Costa del Sol
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The former fishing villages of the “Sun Coast” welcome millions of international visitors each year – not counting the estimated 300,000 expats who call the coast home. The winning formula is 320 sunny days a year, warm, clean waters and beaches, and good-value, though somewhat brash, entertainment options. Heavy on neon and tower blocks, most of what’s here has little to do with local culture, but what is exuberantly Andalucían is the verve with which visitors enjoy themselves in the sun. Nights, too, are given over to typically Spanish merriment that continues until dawn.
Estepona still has a large fishing fleet, with a fish auction every dawn when the boats come in with their catch. For places to eat and to party on the Costa del Sol (see Costa del Sol Nightlife in Málaga and Cádiz Provinces, Costa del Sol Places to Eat in Málaga and Cádiz Provinces)
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1. Estepona
The first major resort on this coast is an excellent quieter choice, with 19 km (12 miles) of beach . In the casco antiguo (old town), Plaza Las Flores retains considerable charm.
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2. Marbella
The 15th-century Plaza de los Naranjos is the heart of the old town of Marbella, Spain’s most expensive resort. Nearby Puerto Banús is the town’s glittering marina , where you can admire the fabulous yachts and breathe the same air as the super-rich.
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3. Mijas
Come here for the views of the coast, as well as the maze of old Moorish streets filled with charming shops in the numerous tiny squares.
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4. Fuengirola
This large resort is the most family-orientated, with a good beach and a recently remodelled seafront promenade. There is a restored 10th-century Moorish castle overlooking the town.
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5. Benalmádena
This resort comes in three parts: the old town inland; the beach and port area ; and Arroyo de la Miel, a lively suburb.
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6. Torremolinos
Torre de los Molinos (Tower of the Windmills) refers to a Moorish watchtower that was at one time surrounded by 19 flourmills. The ancient Torre Vigia is still here, but surrounding it now is a big, brash and trashily modern resort that is the quintessence of inexpensive fun .
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7. Málaga
7. MálagaMálaga is mostly a transit point for the average visitor and thus remains very Spanish in character. Andalucía’s second largest city has an interesting historic district dominated by a vast 8th-century fortress and the ruins of the 14th-century Castillo de Gibralfaro.
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8. Torre del Mar
This resort is favoured by Spanish families, so is less tawdry than others to the west. The tree-lined seafront promenade is part of a recent attempt to prettify facilities.
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9. Vélez-Málaga
The old quarter of this market town has beautiful Mudéjar features. An annual flamenco guitar competition is held here every July.
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10. Nerja
No high-rises here; Nerja is all white-washed good taste, surmounting attractive, verdant cliffs with quiet sandy beach coves below.
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