COSTA DEL SOL - ANDALUCÍA IS, WITHOUT ANY SHADOW OF A DOUBT, THE MOST ATTRACTIVE TOURIST DESTINATION ON THE MEDITERRANEAN.

The coastline of Andalucía - which runs approx. 150 kms from Nerja to Cádiz - is an area that has, over the last couple of decades, also become one of the most popular residential areas in Spain. The local government however has ensured that strict controls on building and careful town planning have prohibited over-construction and too many high-rise developments. There are plenty of parks to spend sunny afternoons and the beaches are kept clean and well serviced with many being granted the coveted European Blue Flag awards.

Andalucía has scenic mountains, picturesque villages, pine forests and championship golf courses, all served by a modern road system and sound infrastructure. Within easy reach are white hilltop villages, castles, ancient palaces and churches dating back to Moorish times. Seville, Granada and Córdoba are just some of the towns waiting to be discovered. Gibraltar, an outpost of the British Empire evokes a feeling of being on any British high street and yet just 18 kms across the Straits of Gibraltar lies the evocative and mysterious world of northern Africa.

Málaga capital also offers visitors a varied menu of delights – the best way to discover the city is to take an open-top bus tour as it covers the most interesting parts of the city and allows you to decide which parts you want to spend more time exploring. Those with an interest in culture will probably return to visit The Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle with it’s spectacular views over the city and then on to the Cathedral – the surrounding maze of streets offering a cornucopia of restaurants, bars and shops.

Take a table at any one of the street side restaurants and enjoy a glass of wine with a meal just people watching or go to the Plaza Mayor complex where you can take in a film in English, go bowling or select from a variety of restaurants (including one owned by Spanish film star Antonio Banderas !) and basically have a great night out in a very Spanish atmosphere.

Whatever you decide to do make sure you do not miss the opportunity to visit the new Pablo Picasso museum and his birthplace both in Málaga capital

If it exists – it’s here ! The Costa del Sol has something to offer everyone.