Costa del Sol
Costa del Sol, Spain
Costa del Sol, or “Coast of the Sun” in Spain, is a wonderful easy drive from Granada or Almeria along Malaga’s coastline and can be completed in approximately 8 hours, depending on the precise route you take. Of course, when in such a beautiful part of the world, there’s is nothing better than taking your time and enjoying every minute and mile!
Although parking can be a problem in certain areas, it is important to note that there are a number of campgrounds along the way which makes it that much more appealing to rent a motorhome, campervan or RV instead of a regular car rental.
Maro to Malaga
If you begin your drive in Maro, you will drive west and pass through Nerja, Torrox and Torre del Mar before reaching Malaga. Hereafter, you will pass through Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola and Marbella before reaching Punta Chullera.
Before leaving Maro, make sure that you spend some time on the beach, soak up the sun and relax before embarking on your scenic drive. Your first stop won’t be too far away in Nerja. This is one of the most beautiful stops along the way so make the most of your time here and visit such sights as the Caves of Nerja, the 19th century Aqueduct and the 17th century Church of El Salvador.
Once you reach Torrox, it’s the perfect time for a nice stroll along the Promenade and perhaps a bite to eat as you take in the scenery around you. Along the Promenade you will find several bars and pubs ready to tempt your taste buds so feel free to take a seat, enjoy watching the people pass you by and enjoy a meal and/or refreshing beverage at your leisure.
The Paseo Maritimo (promenade) in Torre del Mar is another great place for a relaxing walk and, if you’re up for some water fun, you can spend some time at the Aquavelis Water Park. This is particularly great for those traveling with kids who can’t wait to use up all that energy. The Church of San Andres is another popular attraction here. It was built in 1975 as a replacement for the original church that was built back in 1888. If you wish to do some shopping while you are here, you can stop in at the El Ingenio Mall. There are also plenty of pubs, bars and clubs if you’re looking for evening entertainment.
Malaga is your next main stop and there are campgrounds not too far away so you can use them as your base to explore this, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. The Phoenician city walls are the oldest remains in the city and can be seen in the cellar of the Museo Picasso Malaga. The Roman theater located in Malaga dates back to the first century BC and the Castle of Gibralfaro and Alcazaba Fortress are all top attractions. This city really does have it all in terms of art, history, culture and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Malaga to Punta Chullera
When you are finally ready to leave the city of Malaga, your drive will take you to Torremolinos where you can stop to explore the historical neighbourhood of La Carihuela, the local botanic garden and do some shopping at Calle San Miguel. The Plaza de Toros hosts various shows and, if you simply wish to relax and enjoy the sun, there are a number of fine beaches in the area.
Benalmadena is your next main stop and is home to a number of picture perfect beaches. Other main sights and attractions here include the Torre Quebrada watchtower, the Colomares Castle and the local marina.
Fuengirola is home to the Arabic Sohail Castle as well as a local museum, zoo, bullring and even Roman ruins. Be sure to spend a bit of time here before you continue your drive to Marbella where the charming Marbella Old Quarter awaits as well as the Avenida del Mar historic walking area and tranquil parks, fascinating museums and so much more!
Once you reach Punta Chullera, you are bound to want to take a nice break and relax. Make the most of the fresh sea air, relax on the beach and enjoy at least one sunset before concluding your Costa del Sol trip.