Costa del Sol in Spain, the sun coast has been a popular holiday destination for years. With millions of holiday makers from across Europe renting holiday apartments and hotels in the long established resorts such as Fuengirola, Benidorm and Marbella. But a little further along the coast is less well developed providing more open space and quieter destinations for a more relaxed holiday.

Casares is one such area that is developing slowly with facilities improving but these areas will never be overwhelmed by new building as further along the coast. Areas such as Casares are where many local Spanish people take their holidays with a growing number of holiday apartments in Casares on the Costa del Sol.

1. Sun, Sun and more Sun. As the name suggests, the Costa del Sol is the Sunny Coast with some of the most reliable weather in the world and more than 30 days sunshine each year. Summer temperatures are hot, 30'C in July as wanted by many holiday makers and with the benefit of a slight breeze that makes the very hot temperatures more pleasant. And winter temperatures average 12'C making the autumn time prime time for golf holidays in Casares area.

2. Easy Travel. Links to apartments on the Costa del Sol and Casares are good with easy links to travel by plane, train, bus or car. Fly with budget airlines to Malaga approx. 60km and Gibraltar approx. 30km. For the scenic route take the bus, train or road through the Costa del Sol to Casares. With road links by A road or fast toll road, both are scenic routes through the rugged hilly area.

Once at your Casares apartment you can travel by bus or road most easily, with regular buses stopping 800m from the area. Or hire your own car to really explore the CVosta del Sol and Casares region. Or catch a taxi with the taxi rank 800m from the apartments to rent in Casares.

3. Location. Casares in the Costa del Sol has the best of many worlds. The apartments to rent are set in spacious gardens with fabulous large, crystal clear swimming pool. Just 800m from Casares beach, a sandy, blue flag beach with 2 beach bars and safe bathing. Plus a short drive from the mountains and hills and open countryside.

4. Things to do. Within walking distance of the Casares apartment there is the swimming pool, a boule courte to play petanque a game played by many in this part of the Costa del Sol, and a small putting green to practice your golf shots. Walk 800m to the Casares beach, beach bar, and shop. Or walk 200m to a bar, restaurant, gym and beauty salon. Walk 400m to Casares Golf course, a 9 hole course or the same distance to the prestigious Finca Cortesin Golf resort, host of the Volvo World Match play.

Slightly further afield from the Casares apartments you can walk in the mountains, cycle, horse riding, boating, fishing, sailing, kite surfing, eating, drinking.

5. Places to go. Along this part of the Costa del Sol coast there are several small towns to visit near the Casares apartments. Visit Sabinillas, the nearest small tow, typically Spanish and unspoilt with shops, beach, sea front esplanade and markets. Or Duquesa with its marina or Estepona with an esplanade, marina, shops and market. Or visit Marbella, Puerto Banus, Sotogrande, Gibraltar, Ronda. Or drive into the hills to see Casares white village with its steep roads and cubic buildings.

6. Eat and Drink. In self catering apartments you may choose to cook yourself or eat out and taste the local Spanish foods. Walk along the beach and see sardines being grilled on bamboo spits over charcoal, a local favorite. Choose from many places to eat and drink close to Casares apartment, from typically Spanish food to more international foods. Within a short walk there is a bar and restaurant with lovely terrace over the Casares Golf course to eat tapas and enjoy the view. Visit the beach bars, chiringuitos, for sea food menus. And in the towns choose from seafood, Spanish as well as Thai, Indian and Chinese foods.

7. Play Golf. The Costa del Sol is also known as the Costa del Golf because of the high concentration of golf courses, and Casares region is no exception with the world class Finca Cortesin next to Casares apartments. Also in Casares is Casares Golf and Dona Julia Golf course. With many more golf courses within a 30 minute drive, there are courses to suit everyone with views of sea and mountains.

8. Relax. Away from the crowded beaches towards Malaga, the Casares apartment in Costa del Sol offers a quieter more relaxed location for a holiday in Southern Spain. Set within a tranquil, safe, gated development near quieter beaches but close to the amenities that make a holiday to enjoy.

Stag parties offer the last chance for a bachelor man to be flirtatious and wild partygoer. This is a bachelor party in some countries celebrated prior to a wedding of a man. Closest male friends and brother of the bridegroom host the party.

A surprise event the stag party is also a means of living through the best moments of a bachelor life that will soon end for commitment and responsibility. Though stag events were usually parties that consisted of stag nights, only stag weekends have become popular too.

Over the years, groups of men with their bridegroom have planned overseas and out of town destination stag parties that have stretched for whole weekends. There are many cities across Europe and the UK and even USA that are ideal destinations for a stag weekend party.

Some of these cities are listed below for your reference.

London

Amsterdam

Paris

Las Vegas

Puerto Banus

Manchester

Barcelona

Prague

Liverpool

Madrid

These are only some of the names that are extremely popular for a number of reasons among stag weekend party groups. They have exotic locales and beaches or picturesque scenic beauty. There are options for some of the most exciting games and activities.

There are exciting stag nights of nonstop parties, drinking and music. A wide choice of restaurants, pubs along with nightclubs and cafes too are there for your choices at different times of the day and the night. Almost all among the popular cities for stag parties have a beautiful nightlife that is exuberant and vibrant.

In addition, most important there is an easy accessibility of flight schedules and hotel accommodation facilities at different budget ranges for stag parties.

Stag Weekend Activities

There are different kinds of activities options available for you and your group depending on your choice and preferences for the same. There are games and sports like paintball, quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, go karting, rock climbing, water skiing, parasailing, wind surfing, wind sailing among many other options.

At nights, there are nightclubs where you can dance and drinks to the tunes of nonstop music until the early hours of the morning. You can also arrange for your private party. There are arrangements for exotic cuisine and drinks to complement as well.

There are dancers and bunny girls too that can be a highlight of your party. These dancers and bunny girls can be also seen at some of the choicest restaurants and nightclubs as well. You can go here for a five-course dinner, drinks with your friends, and enjoy good music as well.

Stag weekends are also a wonderful way to relax and unwind the mind body and soul especially before the wedding day. You will be able to party hard and then relax to get back the look for your wedding. There are plenty of spas to provide therapeutic massages and salon treatments for that.

Marbella in Southern Spain on the Costa del Sol has that very famous and so apt motto “A Way of Life” and, undoubtedly that does convey in many ways the effervescent spirit of this outstanding luxurious coastal resort.

Here in one can find entertainment and the arts for all varied tastes.

There are many art and fashion shows held for leading and exclusive brands.

Southern Spain still remains a favorite destination for many and has much going for it.

Yet again this select part of the Costa del Sol and its environs are becoming a desired location with the famous and those who enjoy the best in life.

In the old town there is the famous Orange Square, or “La Plaza de los Naranjos” it is a lovely old square and really worth a visit. Here one can see man interesting buildings, bars, restaurants, shops of all kinds including outstanding art galleries. Many outstanding fashion shops and fashion houses can also be found in here. New Restaurants are opening and in the Orange Square are many famous ones. One new Restaurant which has a south american them is La Musa. Well worth a visit it opened on the 4th September 2009 and is a great place to go.

One should have a very good look round and make the time to visit all the surrounding narrow streets where peoples homes and shops just seem to merge to create a small village atmosphere reminiscent of the famous Brighton Lanes in England instead of a very busy town.

From this square it is a very short stroll to the sea front where there are also many pleasant restaurants.

The Marina and Port is now often a host to many top line cruise ships.

The views that one can find in here are outstanding in that you can have mountain views (of the La Concha Mountain) and able to see the Atlas Mountains in Morroco and of course Gibraltar.

La Concha is that very striking mountain that sits behind the town and its image changes quite strikingly depending on where you are viewing it from. It rises in height over 1,200 meters so is quite a height by any standards.

La Concha in Spanish translates as the “The Shell” La Concha sits firmly and squarely at the end of the Sierra Blanca range.

Not far away is the equally famous resort and Marina of Puerto Banus or give it its original name Puerto Jose Banus. Another stunning location packed full of interesting bars and restaurants.

As always there are new restaurants opening and now we have Novellis at the Lorcimar Hotel (soon to change its name to Sisu Boutique Hotel) in Banus.

I have met Jean Christope Novelli and have had the fantastic pleasure of attending one of his workshops in Spain.

He is an outstanding chef and a real master of his art.

Not far away in Benahavis La Cocina has recently opened and it is well worth a visit.

So this is an ever changing and growing area as I said “It is A Way of Life”.

Sitting pretty in the region of Malaga, Spain, on the sunny Mediterranean coast, lies the beautiful city of Marbella. Largely spared from the British invasion that has transformed other parts of the Costa Del Sol to a hotter version of the UK, Marbella tends to attract upmarket clientele and is famous for drawing wealthy tourists from all over the world.

Marbella’s weather is one of the biggest pull factors for holidaymakers and those looking to relocate abroad. Sitting between the Sierra Blanca Mountains and the Mediterranean coastline, Marbella experiences its own personal microclimate – characterised by warm, sunny summers and fairly mild winters. The climate makes it all the better for enjoying Marbella’s extensive coastline, which is dotted with first class beach facilities, luxurious marinas, impressive yachts and famous golf courses. Those seeking watersports activities can also partake in sailing, diving or water-skiing.

Moreover, Marbella has a long and interesting history, with periods of settlement from Phoenicians, Visigoths, Vandals, Byzantines, Romans and the Moors. It wasn’t until 1485 that Marbella became part of Spanish territory, and for a long period its economy centred predominantly on livestock and agriculture – especially vineyards and wine.

It wasn’t until the 1940s, when a period of hotel and residential property construction began, that Marbella became a playground for the rich and famous. Now a thriving resort town, Marbella has received international awards for its contributions to tourism and for its clean living and security.

Marbella is rich in culture and the arts, with several museums such as the Contemporary Engravings Musuem, the Bonsai Museum and a number of art galleries. For a trip back in time, Casco Antiguo, Marbella’s old quarter, has retained its character from its former days as an old fishing town. Here you’ll find plazas filled with orange trees, ornate churches, white washed houses and cobble stone streets.

But, whilst exploring Marbella on foot can be a delightful way to see the narrow streets, car hire in Marbella is easily arranged and will allow you to explore more of the city’s several districts, including the Golden Mile, Puerto Banus and San Pedro de Alcantara.

If you’re looking for a classy destination in a beautiful, refined setting, Marbella – Spain’s answer to St. Tropez – is the ideal destination to visit.

Spain is part of the European Union and all EU and American nationals can visit the country for a period of no longer than 90 days solely with a passport. EU national can apply for a residency permit if they wish to extend their stay. Non EU nationals can apply for a further 90 day extension. These regulations do not appear to be enforced as far as the yachtsman living aboard is concerned. It is advisable to clear customs if entering Spain for the first time. The vessel's registration papers and the passports of crew members will be required. A certificate of competence, evidence of the boat's VAT status, a crew list with passport details, the radio license and a certificate of insurance may also be required. A VAT (Value Added Tax) paid or exempt yacht can apply for a "permiso aduanero". This allows for an indefinite stay in the country and can be helpful when importing yacht spares from other EU countries. Boats registered outside the EU on which VAT has not been paid may be imported into the EU for a period not exceeding six months in any twelve, after that VAT becomes due. This period can often be extended by prior arrangement with the local custom authorities. There is a legal requirement for foreign vessels to fly their own national maritime flag together with the courtesy flag of Spain.

It is worth considering the following equipment when cruising this area. An SSB radio is useful for obtaining weather forecasts. It is very hot in the summer and ventilation is important. It may be worth fitting extra hatches and a wind scoop over the fore hatch will help a lot. An awning or biminy, covering the cockpit, to provide shelter from the sun is a must. A cockpit table is useful as eating outside during the summer months is one of the pleasures of cruising. Mosquitoes can be a problem and many boats screen all openings while others rely on mosquito coils, insecticides and repellents. Sunburn is the other hazard cruisers should be aware of, the sun can be deceptively strong while the boat is underway, plenty of cream and a hat will go along way to avoid the misery of sunstroke.

There is a constant east going current of between 1 and 2 knots flowing through the straight of Gibraltar and between the Costa del Sol and the north African coast. There is some tide to be considered at the western end of the region, Gibraltar sees 1 meter at most. This diminishes the further east traveled. The weather is affected by several systems and is consequently difficult to predict. There is an old saying that in the summer months nine days of light winds will be followed by a full blown gale that is inaccurate. A wind from the northwest is known as the "tramotana". It can be dangerous because it can arrive and reach gale force in as little as 15 minutes. It often lasts for 3 days and can blow in excess of a week. The wind from the east, the "levante" can also blow for several days at gale force. Annual rainfall at Gibraltar is 760mm. The Costa del Sol will experience about 4 days a month of fog. Summer temperatures can exceed 35 degrees C and the winter months see around 15 degrees.

The remainder of this article looks principally at the harbors of the Costa del Sol. There are also numerous anchorages bbut only a few of the notable ones are mentioned here.

Marina Bay is largest of Gibraltar's three marinas with 350 berths. Most berthing is stern / bow to. Larger yachts can lie alongside. Water and electricity on the pontoons. Within the complex you will find a chandlers, launderette and a good selection of restaurants and bars. There is an indoor market less than 5 minutes walk from the marina. Queensway Marina is much quieter than Gibraltar's other two marinas. Security is excellent with all the pontoons being gated. Within the complex you will find several restaurants and bars.
Gibraltar itself was ceded from the Spanish to the British in the early 18th century and for most of it's history since that time Spain has been trying to get it back. There is evidence of this wherever you go on the rock. The rock itself is honeycombed with tunnels constructed at one time or another for the purposes of adding to the defences of Gibraltar. Many of the older tunnels are open to the public and feature exhibitions of how life was for the soldiers of the day. Many of the tunnels are most definitely not open to the public and there is significant speculation as to what might be seen in these. You can see Rosia Bay where Admiral Lord Nelson's body was bought ashore from HMS Victory following his famous victory over a combined French and Spanish fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar. Nelson's body was returned to Britain for a hero's funeral but many of the seamen who died alongside him in the battle are buried on the rock at the Trafalgar cemetery. Take a cable car ride to the top of the rock, stunning views of Spain and across the straights to Morocco. Up here you will also find the famous colony of Barbary apes. Rumor has it that only when the apes are no more will the British leave the Rock. A rumor taken seriously by Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of Britain during the Second World War, who on learning of their dwindling population ordered more to be bought to the Rock from Africa.

Puerto de Sotogrande is an attractive marina complex surrounded by apartments, shops, bars and restaurants. The overall design has been inspired by Portofino. There are
sandy beaches to either side of the marina and golf, riding, tennis and squash courts nearby. One of the most expensive marinas on this part of the coast.

One of my favorites is Puerto de la Duquessa. Not too big and not to noisy. The marina is surrounded by apartments, shops, restaurants and bars. The marina offers free medical care to it's users. There are sandy beaches either side of the marina. The village of Sabinillas is 5 minutes walk to the north. Another bus will take you to the village of Casares which clings to the side of a mountain. Marbella, popular with the rich and famous is another bus journey away. Don't expect to see the famous on the bus though, they are the ones in the Ferraris. Hire a car and drive up to the picturesque town of Ronda.

Puerto de Estapona is a medium sized marina with the usual development of restaurants and bars.

Puerto de Jose Banus, the marina of the rich and famous and the prices reflect this. Whitewashed, Andalucian style building surround the marina, hosting boutiques, bars, restaurants and night clubs. There are several Yacht Charter and Yacht Brokerage operations within the marina complex. Marbella is 15 minutes away by car or bus. Good beach to the west of the marina which belongs to the hotel and allows berth holders access. This can be arranged at the control tower. Many golf courses in the area.

The small marina at Puerto de Marbella is surrounded by tourist developments. The marina can be noisy at night during the summer months. Wind from the east, south and southwest can produce a heavy swell within the harbor. Be prepared to double up on lines. Beaches on either side of the marina but these get very crowded during the summer months. The town itself is well worth exploring. Don't miss the famous Orange Square which can be found at the heart of the city center.

Puerto de Cabopino is a pleasant, small harbor surrounded by Andalucian style houses which makes a nice change from the normal high rise developments. Good shelter within the harbor. Limited space for transient yachts and it is recommended that you call ahead to confirm there is a berth available. Marina charges are on the high side. Cabopino beach, with it's fine sand is reckoned to be one of the best on the Costa del Sol

Good shelter can be found at Puerto de Fuengirola. The nearby town is both noisy and very busy during the summer months. All provisions can be obtained in the town. There are good beaches on either side of the marina but these get very crowded during the summer months.

Puerto de Benalmadena is a huge marina with over 150,000 square meters of water. There is good shelter with the only swell being experienced in a W gale. Whilst the surrounding area is the usual overpowering high rise blacks the marina itself is quite attractive. It was named best marina in the world in both 1995 and 1998. There are over 200 commercial premises including boutiques, night clubs and the usual numerous restaurants and bars. There is also a sea life center. There are good beaches on either side of the marina. Malaga airport is just 8 km away.

Puerto de Malaga is the major commercial and fishing port of the Costa del Sol. The only facilities for yachts are at the Real Club Mediterraneo de Malaga and there is little room for visitors. Malaga, known as the "City of Flowers" is both interesting and charming. It can be reached on foot from the port.

The small harbor of Puerto del Candado is found 3.5 miles E of Malaga. Suitable for vessels drawing 2m or less. With strong winds from the W – SW considerable swell builds up and the harbor becomes uncomfortable. Harbor charges are low

Puerto de Puerto Caleta de Velez is a quiet fishing harbor 22 miles to east of Malaga. There are beaches on either side of the marina.

The anchorages of Fondeadero de Neja and Cala de Miel are both worth a visit. Cala de Miel has a fresh water spring.

Marina del Este is a purpose built marina set amongst a huge housing development in a beautiful area. Wind from NE – E produces a limited amount of swell within the marina. Harbor charges are high in the summer months. There is a small beach close to the harbor and a pool at the yacht club. There are prehistoric caves to be seen at Nerja. The city of Granada and the famous Alhambra can be seen in a days trip. As can the Alpahurras valley, with it's charming villages, towered over by the magnificent Sierra Nevada.

Once a small fishing port, Puerto de Motril has developed into a commercial port serving the inland city of Granada. Beaches on either side of the harbor.

The harbor of Puerto de Adra was founded by the Phenicians and has been in use ever since. Today it is both a commercial and fishing port. The continual movement of the fishing boats makes for much disturbance. Facilities are limited. Harbor charges are high. Beaches on either side of the harbor. Adra town is small and has little in the way of development for tourism.

Puerto de Almerimar, a very large marina with the capacity for over 1,000 boats. Excellent shelter from everything but strong SW winds when some swell can build up towards the entrance of the harbor. Prices are low. Astonishingly so compared to some other marinas on the Costa del Sol. Sandy beaches on either side of the marina. This part of the coast is covered with plastic greenhouses, it has to be seen to be appreciated both for the vast number of acres under cover and it's ugliness.

Puerto de Roquetas del Mar is a small fishing harbor. Strong winds from the SE – NE make the harbor uncomfortable.

Good shelter can be found at Puerto de del Aguadulce except with wind from the ESE which can cause some swell making conditions uncomfortable. The marina can cater for some 150 boats. The complex includes a swimming pool and squash court. Sandy beaches to the S with waters clean enough to merit a blue CE flag. Two 18 hole golf courses.

The Puerto de Almeria is a commercial & fishing port. Yachts use the Club de Mar del Almeria. There are several large rusty industrial structures close by a dominating the view and giving the place a rather grim feel. Overall the shelter is good but strong winds from the E produce swell that makes it uncomfortable within the marina. The Alcazaba inAlmeria, a Moorish castle, is well worth a visit.

If you are looking buy or rent luxury property such as a villas or apartments in Marbella, the urbanisation development known as Sierra Blanca is one of the more recent high-class residential regions of the municipal area of Marbella, within the region of Malaga located on the Costa del Sol, in Andalucia.

Sierra Blanca is located in the farthest reaches, at the bottom of La Concha, which is the mountain that overlooks the town and itself is a part of the Sierra Blanca range.

As a consequence of this amazing position the fantastic houses and luxury apartment complexes have spectacular views and look over Marbella together with its tremendous bay.

Furthermore, you will enjoy the fabulous micro climate associated with the area of Marbella which allows you to enjoy the game of golf in the wintertime when the majority of the golf courses inside the rest of Europe are actually shut and to appreciate to the full the extensive summertime for the remainder of the year. If you are a skier then the Sierra Nevada Ski station is merely a few hours away this means you might be skiing in the morning and be on the beachfronts in the afternoon.

Among the many wonderful advantages of Sierra Blanca is its location as well as the fact that it is so centrally located.

It is situated close to the town but just minutes from its various beaches, shops, dining places, cafes and only a few minutes away from Puerto Banus. You will have the advantage of staying at the heart of it all without having to forsake your own tranquility together with privacy.

Whilst the development of Sierra Blanca is much more of a luxurious suburban region compared to an urbanisation as such, Sierra Blanca does benefit from gated security and personal privacy, and whilst no actual golf course runs through it, as it does indeed in a lot of other areas of the coast, there’s no shortage of clubs within a sort distance. In fact within a small driving distance you will find tennis, racket clubs as well as beauty centers and health vacation retreats

Given that it is considered to be amongst the most renowned luxury regions of the area of Marbella, Sierra Blanca is especially renowned for its grand luxury villas placed on great areas of land. Many homes have own individual exclusive spas, home cinemas together with invitee bungalows. Spread amongst such mansions are actually some highly distinctive condo complexes.

If you are looking to purchase or let a high end villa or even condo in Marbella then Sierra Blanca development could be the option for you. You will recognize that it’s situation as well as the luxury that it delivers is really worth thinking about.

Marbella is one of Spain’s undoubted holiday hot spots. Situated on Spain’s Costa del Sol in southern Andalucia, Marbella is a magnet for wealth and high living, attracting a stalwart contingent of visitors and tourists every year to soak up its inimitable brand of sun, sea and lifestyle.

Shopping in Marbella effortlessly cater for a high calibre of residents and tourists, offering up a number of luxury shopping destinations as well as family friendly malls, which include in-built multiplex cinemas, numerous restaurants and fashion retail outlets.

Marbella’s elite undoubtedly shop at the luxury Laguna Village shopping retreat, situated in Marbella’s Estepona region. Here, you can experience shopping in a stylish setting, complimented by an indulgent health spa, which skims Marbella’s Mediterranean coast. Laguna Village offers visitors 28 exclusive shops, which include boutique and designer outlets from famed Spanish and international designer brands.

Here, you can energise perusing fashions from Elle Morgan, Just Cavalli, Escada and Egoiste pour Homme or home furnishings from Flamant Home Interiors and Bang and Olufsen. After shopping to your heart’s content you can relax in one of four restaurants or poolside by Laguna’s infinity swimming pool, surrounded by sun beds and private tents. Laguna also boasts a spa, gymnasium and yoga centre that’s ideal for pampering Marbella’s most discerning visitors.

If, however, you’re looking to spend in shopper’s paradise, but not necessarily within its budget, you might prefer the more family-friendly option of Marbella’s two impressive shopping malls. El Corte Ingles, situated in the Puerto Banus marina and La Canada Shopping Centre in Marbella’s centre are ideal options if your shopping tastes are eclectic. These two huge shopping centres also offer a number of options for entertaining kids and adults alike, as well as restaurants that cater to all palates so they can make for a great day out for all the family.

El Corte Ingles is Spain’s largest department store and boasts hundreds of shops over six floors, gaining it a reputation as Spain’s answer to Britain’s high end Selfridges store. Parking is cheap and plentiful at 1.50EUR per hour and buses and taxis pick up and drop off direct in the heart of the shopping centre, making it convenient to reach by public transport.

Over the six busy floors you’ll find stores and boutiques catering to haberdashery, flowers, fashion, sports equipment, toys, music, perfume, footwear and more. El Corte Ingles is also open twelve hours a day, from 10am until 10pm from Monday to Saturday so you’ve plenty opportunity to shop at a time suitable to you.

La Canada Shopping Centre is another first for Marbella – the largest shopping centre in the Costa del Sol. It’s situated on Marbella’s bypass so is easy to find and private parking is plentiful and free, although buses and taxis regularly connect with La Canada too.

Once you’ve made your way to La Canada, you’ll find everything you could want in a shopping centre in over 150 shops. You can browse European and international fashions, from Mango, Topshop and H&M to Tommy Hilfiger and renowned Spanish designers. Children’s clothing, jewellery and golf shops are also all under one roof. Here too, you’ll discover hairdressers, ten pin bowling, a multiplex cinema, restaurants, supermarket and a state of the art gym.

La Canada is also open from 10am until 10pm from Monday to Saturday, so when you stay in a Marbella Hotel you’ll find it easy to shop until you drop at any one of the city’s top three shopping destinations.

Literally implying a ‘sunny coast’ the holiday destination of Costa del Sol is aptly named to portray its lovely beaches and sunny Mediterranean climate. And, though Spain features many other holiday destinations Costa del Sol is the preferred location due to its unique blend of mountainous terrain, beautiful rural landscape and lovely sandy beaches. This stretch of coastline, of approximately 150 kilometres, dominating the southern Spanish provincial area of Malaga, and the lengthy coastal stretch of Andulacia, of Costa del Sol is a much sought after sunny haven and accommodation options on offer in this area are very much in demand.

This fascinating stretch of landscape dominating the Spanish southern coastline features a varied expanse of scenery combining beaches and a mountainous area adorned with cliffs, coves and valleys. The area can be divided in to two regions, the eastern Costa del Sol region leading east of the above mentioned city of Malaga, say about 54 kilometres, to the area bordering the province of Granada. That’s to the east of Malaga, and to the west of Malaga city, a stretch of about 100 kilometres, leading up to the coastal area of Gibraltar, is the western Costa del Sol area. The most sought after coastal towns in these regions are Terremolinas, Fuengirola and Benalmadena and they offer some of the best lodging options any one could ever dream of, especially considering the fact that they are coastal holiday getaways. If the inclination is to lead a more luxurious holiday its best to concentrate on the towns of Mijas, Puerto Banus and Marbella. Generally catering to the wealthy these areas feature a range of luxury villas.

The ‘New Golden Mile’ a west end coastal area is also a much occupied area of Costa del Sol and it features various types of lodging options. Same goes for towns such as Estepona, San Luis de Sabinillas, Pedro de Alcantara and even Sotogrande, the western end of Costa del Sol, and they feature lodging options to suit different budgets as well as the different needs of individual travellers. And apart from the obvious attraction of the beaches the Andalucian mountainous landscape offers adventure for those who seek it. A little further away from the beaches, but overlooking the lovely ocean, are the villages of Benahavis and Nerja offering an incomparable experience, especially as the lodging options here are limited to farmhouses or typical village houses owned by the locals. This type of lodging can be directly booked through the owners or if you are lucky the details might already be on the WWW.

Being a golfer’s paradise, Costa del Sol offers some brilliant golfing vacations. Featuring a range of excellent golf courses catering to different player standards golfing vacations in this region is very much in demand. Lodging options are plenty around the golfing areas and they too come in a range of prices offering different facilities and amenities, and most often you will be able to book online.

For those who prefer a real adventure, you can build your vacation by checking out the range of lodging options available as you travel through the area and booking into your choice of Costa del sol hotels, apartments, villas or even a shack for a unique Spanish experience

Algericas is a port in southeastern Spain across the bay from Gibraltar. From this town, you can take an overnight boat train to Madrid, a 2 1/2 hour ferry ride to Tangier in North Africa or a several hour drive to the Costa del Sol area and visit the picturesque towns of Marbella, Malaga, Torremolinos, and Porto Banus. On the Costa del Sol, you’ll find numerous resort hotels, beaches, boutiques, shops, good restaurants, night spots, and tourists from all over Europe.

The best resorts with the most facilities are Los Monteros, Marbella Club, and Puente Romano, all located in Marbella. The most colorful harbor area is Puerto Banus,a 10-minute ride from Marbella. Here you can stroll along the waterfront filled with giant yachts and visit some of the best shops and small ethnic restaurants to be found on Spanish cruises.

If your Spanish cruise docks in the harbor of Malaga, you will be able to take the tour to Granada and visit the famous Alhambra Castle and charming surrounding parks and attractions. On your way, you may wish to stop for lunch or a drink at the magnificent La Bobadilla Resort, which is built on a hillside in the style of Moorish village.

Barcelona is located on the Mediterranean coast of northern Spain not far from France. This busy city with a population greater than two million is the largest Spanish speaking port in the world after Buenos Aires. You will be able to capture the Spanish flavor by taking in the traditional bullfight, enjoying a flamenco show, or having some gazpacho and paella at a typical Spanish restaurant.

You can visit the historical cathedral known as “La Seu” in the old town as well as the interesting building nearby; drive or take the cable car up to the top of the hill of Tibadabo, from the heights of which you can see the Pyrenees.

The Canary Islands are a group of seven Spanish islands in the Atlantic Ocean 60 miles off the coast of northwest Africa. The islands are mountainous and have a mild climate with temperatures ranging from the sixties in winter to the seventies in summer. Most Spanish cruise ships stop at either Las Palmas on the Grand Canary Island or Santa Cruz on the island of Tenerife. The islands are volcanic resulting in several black sand beaches.

Santa Cruz is a lively town that may seem more beautiful than Las Palmas. Here you can visit the archeological and anthropological museum, the seventeenth century Carta Palace, and the historical relics of the Church of the Concepcion. Tourists often take an excursion from Santa Cruz through the town of La Laguna followed by a beautiful drive to Orotava and Porto de la Cruz passing by beautiful coastlines, tropical flowers, and foliage. All that and more awaits you on a Spanish cruise.

Hit the green

As if you didn’t already know it, when you leave Malaga airport great banners proclaim ‘Costa del Sol – Costa del Golf’ – and true enough, you can take your pick of manicured fairways distributed along the length of this sun-drenched strip. But two luxury golf hotels share the Marbella Club Golf Resort, situated 20 minutes scenic drive inland at Benahavis. The resort is so stunning, peaceful and private that you won’t mind the trip.

Marbella Club: Back in 1946 one of the Costa’s most prestigious golf hotels was still the Finca Santa Margarita and the private residence of Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe, whose own vision of luxury was “a blend of privacy and gardens”. Guests of the exclusive Marbella Club Hotel enjoy the fruits of his labours in the lush, sub-tropical gardens that are a riot of bird-song, exquisite flowers and exotic trees.

Hotel Puente Romano: The Marbella Club’s sister golf hotel has a slightly more glitzy, modern edge, with Moorish-style buildings clustered around its venerable Roman Bridge and a positive riot of exotic vegetation.

Live like the rich and famous

Aside from its status as an international golfing destination, the Costa del Sol is the European capital of sun, sand and sex. Marbella is where the rich, famous and fabulous congregate to engage in all manner of sinful activities away from the prying lenses of the paparazzi. Here are some stops to help you live like the stars on your visit:

Puerto Banus: A trip to Marbella wouldn’t be complete without visiting this legendary port. Dubbed the ‘Port of Abuse’ by many of its heavy-drinking insiders, Puerto Banus is named after its designer (and legendary playboy) Jose Banus. With row after row of designer shops, hip restaurants and trendy bars, the port is where the town’s super-rich moor up their megayachts and pose for their adoring public on the decks.

Nikki Beach: Furnished with white sunloungers, oversized parasols and wooden decking, and staffed with models seemingly ripped straight out of the pages of an Abercrombie & Fitch catalogue, Nikki Beach is definitely where the party’s at. All through the day and night DJs spin funky tunes, and expert mixologists concoct the best mojitos in town, while fashion shows and product launches are hosted throughout the long, languid summer season.

Beyond ‘del sol’

Spain has a glitzy Costa for every day of the week, but the newly-discovered Costa Calida is a leisurely place for discerning visitors and Spanish families. South of Alicante in the province of Murcia, the ‘Warm Coast’ is keen to assert its individuality, with good reasons. It claims more sunny days than any other, over 140 miles of shore fringed by crystal waters and a lush hinterland dotted with historic towns and hill villages tucked among vineyards and citrus groves.