About the area
Costa del Sol is one of Europe’s favourite Mediterranean holiday resorts, the vast Costa del sol or “sun coast” runs from the Costa Tropical South of Granada to the tip of Tarifa past Gibraltar. It really does have something for everyone, sandy beaches, all year round sunshine, excellent sporting facilities and a very lively nightlife. If you like a little culture on your holidays, there’s also plenty to see. Boasting over 300 days of sunshine a year, the Costa del Sol is also perfect to enjoy a few rounds of Golf, with well over 35 courses, and more under construction, it is no wonder the area attracts so many golfers from across the world.
The Costa del Sol is certainly famous for its nightlife, offering an enormous number of bars, pubs and clubs to suit all ages and nationalities. Many of the villages near the coast have become fashionable resorts, while still conserving their ancient charm, whereas others, lost in the highlands, remain rough and ready olive-farming towns, with special appeal for the adventurous travellers…
The Costa del Sol offers a lifetime’s worth of variety!
Benalmadena, A quick review...
Benalmadena is situated on the Costa del Sol and lies between Malaga and Fuengirola. It is almost an extension of Torremolinos. It is made up of three totally different centres, Benalmadena Pueblo, Arroyo de la Miel and Benalmadena Costa.
Benalmadena Pueblo is a typical Andalusia village set in the mountains. Visit the spectacular monument erected in honour of Christopher Columbus, and see the birds of prey. The Archaeological Museum in the pueblo houses a collection of mainly South American artefacts, pre-dating the discovery of America. Take the lift up to the local church and the small walled gardens, where you can admire the view.
Arroyo de la Miel is a commercial village, famous for its popular attractions such as Tivoli World Fun Park, where you can try the thrilling rides or relax by the bars whilst watching one of its many excellent shows. The Teleferico or cable car will take you to the peak of Mount Calmorro, more than 600m high. Or for those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground, take a relaxing stroll in La Paloma Park.
Benalmadena Costa is the coastline of the area. Here you will find activities to suit all tastes and ages, including the 24-hour square for a full-on Night Life! Your day can be spent basking in the Mediterranean sun or strolling along the promenade to the Puerto Marina, which has twice won the prestigious 'Best Marina In The World' award, an absolutely beautiful site by day and night. The Marina holds a wealth of shops, restaurants, bars, boutiques and a "Sea Life Centre". It is a must see for every visitor, known for its beauty and striking architecture. There are over 1,000 berths for boats up to 40meters long.
Fuengirola
Fuengirola is a short bus ride away and is a must for all visitors. It has the longest sea front promenade on the coast (7 kilometres) with very clean, child friendly beaches. The 'Spanish beach bars' or 'Spanish Chirrungitas' line the length of the beach offering everything from cooling drinks and ice-creams and the local summer drink 'Tinto de Verano' (summer wine) which is a refreshing mix of local red wine and soda water. You will also find a selection of meals ranging from simple 'Tapas' dishes to freshly caught fish and barbequed sardines and many other wonderful fresh local seafood. The quieter end is Los Boliches, this is a favourite area for British Residents and holidaymakers alike. The town centre of Fuengirola is a bustle of big brand shops, boutiques and restaurants, all centred around the main square with its beautiful church. Most of the streets are still narrow, and there is still strong evidence of its very mixed history all around the area. There is an area known to locals as 'fish alley', where the choice of restaurant is simply staggering. The roads are for pedestrians only and all the tables and chairs spill out onto the pavements, so as you wind your way through you can see what everyone else is eating! As well as wonderful Spanish restaurants, you will find Chinese, Thai, Mexican, English and German among others to tempt your taste buds.
It also has a harbour and still active fishing port. From here you can take boat trips, for an hour or more, or as a ferry to the wonderful Benalmadena Port. The Port has a small market held in its car park every Sunday.
As well as an overwhelming choice of places to eat, Fuengirola is also one of the busiest places in the evenings for bars and clubs. The young local Spaniards don't tend to go out till late in the evenings, but from about 10'o clock, the area gets very busy and quite crowded in the height of Summer, until the early hours of the morning.
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The Costa del Sol is probably the most popular holiday destination in Europe. |
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|
Days of sun
per month |
Daily Hours of sun |
Av. temp.
(day)
C |
Medit. sea temp.
C |
Atlantic sea
temp.
C |
|
Jan |
23 |
6.9 |
16 |
15.7 |
13.5 |
|
Feb |
24 |
7 |
17 |
14.8 |
12.2 |
|
Mar |
26 |
8.9 |
19 |
15.9 |
13.7 |
|
Apr |
29 |
9.5 |
21 |
17.2 |
15.2 |
|
May |
30 |
12.4 |
24 |
18 |
16.6 |
|
Jun |
31 |
13.2 |
28 |
21 |
19.2 |
|
Jul |
31 |
14.3 |
30 |
21.5 |
19.4 |
|
Aug |
31 |
13.9 |
30 |
25 |
22 |
|
Sept |
29 |
10.7 |
28 |
21.6 |
19.3 |
|
Oct |
28 |
9.2 |
24 |
18.8 |
17.3 |
|
Nov |
24 |
7.3 |
20 |
18.3 |
17 |
|
Dec |
23 |
6.8 |
17 |
15.4 |
13.3 |
|
Av. Year |
27 |
10 |
21.4 |
18.6 |
15.5 |
