Washed by the Mediterranean Sea, the Costa del Sol extends along more than 150 kilometres of coastline in the province of Malaga, in the southern Iberian Peninsula. Its name, the ‚ Coast of the Sun, is not due to mere chance: with over 325 sunny days a year and a benevolent climate, this is a paradisiacal place with beaches to suit all tastes.

Starting at the Maro cliffs, and extending through Nerja, with its Balcon de Europa viewing point and cave; delightful Torrox; stately Vélez-Málaga; attractive Rincón de la Victoria; the magnificent capital; the famed Torremolinos; Benalm√°dena, Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella, Estepona, Manilva and peaceful Casares, the Costa del Sol is a dream location for a holiday where the possibilities are endless.

Each beach has its own charms. Some are livelier, others are quieter and more solitary; some are absolutely untouched and others have the most modern services. You will surely find your own personal paradise on the Costa del Sol.

From the western coast of Cadiz to Nerja, on the border with the province of Granada, there is an area where tourism is highly developed. The waters are calm, warm and transparent, and the scenery is beautiful and varied, as many beaches are set between the mountains and the sea.

A large percentage of the total accommodation available in Andalusia is concentrated on the western Costa del Sol. There are many tourist services of all types, including berths for sporting boats at 13 marinas and yacht clubs, as well as golf courses, all types of sports facilities, casinos and a myriad of leisure and entertainment options.

A way of life

Above all, life on the Costa del Sol is wholly accesible to you, whether you plan to live here permanently or purchase a property as an occasional refuge.

The coast's unique microclimate means that the Costa del Sol enjoys around 320 sunny days throughout the year. This therapeutic climate, slower pace of life and the Andalusian diet using olive oil, red wine and garlic, has ensured that the Spanish people enjoy one of the highest life expectatives in the EU.

Life on the Costa del Sol is much fuller and richer than you may imagine, with the range of available activities. The area is well-known for the large number of championship golf courses, but less publicised is the fact that within two hours drive you can enjoy the ski slopes of Sierra Nevada from December to early April.

On the coast, the marinas and ports with their modern bars, restaurants and boutiques are home to some of the most beautiful watercraft in the world. For those wishing to try their hand at sailing either wind or motor powered vessels, there are various schools and private coaches in every marina. Add to this the opportunities for diving, windsurfing, playing polo and tennis and you have a varied selection of sports to suit everyone.

Travelling from one end of the coast to the other and further inland is relatively easy on the excellent new road network. For a more relaxed and scenic journey there is an efficient railway network stretching through the whole Andalusian region, to the historical cities of Sevilla, Cordoba and Granada.

Residing in Spain and learning about the culture can be a lot of fun, especially if you visit any of the numerous fiestas that are celebrated along the coast throughout the year. Everyone is made welcome at the colourful, lively celebrations that often last for days and go on late into the night.

Entertainment is well catered for in the form of ballets, plays, original version films, concerts and flamenco shows, as well as magnificent casinos and shopping centers. Local English language newspapers and magazines are widely available and list details of sports and social clubs for almost every nationality.