The Costa del Sol is a popular coastal string of seaside resorts in the province of Malaga, stretching between the Costa Tropical in Granada province all the way through to the Costa de la Luz in the province of Cádiz. The coastal highway mostly hugs the beach all along the way, offering stunning Mediterranean views. While most of the popular resorts started life as small, traditional fishing villages, they have become a world-renowned destination, while retaining some of their former Andalucian charm.
The beautiful #whitevillage of #Zuheros. Rated one of the most beautiful white villages in #Andalucia #Spain. Easy to see why. Stunning location with great walks. One of my favourite places – I keep going back! pic.twitter.com/sqJqPU0nxK
— Rom | Tapas in the sun (@tapasinthesun) February 18, 2019
Inland from the coastal highway are the beautiful and iconic "Pueblos Blancos" or White Villages, always a perfect day-trip from the beach. As spring has officially sprung its way into southern Spain, now is a great time to visit, prior to the teeming crowds and scorching heat of the summer months in July and August.
Baby Bornean orangutan plays with her mother at Bioparc Fuengirola in Spain, Sept. 12, 2016. (Jon Nazca/Reuters) pic.twitter.com/tbx5BE6sQF
— SIBOMANA Jean Bosco (@sibomanaxyz999) February 4, 2019
Many of these resort towns have popular attractions, some of the best of which are listed here.
Tivoli World – Avda Tivoli s/n, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmadena, Costa del Sol
Tivoli world is an entertainment and theme park offering something for the whole family. Relax in the pretty gardens among fountains, take exciting rides, enjoy shows in the open air theatre and watch concerts in various spots throughout the park during the summer months. Restaurants include Texas Grill – a Wild West diner – enjoy Chinese food, pizza, ice cream and burgers at the many eateries. Planet Museum is fun for the kids, where they can take part in science experiments.
Selwo Marina - Parque de la Paloma s/n, Benalmadena, Costa del Sol
Selwo Marina is also located in Benalmadena and has different levels. Dolphin Encounter is an educational programme where visitors can enjoy the antics of the animals and learn more about them. Meet the Penguins is set on Ice Island, a frozen area in the heart of the Costa del Sol, where you can see the cute birds in a habitat similar to that of the wild. You can also swim with sea lions. The new VIP Visit allows visitors to most closely meet dolphins, penguins, sea lions and other species.
Bioparc Fuengirola - Calle Camilo José Cela, 6, Fuengirola, Costa del Sol
Bioparc Fuengirola is based on a new model of zoo that respects nature and preserves natural and endangered species. Animals live in natural, realistic environments, side by side, in what is termed an “immersion zoo.” Visitors stroll through the leafy environment, hearing natural sounds of the jungle, while heading into African, Asian and Madagascan habitats. Many endangered species have successfully bred at Bioparc Fuengirola, a feat only achieved if the animal is happy with its home.
Guadalmina River - Malaga Province, Costa del Sol
The river runs through Andalucia ending up at the Mediterranean Sea on the beach in San Pedro de Alcantara. While the river is only 17 mi (28 km) in length, it offers many opportunities including swimming, golf, kayaking, canyoning and hiking. Canyoning is one of the most popular and exciting sports, as it involves scrambling over rocks, doing pool jumps, experiencing natural waterslides and even canyoning down through a waterfall. Tour companies offer assistance to anyone new to the sport.
Aquamijas Water Park - Autovía del Mediterráneo, Km. 208, Las Lagunas de Mijas, Costa del Sol
Aquamijas is a waterpark for the whole family. It includes a number of exciting slides, a wave pool and a play area for the children. There is also a snack bar to get the energy levels up for the next exciting slide, as well as lounge chairs and lockers. The video below shows all the major slides.