The Costa del Sol – More than just a bucket and spade destination 

With the explosion in mass market tourism in the 60′s, Spain’s Costa del Sol quickly became known as the archetypal Mediterranean hotel package tour destination. But over the last few years, thanks to the boom in the property market and subsequent abundance of good quality holiday rental accommodation, plus the wide availability of cheap flights from most UK airports, there’s been a significant shift in the way people holiday on the Costa del Sol. 

Northern European visitors, once happy to book a flight and hotel package deal to relax for a week or two soaking up a spot of sun, sand, sea and sangria, are now keen to venture further afield and discover the unique charms this part of Spain has to offer. 

More and more are going self-catering, visiting more frequently and for shorter stays, not just in summer, but all year round – hardly surprising when the Costa del Sol has so much to offer throughout the year, especially for those prepared to head a little off the beaten track. Here are a few top destinations great in summer and winter. 

Malaga 

Outside Spain, the city is probably best known as a flight destination. Some might even know it as the birthplace of Picasso, but 3,000 years before Picasso first put paint to canvas and the first Easyjet flight began its final approach, the Phoenicians landed in Malaga and founded a city which today, still feels the rich cultural influence of its Greek, Roman and Moorish conquerors. 

You can still see much evidence of its historic past on view – the Roman theatre, the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, the Court of Isabella and Ferdinand at the great Cathedral or the 16th century Palace which now houses the Museum of Fine Arts.

Malaga is a perfect place to explore historical monuments and visit the Picasso Museum, which houses many examples of the artist’s most important work. You’ll also find many vibrant little backstreets and plazas; bustling chic areas full of boutiques, designer shops and classy cafes, all surrounded by wonderful old-style buildings.  

There’s no shortage of places to eat and drink; from crÁ¨me de la crÁ¨me Michelin star restaurants to the most humble of tapas bars, serving a variety of delicious dishes. What’s more, you won’t need to re-mortgage your house to pay for them.   

If you’re on the Costa del Sol during August and you really want to experience Malaga at its most vibrant, energetic best then make a date with the Feria – a typically Andalucian party tradition in every town and village in the region originating from the Middle Ages when villages would get together to exchange home made products and the fruits of the land.  

When it comes to defining the spirit of the Spanish in Andalucia, nothing comes closer. During the festivities, the city gets literally swamped by millions of happy Spaniards all enjoying a drink or two, as well as many merry tourists as well. The atmosphere is truly amazing. Makeshift bars line the streets serving beers, traditional ‘Fino’ Sherry, all manners of wines and spirits, plus some of the best tapas you’re ever likely to taste, as rival sound systems compete side-by-side, pumping out traditional and popular Spanish music at ear-splitting volume. Yes it’s mad, yes it’s chaotic, but it’s absolutely the real deal. 

Pueblos Blancos

If vibrant cities are not your thing, there are many tranquil, typically Andalucian mountainside ‘white villages’ to explore up and down the coast. Most are just a few miles inland: Gaucin, Casares and Benahavis to name but three. 

Gaucin is a stunning little village at the western end of the coast, perched high on a rocky mountainside with incredible views to Gibraltar and the North African Rif mountains across The Straits of Gibraltar. The Romans chose it as the ideal location to build a castle, which you can still look around today. Until recently, most homes in the village had no running water or electricity. 

Casares meanwhile is arguably the most beautiful of the Costa del Sol’s authentic white villages, built on the mountainside, with an old fortress at its peak, and un-spoilt by tourism. As you wander its quaint, narrow cobbled streets, it’s hard to believe you are but a few miles from the crowds down on the busy coast below.  

Benahavis, whilst closer to the coast, also delivers authentic charms by the bucket-load, with the added attraction that it’s full of great restaurants serving everything from expensive gourmet food to authentic backstreet Spanish ‘tapas’.  

Refugio de Juanar National Park

If you’re looking for outstanding natural beauty, drive up to the Refugio de Juanar National Park, located high in the mountain range behind Marbella which shields the area from northern weather systems and provides its famously mild micro-climate. 

There’s a trail you can follow on foot leading up through forest pines, pinsapos and walnut trees that eventually brings you out onto a picturesque mountaintop plain populated by olive trees and wild mountain flowers, plus some exotic animal life too, such as wild boar, goats, eagles, Royal owls, small lizards, snakes and even scorpions.  

At the trail’s end is, ‘El Mirador‘, a fabulous viewing point over one of the most spectacular sights on the entire Costa del Sol. 

The Straits of Gibraltar

For those who fancy getting closer to nature of the marine variety, the Straits of Gibraltar at the western end of the Costa del Sol, is the point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean.  

Here, 15 different species of whales, dolphins and porpoises can be seen in their natural habitat. Witnessing these magnificent creatures can be a magical, if not life-changing experience. When weather conditions allow, local companies offer daily Dolphin and Whale watching safaris departing from Gibraltar, the fishing port of Tarifa, or Algeciras. 

Ask the Experts

If you want to find out more about places to visit and where to stay along the Costa del Sol, visit www.HolidayRentalontheWeb.com. HolidayRentalontheWeb.com offers a portfolio of fully-managed Costa del Sol self-catering accommodation, from villas with heated pools, to apartments. They have created a number of guides to the area, click here to download their Marbella Guide