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all this and so much more
Spains sunshine
coast,
the Costa del Sol, forms the southern fringe
of the region of Andalucía, bordered to the west by the Rock of Gibraltar and to
the east the mountains of Almería. With about 320 days of blue sky
annually and an endless string of sandy beaches, it is not surprising that millions
of tourists a year, from all over the world, flock to this area, making it one of Europes most successful holiday
destinations.
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Yet despite the
march of development that has
peppered the narrow coastal strip with hotels and holiday complexes, the Costa
del Sol manages to encapsulate all that is Spanish: scented orange groves and
rolling fields of silver olive trees; the passion of the bull fight and the
rhythm of flamenco;
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| tiny bars in winding back streets where the locals sip
Málaga wines and laughter mingles with the aroma of fried garlic. |
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It is this contrast that makes the region so
appealing. Within minutes of the coast is a part of Spain that most of the
sea, sun and sangria loving tourists never discover. Wander through the
lovely old town of Málaga, birth place of
Picasso; hike the mountain trails
looking out across the Mediterranean to Africa; follow the route of the bulls
around Seville or try freshly grilled sardines on the beach at Torremolinos.
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Life on the Costa del Sol is very relaxed and
the local people welcome both ends of the tourist spectrum, from the yacht
dwellers of Puerto Banus to the families attracted by the gently shelving
beaches and easy lifestyle. This cosmopolitan atmosphere along with the
discovery of a Spain hidden to most, is the magnet
that brings people back again and again.
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