Welcome to Costa Del Sol Apartments

COSTA DEL SOL

The Costa del Sol lies in the province of Andalucia in the south of Spain. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. This 'Sun Coast' runs for 150 km from Malaga to Estepona, with skies predominantly blue all year round and brilliant sunshine. Costa del Sol offers a series of large beaches, coves hidden amongst cliffs, famous leisure marinas such as 'Puerto Banus' and tranquil fishing ports.

In the provincial capital, Malaga, stands the military fortress of the Alcazaba, built by the Moors in the 11th century. At the far end of the Costa del Sol is that geographical and political oddity Gibraltar, with excursions to see the famous Barbary Apes and abundant military history it is well worth a visits. The Costa del Sols great diversity means that it has something to offer for just about eveyone, there is enough entertainment and variety to please all types of holiday visitor. Tasting the exquisite wines and restaurants serving the freshest fish caught locally are only two of the temptations that will suduce you. Costa del Sol is the most developed part of this coast and many towns have recently been modernized. Home to the Famenco dancing , bullfights, orange groves, Moorish towns and whitewashed villages perched on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada.

The Mediterranean sea is warm and safe and the hills and high mountains shelter the coastline, these elements allow for an all year micro climate making it the perfect location for your holiday.

Local Markets in Costa del Sol

Don't miss the local market. One or two days a week each town and village on Costa Del Sol, hosts its mercardo; Local market, it is an important part of the Spanish life; it is one of the high points of the week. They are noisy, fun, colourful, entertaining and an experience not to be missed, whether you plan to buy anything or not

What do the markets offer?

Places To Visit in Costa Del Sol

Estepona has a larger and very different Marina than Puerto de la Duquesa. The quayside market in Estepona, on a Sunday morning is very pleasant and you can get some good bargains - don't be frightened to barter with the stall holders as they tend to overprice some of the items to allow for this - you'll get a better price.

If you walk towards to old town you will come across the promenade and a lovely sandy beach, with plenty of beachfront cafés and bars.

The old town is well worth a visit but more beneficial during the week as many things are closed on Saturday afternoons and Sundays, after all - you are in Spain now. There is street parking in Estepona, but there are several underground Parking areas, which are not too expensive.

Only a few killometers up the road, Sabinillas is a traditional and very typical Spanish sea-front village with very little tourist influence. Here you can experience "real" Spain with narrow streets, small shops selling fresh produce and many tapas bars.

A walk along the promenade takes you to the lovely quaint marina of Puerto de la Duquesa, which is one of the best-kept secrets on the Costa del Sol. Both around and behind the marina are some small shops and every restaurant imaginable.

Caseres is worth a visit, it is a magical and beautiful white washed village nestled in the hills only 8 or 9 miles from the coast with very little tourist influence. Enjoy the scenery and be sure to wear some sensible shoes for climbing up and down the steps and walking around the steep and winding little streets.

Sotogrande is about a 20-minute drive from Estepona. This is one of the most exclusive marinas and luxurious developments in Europe, with designer shops & boutiques, restaurants and bars, but with a very different atmosphere to Puerto Banus. Bars and restaurants surround the marina and it is a superb place to watch the nautical world go by.

Mijas is a more commercialised, but still very quaint, white washed village high in the hills above Fuengirola, but well worth seeing. It's about a 40 minute drive north. There are some excellent restaurants overlooking the main square, with more overlooking the lights of Fuengirola - these can be accessed via the small square where you will find restaurants all around the balconies.

If you want designer shops, sophistication and style then Marbella is the place to be. Armani, Donna Karen & Versace are just some of the names to be found. In the old streets surrounding the famous Orange Square you will find small shops and boutiques (often better than the designer shops) lining the cobbled streets. There are plenty of inviting pavement cafes either in Orange Square itself or down on the beach promenade. If you go into Marbella in a car the most central car park is behind the taxi rank at the "Marbella Café" (where the taxis and tourist horses & carriages wait), just in front of Orange Square - it is not too expensive either.

If you still want to shop then there is a fabulous commercial centre called La Canada Mall on the highway (N340 / A7) just outside Marbella. It has some wonderful shops and a great supermarket.

Puerto Banus is just south of Marbella. Saving some time and energy for a quick drink stop in millionaires paradise to see how "the other half live" is a must. Just take a look at some of the ocean going yachts and flash cars - another world indeed…

This is a delightfull old white village, up in the hills,with restaurants on every corner and in between as well. The main street is lined with orange trees and our favourite tapas bar is Bodega Villa Josefa. From the coastal highway take the A-6205 and it will take you right to the village.

Gibraltar is less than half an hour away - a great place for a day out to see the natural wonder of the famous "Rock" and visit the Barbarian Apes, combined with some duty free shopping is a must.

Don't forget to take your passport.

Visitor Attractions

Prado World in Estepona , along the main road has a water slides, mini golf, foolball, shooting gallery, basket ball, trampolines and remote control lorries and other kids activities. There is a picnic area if you want to cook you own food.

In Estepona, Selwo Nature Park, unique in Europe, where animals of the five continents co-exist in semi-wild conditions. The park is divided into several zones, the first of which allows you to encounter a lagoon which is populated by exotic birds, including colourful flamingos. Part of the circuit is made in all-terrain trucks, but there is lots to see on foot, so wear comfortable footwear. Allow at least 4 hours for the complete experience.

Sea Life centre in Benalmadena. The @danger in the reefs" exibition allows you to experience the oceans most deadly creatures ranging from the Blue ring octopus to the comical Pufer Fish. This is a great one to take the kids to. Snake City is in Belamadena. This park lives up to its name, with many types of snake and reptiles like turtles on display, along with pythons and tarantulas.

Tivoli Worl is also in Benalmadena. This park has has various rides, including a tiny tots section, and a professional calibe programme of events. Recent additions include and infant area with 11 rides and other attractions for very small children and babies, plus a water mountain flume ride.

Torremolinos hosts Europes only crocodile park with over 300 crocodiles, from babies right up to huge five metre long adults, weighing in at approx 500kilos. The park now has a mini zoo, especially for the children with mouflonsm Nan dues, deer and miniature ponies.

Aqua Park Torremolinos, is said to be the largest aquapark in Euroope. Rides here include Kamikaze Twister, Multi slides, Childrens zone, Rapids and a rather ominous sounding The Black Hole.

Mijas Park is one of the main water parks on the coast and is located along the main road heading towards Fuengirola. Open from 10.30 to 1800hrs with a discount for people after 3pm.

Dolphin Safari in Gibraltar allows you to view the underworld from a glass bottom boat and you even get the chance to touch a dolphin.

The Hipodroma Costa Del Sol was the first new racecourse to open in Spain for 25 years and it has proved an unqualified success. It has two concentric tracks, with floodlighting for night time racing. Night time racing on Saturdays from 10pm takes place from June through September. From October until May daytime racing takes place every other Sunday at 11am and from June to September.

Bullfighting is the most traditional of Spanish Fiestas. The Spanish people consider them art forms which are intimately linked with their country's history, art and culture. It is not everyones taste, but it has been part of the culture since since around ad700.For more information visit www.spanish-fiestas.com