Charming towns and villages on the Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol is a wide stretch of Spanish coast that stretches all the way from Alméria to Gibraltar. And even though sol doesn’t mean that the sun always shines there, this is about 300 days a year!
But, what is there to see and do on the Costa del Sol?
The Costa del Sol is of course not called “Costa del Golf” for nothing. With the many golf courses this is the area to practice golf.
In addition, the Costa has miles long beach, which is great for sunbathing or hiking. Also, people who love water sports are well catered for: water skiing, rent a water scooter, you name it!
However, it is not only the Costa del Sol that is highlighted here.
Nerja
East of the town of Nerja there are some very beautiful beaches, separated by cliffs and rocks.
Just outside Nerja you can visit the stalactite caves. Many archaeological finds have been made here and 20,000-year-old murals have been found. But most of all very nice to see!
What Nerja is known for is the “balcony of Europe”. A promenade in the centre of town, on top of a cliff offering a magnificent view of the sea.
The centre has a number of nice churches, which are well worth a visit.
Málaga
Málaga is the largest city on the coast of Andalusia and the second largest city of Andalusia in general. The city centre is very attractive and has a very nice shopping area. Lovers of shopping can also visit one of the large indoor Shopping Centres or the large department store “El Corte Inglés”.
Málaga also has plenty to offer in terms of culinary delights. Around the many streets and squares there are numerous nice tapas bars, where you can often eat cheaply and very well.
Málaga also has a number of nice sights such as the Picasso museum, Alcazaba and the cathedral. From the Alcazaba (Moorish fortress) you can overlook the whole city. If it is very clear, it is even possible to see the coast of Africa.
Mijas
Mijas has a total of five city centres. Three are coastal towns, one is located in Mijas Costa, and the best known is Mijas Pueblo and is a “pueblo blanco” or white village. Because it is one of the white villages, it is a tourist attraction. In the village you can use one of the many donkey taxis. Very nice!
Mijas is also seen as a nice quiet coastal town, without much disturbance from young people during the holidays. Yet everything is there, from supermarkets to charming restaurants, and it’s worth a visit.
Marbella
Of course one of the most famous resorts on the Costa del Sol, and of course very popular with the ” jetset “. Golfers get their money’s worth here with the many golf courses that are available. Marbella has a very beautiful and prestigious harbour where you can watch people and beautiful yachts.
Of course it is also nice to walk along the boulevard and look at the shops!
There are also a number of nice bars in the old town, and some small sights. These include the town hall on the “Plaza de los Naranjos”, the Almeda park and the Arabian wall.
Marbella has with a total of 26 kilometers of beach also enough place to enjoy just sunbathing!
Estepona
The most beautiful spot of Estepona and perhaps even of the Costa del Sol is the Sierra Bermeja, a reddish mountain range from which you can overlook the whole area and at the bottom of the mountain a small, picturesque fishing village. From Estepona there is a beautiful walking route of about a day all the way to the top (1500 m). A beautiful nature reserve, and very worth a visit!
The old centre of Estepona is also worth a visit. It is the place with the most greenery on the Costa del Sol, and you will find beautiful architecture and traditional houses. In the old town there are also some typically Spanish and very nice tapas bars. In short, plenty to do.
Gibraltar
Very touristic and known for the rock with the monkeys, from where you have a magnificent view over the African Atlas Mountains. It is said that as long as the monkeys stay, the English don’t leave either.
Nice to go as a daytrip from one of the other places on the Costa del Sol. Also funny: To get to the rock you have to cross a runway on foot.
You will also find traditional English pubs where you can have a drink or something to eat, and for children the monkeys are great of course!
Tarifa
A town that absolutely must be mentioned is Tarifa. From here there are daily ferry services to the Moroccan city of Tangier. The distance from Tarifa to the Moroccan coast is only 14 kilometers!
Tarifa is mainly known as a kite and windsurfing destination. In fact, for surfers it is one of the most popular destinations in Europe.
Another popular and fun activity in Tarifa is dolphin spotting. There is a chance to see one from the shore, or go on one of the boat trips for more security!
Granada
An incredibly beautiful city at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. Of course especially known, and rightly so, by the Alhambra. The Alhambra is a gigantic historical palace with remains of both Moorish and Catholic culture. The building is also surrounded by beautiful gardens that you really have to see!
However, the Alhambra is not the only thing to see in Granada. For example, the cathedral is one of the largest in the world. The Arab bathhouses and the prestigious University of Granada are also worth a visit.
In addition, if the weather is bad, the city has numerous museums!
Cordoba
First and foremost, Cordoba is considered the warmest city in Europe, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 35 degrees for months! A real must in Cordoba is the “Mezquita”. Originally it was built as a Mosque, but after the Christian takeover of Cordoba it served as a Cathedral. Because of this, both the Moorish and Christian influences are clearly visible today.
Not only the mezquita is beautiful, the whole centre is very old and beautiful. No wonder that the old centre is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In short, Cordoba has a beautiful old center with several monuments and sights, so if you get the chance to take a look, do it!
Sevilla
Sevilla is the largest city and also the capital of Andalusia.
Whether it’s the buildings, the beautiful weather, or the atmosphere, Sevilla is great! In terms of sights you should not miss the “Plaza España” and the palace “Real Alcazar”. The palace also has beautiful gardens with huge palm trees, so you can walk, especially when the weather is good.
Besides numerous sights, Sevilla is also known for its dance and music style Flamenco. Very nice to watch a show when visiting Sevilla.
In addition, the atmosphere in the city is great, everywhere you will find small streets with tapas bars and nice squares with terraces in the sun.
For those who want to shop, Sevilla has several large department stores and a lively shopping street. In short, when you are in Andalusia you should definitely visit the capital and experience the good vibe yourself!
Source: www.kostanieuws.com
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