Pure beauty and a year’s supply of sunshine, there’s no other place like the Sunshine Coast – more commonly known as the Costa del Sol. This coastal region in the south of Spain offers stunning views, sparkling blue waters and a host of upbeat areas. Why not dine in amazing restaurants and indulge in some of the freshest fish you could feast your eyes on? You can also take in the historic landmarks, gaze at the beautiful marinas or feed the adrenaline junkie in you at one of the many theme parks in the area. The Costa del Sol has it all! And with an average of 320 days of sunshine each year, this majestic Spanish region is the place to be for an exciting adventure for couples and families.
Beaches
Relax on the sun-kissed sands and embrace the glistening waters at one of the many beaches that make up the 161km coastline. There are more than 125 beaches, each unique and picturesque in their own way – that’s what makes the Costa del Sol an incredible place to visit. If you’re all for the city life the beach can come with you! Malaga is home to a beachy beauty spot La Malagueta which is just a stone’s throw away from the city centre. The golden sands reach as far as the eyes can see making it a hot spot for lounging in the sun (or shade, under the many palm trees).
Food & Drink
Indulge in some culinary delights, both Spanish and international during your stay. As a bustling coastal resort, visitors flock here to try the vast array of tasty dishes. From typical Mediterranean meals bursting with flavour, to Spanish tapas – there’s certainly something on offer for everyone! Treat your taste buds to the exciting savoury mix of ajoblanco, a soup which combines bread, crushed almonds, garlic, olive oil, salt, vinegar and water. As strange as it may seem, it’s often accompanied with grapes or a melon, mainly for garnish but also to show the excellent locally-grown fruits of the region. The dish makes a tasty sweet and savoury starter and you certainly shouldn’t end your trip without giving it a try!
If you’re looking for something more filling, Gambas al Pil-Pil is a signature dish for Andalusians. The dish is made up of prawns served in a spicy salsa sauce created with a combination of flavours including paprika, garlic and chillies which is served sizzling at your table. A trip to the Costa del Sol wouldn’t be complete without a tasty seafood dish and sardine skewers (espeto) are big here, very big. The name really is what to expect, you’ll be served with several delicious grilled sardines on a stick. You don’t have to search for too long before you come across this sensational delight as most beach bars cook them up. After a busy day spent in the sun, there’s nothing better than sipping a refreshing ice cold glass of Sangria! Lili’s bar in Benahavis is well-known for serving up the perfect glass of this fruity goodness alongside delicious local dishes.
Culture
The Costa del Sol has something for everyone – popular tourist resorts, historic villages and scenic mountains. Culture here has been shaped by the Phoenicians, who established the historic city of Malaga. The Romans also played an important role as they built baths and roads (some of which are still visible today) along this southern stretch of Spain. This beautiful region is the birthplace of the famous Spanish painter Pablo Picasso, and a visit to his birthplace gives the opportunity to learn more about what sparked the magnificent work he produced. For those looking to unleash themselves in the history of Andalusian heritage, there are many museums and religious sites scattered throughout the province, including the Arab Public Baths and the Castillo de Gibralfaro – a castle in the Malaga hillside which offers spectacular views of the province.
Nightlife
It may be mostly known for the beauty spots, however, for those who like to party until dawn, there are still a lot of bars and clubs in the main cities, Malaga and Marbella. If you’re after something different for a night out, head to Sala Opium in the city of Malaga for an exotic and atmospheric bar experience. The bar is designed around the city’s Arabic history, which is clear to see as the building is decorated with luxurious cushions and decorations. Whether you’re looking for a few drinks with some mates or fancy taking part in one of the weekly theme nights, Sala Opium is the ideal place to experience Malaga’s trendy culture.
Important Information
Flight Time: 3h
Time difference: +1hr
Currency: Euro
Official Language: Spanish
