Costa del Sol. Southern Spain.
The Costa del Sol in the Southern Spain is one of Europe's holiday spots, with 160 kilometres to the east and west of Malaga the capital of the Province.
A lot of of magnificent beaches cater for sun soakers, water sports enthusiasts, naturists and celebrity spotters. Since the holiday boom in the 1960s, the Costa del Sol's ancient towns and fishing villages have been transformed into mega tourist centres geared to the demands of the millions of international visitors.
If you're a golf fanatic, you've come to the right place. This is the golfing Mecca of Europe with nearly 70 courses in Andalucia including 38 along the coast. Championship courses include Valderrama, host to the 1997 Ryder Cup, Torrequebrada, Aloha, San Roque old and new Courses old top class courses. We have 9 golf courses in Estepona.
Malaga is the capital of the Province, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and modern day hero Antonio Banderas.
It's Spain's second largest port and has a cosmopolitan flavour along with much traditional Andalusian charm amid its maze of medieval streets. To the west of the capital, you'll find Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella.
At the western end of the Costa del Sol you will find Estepona and Puerto La Duquesa which are quieter beach resorts, favoured by couples and families.
Mijas Pueblo and Mijas Costa.
Mijas is in the province of Malaga on the Costa del Sol in the Southern Spain.
This charming resort is divided in 2 areas - Mijas Costa beach front resort and Mijas Pueblo which must rate as one of the prettiest white village villages in Spain.
Mijas in the Mountains is typical Andalusian village of whitewashed buildings perched high on the mountainside with fantastic views to the Mediterranean and a scenic backdrop of endless pine forests.
Mijas has a cosmopolitan flavour with international restaurants, clubs and bars. The municipality has managed to retain its old world charm and has a reputation as a holiday spot for the more discerning tourist.
At the entrance to the village you'll see the ancient spring which still provides natural mineral water from a tap in the wall. A major attraction for visitors is the surviving tradition of donkey taxis which trek around the pueblo for the benefit of foreign sightseers.
Local arts and crafts thrive here, notably hand made linen and wicker items. Mijas is also well knowed for its delicious local bread, honey and almond cakes.
Down at the coast, you'll find Mijas Costa, also known as La Cala, this area was once a small, charming fishing village but has now been transformed into a popular beach resort with water sports, bars, restaurants.
This entire area is a golfer's paradise with year-round sun and numerous championship golf courses within easy reach.
No wonder they call the Costa del Sol the Golfing Mecca of Europe!
Marbella.
Marbella is located in the heart of the Costa del Sol in the southern Spain. Modern day Marbella try to be the Spain's answer to St Tropez.
The remains of prehistoric settlers have been found on the Sierra Blanca which provides Marbella's impressive mountainous backdrop; recent archaeological finds point to Phoenician settlements here in the 7th century BC.
This is an area steeped in history and you'll find plenty of fascinating architecture and places of interest dating back to the days of Roman and Moorish occupation.
The focal point of the Old Town, still partially surrounded by the ruins of an old Arab wall, is the lovely Orange Square with its ancient stately buildings, tall trees and exotic tropical plants.
The square dates back to 1485 and is dominated by three buildings of historic interest, the Town Hall, built in 1568, the Baroque style church of St Mary built in 1618 and restored after the Spanish Civil War of 1936-39, and the old Governor's House dating back to 1552.
But it's not Marbella history which brings foreign visitors in droves to this most favoured of towns which has gained a worldwide reputation for its glitz and glamour.
Probably the most famous area of the resort is its seafront "Golden Mile" stretching from Marbella to Puerto Banus. This stretch is where Marbella's wealth is most in evidence.
The port of Puerto Banus, to the west of the town, is home to a collection of some of the swankiest yachts in the world.
There are world-class restaurants offering top quality cordon bleu cuisine at really top prices, be ready, but you can still find plenty of back street Spanish tapas bars and restaurants.
And when the sun goes down.prepare to party! There are clubs, casinos, clubs and cinemas enough to keep you entertained till dawn.
As far as sporting activities, well there are few places which can match Marbella for world-class tennis, sailing and golf. Golfers indulge their passion for 365 days a year here on more than 20 golf courses which attract international stars for major championships.
Costa del Sol. Golfing Mecca in Europe.
The most popular region for golf in Spain is the Costa del Sol.
Lively holiday resorts such as Mijas Costa, Marbella, EStepona and Puerto la Duquesa provide the perfect base because of the sensational weather, the great beaches and the notoriously lively after golf.
They are also within a stones throw of some of Spain's best courses including the world famous course at Valderrama.
For all these reasons the Costa del Sol is the most popular destination in Europe for golfers.
There are plenty of premier quality golf courses throughout Andalucia and when combined with the beautiful climate the Costa del Sol has to offer, this is one of the best golfing environments in the world.
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