Costa del Sol

WHAT IS CALLED COSTA DEL SOL

(Small Summary)

COSTA DEL SOL

The Costa del Sol or "Sun Coast", one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world due to its natural beauty and infrastructure, extends along the entire coast of the province of Malaga.

The section along the Mediterranean coast from Nerja to Estepona blends the beauty of its beaches with the rustic mountain countryside that protects the coast and provides it with a truly exceptional climate. Three hundred and twenty-five days of sunshine a year and an average water temperature of eigtheen degrees Centigrade (64º F) attract visitors all year round to the sun and shores.

From densely populated tourist areas to small secluded coves, the entire coastline is a marvel of clean, transparent waters and coveted blue flags, modern facilities and services, a wide variety of cultural and leisure activities, with a price range for every traveller.

Protecting the coast, like privileged watchmen standing guard over the Mediterranean sea, we find the mountains of Sierra Bermeja, Serrania de Ronda, Sierra de las Nieves, Sierra Blanca, Sierra de Alpujarra, Sierra de Mijas, Montes de Malaga, Sierra de Tejeda and Sierra de Almijar, offering rural tourism, hiking or simply the opportunity to become captivated by the peaceful life of Andalusian towns and the charming popular architecture.

Travelling the various routes, such as La Axarquia Route, Route of the Pueblos Blancos (White Villages), Route of Islamic Malaga, Route of La Pasa, Route of Sun and Wine, and visiting fascinating places as Antequera or Mijas, inland travel lovers will also find the Costa del Sol an authentic paradise where they can enjoy nature's attractions and follow the vestiges of its former cultures.

Sports enjoy a special distinction. Numerous beaches and various marinas, among them the celebrated pleasure boat harbour of Puerto Banus, provide the Costa del Sol with an exceptional infrastructure for all acftivities related to the sea. Tennis and golf also deserve special mention. Tennis for the quantity and quality of the facilities available, and golf, with over forty well-equipped golf courses within a radius of about a hundred kilometers is in itself one of the biggest international attractions.

BENALMADENA

Municipality in the province of Malaga, constitutes one of the most important ones on the Costa del Sol. It covers an area of 26.58 Km and its average altitude above sea level is 280 meters. The actual population of Benalmadena is concentrated in three clearly defined zones:

BENALMADENA PUEBLO: Located on the mountain side, it is the original urban centre which retains its old typical Andalusian village structure, and where its white, steep and narrow streets, shows vestiges of ancient civilizations that had settled on this land. Some of its places of interest are:

	Archeological and Pre-Columbian Art Museum, the only such one in Spain.
	Wall Garden ("Jardines del Muro"), where the Santo Domingo Church is located.
	Plaza de España ("Spain's Square), where "La Niña de Benalmadena" can be seen, a well-known sculpture by Jaime Pimentel.
	Colomares Castle, a monument to Columbus, wherethere are daily perfomances by birds of prey.
	Gastronomy School and Restaurant, where the visitor can enjoy the delicious, typical Andalusian Cuisine.
	Multi-Sport Centre, with a grass field, swimming pool, and other facilities.
	Riding Club, with restaurant.

ARROYO DE LA MIEL: Populated area located between the mountains and the coastal area, where most of the population and businesses of the municipality are located. some of its palces of interest are:

	House of Culture ("Casa de la Cultura"), with exposition area.
	Multi-Sport Complex, with a grass field, track and field facilities, tennis courts, covered pavilion, etc...
	Artificial grass field, for various sports uses.
	Tivoli Amusement Park, which offers its visitors a wide range of attractions and live apperances of famous international artists.
	Telecabina, an astonishing project has become true - the spectacular ascent to the summit of the most emblematic mountain of the area, the Calamorro.

BENALMADENA COSTA: Coastal area with 9 kms of beautiful beaches and small coves, and with a booming hotel industry. Centuries ago the famous Arab watchtowers, a typical characteristic of the area, were built all along the coast. Some of its places of interest are:

	Sport Yacht's Marina, with 1000 mooring points and surrounded by a Luxury Apartment Complex. It offers various services like; Dry Docks, Sailing & Nautical Schools, Diving School and a Sea Aquarium ("Sea Life").
	Bil-Bil Castle, Arab style building, used for conferences, concerts, exhibitions, etc.
	Torrequebrada Casino, locate inside a first class hotel complex, with Golf course, Night Club, and multitud of congress and exposition's rooms.
	"La Paloma" Park, with more than 200.000 m2 of gardens overlooking the sea.
	Auditorium: Situated in the Parque de la Paloma.
	Library: Situated in the Parque de la Paloma.
	Selwo Marina: Opened in June 2002. The first penguin centre of the peninsula and the first dolphin centre in Andalusia, with sea lions, exotic birds exhibition.
	Centro Del Mar: (Edif. Marymar), Avda. del Sol 83. What we can see how the life on the bottom of the Mediterranean is like. Guided tours.
	Exhibition Centre of Benalmadena. Avda. Antonio Machado, 33.

FESTIVITIES AND TRADITIONS:

	Corpus Procession, also in Benalmadena Pueblo, where the inhabitants make a carpet of flowers and herbs on some streets the night before the procession.
	Festivities of Saint John Baptist, local fair in Arroyo de la Miel, the 24th to 29th of June.
	Festivities of the Virgin of the Cross, local fair in Benalmadena Pueblo in mid August.
	"Veladilla del Carmen", typical boat procession in Benalmadena-Costa, the evening of July 16th.