The Costa del Sol on Spain´s most southerly coast, stretches along just over 150 kilometres of Málaga province and is one of Spain's most popular second home and tourist destinations. The area's mild climate is the main attraction that makes it possible to enjoy the beaches and a wide variety of outdoor activities year round. Malaga airport saw a 6.8% increase in arrivals over the first six months of 2005, bringing the total number of tourists arriving to nearly six million

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Western Costa del Sol

This is the 100km of coastline that begins at Malaga city and stretches westward  to the border of Cádiz province. This part of the coast is highly developed in terms of both property and infrastructure and it attracts an important percentage of Spain's international tourism. Communication revolves around Malaga International Airport, the N340 and the E15 motorway. At the centre of the Costa del Sol the vastly improved mountain road from San Pedro de Alcantara leads inland through the protected sierras to the historic town of Ronda and further onto Seville.

Eastern Costa del Sol

This is the 54 kilometre stretch of coast to the east of Malaga city (the capital of Málaga province). Though highly developed from a property point of view, it is not anything like the property development on the western Costa del Sol however this is beginning to change as new developments are appearing on a very regular basis.

From Malaga east the cliffs of the Sierra Almijara join the sea. This section of the Costa del Sol ends at a place called Mara, on a coastal plain, an urban landscape surrounded by traditional agriculture.

Nerja is the most important urban centre on this end of the coast and has grown rapidly since the seventies. Much of the eastern Costa del Sol's accommodation for tourists is found in Nerja, which is surrounded by tourist pueblos. This town also has one of this area's main tourist attractions - the Nerja Caves, a spectacular find that is open to the public and that hosts an annual music and dance festival within its famous caverns full of stalagmites and stalagtites. At the foot of Nerja town, a winding footpath joins several tranquil coves and there are some nice beaches to be found in this area.

The Costa del Sol is the most developed part of the Coast with the Mediterranean waters warm and safe. Many towns have recently modernised "paseo marítimos" (promenades) and the majority of locations are backed by development. No shortage of bars, restaurants and nightlife to suit everyone´s taste.

Inland Costa del Sol

Inland Costa del Sol is becoming more and more popular as the years go by, with thousands each year exploring rural Andalucia. Many new developments are under construction from Ronda in the west to Granada in the East and down to the coasts. For those that want a more peaceful location and do not require the sea  on their doorstep, this option is ideal opportunity to mix with the locals, possibly learn a new language and envelope themselves in the fascinating and beautiful culture that Spain has to offer. 

Costa del Golf

In the late eighties the Costa del Sol experienced a renaissance as a winter golf resort, the phrase "Costa del Golf" was coined. This concentration of quality golf courses, now in excess of 40, combined with the unique sunny and warm winter climate enjoyed by the region, led to its becoming unrivalled as a winter golf destination for northern Europeans.

When Valderrama was chosen to host the Ryder Cup in 1997, the Costa del Golf received universal recognition as the finest winter golf resort in Europe. For the thousands of frustrated northern European golfers, the Costa del Golf remains irresistible. With the growth of new golf courses, came the inevitable new golf villas and apartments and these remain in extremely high demand all over the coast.

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Off-plan properties and residencial homes

Many early retirees from northern Europe have either invested in properties on the Costa del Sol or are in the process of buying one of the many excellent new off-plan developments that are currently available. Since the middle of 2005 we have seen a huge increase of first and second home buyers and a withdrawal of the speculative investors, these being replaced by investors that wish to own a proprerty and possibly rent it out, covering the mortgage wherever possible and looking forward to enjoying their equity gains in the future. This is leading to the construction of larger, better and higher quality properties which can only be good for the coast. There is a huge selection of off-plan properties available on the Costa del Sol and obviously some developers are far more competent than others, so do not get lulled into a false sense of security and buy a property that is not what you require.

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Costa del Sol Rentals

Rentals on the Costa del Sol are always in demand especially longer term year round leases of quality properties and we have seen a huge drive towards executive level furnished properties, unfortunately they cost a little more, however they do offer a better quality of life than many of the thousands of poorly furnished , typically Spanish owned smaller properties.

The main areas for rentals remain between Marbella and Benalmadena, as they are the predominant holiday destination for families and for longer term tenants, the majority of international schools and employment are in these areas. Areas west of Marbella will no doubt increase in popularity in the coming years as the word spreads that it is a nice place to stay.

Costa del Sol Marinas and Boating

Along the Costa del Sol there are numerous marinas, ideal for both those with yachts who need a berth, and for those who simply enjoy the atmosphere of a harbour.

Accessibility, safety and an ample range of complementary services are the main characteristics of Costa del Sol ports and marinas. Many of them already have large berths, as well as yacht clubs, sports facilities, boat and equipment rental, hotels, casinos and shopping areas, plus fuel, workshops, cranes and winter hangars.

The Costa del Sol has a wealth of yacht marinas and harbours, many with over 1,000 berths including Sotogrande, Fuengirola, Benalmádena and Puerto Banús The latter, located just beyond Marbella is Spain's answer to St. Tropez where some of the most spectacular gin palaces and luxury yachts are moored. There are numerous sailing clubs located at the Costa del Sol's larger harbours, all of which offer tuition and classes. Both crewed and uncrewed yachts can be chartered, although you need a skipper's certificate or a helmsman's overseas certificate to rent an uncrewed yacht.

Despite the large number of marinas, berths can be difficult to find in summer in some areas, although temporary berths can usually be found on public jetties and harbours. Between May and October there are several large regattas held in the Bay of Cadiz. For more information about marinas and competitions, contact the Spanish Sailing Federation, C/Juan Vigon 23, 28003 Madrid.

Costa del Sol Skiing

The ski resort of Sol y Nieve is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range on the Costa del Sol. It is the most southerly ski resort in Europe and is small in comparison to other European resorts, even so, the resort hosted the 1996 world ski championships.

The skiing season is December to April.

The Sierra Nevada resort is only 45 minutes drive from Granada city, one hour from Granada airport and 2 hour drive from Málaga airport