The Costa del Sol, or sunshine coast, is Spain's southernmost area of coastline, running from Malaga in the east right up to the westernmost point of the Málaga province at Sotogrande.

Stretching along 300km of Spanish Mediterranean, it's sheltered by a dramatic mountain chain and so enjoys a gloriously temperate climate with very little rain and gentle ocean breezes.

The mix of different landscapes - the mountains, valleys full of orchards and white sandy beaches - gives the Costa del Sol a very special feel. And as well as the smart comfortable new developments, yacht harbours, golf courses and lively shopping and nightlife hotspots, you don't have to go far to find traditional, peaceful towns and villages that have hardly changed for centuries.

Marbella
Once a humble fishing village, Marbella now attracts celebrities from all over the world, and along with Puerto Banús has become the chic capital of the coast. There's a charming old town with traditional Andalusian narrow streets, lovely promenade with miles of clean, golden beaches and some of the best beach bars and clubs on the coast. And all before the magnificent backdrop of La Concha mountain.

The Costa del Sol's most exclusive area, the Golden Mile - home to stunning palatial mansions, including King Fahd's summer palace, and the famous Marbella Club Hotel

Puerto Banus
Puerto Banus rivals Marbella as Spain's leading jet-set haunt. Set against the magnificent Sierra Blanca, its superb marina houses some of the largest private yachts and cruisers in the world. There's also a stunning main square paved in marble, attractive palm-fringed boulevard, well-maintained sandy beaches and pleasant pedestrian promenade. Smart apartment buildings with classic Andalusian architecture add to the exclusive feel. On a balmy summer evening, Puerto Banus comes alive - it's the place to be seen, with plenty of famous faces to look out for and a wealth of exquisite shops and glitzy boutiques, plus the huge El Corte Ingles department store

Torremolinos
One of Spain’s top holiday destinations, Torremolinos offers some of the best nightlife and entertainment on the coast. It’s a busy, year-round resort with palm-lined boulevards, pleasant pedestrianised areas and an elegant sea-front promenade. The famous La Carihuela district still retains much of its fishing village character Excellent health facilities, schools and shopping
First-class transport links – the airport is within easy reach, the local Málaga-Fuengirola railway line has three stations here, and there’s also a good bus service Numerous shops, boutiques and restaurants, buzzing nightlife of Benalmádena Costa including the famous Torrequebrada Casino

Getting There
Malaga Airport is a major international airport, just north of Marbella and is easy to fly in and out of from the UK and Europe. More and more low-cost carriers are now offering scheduled routes.

Another option is to fly into Almeria's Airport and then travel down to the Costa del Sol coastline.

• Malaga Airport
• Almeria Airport

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