This "sunshine coast" region is located in the south of Spain, along the Mediterranean coastline. The coastal towns and villages of the Costa del Sol form a very popular tourist destination and consequently there are many excellent resorts, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and activities for visitors. Visit the capital city Málaga, or spot the rich and famous on holiday in the "Golden Mile" of Marbella. Explore the quaint whitewashed villages further inland and see the Roman and Moorish influences on life on the Costa del Sol.

With an average of three hundred days of sunshine per year, your Costa del Sol villa vacation can mean hours spent on one of the many beautiful beaches. Try the beaches at Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Fuengirola or visit the quieter Estepona. All this good weather means lots of excellent outdoor activities such as hiking, polo, tennis, horse riding and scuba diving. There are dolphin and whale spotting safaris in the Straits of Gibraltar. There are over fifty golf courses available to enthusiasts, many around Marbella, and due to the popularity of this sport in the region, facilities are high quality and continually developing.

Your Costa del Sol villa is not far from the inland cities of Granada, Cordoba and Seville and these cities would make perfect day trips. You can also take a 15km trip across the Straits of Gibraltar to visit Tangiers in Morocco.

A Costa del Sol villa vacation also caters for families looking for fun activities to amuse the children. The Tivoli World Amusement Park is located not far from Benalmádena and offers rides and performances as well as a special area for younger children. Nearby is the Benalmádena cable car, travelling up Monte Calamorro and the Benalmádena Sea Life Aquarium. The amazing Aqualand Water park is located in Torremolinos and near Estepona is the Selwo Adventure Park, combining all the features of a zoo safari with rides and activities.

Its proximity to the sea means there is plenty of fresh seafood on the Costa del Sol. Try the fried fish, the pescado a la sal, the prawns and the mackerel. The cold vegetable soup, gazpacho, is perfect in the hot weather.

Festivals and Events on the Costa Del Sol
Málaga - Parade of the Three Wise Men (January)
Málaga - Carnival (Late January - early February)
Málaga - Semana Santa celebrations (April)
Marbella - Feria de Marbella (June)
Málaga - Feast of St John (June)
Torremolinos - Fried Fish Feast (June)
Marbella - Feria de San Bernabé (June)
Marbella - Fiesta de Cármen (July)
Málaga - Virgen del Carmen Festival (July)
Málaga - Feria de Malaga (August)
Torremolinos - Tourist Day Parade and celebrations (September)