Beaches
The Costa del Sol is not short of beaches to relax on, ranging from the long, popular stretches of sand in Malaga and Torremolinos to the unspoilt secluded beaches of Cabo de Gata, which are backed by a national park. If quieter beaches are what you want then Cala de la Media Luna and Playa de Mónsul in Cabo de Gata are recommended, while the beaches of Bajondillo and La Carihuela in Torremolinos are ideal for those looking for more facilities.
Other nice sections of coast include Nerja, where there are many palm-fringed beaches, and Marbella, where the Caba Pino beach is popular with nudists. But if you prefer to keep yourself covered up, head to Victors Beach or Don Carlos.
Nightlife
For nightlife on the Costa del Sol, Torremolinos is hard to beat. Its lively nights have given it a reputation as the place to go for a party atmosphere with plenty of late-night bars and clubs. Spread over two floors, the Palladium is a popular club and even has its own swimming pool. Torremolinos also has a thriving gay area, with Tension and Abadia the most fashionable hotspots.
Marbella also has a good range of discos and bars to keep its visitors entertained, although some, like the Olivia Valere, can be expensive. Other more reasonably-priced choices include La Comedia and Dreamers, which attract many international DJs.
Travel away from the large tourist resorts and things do quieten down, although the Spaniards are known for their love of parties, so while there may be an absence of loud clubs, there will never be an absence of places to sit and enjoy a drink until the early hours.
Food Drink and Shopping
Food and Drink
Andalucia has an exciting array of cuisine to try, and any visit to the Costa del Sol wouldn't be complete without taking advantage of at least some of the specialities this region has to offer: queso manchego, a mature sheep's cheese; acietunas, olives; jamon serrano, cured ham; croquetas, fried pockets of fish, potatoes or meat; albondigas, meatballs; alioli, garlic mayonaise, eaten with patatas bravas, small roast potatoes; and gazpacho, a cold cucumber, tomato and garlic soup. The list of delicacies is long, so the best advice is to visit one of the many tapas bars in the area where you can sample many of these and more.
Tapas are a speciality in themselves in Andalucia since this is where the tradition began. Tapas means "lid" and years ago small portions of food were used to cover drinks to keep flies off. The idea has developed a bit now, but the tradition of having a small portion of something to nibble with a drink has not. Some bars - admittedly not many - even give away free tapas with a drink. It's certainly an incentive to venture out into the local area to test your luck!
Locally-produced drinks on the Costa del Sol include sherry (traditional to Cadiz) and sangria. Tinto de Verano - red wine mixed with a soft drink - is popular in the south, and hits the spot on a warm evening.
Shopping
Shopping is just as varied as eating out in Spain and fashionistas will be in their element with the Costa del Sol's high street clothes shops. International favourites such as Zara and Mango, as well as Spanish brands such as Blanco, Stradavarious and Pull and Bear, are all represented and offer great choice.
For more traditional souvenirs, the local markets are a good place to visit, and all towns hold one at least once a week. Jerez de la Frontera is the place to head for leather goods, and the whole region is great for ceramics.
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