The Costa del Sol lies to the west of Málaga towards Gibraltar, a stones throw beyond the busy, bustling airport. The climate, particularly in the winter months is probably the best on mainland Europe. The first “port of call” and the first place to be developed was the once small fishing village of Torremolinos, whose municipal area stretches from the mouth of the Guadalhorce river to Benalmádena and inland as far as the Mijas mountains, (Sierra de Mijas). Torremolinos has large, endless clean beaches and every kind of holiday activity is catered for. The new seafront promenade runs to La Carihuela and is quite scenic with the maze of old streets running off it to the picturesque old town. The Bajondillo and La Carihuela districts are well worth visiting as they are of historical and cultural interest. To the east of Torremolinos lies a nature reserve set up inthe mouth of the Guadalhorce river and is frequented by a remarkable number of different species of bird.

To the west of Torremolinos lies Benalmádena, the village itself lies above its coastal counterpart and boasts beautiful panoramic views and some lovely traditional architecture. Benalmádena Costa has well kept beaches, a thriving marina within which is the Sea Life aquarium park and a wealth of sand, sea and sun tourist facilities and of course, golf courses. In the village is a small archaeological museum and the Castillo de Aguilas with its bird of prey centre of over 150 raptors that are flown daily. The latest attraction here are the cable cars which run to the Calamorro mountains at 769 metres above sea level offering views, on a clear day to Gibraltar, north Africa and the Sierra Nevada.

Fuengirola is quieter than Torremolinos and appeals as a “family resort”, its municipal area extends 11 square metres along the coast between Benalmádena and Mijas. The area offers superb landscapes, the town stands at the mouth of the Fuengirola river and forms a grand valley extending inland and a mountainous region to the north. The Fuengirola esplanade is 7 kilometres long and embraces the Santa Fe de los Boliches district. Here there is a large marina is and the modern yachts and pleasure boats share moorings with the local fishing boats. Fuengirola has a long history with excavations of Roman artefacts currently being made and many renovations taking place all over the town. A recently reopened zoo provides four different types of habitat and night time entry for the public to watch the nocturnal animals. Amongst the usual beach and leisure activities, Fuengirola offers Tivoli World a large amusement park, several aqua parks and boat trips from the harbour to Benalmádena.

Mijas village is typically Arabic, but, has a long history dating back to Roman times. There are some interesting historical sights to be seen; ruined wall defences from the times of the Moors and many archaeological buildings including a rectangular bullring which is so small that only bullfighting on foot can take place! Mijas is probably one of the most famous of the “white villages” in Andalucía surrounded by rolling pine covered hills and spectacular views to the coast. Mijas Costa is totally geared to being a coastal holiday resort with all beach, sea and sun activities available, including the Mijas Water Park and many golf courses.

Ojén lies between the Sierra Blanca and the Sierra Alpujata, within reach of the Sierra de las Nieves Parque Natural and the village itself is surrounded by orchards and has kept its Arabic roots. There are the ruins of a castle in the upper part of the village and Neolithic remains in the Pecho Redondo Caves. The area between Puerto Banús and Marbella is known as the “golden mile” because of the luxurious and expensive properties built alongside it, Puerto Banús itself has a casino and grand marina development frequented by the jet set who moor their yachts and pleasure boats here.

Marbella covers 100 square metres with 24 kilometres of beach, it is a very attractive resort and is considered one of the classiest summer resorts in Europe. Boasting a wonderful climate, keeping cooler in summer and warmer in winter than the rest of the Malága province. Backed by the superb Sierra Blanca, with a wonderful beach of fine sand and beautiful historic town and the added attraction of seeing a famous face belonging to one of the jet set Marbella has been extremely popular for holiday makers for many years. It boasts a deep and varied history that has left archaeological treasures all over the area. The Cabopino Dunes and Las Chapas Pine Groves are well worth a visit and there is a wealth of marinas (full of boats of every conceivable type), golf courses and sports clubs. The nearest airports are Málaga and Gibraltar and are, of course, easily accessible on the N340.

Estepona is one of the most westerly towns of the Costa del Sol, it sits at the foot of Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja, it is protected from the northerly winds and so enjoys a mild climate. The town keeps its typical Andalucían character with whitewashed houses, balconies covered with a colourful array of flowerpots. The prestigious riding school the “Escuela de Arte Ecuestre de la Costa del Sol” can be found here, together with the Selwo wildlife park and facilities for mountain or water sports, The town boasts some beautiful architecture and has remains of hot-springs, most likely dating from the Roman occupation.

Casares is called the “hanging village” due to its situation at 435 metres above sea level clinging spectacularly to the side of a rocky gorge, overlooked by a castle. The architecture is said to be a feat to surprise even some of today’s most enterprising architects. The houses are several storeys high, set in picturesque, twisting and white walled, narrow streets The town is said to have taken its name from Julius Caesar who had liver complaint cured here thanks to the sulphuric and alkaline waters from nearby Manilva , these waters are also said to have cured the Emperors’ skin condition. There are many interesting ruins to be found here and on a clear day there are spectacular views to Gibraltar.

Manilva is the most westerly municipality of the Málaga province, it lies 97 kilometres south of Málaga city and 35 kilometres from Gibraltar. The village stands at 128 metres above sea level and borders with the province of Cádiz; it also is the point at which the Costa del Sol and Campo de Gibraltar meet. The village stands between the Río Manilva and the Calataraje stream; the surrounding landscape consists of rolling hills rising gently up from the sea that are covered with vineyards, the main crop of which is the Muscatel grape that is harvested in September. Agriculture, fishing and tourism are the main activities in this area and all are enhanced by the mild climate, good wine, superb natural beauty, the medicinal waters and historical architecture.