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The Costa del Sol. The Premier Holiday Destination in Europe
By: Ruth Polak, Thu Feb 2nd, 2006
Since the 1960's and the advent of package holidays the Costa
del Sol has always been one of the premier holiday destinations
in Europe, and with good reason. The weather is perfect, with
little or no rain between the beginning of June and the end of
September. The beaches are long, clean and sandy and the vast
majority have the coverted blue flag award also, the
Mediterranean being practically tideless, you never have to
worry about the tide being out and bathing is relatively safe.
If this isn't enough then there is also the excellent night life
with bars and clubs staying open until the early hours and a
great choice of restaurants up and down the coast. The
Andalucian people are very friendly and obliging and crime is
relatively low.
Recent years have seen vast improvements in the infrastructure
on the Costa del Sol with both the road networks and Malaga
airport being significantly improved.In addition air routes into
both Granada and Jerez now offer the visitor a greater choice of
flights and very reasonable rates.Gibraltar too has increased
their number of regular flights.
The type of holidays people are taking has changed in recent
years with a shift away from the more traditional package tours
as more and more people appreciate the flexibility of renting
their own apartment or perhaps a villa with a private pool.Many
holiday makers are starting to explore the beautiful countryside
just a short drive from the Costa del Sol where they can enjoy
the peace and quiet of renting a country villa whilst at the
sametime being able to easily visit the beach.
In addition to lazing on the beach the Costa del Sol now has
alot of other attractions to offer visitors. Selwo Wild
Life Park near Estepona being just one. This is a super day
out for all the family not only entertaining but educational
too. Likewise Selwo Marina is a superb attraction at Benalmadena
with the only Dolphinarium in Southern Spain. At Torremolinos
and Mijas Costa you will find 2 brilliant Aqua Parks, with a
vast array of slides and pools.
If you wish to take a more cultural outing then The Picasso
Museum at Malaga should be on your agenda or for plant lovers
visit the The Botanical Gardens also at Malaga or the Bonsai Museum at
Marbella.
For the golfers of course there is an awe inspiring choice of
excellent golf courses of all different levels, some by the sea
and some set in stunning mountain scenery. New ones are
regularly being constructed and as a result many golfers return
year after year to the Costa del Sol.
Another first on the Costa is Mijas Race
Course where evening meetings are held weekly throughout the
summer. In addition they hold many top clas concerts, including
such artists as Sir Elton John, Rod Stewart, UB 40 and Bryan
Adams. They don't forget classical music lovers either, giving
concerts by world class orchestras.
One other attraction for the Costa del Sol is certainly not new
but should definitely be on your list of places to visit and
that is Gibraltar. It is of course
steeped in history and has the only troop of wild monkeys in
Europe. The beautiful St. Michael's caves are also well worth
visiting and then of course there is the tax free shopping.
So whilst the Costa del Sol is traditionally reknown for "sun,
sea and sangria" it has moved with the times and now has alot to
offer the more discerning holiday maker who wants more from his
holiday than just these ever popular elements.
About the author:
Article submitted by Ruth Polak the owner of
Costa Del Sol Vacation Rentals. A web site
specializing in holiday villas and apartments on the Costa del
Sol and in Rural Andalucia. You will also find lots of
information about Spain and Andalucia, in particular.