. The proximity of the Atlantic Ocean makes itself felt. The swimming season lasts from mid-May to the end of October, making Cadiz an excellent place for a beach holiday.

In city catering establishments you can order a wide variety of seafood dishes and almost all types of sea fish. The best restaurant in the city, called El Faro, is located on Calle San Felix. The most delicious dishes can be tasted here.

In addition to beach activities, the city has many memorable buildings from different eras that will be very interesting to visit. Fabulous Cathedral of the Holy Cross, built in the Baroque style, is open daily to parishioners and tourists. You don’t see such grandeur and spirituality in a building every day. On the city square of Mina is located Archaeological Museum, the exhibits of which are hundreds of years old. Another fun activity is to walk along the city walls that separate it from the sea. They once served as good defense against foreign invaders.

Finding shelter in Cadiz is not a problem. There are many luxury hotels and cozy budget places. The resort accommodates a lot of visitors, and at the height of the season there is nowhere for an apple to fall. It is advisable to book rooms before your trip, as you can save a lot. Summer prices are unexpectedly surprising.

• HIKLANA-de la FRONTERA

The name of a small resort town, difficult for a Russian person, can cause confusion. But put aside your prejudices. This is the most magnificent resort in Spain. A river flows through the entire city, along the banks of which the cozy homes of local residents are lined up. On river bridges you can often see amateur fishermen or young couples in love.

But the main magnet for everyone is the golden beaches of La Barrosa and Sancti Petri, which for many years have deserved the title of the best beaches in Spain.

The city is influenced by a purely Andalusian style. The coastline of the resort beach of La Barrosa stretches for six kilometers. It consists of two parts:

• The first is an embankment, about one kilometer long. There is a lot of entertainment here: from bars and restaurants, to nightclubs and souvenir shops. In the summer there is a time when the embankment is simply crowded with the abundance of vacationers.
• The second part is a real nature reserve with rare plants, pine plantations and sand dunes. This territory contains the most expensive hotels with relaxation and spa centers and huge golf courses.

The second beach, Sancti Petri, is slightly smaller. The city's fishing port is located here, where sailing yachts and small fishing vessels usually call. A walk along the beach on a warm evening in pleasant company will be a great end to the day, especially since the sunset from here is stunning.

To visit this wonderful city, first travel by plane to cities such as Jerez, Seville or Malaga. And then a couple of hours by train or a little more by bus. You can also get to the city through Cadiz, but with transfers.

Shopping lovers will be able to frolic in local shopping centers in the heart of the city. Or hang around the markets, there are two of them - food and clothing. There you can find and buy a lot of interesting and useful things, from traditional Spanish clothing to the freshest vegetables and fruits.

Among the city's attractions, one should highlight the superbly preserved ancient castle Sancti Petri and not far from it there are ruins Temple of Hercules, who is considered the founder of the city. Also worthy of special attention are the city churches, the monastery and the tall Clock Tower, reminiscent of the English Big Ben in miniature.

Hotels in the city of Chiclana de la Frontera offer a full range of services and receive hundreds of wonderful reviews from tourists every year. Almost all of them are resort-style, with personal spas and massage rooms. Many of the hotels provide lovers of active recreation and recreation with equipment for surfing, sailing and horse riding. Some luxury guesthouses have their own tennis courts and golf courses.

As in all tourist centers in Spain, it is advisable to book rooms in advance.

• ELH-PHUERTO-de-CANTA-MARIA

The city with such a romantic name is located in the south of Andalusia in the picturesque area of ​​the Guadalete River. Here it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The name of the resort is by no means accidental. The fact is that hundreds of years ago the ship of Christopher Columbus, on which he sailed half the ocean, was called “Santa Maria,” and the captain of the ship lived in this town.

The city has a full range of resort entertainment - from wonderful sandy beaches to vibrant nightclubs. The real treasure of the city is its beaches, which stretch for as much as twenty-two kilometers. The sand on the beach is white. Nine equipped beach areas. There are also several wild beaches, but no less attractive.

One of the most popular is the beach Valdelagrana. It is located two kilometers from the city, vacationers find themselves in the zone of a real resort idyll. Tourists will find several fashionable hotels with a variety of accommodation options and well-developed entertainment and shopping infrastructure. It's like a small city within a city.

Beach coastline Vistahermosa much smaller, but no less attractive. Quite strong winds constantly blow here, so the place is ideal for fans of windsurfing. There is an excellent view from the shore, especially in the evening, when you can see the lights of the city of Cadiz, which is clearly visible from here.

The route to El Puerto de Santa Maria is not difficult. The closest airport is in Jerez. The price for the flight is approximately 250 euros. Another way is to change trains in Madrid to the city (travel time is approximately 4 hours). The most convenient way to get there from the city of Cadiz is by bus, train or ferry.

The climate in El Puerto is hot; sudden temperature changes are rare. In summer, the temperature rises to thirty to thirty-three degrees above zero. This heat lasts here all summer. The holiday season begins in mid-May and ends in November, when the water temperature drops, and then the swimming season also ends.

El Puerto is small, but there are still places to go and things to see in your free time from the beach. Among the religious buildings, it is worth noting the magnificent city cathedral Iglesia Mayor Prioral, built back in the seventeenth century. Another architectural masterpiece is the castle El Castillo de San Marcos. A good example of how the Spaniards care about nature is the nature reserve Bahia de Cadiz, which is completely open to the public.

• TARIFA

It’s easy to be in Spain and see Africa! All you need to do is come to the city of Tarifa. You can get to Tarifa from Cadiz by bus. This is the most convenient option. The city is the southernmost point of the European continent and it is here that there is access to the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet.

Tarifa's constant air flows have made it another center of Spanish windsurfing. And on the coasts there is an annual championship in this exciting sport. Although Tarifa is considered a popular resort, some of its beaches do not receive special attention from tourists, such as the rocky beach of La Caleta. Well, the most popular and popular is the snow-white Playa de los Lances, which is included in the protected areas of Europe.

From Tarifa it is easy to go on an organized excursion to Morocco. And on the coast of the Strait of Gibraltar you can see the coast of Africa and the rocky Reef mountain range.

The most visited attraction is the ancient fortress. Castilo de los Guzmanes, named after one of the first rulers of the city. It has been preserved almost in its original form. It is also impossible to pass by the giant gate Puerta de Jerez – the oldest entrance to the city is on its northern side. Neatly trimmed bushes and trees, comfortable benches and a magnificent fountain in the square Plaza Santa Maria They will make you feel moved and immediately set you up for a wave of positivity. And you can feel like an archaeologist at the ruins of an ancient city Baelo Claudia, dating back to the second century BC.

• HELVA

Although Huelva- a Spanish city, here you feel like you are in England of the Victorian era. All thanks to the fact that in the nineteenth century the bulk of the townspeople were the British, who developed mountain mineral deposits. This originally influenced the architecture of the city, especially its residential areas.

However, after a century of rule of the Spanish crown, the city acquired clearly Spanish features. Now it seems that when you arrive in the city, you find yourself in two countries at once. The main advantage of the city is its proximity to Portugal. From here you can easily cross the border by bus and visit the nearest Portuguese cities.

The easiest way to get to Huelva is by bus, which leaves regularly from Cadiz, Granada or Malaga. There are train connections to the city from Seville and Madrid. The train departs several times a day.

City beaches are perhaps the only ones that have not yet been developed. They are completely wild and located far from the city. But that's the beauty of them! Connoisseurs of a quiet, carefree holiday come here, away from the noise and bustle of the city.

The nearest beaches with developed resort infrastructure are located near the city in the village of Punta Umbria. Here you can stay in excellent hotels with spa treatments, huge swimming pools and other resort paraphernalia.

The city itself has many interesting places, and its compact size will allow even a lazy tourist to get around everything in a day. The main meeting place for townspeople and many holidays is the square Plaza de las Monjas, which is in the center of Huelva. Nearby you can visit excellent restaurants, buy some of the latest fashion in one of the trendy boutiques or go to a souvenir shop. The city has many magnificent parks, such as Parque Moret where fruit trees grow freely or Jardines de Muelle with tropical plants and palms.

The resorts located on the Costa de la Luz are amazing without exception. Each settlement has something unique and inimitable, which is why many take a mini-tour of this hot Spanish province. Vacationers are greeted by a large number of entertainments, ranging from windsurfing to relaxing spa massages in hotel salons. And, of course, there are many kilometers of hot sand, hot sun and crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, which are found only here.

You still need to look for a better holiday than on the Costa de la Luz. So throw your swimming trunks and swimsuits in your suitcase and go get the perfect tan!

Traveling through Andalusia is an interesting independent trip in August to the Costa de la Luz and through southern Spain to the Strait of Gibraltar.

Prices and options for Andalusian travel

• HOW TO GET THERE – Costa de la Luz is located in the very south of Spain, so it is best to take a direct flight to Seville or Jerez de la Frontera, and from there fly local airlines to your final destination.
• TRANSFER – to Seville
• TRANSPORTATION – You can get to Jerez de la Frontera by train, but the best way to explore the southern coast of Spain is by car or by bus.
• WHERE WE WILL BE - Costa de la Luz, Spanish Riding School, Sancular de Barrameda, Coto Dañana Nature Reserve, Arcos de la Frontera, Alcornocales Oak Park, Vier de la Frontera, Zahara Beach de los Atunes, Tarifa, Strait of Gibraltar, beaches of Costa de la Luz.
• EXCURSIONS – around Andalusia
• WHEN -
• WEATHER – The climate is predominantly maritime, so there are often large temperature changes here – it’s hot during the day – up to +28°C, but at night the temperature drops to +18°C. Make allowances for the proximity of the sea - storms often occur here.
• ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD - Costa de la Luz has a developed infrastructure, so you can choose a good hotel with an excellent panoramic view from the window. You can eat in one of the many restaurants located on the coast. The menu of the local cuisine includes a lot of seafood - be sure to try the very tasty fish dishes.
• DURATION - week

Motley Andalusia

Day 1 - Costa de la Luz

On our first day in Andalusia, we just relax, walk along the beach, walk along the local streets and find a cozy tavern in the village, where we will taste wine and have a delicious lunch.

Day 2 - Jerez de la Frontera, Spanish Riding School

Early in the morning we load into the car and drive to the town of Sancular de Barrameda, from there we take a boat along the river to the natural reserve, this is Coto Dañana. The next morning we head east to Arcos de la Frontera, where we can take a couple of walks along the serpentine road that goes through the Alcornocales oak park.

Days 5-6 - Vier de la Frontera, Zahara de los Atunes, Tarifa, Gibraltar

We drive to Viera de la Frontera and spend 4-5 hours on the beaches. You will especially like it in Zahara de los Atunes. The next morning we will treat ourselves to an excursion sailing to the Strait of Gibraltar, which starts from the town of Tarifu. There you can watch dolphins and whales.

Day 7 – beaches of Costa de la Luz

We spend the last day in laziness and idleness, enjoying the sun and the beach to the fullest!

After that, nothing keeps us in Spain. Our independent journey through Andalusia is over. Have a nice day!

The Costa del Sol is the southernmost Spanish coast on the Mediterranean Sea. Here, ancient Muslim fortresses and European Gothic, simple fishing villages and luxurious villas of aristocrats, sun-hot sand and the cold waters of Gibraltar are surprisingly intertwined.

• The only international airport on the entire Costa del Sol is located in Malaga. Direct flights from Russia are available only in the summer and only from Moscow and St. Petersburg. In other months and from other cities you will have to travel with transfers. Full list of airlines that fly to Malaga

• Direct train connections connect Malaga only with the cities of Spain: Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Seville and Cordoba. From any other city in Europe, you can get to Malaga by train only with a transfer. You can find a suitable train to Malaga

• You can travel by bus from Madrid, Seville, other cities in Spain, as well as from France through Catalonia. Also, the bus is the main internal means of transportation between the cities of the Costa del Sol. Intercity flights are operated by two large companies: Daibus and Alsa. You can find schedules and prices on the official websites of the companies.

Features of a holiday on the Costa Del Sol

Costa del Sol is somewhat different from the resorts of Catalonia (,) and Valencia ().

• Firstly, this is a very “English resort”. It was the Anglo-Saxons who were the first to choose this coast and still hold the palm among vacationers. Therefore, the Costa del Sol has the most golf courses, the staff of hotels and local travel agencies are most “tailored” to the English, and in local cafes and restaurants it is English preferences that are most often taken into account

• Another feature: Costa del Sol is considered a resort for aristocrats and wealthy people, which, of course, in some places affects the price level; The scions of the most famous aristocratic families in Europe like to relax here
• Despite the fact that the Costa del Sol is the southernmost Mediterranean coast of Spain, due to the characteristics of the sea current, the water here warms up only in July. Comfortable water temperature (above 22 C) lasts only from mid-July to mid-September

Main resorts of the Costa Del Sol

Marbella

Marbella- generally recognized as the most fashionable, most glamorous, most sophisticated and bohemian resort on the entire coast. In this fashionable place, many world celebrities and aristocratic families have acquired their personal villas.

The beach line where their villas are located is called the “golden mile”, and this is the most expensive section of the coast: renting umbrellas and sun loungers here will cost several times more than on other beaches.

The city of Marbella itself is a typical Andalusian settlement with white stone houses, orange trees and tiled roofs. There are many parks and cozy squares, beautiful boulevards and embankments.

A separate attraction can be called the port of Puerto Banus - the largest anchorage for luxury private yachts of the world elite vacationing here. By the way, in Puerto Banus there is a sculpture by Zurab Tsereteli, which local residents nicknamed “Russian for the first time at sea.”

Estepona

Estepona– this is a place for a leisurely and very relaxing holiday, in which the main entertainment is the beach and quiet walks along the seashore. But the beaches here are truly first-class, and the service is impeccable. The old part of the city is very picturesque in Estepona; there is a Bullfighting Museum and an Archaeological Museum.

At the local port you can taste the freshest and perfectly prepared seafood. From Estepona, the closest access is to the Cape of Gibraltar (the southernmost point of Europe - a must-see on the Costa del Sol) and to the Selva Aventura Safari Park (another must-see place on the coast).

Torremolinos

Torremolinos– a typical beach town, which is very suitable for families with children. This is the most affordable resort on the Costa del Sol in terms of prices and public. There are many inexpensive hotels, budget apartments and affordable entertainment.

There are many youth nightclubs and hostels where European students prefer to stay. In general, this is the most crowded resort on the coast. In Torremolinos you can try the most delicious chiringuitos (fried sardines on a stick) in the area and the famous Malaga wines with tapas (a type of snack).

Torremolinos' entertainment options include numerous discos, bars and traditional local restaurants, a crocodile farm and botanical garden in the outskirts of the city, the public promenade of San Miguel Street and the huge Aqualand water park on the outskirts of the city.

The city is located on the slope of a mountain, so when choosing a place to live, pay attention to the location relative to the sea. Some streets have a fairly steep slope, which can be a serious obstacle for strollers and people with disabilities.

Benalmadena- a city that closely borders Torremolinos and is its natural continuation. Unlike the noisy Torremolinos, Benalmadena has a much calmer and more relaxed holiday.

The city is conventionally divided into three parts: the residential zone (the quietest area where locals and those who rent apartments live), the hotel zone (hotels and a huge number of tourists are concentrated here) and the Arroyo de la Miel district - a kind of entertainment area occupied by shopping streets and entertainment venues.

Benalmadena's promenade is decorated with mosaics, and at the end of the promenade is the Arab-style Bil-Bil Castle, which often hosts live concerts and small exhibitions. The castle is also interesting for its collection of antique furniture and paintings.

The port of Benalmadena Puerto Marina is the center of all kinds of local restaurants, snow-white yachts and Arabian-style houses. Tourists love to gather here. During the day you can feed the fish near the pier or go on a boat trip on one of the many excursion boats, and in the evenings there is live music.

The cultural and historical attractions of Benalmadena include Colomares Castle (Castillo de Colomares), a modern building erected in honor of the great voyages of Christopher Columbus. The castle houses an exhibition telling about the history of the discovery of the New World, the history and customs of Spain during the time of the conquistadors. Also interesting are the streets and churches of the old part of Benalmadena Pueblo.

Benalmadena's entertainment options include the Sea Life Aquarium, the small Paloma Park, the Selwo Marina Dolphinarium, the Butterfly Park, and the Tivoli World amusement park. There is a cable car, Telerifico de Benalmadena, which leads to the top of Mount Calamorro. At the top there is the Park of the Eagles (you can watch a performance with these beautiful birds) and an observation deck with excellent panoramic views of the Costa del Sol.

Fuengirola

Fuengirola– a calm, quiet resort that will not be very interesting for young people and active tourists, but is ideal for families with small children and retirees.

Here, unlike other coastal cities, there is always a place on the beach, the coastal area is equipped with a large number of playgrounds, and the local embankment is considered one of the most beautiful streets on the Costa Del Sol.

Fuengirola is a fairly affordable resort in terms of prices. There are no luxury hotels here, prices in local shops and restaurants are rather in the average category, and in two huge shopping centers El Cortes Ingles and Miramar you can find all the most famous affordable clothing brands.

In general, Fuengirola is the best shopping place on the Costa del Sol for people who do not consider themselves mega-wealthy (the mecca of oligarchs Marbella is affordable only for a select few). In Fuengirola, at the local Sunday market you can buy excellent locally made leather goods at very reasonable prices.

Among the historical sites, Fuengirola can boast of the old Moorish castle of Castilla Soje, which has a small museum, and the exhibition of the Historical Museum of the city, where unique handwritten documents from a thousand years ago are kept. For family fun, head to the Bioparc Zoo and Aquarico Mijas Water Park.

Nerja

Nerja– one of the most charming towns on the Costa del Sol. Its main advantage is that the tourist boom has not changed the historical appearance of the old Andalusian city. This resort is not very well known to the majority of tourists, the more valuable it is for Andalusia connoisseurs vacationing here.

Nerja is known as the place where, in the 1950s, ancient caves were accidentally discovered - the site of the first inhabitants of the Costa del Sol, which preserved unique artifacts and rock paintings of primitive people. There are several monuments from the times of Arab rule (watchtowers, ruins of an ancient fortress).

In the vicinity of Nerja, the ancient Roman Aguila Aqueduct is perfectly preserved - a grandiose structure that supplied water to the surrounding villages. The beaches of Nerja are in no way inferior to the coastal recreation areas of other cities on the Costa del Sol in terms of cleanliness, comfort and developed infrastructure.

Malaga - capital of the Costa del Sol

Malaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol and the largest city on the coast. This is a universal city that is suitable for recreation for all categories of vacationers.

For history buffs, there is an old town with characteristic narrow streets and medieval buildings. For mothers with children, Malaga has enough playgrounds, wide promenades, and excellent sandy beaches;

For lovers of modernity, numerous museums and exhibitions of contemporary art, various avant-garde and underground movements are of great interest; For reckless youth, the most interesting things begin after dark in numerous entertainment centers.

What to see in Malaga

Malaga is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, local residents value and are proud of this fact, which is why there are two museums of the artist in Malaga. First museum Museo Picasso Malaga located in the very center of the city in the ancient Buenavista mansion, in the permanent exhibition of which are works by Pablo Picasso, including world-famous paintings; in the basement of the museum you can examine the antique walls, which were unexpectedly discovered during the next restoration of the mansion.

Museo Picasso Malaga

Second Museum – house-museum of Pablo Picasso Casa Natal. In addition to paintings, here you can see sketches and graphic works, sculptures and ceramics, as well as get acquainted with Picasso’s life and personal belongings.

Pablo Picasso's Casa Natal, Malaga

Gibralfaro Fortress built in the 10th century during Arab rule. The name of the fortress is translated as “the death of the pharaoh.” Until the beginning of the last century, the fortress was an active fortification structure, in which a garrison was constantly present. Currently, a military museum is opened in the fortress, telling about weapons of different eras, uniforms and soldier’s life, military maps and equipment.

Castillo de Gibralfaro

Alcazaba Fortress (Alcazaba de Málaga)- translated from Arabic as "citadel" - a characteristic Moorish structure, one of the best preserved Arab fortresses in Spain. The fortress was built to protect the city from attacks by North African pirates; for a long time it served as the residence of local rulers. Over the past few years, constant archaeological excavations and restoration work have been carried out in the fortress, so some of the structures are inaccessible to visitors from time to time.

Alcazaba de Malaga

Car Museum in Malaga (Museo Automovilístico de Málaga)– a modern museum, the basis of the exhibition of which is a private collection of rare cars. There are more than 80 cars from 1920-1960, and this is one of the most extensive and valuable car collections in the world. Great emphasis here is placed on cars with rare or unusual configurations and tuning.

Museo Automovilístico de Málaga

Museum of Glass and Crystal (Museo del Vidrio y Crystal) is a private museum that displays examples of crystal and glass objects from the Phoenicians to the present day. The museum is interesting because the exhibits here are stored not in ordinary display cases and shelves, but in interiors characteristic of the era to which they belong.

Museo del Vidrio y Crystal, Malaga

Carmen Thyssen Museum- another private collection, which presents paintings by Spanish artists and antique objects of the 19th century.

Museo Carmen Thyssen, Malaga

Cathedral of La Manquita- one of the main cathedrals of the city and the most popular church among tourists. The name of the cathedral is translated from Spanish as “one-armed lady”, since of the two towers of the cathedral originally designed in the 16th century, only one was completed.

La Manquita, Malaga

Museum of the Holy Week (El Museo de la Semana Santa). The Spanish call Holy Week the Holy Week, which precedes the church holiday of Easter. The museum contains everything that is related to this holiday: church utensils, vestments of clergy, paintings and sculptures on this topic, objects that local residents use during the celebration and for solemn processions around the city dedicated to Easter. Since Catholics celebrate church holidays quite magnificently, many of the museum’s exhibits are very interesting.

El Museo de la Semana Santa, Malaga

Calle Marqués de Larios is a pedestrian street in the center of Malaga, where a large number of shops and restaurants are concentrated. Also, ceremonial processions and folk festivals are held here on national and local holidays. The street is a very beautiful promenade with mansions of the 18th-19th centuries.

Calle Marqués de Larios, Malaga

Antonio Ordoñez Museum (Museo Taurino Atonio Ordoñez) located in the Plaza de Torros and talks about everything related to bullfighting: from luxurious matador costumes to advertising posters and photographs of famous fights. The museum is named after one of Spain's most prominent matadors, whose career was the basis for Hemingway's novel The Dangerous Summer.

Museo Taurino Atonio Ordoñez, Malaga

Botanical Garden of La Concepcion (Jardin Botanico-Historico “La Concepcion”) is a huge collection of plants from all over the world. Several thematic routes have been developed in the garden, which are equipped with convenient signs and a color indicator. In addition to plants, there are fountains, gazebos, sculptural compositions and small mansions, which makes the botanical garden look more like a romantic park than an exhibition space.

Jardin Botanico-Historico "La Concepcion", Malaga

Buses Malaga City tour. If you wish, you can take a ride on the Malaga tourist bus. Unlike numerous travel agencies in the city, which conduct excursions only in English and Spanish, the bus has an audio guide in Russian. You can find out more about excursion buses.

Malaga City tour

Malagueta City Beach– the central beach of the city, conveniently located relative to public transport, near shopping areas. The beach is well equipped and very convenient for the whole family, including the youngest visitors. The entrance to the water here is very gentle, and the shore is protected from high waves by special stone breakwaters, so the water here is always calm and comfortable for children.

la Malagueta, city beach, Malaga

Activities for children on the Costa del Sol

Safari Park Selvo Aventura, Estepona

In the Safari Park Selwo Aventura You can see in natural conditions the inhabitants of different continents and climatic zones of our planet. The vast territory contains over 2000 species. There are 3 zones in the park, in two of them walking is allowed; in the zone with predators you can move only by special transport.

For the little ones there is a large corner with contact animals. For ease of movement around the vast territory of the park, there are special tourist vehicles. There are VIP visit programs, which, in addition to the general excursion, include feeding a tame gibbon, photographs with a tiger, and walks through an area closed to other visitors. More information about the park can be found here www.selwo.es

Selwo Aventura, Costa del Sol

Selvo Marina Marine Park, Benalmadena

Marine Park Selwo Marina- not just a dolphinarium, but a real nursery of marine animals, where in addition to dolphins, fur seals, crocodiles and other aquatic inhabitants there is an aviary with Arctic penguins. Colorful shows are held here every day; for a fee you can swim in the pool with dolphins and fur seals.

The park is divided into several zones:

• Antilles - marine mammals, dolphins and fur seals, arena for daytime performances
• La Ondonada (“The Gorge”) – seabirds (pelicans, flamingos, herons), there is also a daily parrot show
• Amazonia - reptiles and amphibians (sea snakes, crocodiles, lizards), as well as predatory fish
• Isla de Yelo (“Ice Island”) – a colony of real Arctic penguins

See more information about the park.

Selwo Marina, Costa del Sol

Crocodile Park, Torremolinos

Crocodile Park built in the shape of an African village. There are small crocodiles that you can take photos with, and huge adults, the largest of which, Papa Paco, reaches about 5 meters in length.

The exposition of the local museum will tell you all the most interesting things about the life of crocodiles. In the park you can watch reptiles in their natural habitat; the process of hunting and feeding is especially impressive. In addition to crocodiles, the park contains flamingos, turtles, ostriches and ducks. You can find out more about the park.

Crocodile Park, Costa del Sol

Butterfly Park, Benalmadena

Butterfly Park (Mariposario del Drago)– these are real tropics, home to luxurious specimens from all over the world. Here you can watch all stages of insect life, the most exciting of which is the transformation of a pupa into a butterfly. Strictly speaking, the butterfly park is a scientific facility created by biologists to study lepidoptera. In addition to butterflies, you can see other animals in the park: chameleons, iguanas and kangaroos. Official website of the park.

Mariposario del Drago, Costa del Sol

Bioparc, Fuengirola

Bioparc– this themed animal park, which is divided into 4 zones:

• Africa
• Madagascar
• Southeast Asia
• Pacific region

The zones recreate the natural conditions of each region and collect the animal species living there. There are no cages in the park; different species of animals coexist on the same territory, just as they coexist in the natural environment.

The creators of the park tried to reproduce all natural ecosystems as accurately as possible, so that visitors to the park have the illusion of being completely immersed in the world of tropical flora and fauna. The park also hosts various performances with animals and circus performers. You can see more about the park.

Bioparc Fuengirola, Costa del Sol

Tivoli Amusement Park, Benalmadena

Amusement park Tivoli World this is the largest amusement park on the entire Costa del Sol. It has everything that a large theme park should: over 40 exciting attractions from little carousels to breathtaking roller coasters, restaurants and souvenir shops, national and themed shows, life-size puppets and performances for the little ones. You can take a closer look at the map of the park and find out all about its entertainment.

Tivoli World, Costa del Sol

Aqualand water park, Torremolinos

Aqualand water park is the largest water park on the coast, which is located on a large area near Torremolinos. In addition to a large number of water attractions, there are swimming pools with artificial sea waves, large Jacuzzi baths, a diving school and a special deep-water pool, artificial rivers and entire water towns for kids. You can find out more information, see the cost and purchase tickets.

Aqualand Torremolinos, Costa del Sol

Mijas Waterpark, Fuengirola

Mijas Water Park It’s smaller in size than Aqualand, but it’s cheaper and has fewer queues. It has everything you need for a comfortable holiday with the whole family: 10 attractions, a restaurant and picnic area, a playroom for the little ones, a locker room and a souvenir shop. The park hosts shows and interactive performances. Detailed information can be found.

Parque Aquatico Mijas, Costa del Sol

Aventura Amazonia Rope Park, Marbella

Aventura Amazonia Marbella Rope Park- This is the only park of its kind on the entire coast. There are 6 routes of varying difficulty levels. The easiest route is for children 4-6 years old, the most difficult is at a height of 9 meters and includes, in addition to standard hanging obstacles, a real bungee jump, a tightrope walker's bridge and even air surfing.

Aventura Amazonia Marbella, Costa del Sol

All routes in the park are equipped with the most modern safety equipment, a well-thought-out system of carabiners provides a 100% guarantee of safety, and mandatory instruction is provided before starting the route. The park has a children's club where parents can leave their children under the supervision of experienced nannies. Russian version of the official website of Lobo-park, Costa del Sol

Where can you go from the Costa del Sol?

While relaxing in the resorts of the Costa del Sol, you can go to other famous cities in the province of Andalusia.

Seville, capital of Andalusia

• Giralda– a 12th-century Muslim mosque with a viewing platform at the top
• Seville Cathedral, which houses the tombstone of Christopher Columbus and unique paintings by Francisco Goya
• Alcazar Castle– a stunning architectural monument including Moorish walls, throne rooms, unique tapestries and art objects, as well as the famous Moorish gardens

• Old Jewish Santa Cruz quarter– an atmospheric part of the old town with characteristic narrow streets and Gothic buildings
• Plaza de España– one of the most beautiful squares in Andalusia – and the surrounding Maria Luisa Park
  Museum Archives of the Indies, which has collected an extensive collection of objects dating back to the period of the conquest of the Americas

Granada

• Alhambra– one of the most amazing castles in Andalusia from the era of Moorish rule
• Alcaceria– Muslim quarter and covered market, a very colorful area that has preserved all the flavor of the Arab era of the region
• Abbey of Sacromonte– a monastery on Mount Valparaiso, beautiful architecture, an interesting museum of religion and stunning views of the surrounding area from the top of the mountain

• R Ion Albaicin– a typical medieval quarter, the oldest part of the city
• Park of Sciences– modern interactive museum of natural sciences
• Madrasah- a monument of early medieval Arab architecture, which housed a Muslim university before the Reconquista
• Palacio Dar al-Orra(translated from Arabic as “house of the queen”) - the residence of Muslim rulers, then part of a Catholic monastery. The palace is notable for the fact that it has perfectly preserved interior decoration and interiors from the times of Arab rule.

Cordoba (Cordoba)

• Old Roman Bridge– pedestrian area on the Guadalquivir River
• Calahorra Tower– a defensive structure from Arab times, which today houses a museum of three cultures (Muslims, Jews, Christians)
• Alcazar– the former residence of the caliph, after the reconquista the residence of the Spanish kings, now a historical museum where you can get acquainted with the amazing history of the region, as well as look at the instruments of torture of the Holy Inquisition, which, according to historians, was most rampant in Spain

• Cathedral of St. Mary– a former mosque converted into a Christian temple - a unique combination of Muslim and Catholic religious architecture
• Synagogue Krodovy- this is a rare medieval religious building of the Jews in the Mudejar style, which has come down to us in a well-preserved form
• Museum of Fine Arts– a large collection of sculptures, graphics, paintings, and religious objects from the Renaissance. The main decoration of the collection is the work of Francisco Goya

• Mezquita Cathedral- a unique place of worship, which alternately housed a temple for the veneration of Roman gods, a Muslim mosque and, finally, a Catholic church. The Mezquita is notable for the fact that each subsequent religious structure was built around existing walls. Thus, both the mosque and the remains of the Roman temple can be seen today behind the façade of the Catholic Church
• Huderia– the former Jewish medieval quarter, the largest and best preserved medieval quarter in Europe; very interesting for walking with its patios and labyrinths of intricate streets

Transport and food on the Costa del Sol

Rent a car on the Costa del Sol

Most holidaymakers on the Costa del Sol prefer to travel by rented car. Since all the main transport hubs are located in Malaga, it is there that the bulk of rental offices of any taste and budget are concentrated, and most of them are located at the airport. In the city center, the number of offices where you can rent a car is much smaller. In small offices, prices are lower than in large European holdings. For long-term rentals (from 5-6 days) a discount is provided. The highest price level is not the peak of demand, in the summer.

In order to rent a car, you need to have a plastic bank card, cash to pay a deposit (the amount of the deposit depends on the rental period, cost of the car, type of insurance, etc.), and an international driving license. A rental agreement can be concluded by a person over 21-23 years old (the exact age depends on the specific rental company) with at least 1.5-2 years of driving experience. You will also have to take out insurance; Insurance options, coverage area and cost of insurance depend on the internal conditions of the company.

It is important to know that traffic fines in Spain are very high. The most common types of violations committed by foreign tourists: parking in the wrong place, exceeding the permissible speed, violating traffic signs; Russians are often fined for not wearing a seat belt.

Cuisine of the Costa del Sol

The cuisine of Andalusia, which includes the Costa del Sol, combines Arabic and Mediterranean dishes. Seafood is very popular on the coast; in remote mountainous areas they prefer pork raised on special feed.

Traditional dishes of Andalusia that are worth trying on holiday

• Gazpacho– cold tomato soup, although in some areas of Andalusia it is made from bread and onions
• Espetos– sardines, strung on a special skewer, grilled over charcoal
• Mojamo– a type of tapas whose main ingredient is dried tuna
• Ajoblanco– cold soup made from water, butter, garlic and bread

• Tortilla– fried potatoes with onions, meat and spices, filled with egg
• Pescato Frito– this dish has many varieties, the main essence is fried fish (any method of frying) with the addition of a side dish