The Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol has long been a favourite package holiday destination for British holiday makers seeking sun, sea and sand. Over two million tourists flock to the Costa del Sol every year.
The attraction is not hard to understand with resorts such as Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Marbella and Estepona offering everything you need for a great family package holiday.
The weather is of curse one of the big attractions particularly for UK holiday makers with an average of over 300 days of sunshine each year and average annual temperatures of 18 ºC.
Malaga International Airport is next to the main A7 coastal road linking to the motorway for easy access to most of the main resorts.
Costa del Sol - Family Holidays
The Costa del Sol is a particular favourite holiday destination for those with young children to consider. With a flight time of typically under 3 hours from the UK, even those with smaller children should find the trip pleasant and easily manageable.
The tourist industry on the Costa del Sol has long understood that family holiday makers make up a large percentage of the total tourist industry and have ensured that the area caters for children.
The famous "Flintstones Hotel" (Los Picapiedra) in Torremolinos for example is a fabulous, fun filled hotel that really captures the imagination of smaller children.
Many of the hotels on the Costa del Sol offer excellent children's clubs where you can leave your young ones safe in the knowledge that they are being watched over by trained monitors.
Many of the Costa del Sol's numerous golf courses also offer special sessions and workshops for children.
Costa del Sol - Beach Holidays
With 160 kilometres of glorious coastline, the Costa del Sol proudly stakes its claim as one of the best Beach Holiday destinations in the world. The Costa del Sol features beaches to suit everyone's taste including seven specialist nudist beaches, many "Blue Flag” beaches, secluded beaches, lively beaches and beaches that cater for a wide range of water sports.
Costa del Sol - Beach Holidays
The Costa del Sol is also known as the "Costa del Golf" simply because the area is a golfer's paradise. The region boasts over forty fabulous golf courses that cater for amateurs and professionals alike.
Some of the more popular golf courses on the Costa del Sol include La Cala Resort in Mijas Costa featuring three superb courses, Los Naranjos Golf Club in Marbella and the superb Finca Cortesin designed by Cabell Robinson.
Costa del Sol – Late Deal Holidays
The Costa del Sol offers excellent value for money and late deal holidays are often available. The peak holiday season runs from May to July.
Costa del Sol – Activity Holidays
The Costa del Sol climate and terrain make it an ideal destination for activity holidays of all kinds.
Water sports are extremely well catered for ranging from Snorkelling and Scuba diving to the more extreme kite surfing available in Tarifa.
With activities such as rock climbing, horse riding, sea kayaking and mountain biking all readily available, the Costa del Sol makes an action packed Activity Holiday destination.
Costa del Sol - Leisure Parks and Attractions
Benalmadena Sea Centre
The Benalmadena Sea centre offers a fascinating and educational insight into nature conservation. Offering exhibitions, guides and workshops the centre is reasonably priced and features an oceanographic lab allowing direct contact with much of the marine life in the aquariums.
The centre is open from 11:00 am to 3:00pm and again from 06:00pm to 9:00pm
Sea Life
Continuing the aquatic theme, Sea Life in the Benalmadena Marina claims to offer "a glimpse of the most hidden mysteries of the underwater kingdom2. Home to almost 30,000 creatures including stingray and more than twenty different shark species, Sea Life promises a thrilling and educational experience.
During the summer season the attraction stays open from 10:00 am to midnight.
Selwo Aventura
Selwo Aventura offers you the chance to see over 2000 animals in conditions that are very close to their natural habitat. 4x4 tours are available to take you to areas such as Tiger Valley, Lion Ridge and Bear Gorge.
Crocodile Park
If reptiles are "your thing" then Crocodile Park is certainly a place to head for. Located on the "Milla de Oro", Crocodile park features over 300 specimens across fourteen different crocodile species. Those brave enough can even have their photo taken holding a baby croc.
Parque Acuatico Mijas
Right in the centre of the Costa del Sol you will find the Parque Acuatico Mijas offering a plethora of water slides and aqua shutes.
Great fun for the whole family but particularly thrilling for children, parquet Acuatico is open from 10:00 am to 6:00pm off season and 10:00 am to 9:00 pm in July and August.
Other Costa del Sol Attractions
Magic Palace
A superb, theatrical magic show right in the centre of Torremolinos. Gaze in wonder as Oscar, Renzo and Mara dazzle you with illusions that will leave you breathless.
Torrequebrada Casino
Open until the early hours of the morning, the Torrequebrada Casino is one of the biggest casinos in Spain.
Malaga Go kart Racing Club
A 1,100 Metre Go kart racing circuit located in Mijas Costa. Caters for children of all ages offering two seater Karts for adults with children under five right up to Competition karts for over 18's.
Costa del Sol – Luxury Holidays
Malaga has had a reputation as being the playground of the rich and famous since the 1960's. The region features more than six thousand four star hotels.
For a hint of the luxury lifestyle why not head over to Puerto Banus ; home to some of the most incredible private yachts you will ever see. Opened in 1970 and named after property developer Jose Banus, the marina is claimed to be a favourite haunt of the Aga Khan, Hugh Hefner and many other celebrities.
Some of the more spectacular hotels on the Costa del Sol include the Hotel Puente Romano which was built on a 3 acre plot and features three swimming pools, ten tennis courts and a superb fitness centre. The five star, Gran Hotel Guadalpin Byblos between Malaga and Marbella is a truly magnificent hotel with excellent sporting and leisure facilities.