The Costa del Sol is one of the most popular holiday haunts for British tourists and residents and runs from Nerja to Gibraltar. Miles of sandy beaches, rows of hotels, and over 320 days of sunshine a year. There is definitely something for everyone. The most popular coastal resorts are Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Benalmadena and Marbella. Further down the coast are quieter areas, such as that of Estepona, a quaint town with a wonderful beach and promenade and a prosperous future in the holiday & property marketplace.

Since the 1950's this area has been a popular destination, attracting more and more people each year. The airport, roads, rail and other facilities have grown in accordance with demand. The dream to live here is now becoming a reality for 1000´s of people a year. The lifestyle is 'ideal' and the weather is perfect. Golfers who wish to play on first class courses in dry, sunny weather will find all that they want on the Costa del Sol. There are in fact some of the best courses in the world. If sight-seeing is part of your agenda then this wonderful area has much to offer. Within a short distance are major cities worth seeing and on the other extreme are tiny white-washed villages clinging to the mountain sides. Not far from the crowded beaches are true Spanish villages such as Casares, Ronda, Manilva and Sabinillas, all locked in time and offering 'true Spain'. Along the coast, tourists of all nationalities are made welcome and there are few places that do not understand English.

The Costa del Sol is the number one place in Spain for British tourists to holiday and emigrate to. This opens up a wide variety of options for running a business in Spain.

This part of Spain is also one of the best places to buy a property if you are looking for an investment. There are still many inland areas which are yet to be discovered but are still within a short drive from Malaga airport.

Here is a short guide to them major resorts:

Torremolinos This is one of the original Costa del Sol resorts, established in the 60's and still a popular destination for British tourists. The beaches are lovely and there are ample bars, restaurants and hotels. The resort has a wonderful nightlife. Torremolinos is just 10-15 minutes from the airport, linked by the main coast road. The train also passes through on its way from Malaga to Fuengirola. The train line is being extended to Marbella and completion is set for around 2008.

Benalmadena Benalmadena Costa is located between Torremolinos and Fuengirola and is a long time  favourite with families. A very popular resort, well known for its award winning marina. There is every kind of activity here and ample hotels of varying star rating. The beaches are very great and safe for children. There is a huge expat community here, divided between the three main areas; Benalmadena Pueblo (a quiet village), Benalmadena Costa (the coastal area) and Arroyo de la Miel (based higher up the hill).

Arroyo de la Miel Arroyo de la Miel is a lovely, peaceful village with a mixed nationality community. Still keeping is Spanish Village feel yet offering foreign expats a wonderful haven. Famous for its theme park, Tivoli World where you can also take a cable car to the top of the mountain.

Fuengirola Fuengirola is the most wheelchair friendly area of the Costa del Sol. With its 7km promenade, beautiful beaches and scenery, the town has something for everyone. A favourite for British, Spanish, Scandinavian and German tourists and residents. The beaches are long, wide and clean, they all boast the award of the Blue Flag and offers water sports, sailing and boat trips.

Los Boliches & Torreblanca Within the postal town of Fuengirola are two small towns, Los Boliches and Torreblanca. In the past Los Boliches was a small fishing village but today it is a thriving town with three 4* hotels, fabulous beaches and an abundance of bars and restaurants. Torreblanca is a more residential town which now extends way up into the mountains.

Mijas Mijas is divided into two main areas; Mijas Pueblo, the traditional white village, perched on the mountain site, quiet, picturesque yet now a major tourist attraction. Mijas Costa, which includes Calahonda, Riviera del Sol, Torrenueva and La Cala de Mijas, is the coastal area of Mijas. Very built up with a huge expat community, more and more hotels and plenty of bars and restaurants.

Puerto Banus has been given the nickname 'The playground of the rich'. This is due to the Marina where breathtaking yachts and liners are moored. A magnet for the rich and famous and definitely the place to be seen if you're young and gorgeous. San Pedro is predominately a residential area with a very good selection of extremely fine restaurants.
Estepona is also a residential area, very popular as the place to buy your holiday home. Still tranquil yet offering fantastic beaches, enough nightlife for any age group and a lovely harbour where the market is held weekly.

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