Costa del Sol
It’s no wonder so many Brits and Europeans own property in one of the many beautiful towns around Spain’s Costa del Sol. I found myself browsing the possibilities too and here’s why: Endless beaches to stroll along, hidden coves, white villages that appear like a mirage in the middle of the mountains, historical landmarks with centuries of culture, afternoons spent shopping, evenings sipping cocktails by the sea, pleasant temperatures all year round and happy, friendly people that make you feel at home. These are the main ingredients of this region of Andalucia, where the mountain and the Mediterranean sea combine to create idyllic landscapes.
Malaga: Starting with the revamped city of Málaga, where the main point of entry airport is, the city has changed a lot of the better. Famed for being the birthplace of Picasso, Malaga serves as a gateway to family-favorite stops such as Benidorm and Fuengirola, but has plenty of art, culture and dining to offer & explore.
Marbella: The chic, sun-drenched Costa del Sol town of Marbella, hints of its former Moorish occupation mingle with modern-day resort amenities. Bask on the sands of famous La Fontanilla beach or ricochet among the area's family-oriented water, wildlife and theme parks. Experience the Andalusian charm of the historic quarter, filled with whitewashed buildings, remnants of a ninth-century Arab fortress and fragrant orange trees.
Estepona: I opted to stay here, which is a smaller, quieter town that has lovely stretches of beaches and dining. Unlike many of its coastal neighbors, cultural tradition remains strong in Estepona. With more than 12 miles (20 kilometers) of palm-fringed coastline and a historic old town famously decorated with bright blooms, this harbor town is undoubtedly one of the prettiest on Spain’s Costa del Sol.
Nearby in Southern Spain (*Andalucia is the southernmost autonomous community in Peninsular Spain): Seville, Ronda, Granada
