Spanish Regions

The Costa del Sol in the south of the Spanish peninsula remains one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world, since it combines a magnificent climate throughout the year with a great selection of beaches and excellent infrastructure along a 160 km coast. On our pages we provide extensive tourist information as well as pictures of the most popular resorts of the Costa del Sol:

• Torremolinos, since the 50s one of the major sun and beach tourist destinations in Spain and the first in Andalusia, with an extensive tourism infrastructure.
• Benalmadena, with its old town in the mountains and a modern seaside resort and chic award winning Marina. Fuengirola, with the longest sea promenade in Spain and a large selection of hotels.
• Mijas, stretching from the picturesque white village Mijas Pueblo in the mountains to the new development in Mijas Costa.
• Marbella and Puerto Banus, the summer resort of the jet set and the epicenter of exhibitionism. Close to Manilva is situated Sotogrande, the place of choice for upscale vacation away from the hustle and bustle of Marbella.
• And last not least Nerja, the best known town on the coast east of Malaga, with charming little coves.
• The Costa del Sol stretches along some 160 kilometers in the province of Malaga, from Nerja in the east to Manilva in the west. Due to its excellent climate throughout the year, this region is year after year one of the most popular holiday destinations. Therefore, the Costa del Sol is not only a summer resort; the mild climate allows enjoying a large number of outdoor activities, a fact that not only golf enthusiasts take advantage of.
• Well developed Costa del Sol resorts like Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola and Marbella attract every year a large number of visitors. These resorts not only provide miles of sandy beaches, great weather and a large tourist infrastructure catering for every need, but also offer an extensive selection of entertainment and relaxation for every taste, including zoos and water parks, casinos, bullfights, amusement parks, local fairs, parks, gardens, museums and historical monuments.
• Tourism concentrates mainly on the coastal strip of Malaga province, where nearly all municipalities have experienced a spectacular growth in the recent years. The lifestyle here is casual and relaxed and yet very lively. The locals are famous for their partying, thus Costa del Sol nightlife is very animated in Malaga city and all coastal resorts and even more in summer! Visitors can also enjoy calm nights at the seashore enjoying dinner or a drink in one of the many restaurants, bars and beach bars.
• Probably the most popular international hot spots for nightlife on the Costa del Sol are La Nogalera and Los Alamos area of Torremolinos, the so-called 24 hour square in Benalmadena and the glitter and glam mile of Puerto Banus in Marbella where you can dance the night away until the morning hours. The Costa del Sol is as well known as the Costa del Golf due to the high density of first class golf courses, especially on the western coast around Marbella, Estepona and Manilva.
• Only a few kilometers from the bustling coast you can discover the ancient Andalusian villages, many of them known as white Villages due to the white whitewashed facades, a legacy of times past of the Arab kingdom in Al-Andalus. We invite you to discover the charm and beauty of nature and villages of the interior, where is still palpable the authentic magic of Andalucia.

Costa de Almeria

The coast of Almeria is relatively unspoilt compared to its neighbouring Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca regions. The area incorporates over 200 kilometres of diverse and predominantly natural coastline; inland much of the landscape is arid and desert-like and is sparsely populated. Supposedly Almeria enjoys the most hours of sunshine and lowest rainfall in Europe.

History
The name Almeria derives from the Arabic occupation, originally Al-Mariyya, meaning The Mirror, as it was compared to The Mirror of the Sea. The capital city of the same name, Almeria was an Arabic stronghold and the principal harbour in its domain. The Moorish castle of Alcazaba is the second largest of the Arabic fortresses in Andalusia, after the Alhambra in Granada.

Attractions
The city itself is a lively, modern commercial city; culturally it is very Spanish, with few foreigners residing in the centre. There is a ferry port – where you can take a trip over to North Africa, a sports marina and a working fishing port. A visit to the city is definitely worthwhile; it has a good selection of galleries, museums and shops, as well as lots of pretty squares along the main central avenue Las Ramblas.

Natural coastline
To the east of the city of Almeria we find the protected natural maritime park of Cabo de Gato – Nijar with its beautiful rugged and natural coastline. Much of the coast has restricted road access, so getting down to beach is usually on foot, but its worth it to experience some of the idyllic secluded bays with crystal clear waters, perfect for bathing and for scuba diving enthusiasts, untouched beaches and sand dunes, tiny fishing villages and sweeping headlands offering fabulous views to the Mediterranean sea and coastline. The area is one of the most natural and ecologically rich coasts along the western Mediterranean and is perfect for hikers, nature lovers and bird watchers.

Surrounding Areas
The little town of Nijar has a cottage industry of clay ceramic ware and is definitely worth a trip to pick up a unique holiday souvenir.

West of the city of Almeria you find the towns of Roquetas de Mar, Aguadulce and Almerimar; well developed tourist destinations, which offer all the facilities that you would expect to find in a modern tourist area. Almerimar boasts marinas, golf, hotels and many other resort facilities.

Even further west, you come to the old fishing town of Adra, in the area known as ‘El Poniente’. The city has some extremely interesting archaeological sites dating from the 8th century. An area of interest often missed by the crowds of tourist.

To the north of the city you come to the nudist beaches of Vera, whose surrounds are gradually being developed upon. And a little further south is the popular town of Mojacar, which clings to a rocky hillside and which boasts some fabulous fine sandy beaches.
Film fame

The province is probably most famous for being the location for many of the Spaghetti Western movies. The dry and arid landscapes of the Taberna desert area were perfect set locations for the films of Sergio Leone. David Lean also shot some scenes there in the Oscar winning film Lawrence of Arabia. In the village of Tabernas you can visit the ‘badlands of Almeria”, the film set locations which attract a modest number of tourists each year. It is also the site of the ruins of a Moorish castle and old church.

Ancient living
It’s also an area well known for its ‘troglodyte villages’, with houses fashioned out of caves of soft rock. There are many towns throughout the Almeria and Granada provinces that still have a population that live in cave homes.

Agriculture
Despite the arid climate of Almeria, it is a major agricultural area – where some 250 million kilos of flowers and crops are cultivated each year. You will note the miles upon miles of huge plastic greenhouses and sheet covered fields that protect the crops.

Cuisine
The province of Almeria is rich in fish and seafood dishes, squid red prawns and red mullet are common. It also has a strong Arabic/North African influence rooted from its strong Moorish history. Because of the strong agricultural industry in Almeria, fruit and vegetables are excellent quality; they produce the most amazing tomatoes. Typical dishes from the province include fish chowders and stew, Migas (fried bread with garlic and spicy sausage) and lots of grilled fish.

The Costa Blanca, literally meaning “White Coast” is situated on the South East coast of Spain and is a favourite holiday destination for the Spanish and well as being the most popular destination for the British. At the heart of the Costa Blanca is the resort of Benidorm, and it is here where many holidaymakers head. However the whole of the Costa Blanca has a thriving property market. 

The Area and its Climate

The area from Alicante in the North southwards to the Mar Menor is a region of contrasting gentle landscapes and rugged coastline covering every aspect of Spanish life, from bustling cosmopolitan towns to traditional Spanish villages. It has a superb climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year and an average temperature of 20°C, which enables the farmers to produce four harvests of fruit and vegetables per year. It is also a very healthy, dry climate as there is no heavy industry in the area and the salt lagoons situated 2 kms from Torrevieja draw the moisture from the air, making the climate ideal for people with arthritis, psoriasis and asthma. The benefits are almost immediate and is the reason why the World Health Organisation recommend it as one of the healthiest places to live.

80 beaches in the Valencia region of the Costa Blanca fly the "Blue Flag". This is only awarded to beaches which meet the stringent requirement for cleanliness and facilities. Most have a beach bar open in the summer season and they vary from secluded sand dunes to long flat sandy beaches.

Nature lovers will be enthralled by the region’s wildlife in the many protected reserves and parks. Just a few minutes drive inland from the coast will take you into the glorious unspoilt countryside. The nature reserve of the lagoons of La Mata and Torrevieja, one of the most important marshlands in Valencia, serves as a habitat for numerous protected species of bird such as the greater Flamingo, and Montagu´s Harrier. These two beautiful lagoons, know as Las Salinas, the salt flats, date back to the 12th century and are currently one of the most important in the whole of Europe.

Major Towns and Resorts

Benidorm is sometimes known as the “Manhattan of Spain” or even “Beniyork” due to the soaring skyline formed by numerous hotels and apartment buildings. However the city is still incredibly green due to its strict obeyance of planning laws that ensure that an area of land is allocated for leisure around every building. It is also incredibly close to the mountains, which also provide the city’s unique micro-climate with 3,400 hours of sunshine per year, an average temperature of 26°C in summer and 15°C in winter

It has a permanent population of just 65,000 inhabitants which rises to over half a million in the summer. Popular with British, Flemish and Dutch holidaymakers, their influences can be seen in the cuisine and goods on offer in the shops.

Although known for its bars and clubs, Benidorm is also a superb family base, with three major beaches which all carry a blue flag and several theme parks.

Alicante is a historic Mediterranean port, dating back to the fourth century, which is now one of the fastest-growing towns in Spain with a thriving property market.

At the centre of the city lies the wide harbour, fortifications and castle with wide alleys and a central shopping area perfect for strolling.  Stretching along the coast for several kilometres are the beaches which make the city a haven for sun-worshippers.

The airport is easily reached from the city via the airport bus or taxi, and its proximity makes the city an ideal destination for UK holiday makers.

Activities

For the boating enthusiasts there are numerous beautiful marinas from Alicante through to La Manga varying in size and facilities offered. There are also endless opportunities for water sports activities including windsurfing, yachting, snorkeling, diving, jetski-ing, kite surfing, waterskiing and wakeboarding to name but a few.

For those who enjoy a more relaxing experience in luxurious surroundings, there are two excellent spa and health resorts within a short drive in the Murcia region offering a wide range of beauty and health treatments. The medicinal mineral waters of these spas are acknowledged by doctors.

Just over 3 hours away, the foothills of the Sierra Nevada gradually turn into high mountains. Several ski resorts can be found here and in some places there is enough snow on the higher slopes to ski in spring and autumn.

Golf

For Golfers, the southern Costa Blanca is a veritable paradise. There are numerous 18 hole championship golf courses located throughout the area with many more planned. For those wanting to take up the sport or to improve, there are also several driving ranges, and 9 hole courses to choose from. From La Marquesa and La Finca close to Guardamar, through to Las Ramblas, Villamartin and Campoamor at Orihuela Costa, and southwards to the courses in the Mar Menor and Murcia regions such as the Sucina Golf & Country Club, The Mar Menor Golf Resort and La Manga Club there is a course to suit every golfer whether professional standard or novice. The facilities available on most courses are second to none with excellent pro-shops, bars and commercial centres.

Introduction

Costa Calida, meaning “warm coast” is a superb 250 km stretch of coastline in the province of Murcia. It is an area of contrasts with areas that will suit those looking for a quiet retreat for their retirement, as well as busy resorts to suit those looking for a holiday home.

The Area and Its Climate

The Costa Calida is named for its microclimate that gives warm temperatures all year round (averaging in the high 20s in the summer and rarely dipping below 15°C in winter) and very low rainfall of around 34cm per year.

A highly fertile region characterised by oleanders, prickly pears and wild dwarf palms, the area mixes busy towns with bustling resorts and old fishing towns. Behind the mountains provide ample opportunity for exploration.

Major Towns and Resorts

Mar Menor - Unique and beautiful, the Mar Menor (little sea) is Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon, separated from the Mediterranean by a natural breakwater known as La Manga Strip, on which many of the area’s resorts are based.

Dotted along the 73 kilometres of Mar Menor coastline are numerous small towns and villages, San Pedro del Pinatar, Los Alcazares, Los Narejos, Islas Menores, Mar de Cristal and Playa Honda, offering mile after mile of gentle promenade beaches with numerous bars and restaurants to suit every taste and budget.

Thanks to its 320 days of sunshine a year and shallow, mirror-calm waters, the lagoon with its ‘Blue Flag’ beaches and white sands make it ideal for family holidays and those interested in sailing, diving and water skiing.

Even in the height of the season, the beaches never get ‘packed’ or claustrophobic.

The Mar Menor bay is also famed for its natural mud bath which is reputed to have special healing properties for people with rheumatic or arthritic problems. Almond trees, palms and windmills complete the picture, adding to the beauty of the landscape of this area.

Cartagena - founded almost 2,300 years ago, Cartagena has a heritage to rival that of any European city.

The last Moorish stronghold in Spain, the area is brimming with fascinating history and architecture, including a 13th century church whose remains stand on the steps of a Roman Theatre which dates from the 1st century BC and is one of the most important archaeological sites in Spain.

It was from Cartagena that Hannibal departed with his elephants to cross the Alps an event celebrated each September with a huge Roman festival spanning two weeks.

Still a significant naval port, it was here that the world's first submarine was born in 1884 and now displayed on the city front for all to see.

Apart from its historic treasures, Cartagena offers an active commercial life, rich culture, a wide range of leisure activities and superb cuisine characterised by locally caught seafood and excellent fruit and vegetables.

Murcia - the perfect place to gain a real insight to everyday Spanish life, Murcia is blessed with a rich legacy of art and contrasting cultures. Carthaginians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Moors have all left their mark on the stunning local scenery.

Founded in around 831 AD by the moors in the centre of the River Segura Valley, the importance of the city over the years can be seen in the many beautiful cathedrals, palaces and other public buildings around its many narrow streets.

Murcia is a great destination for those interested in extreme sports, too, with potholing, white-water canoeing, cave-diving, deep-sea diving, paragliding and hang gliding all readily available.

As well as great shopping, food lovers will enjoy the huge selection of tapas bars to be found in Murcia’s sleepy squares as well as the city’s more formal restaurants.

Introduction

The Costa Blanca, literally meaning “White Coast” is situated on the South East coast of Spain and is a favourite holiday destination for the Spanish and well as being the most popular destination for the British. At the heart of the Costa Blanca is the resort of Benidorm, and it is here where many holidaymakers head. However the whole of the Costa Blanca has a thriving property market. 

The Area and its Climate

The area from Alicante in the North southwards to the Mar Menor is a region of contrasting gentle landscapes and rugged coastline covering every aspect of Spanish life, from bustling cosmopolitan towns to traditional Spanish villages. It has a superb climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year and an average temperature of 20°C, which enables the farmers to produce four harvests of fruit and vegetables per year. It is also a very healthy, dry climate as there is no heavy industry in the area and the salt lagoons situated 2 kms from Torrevieja draw the moisture from the air, making the climate ideal for people with arthritis, psoriasis and asthma. The benefits are almost immediate and is the reason why the World Health Organisation recommend it as one of the healthiest places to live.

80 beaches in the Valencia region of the Costa Blanca fly the "Blue Flag". This is only awarded to beaches which meet the stringent requirement for cleanliness and facilities. Most have a beach bar open in the summer season and they vary from secluded sand dunes to long flat sandy beaches.

Nature lovers will be enthralled by the region’s wildlife in the many protected reserves and parks. Just a few minutes drive inland from the coast will take you into the glorious unspoilt countryside. The nature reserve of the lagoons of La Mata and Torrevieja, one of the most important marshlands in Valencia, serves as a habitat for numerous protected species of bird such as the greater Flamingo, and Montagu´s Harrier. These two beautiful lagoons, know as Las Salinas, the salt flats, date back to the 12th century and are currently one of the most important in the whole of Europe.

Major Towns and Resorts

Benidorm is sometimes known as the “Manhattan of Spain” or even “Beniyork” due to the soaring skyline formed by numerous hotels and apartment buildings. However the city is still incredibly green due to its strict obeyance of planning laws that ensure that an area of land is allocated for leisure around every building. It is also incredibly close to the mountains, which also provide the city’s unique micro-climate with 3,400 hours of sunshine per year, an average temperature of 26°C in summer and 15°C in winter

It has a permanent population of just 65,000 inhabitants which rises to over half a million in the summer. Popular with British, Flemish and Dutch holidaymakers, their influences can be seen in the cuisine and goods on offer in the shops.

Although known for its bars and clubs, Benidorm is also a superb family base, with three major beaches which all carry a blue flag and several theme parks.

Alicante is a historic Mediterranean port, dating back to the fourth century, which is now one of the fastest-growing towns in Spain with a thriving property market.

At the centre of the city lies the wide harbour, fortifications and castle with wide alleys and a central shopping area perfect for strolling.  Stretching along the coast for several kilometres are the beaches which make the city a haven for sun-worshippers.

The airport is easily reached from the city via the airport bus or taxi, and its proximity makes the city an ideal destination for UK holiday makers.

Activities

For the boating enthusiasts there are numerous beautiful marinas from Alicante through to La Manga varying in size and facilities offered. There are also endless opportunities for water sports activities including windsurfing, yachting, snorkeling, diving, jetski-ing, kite surfing, waterskiing and wakeboarding to name but a few.

For those who enjoy a more relaxing experience in luxurious surroundings, there are two excellent spa and health resorts within a short drive in the Murcia region offering a wide range of beauty and health treatments. The medicinal mineral waters of these spas are acknowledged by doctors.

Just over 3 hours away, the foothills of the Sierra Nevada gradually turn into high mountains. Several ski resorts can be found here and in some places there is enough snow on the higher slopes to ski in spring and autumn.

Golf

For Golfers, the southern Costa Blanca is a veritable paradise. There are numerous 18 hole championship golf courses located throughout the area with many more planned. For those wanting to take up the sport or to improve, there are also several driving ranges, and 9 hole courses to choose from. From La Marquesa and La Finca close to Guardamar, through to Las Ramblas, Villamartin and Campoamor at Orihuela Costa, and southwards to the courses in the Mar Menor and Murcia regions such as the Sucina Golf & Country Club, The Mar Menor Golf Resort and La Manga Club there is a course to suit every golfer whether professional standard or novice. The facilities available on most courses are second to none with excellent pro-shops, bars and commercial centres.