Costa Del Sol Hotels

This strip of resort towns at the southernmost tip of Spain also holds a good reputation as a golfing destination. Gateway to Costa del Sol is Malaga, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, full of ancient sights while top resorts in Marbella and Torremolinos continue to draw celebrities and the jetsetting crowd. Lastly, the town of Ronda takes great pride in having the oldest bullring in Spain where the toughest matadors reign.

There is so much more to Costa del Sol than fancy resorts. It thrives in a diverse cultural climate spawning from the various settlements which left marks throughout the coast. Be it a Moorish castle, Roman baths or the white-washed villages, these attractions serve as nice little surprises when you crave for more than just sun and sand.

Attractions

Beaches in Costa del Sol are highly commercialised with recreational perks such as sunbathing areas, parks, playground for the kids and dining places to boot. All the more reason why throngs of Europeans make this destination a bustling haven come holiday-time which is actually year-round!

Malaga serves as the welcome mat to the region. Its historical allure springs from the many influences of the Moorish settlement which once inhabited the coast. In the heart of the city lies Alcazaba, a hotel which used to be a castle. The city also has one other thing to boast of. The great Pablo Picasso was born here which explains the handful of museums offering a glimpse into his life and works.

The rich and famous drop anchor at Marbella where the chic resorts and fancy restaurants are. Celebrities and royals have villas tucked away in the hill sides. Torremolinos is another popular resort area in Costa del Sol. Compared to Marbella, this town bears a more mass market appeal. Hotels, shops, restaurants and cafes occupy every inch of Torremolinos thus creating a chaotic pace. For a more cultural climate, a few miles inland is Ronda. Apart from its jaw-dropping river gorge, the town's bullring, oldest one in Spain, never fails to gain much interest from travellers.

One last marvel from Costa del Sol's attractions is Granada which is a romantic destination in itself largely due to Alhambra. This old sprawling fortress is the finest example of Moorish architecture in Spain with its sprawling gardens, fountains and dreamy courtyards.

Events

Following Spain's religious calendar, most events in Costa del Sol are held in honor of a saint or two. You can join in the merrymaking just like when Feria de Marbella comes in June with its endless dancing parties and feasts in the town square. Granada puts on its party hat for the Granada International Festival of Music and Dance. With riveting performances held in such outstanding venues like the Alhambra, it is hard not to take part in this yearly musical showcase.

In August, enjoy the summer at Costa del Sol with Feria de Malaga, a major festival held yearly. The whole city is geared up in colourful decorations enlivened by dances, performances, and food exhibitions where you can sample the popular local sherry. As an added treat, the bullfighting season kicks off at the same time as well.

Climate

• Winter (November to February) 16 - 19°C; very mild but inland is a bit freezing

• Spring (March to May) 18 - 22°C; generally pleasant

• Summer (June to August) 26 - 29°C; hottest days in the coast

• Fall (September to October) 23 - 25°C; less humid as it gets colder