Title: Costa del Sol Content: == The Costa del Sol. == The population of the Costa del Sol varies depending on the time of year, as it is a popular tourist destination and many people own holiday homes in the region. According to the latest available data from the National Statistics Institute of Spain, The population of the province of Malaga was about 1.6 million in 2020. Here are some interesting facts about the Costa del Sol: # The Costa del Sol is known for its sunny weather, with more than 300 days of sunshine per year. # The region is home to several historic landmarks and cultural attractions, including the Alhambra Palace in Granada and the Picasso Museum in Malaga. # The Costa del Sol is famous for its beaches, with over 160 kilometres of coastline and more than 70 beaches. # The region is also known for its gastronomy, with a variety of local dishes and delicacies, including paella, gazpacho, and fried fish. # The Costa del Sol is a popular destination for golf enthusiasts, with over 70 golf courses in the region. # The region is home to several festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including the Malaga Fair in August and the Three Kings Parade in January. # The Costa del Sol has a diverse expat community, with many British, German, and Scandinavian residents living in the region. # The Costa del Sol has a rich history and cultural heritage, with evidence of settlements dating back to the Phoenicians and the Romans. == History of the Costa del Sol. == The history of the Costa del Sol is a lasting and fascinating one; it dates back thousands of years to the time of the Phoenicians and the Romans. The Phoenicians represent the first to establish a settlement in the region, followed by the Romans, who founded the city of Malaca (modern-day Malaga) around 300 BC. During the Roman period, the region became a successful centre for trade, agriculture, and mining. The Romans built several towns and ports along the coast, including Cartama, Velez- Malaga, and Almuñecar. Moorish In the ninth century AD, the Moors invaded Spain and introduced Islam to the country. They dominated the Costa del Sol for centuries, leaving a profound cultural legacy that can still be seen in some of the region's most prominent landmarks. The Moors established irrigation and agriculture systems in the area and introduced crops like as olives, almonds, oranges, and le.ns. Spanish conquest: In 1487, the Spanish monarchs, Isabella and Ferdinand, conquered the Costa del Sol and the rest of Andalusia. The Catholic Monarchs encouraged the resettlement of the region by Christians, leading to the construction of many churches and monasteries. Modern Times: In the 20th century, the Costa del Sol experienced a significant transformation as it became a desired tourist destination for visitors from around the world. The first luxury hotels were developed in the 1950s and 1960s, followed by a boom in the construction of holiday homes and apartments in the 1970s and 1980s. The tourism industry has since become a significant economic driver for the region, with millions of visitors flocking to the Costa del Sol every year to enjoy its pleasant climate, beautiful beaches, and cultural attractions. In conclusion, the history of the Costa del Sol has been a wealthy and diverse one, shaped by various cultures and civilizations over thousands of years. Today, the region remains a vibrant and thriving destination that continues to engage visitors from all over the world. == Public Transport. == There are several public transport options available to travel from Malaga airport to the Costa del Sol: Bus: Several bus lines connect Malaga airport with various destinations along the Costa del Sol, including Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Marbella, and Estepona. The bus stops are located outside Terminal 3, and tickets can be purchased from the driver or at the ticket machines at the bus stop. Train: The suburban train (C1 line) runs from Malaga airport to Fuengirola, with stops at Torremolinos, Benalmadena, and other towns along the way. The train station is located across from Terminal 3, and tickets can be purchased at the ticket machines or the ticket office. Taxi: Taxis are available at the taxi rank outside each terminal, and can take you directly to your destination along the Costa del Sol. The taxi fare is determined by the distance traveled and the time of day. The main taxi company at Malaga Airport is Unitaxi. Car rental: Several car rental companies have offices at the airport, and renting a car can be a convenient way to explore the Costa del Sol at your own pace. Overall, public transport is a convenient and affordable way to travel from Malaga airport to the Costa del Sol, with options to suit all budgets and travel preferences. Private Malaga airport transfers: If you prefer, you can also pre-book with a private Malaga airport transfer company, It's always a good idea to read reviews and compare prices before booking a private transfer. That way, you can find a company that meets your needs and fits your budget. == Costa del Sol attractions. == The Costa del Sol region in southern Spain has many tourist attractions to offer visitors. Here are some popular tourist attractions within the Costa del Sol region, including Marbella, Puerto Banus, Malaga, Estepona, and other nearby areas: Old Town, Marbella: The Old Town of Marbella is a charming and picturesque area with narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and beautiful flower-filled balconies. Visitors can also enjoy local restaurants, cafés, and shops. Puerto Banus Marina: Puerto Banus is a luxury marina located in Marbella. It is a popular spot for yacht watching, shopping, and dining. Alameda Park: The Alameda Park is a beautiful park in central Malaga. Visitors can relax in the park's gardens and fountains or visit the nearby museums. Malaga Cathedral: The Malaga Cathedral is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture. Visitors can explore the cathedral and climb to the top for panoramic views of the city. Picasso Museum: The Picasso Museum in Malaga is a must-see for art lovers. The museum contains over 200 works by Pablo Picasso, including paintings, sculptures and ceramics. Estepona Old Town: The Old Town of Estepona is a charming area with narrow streets and beautiful flower-filled balconies. Visitors can also enjoy local restaurants, cafes, and shops. Mijas Pueblo: Mijas Pueblo is a picturesque white village with narrow streets and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Selwo Aventura: Selwo Aventura is a wildlife park in Estepona. Visitors can see a variety of animals, including elephants, lions, and giraffes, and enjoy outdoor activities such as zip- lining and hiking. Gibraltar: Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located on the southern coast of Spain. Visitors can see the famous Rock of Gibraltar, explore the historic town, and even go on a dolphin-watching tour. == What is the closest airport to the Costa del Sol? == Aena is the Spanish airport operator that manages Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport. Aena operates several airports throughout Spain and is responsible for providing a range of services and facilities to ensure safe and efficient airport operations. At Malaga Airport, Aena is responsible for managing airport operations, including air traffic control, ground handling services, and maintenance of airport infrastructure. Aena also oversees the development and implementation of security measures at the airport, to ensure the safety and security of passengers and staff. In addition to these operational responsibilities, Aena is also involved in the management and development of commercial services at Malaga Airport, such as retail and food and beverage outlets. Aena works to ensure that these services meet the needs and expectations of passengers, while also generating revenue for the airport. Overall, Aena plays an important role in the operation and development of Malaga Airport, helping to ensure that it continues to provide a high level of service and convenience to travellers visiting the Costa del Sol region. Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), commonly referred to as simply Malaga Airport, is the nearest airport to the Costa del Sol. It is located approximately 8 kilometres (5 miles) southwest of Malaga's city centre and approximately 50 kilometres (31 miles) east of the renowned resort town of Marbella. Malaga Airport is one of Spain's busiest, servicing about 19 million people each year. It serves a variety of local and international destinations and is a hub for various airlines, including Ryanair, Vueling, and Norwegian. The airport features two terminals, Terminals 2 and 3, that are linked by a covered walkway. Both terminals provide a variety of amenities, such as shops, restaurants, and cafés, as well as ATMs, currency exchange, and baggage storage. The airport also has a number of automobile rental firms. There are various transportation choices accessible from the airport to the Costa del Sol, including licensed taxis, public buses, and private transfer services. You may also hire a car at the airport and drive to your destination. Overall, Malaga Airport is a contemporary, well-equipped facility that serves as a handy entry point to the Costa del Sol region.