About Andalucia

The region of Andalucia occupies the southern part of Spain with main cities of Seville, Granada and Córdoba situated in land from the coast.



Of the many coastlines in Andalucia, the Costa del Sol has been one of the most popular for many decades not only with the English but the Spanish too, who favour this destination for their summer holidays.

The area is served by two airports, Málaga in the east and Gibraltar in the west. The coastal highway, the N340 (recently renamed A7) runs all along the coast and is complemented in places by a new motorway (AP7) that is usually sparse from traffic due to toll fees.

The luxurious and glamorous lifestyle of the Costa del Sol began in the 1950s when socialite prince Hohenlohe invited film stars and royals to his private house for holidays, which later became the Marbella Club Hotel on Marbella’s famous Golden Mile.

Nowadays, the rich and famous not only spend time in Marbella, but in the nearby port town, Puerto Banús, which is home to hundreds of expensive yachts and motorboats. Designer shopping boutiques and exciting nightlife feature highly here for all ages.

Other popular towns east of Marbella include.

• the mountainside Mijas with beautiful views over the countryside to the sea,
• Benalmádena with its port and lively nightlife,
• Fuengirola became popular with the British years ago and continues to draw visitors
• Calahonda and Elviria are relatively new towns that have all the right amenities for the family

The western side of the Costa del Sol has only recently become popular and it is here that you’ll find fewer built up areas, although new developments are appearing here to accommodate the demand.

• Estepona is a wonderful little seaside town that has retained its ‘Spanish’ feel, with cobbled streets combined with a pedestrian shopping precinct,
• Duquesa has its own small marina surrounded by bars and restaurants, perfect for early evening relaxation
• Sotogrande is a luxurious marina town where the polo set gather and many royals enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Due to the mild winters and warm spring and autumn seasons the Costa del Sol quickly became area for golfers to enjoy their game when the weather in the UK and Ireland proved too bad. Now, the coast has over 50 beautifully maintained golf courses suitable for all levels of players.