Costa del Sol

The **Costa del Sol** (literally "Coast of the Sun") is a region in the south of Spain in the autonomous community of Andalusia. It includes the coastal towns and communities along the coastline of the Province of Málaga and the eastern part of Campo de Gibraltar in Cádiz. Formerly made up only of a series of small fishing settlements, today the region is a world-renowned tourist destination. The Costa del Sol is  between two lesser known coastal regions, the Costa de la Luz and the Costa Tropical.

The region has no official limit, but it is generally accepted that the Costa del Sol stretches from the municipality of La Línea de la Concepción in the west to Nerja in the east,  around 150 kilometers of coastline. The term Costa del Sol was coined at the beginning of the 20th century by Rodolfo Lussnigg to promote the Almería coastline. Until the late 1960s, it was used in reference to the entire Mediterranean coast of Eastern Andalusia. The name refers to the sunny climate, present in the region most days of the year. The Costa del Sol is one of the most important tourist areas in Spain. Around 35% of Andalusia's tourism is concentrated in the region; in 2009 it had 17 million overnight stays.

The population of the Costa del Sol varies depending on the time of year. 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.

1. The Costa del Sol is known for its sunny weather, with more than 300 days of sunshine per year.
1. The region is home to several historic landmarks and cultural attractions, including the Alhambra Palace in Granada and the Picasso Museum in Malaga.
1. The Costa del Sol is famous for its beaches, with over 160 kilometres of coastline and more than 70 beaches.
1. The region is also known for its gastronomy, with a variety of local dishes and delicacies, including paella, gazpacho, and fried fish.
1. It is a popular destination for golf enthusiasts, with over 70 golf courses
1. 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.
1. There is a diverse expat community, with many British, German, and Scandinavian residents living in the region.
1. It 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 dates back to the time of the Phoenicians and the Romans.

The Phoenicians were the first to establish a settlement in the region. The Romans 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. In the ninth century AD, the Moors invaded Spain and introduced Islam to the country. They dominated the Costa del Sol for centuries. They left a 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 olives, almonds, oranges, and lemons.

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.

In the 20th century, the Costa del Sol became a desired tourist destination. 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. Millions of visitors flock to the Costa del Sol every year to enjoy its pleasant climate, beautiful beaches, and cultural attractions.

## Public Transport

There are several public transport options available to travel from Malaga airport to the Costa del Sol:

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.

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.

Taxis are available at the taxi rank outside each terminal. The taxi fare is determined by the distance traveled and the time of day. The main taxi company at Malaga Airport is Unitaxi.

Several car rental companies have offices at the airport, and renting a car can be a convenient way to explore the Costa del Sol.

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 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:

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 is a luxury marina located in Marbella. It is a popular spot for yacht watching, shopping, and dining.

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.

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.

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.

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 is a picturesque white village with narrow streets and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

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 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.  Aena is also involved in the management and development of commercial services at Malaga Airport, such as retail and food and beverage outlets.

Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport, 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.  It 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 has 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.

## Infobox (settlement)

- **name**: Costa del Sol
- **population density km2**: auto
- **population total**: 1,412,541
- **image map**: Costadelsolmap.jpg
- **settlement type**: Riviera
- **unit pref**: Metric
- **subdivision type**: Country
- **subdivision name2**: *Province of Málaga, Málaga
* Province of Cádiz, Cádiz
- **subdivision type2**: Province
- **subdivision name1**: Andalusia
- **subdivision type1**: Autonomous community
- **subdivision name**: Spain