Andalusia’s Costa del Sol or the Sun Coast is one of Spain, if not Europe’s, most popular beachside destinations. Although the region has been settled since the Bronze Age it wasn’t until the later part of the last century that Costa del Sol was transformed into the popular holiday spot that it is today.
The Costa del Sol is covered with quaint, single-storey white houses that run from the coastal mountain range down to the sea. Many of these serve as pensions and guest houses, although the majority of tourists these days stay in the larger commercial hotels along the beach, many of which offer 5-star accommodation at low prices, especially during the off-season.
Málaga is the main city on the Costa del Sol and its city centre provides a nice culture break from the beach party atmosphere that dominates many of the beaches in the region. The city was once fortified, and the remains of its walls—along with the Gibralfaro Castle, the Flavian Roman Amphitheatre, and a number of art museums—are among Málaga’s top attractions. Málaga is also the main transport hub for the Costa del Sol and its airport is the fourth busiest in the country.