Landmarks of Costa del Sol, Spain

Costa del Sol, Spain

The Costa del Sol is the southern coastal strip of Spain. Literally, Costa del Sol means sun coast, which is entirely due to the mostly sunny weather that prevails here all year round. Nowhere in Spain does the summer season last as long as on the Costa del Sol. This has resulted in a large number of busy seaside resorts, of which Marbella is undoubtedly the most famous. The Costa del Sol mainly offers beach and fun on the water. For golf enthusiasts there are a countless number of beautiful golf courses where you can hit a ball.

Top 10 places of interest of Costa del Sol

#1. Granada
According to Shoe Wiki, the city of Granada is home to one of Spain’s world-famous monuments. This is the incredibly large magisterial Alhambra palace complex. It is so special that UNESCO has determined that only a few visitors are allowed in per day. Granada has some beautiful gardens. In particular, the garden in which the beautiful Parador of Granada is located. A Parador is a historic piece of heritage converted into a state hotel such as old castles and monasteries. The oldest part of Granada ‘Albayzín’ gives a wonderful feeling of Andalusian cosiness.

#2. Ronda
This city has three famous bridges that cross the river Guadaleví and the deep El Tajo gorge. The famous bridges are: the Puente Romano also known as Puente San Miguel, the Puente Viejo also known as Puente Arabe and the Puente Nuevo. Because Ronda is one of the oldest cities in Spain, the city has a lot of culture and history. Famous caves such as ‘Cueva de la Pileta and archaeological findings and museums such as the municipal museum, are plenty to be found. But also churches, temples and an arena for bullfights.

#3. Cordoba
The historic center of the city of Cordoba has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1984. And that is not for nothing. There is a mosque that was started in 785 with construction. It has an area of ​​about 23,000 m². This Mezquita is one of a kind. The ruins of Medina Azahara are impressive as it is a palace city. And so there are dozens of special sights in this top cultural destination. The world famous dish from Cordobo ‘Rabo de Toro’ is known as a top dish among culinary enthusiasts. It is a kind of stew that mainly consists of bull’s tail and other ingredients.

#4. Malaga
The large city of Málaga is located about a hundred kilometers from the Strait of Gibraltar. This second largest city in Andalusia has plenty to offer tourists. You will find more than enough museums, historic buildings, parks and shops. What you should not miss is the Arab Fort ‘Alcázaba’. This beautiful defensive fortress of Málaga is slightly higher than the city, so you have a beautiful view. An archaeological museum is located inside the fort. The cathedral of Málaga, the lively harbor and Jardin de la Conceptión are a list of must-see highlights. Picasso museum, Museo de Artes y Tradiciones (Museum of Popular Traditions) and Museo Municipal de Málaga are museums that stand out to be visited. With a visit to this pleasant city, you will notice that it has a lot more to offer.

#5. Marbella
The city of Marbella is still seen as a chic resort in the Costa del Sol. There are many elegant restaurants and luxury shops. Because many wealthy people live or go on holiday in Marbella, there are many prestigious villas and large apartments to be found. Those who like to hit a ball on the golf course have plenty of choice in Marbella. The golf courses of Aloha Golf, Rio Golf, Santa Clara Golf and Santa Maria Golf & Country Club are particularly beautiful. Those who want to do something different also have plenty of choice in this fantastic seaside resort. Consider a Buggy Safari or visit the old historic center of Marbella. To sniff art and culture, it is recommended to visit the following sights: the Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo with its graphic art, the marina Puerto Banús, Av. del Mar with the bronze statues of Salvador Dalí and the Almeda Park with its special benches.

#6. Nerja
Especially for water sports, Nerja is an excellent destination. There are at least thirteen beaches, of which Torrcilla and Burriana are among the most popular. The promenade in the center is known as ‘the balcony of Europe’, because you look out over the sea from a cliff. Just outside Nerja are the famous caves where many archaeological findings have been made. The stalactite caves ‘Cueva de Nerja’ even date from the Paleolithic era.

#7. Estepona
Between the mountains and the sea lies the town of Estepona. With no less than 21 kilometers of coastline, this place offers many cozy and beautiful beaches. There are many historical remains in Estepona such as the Clock Tower, Church of Sta. María de los Remedios, San Luis Castle and the old fishing port. Estepona does not have many clubs and discotheques for nightlife, but it does have many cozy restaurants and bars. You don’t have to look for large shopping centers in Estepona. You will find more small cozy shops and many local products. About 20 minutes drive from Estepona is a beautiful American safari park ‘Selwo Safari Park’.

#8. Almuñécar
This part of the Costa del Sol is less known. Together with La Herradura, Almuñécar forms the capital of the Costa Tropical, which lies between the Costa del Sol and the coast of Almería. The area has more rugged mountains and a wonderful subtropical climate. The San Miguel castle is the symbol of Almuñécar. The Majuelo Park is a wonderful resting place to relax with a good book. Many watchtowers and fortresses can be found along the coast.

#9. Torremolinos
This very famous seaside resort of the Costa del Sol was once a real ‘jet set’ destination. Now it still attracts a lot of tourists, but not only rich and famous people. Strolling along the pleasant boulevard is still just as popular. The name Torremolinos (tower mills) indicates that there used to be many windmills here. Now there is only one left, which is now a restaurant. The 6 kilometer long beach has everything you are looking for during a beach holiday. Nearby is a crocodile park, Aqualand, Sea Life and Tivoli World amusement park. The Castillo de Colomares should definitely be visited when you are in Málaga. This beautiful castle, built as an ode to Christopher Columbus, is still quite new. It was built between 1987 and 1994 by Dr. Stephen Martin. In the La Carihuela district you will find more of the authentic Torremolinos. There are mostly small fish restaurants, narrow streets and nice shops.

#10. Fuengirola
Beaches such as Playa del Bajondillo, Playa de la Carihuela and Playa Mar make this seaside resort a popular destination. In Fuengirola there is a beautiful Arabic castle ‘Castillo Sohail’ from the 10th century and a cozy harbor with lots of entertainment, which of course cannot be missed in a bustling seaside resort like this. There is also a zoo ‘Zoologico de Fuengirola’, a Roman Ruin and a very pleasant boulevard. The biopark of Fuengirola is a new kind of zoo where they pretend to look even more closely at the original habitat of the animals and try to match that.

Costa del Sol, Spain