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A Spanish Villa Guide to the Andalucia and Costa del Sol region

Andalucia and Costa del Sol summary

Stretching from the Portuguese border on the Atlantic Coast to Almeria on the Mediterranean the region of Andalucia and the Costa del Sol can offer villa and apartments visitors everything from golden beaches to hilltop retreats.

Introducing Andalucia and Costa del Sol

Great weather, great beaches (Cadiz), snow capped peaks (Sierra Nevada), vineyards (Jerez), Moorish history and the lively Costa del Sol – Andalucia really does have it all. On the east of the region, Nerja, is a perfect family resort which is less commercialised than the rest of the Costa del Sol. It has great beaches and superb restaurants it has a slightly quieter nightlife. It is also not far from the inland mountain village of Frigiliana. If you are after a more bustling resort then head to the west of the region where you will find some of the bigger Spanish resorts, Marbella and Estepona. These resorts cater for all the tourist needs – shopping, eating and nightlife – and also have a great selection of beaches. Costa del Sol conjures up images of built up holiday costal resorts but there is more to the region than that including some beautiful unspoilt countryside and dramatic mountains. So make sure you fit in time to visit the National Parks at Grazalema and Serrania de Ronda. And, if you want to get amore authentic feel for Spain visit some of the local villages such as Casares, Gaucin, Ojen, Frigiliana and Competa which have barely changed for centuries.

Andalucia and Costa del Sol weather / climate

Andalucia and the Costa del Sol enjoy mild, sunny winters and hot dry summers. If you are heading inland you will find that the mountains are less humid than the coast – perfect for those trying to escape the intense summer heat on the coast. Many people prefer to go to the Costa del Sol in May, June and September when the weather is warm and sunny but not too hot. If you are there in the Spring and Autumn the evenings tend to be cooler.  
Typical Andalucia and Costa del Sol temperatures
     

Andalucia and Costa del Sol beaches

The beaches along the Closta del Sol coastline are well developed and have very good facilities. Some of the best beaches can be found at Puerto Banus, Marbella, Cabopino (near Mijas) and Nerja.

What to do and see

If you are looking for culture then checkout Seville – which is Spain's fifth largest city – which has much for you to see and do. The town of Malaga has a fine cathedral, buildings and a Moorish castle. Andalucia is proud of its Moorish heritage and a good place to explore this is Granada which was the capital of the last Moorish kingdom in Spain. There you will also find Alhambra – said to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Similarly, Cordoba, was the capital of Moorish Spain and it has the oldest Mosque in the World- the Mezquita. For those wanting to explore the mountains, try the mountain town of Ronda. This pretty town has its own guge gorge, ancient bridge, as well as a number of picturesque churches and houses.

Shopping and eating

Spanish supermarkets will normally stock everything you need. You will find that locally grown produce will be much cheaper but you can of course find most of the brands you would recognise from home. If you heading inland it is worth stocking up at the supermarkets before you go as the ‘local shops’ will mainly offer fresh produce and essentials. The Andalucian cuisine tends to be fried fish and grilled meats, with lots of salads. The Costa del Sol resorts obviously offer standard tourist fare which should satisfy most tastes and budgets. But you will find that small local restaurants will often offer better food and definitely better prices than more touristy places on the coast.

Golf and other sport activities

The Costa del Sol has no shortage of golf courses, with over 60 between Malaga and Gibraltar. While there are some famous courses, the best known being Valderrama, you will find most are open to non members and green fees are acceptable if not cheap.

Sailing, windsurfing and various other watersports are also available in most resorts. In the countryside, walking and birdwatching are also very popular.

Getting to and around Andalucia and Costa del Sol

Getting to the Costa del Sol and Inland Andalucia is easiest via direct flights from across the UK to Malaga’s International airport. It is a popular route for the low cost airlines as well as scheduled and charter flights. Most resorts will be with in an hour of the airport. If you are heading for the west of Andalucia then you can also get flights to Jerez or Seville, both of which are supported by a number of the budget airlines. Andalucia is a big region but the road network is good with a main coastal motorway linking Gibraltar, Malaga and beyond. You will also find that Granada and Seville are also on the motorway network.

 

 

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