Most people visiting Costa del Sol, as stated on the lonely planet Spain guide, slip straight off from the airport to the resort towns. Costa del Sol visitors have either the intention of enjoying the beach or playing golf thus they miss all the nice tourist attractions that can be found in the region. Cities such as Malaga, Marbella or Ronda are ignored by many visitors.



First of all, Malaga, the capital city, counts with amazing places that are worth seeing. For example the Alcazaba which is a Muslim palace-fortress that has a double wall, several defensive towers and typically Muslim staggered passages to make access difficult. A small palace within the inner perimeter is the home of the Archaeological Museum. Also the Cathedral is an outstanding place. It is called La Manquita, meaning one armed, due to the fact that originally it was supposed to have two towers but lack of funds resulted in just one. The interior has influences of the Renaissance and baroque styles.

Another important place is the Gibralfaro Castle. The name of this Muslim castle comes from the Arab word Yabal which means hill and the Greek word Faruh that means lighthouse thus this place was supposed to be a coast lookout during the Phoenician-Punic period.

The Picasso Museum and Casa Natal de Picasso are two interesting places. Palacio de Buenavista hosts the Picasso Museum with over 200 works by Pablo Picasso 155 donated by Christine and Bernard Ruiz-Picasso. Apart from the permanent collection, the museum also organises temporary exhibitions and other related activities such as workshops, conferences, concerts, courses, etc. The birthplace of Pablo Picasso hosts the Pablo Ruiz Picasso Foundation. There are exhibition rooms, pictures and a glance of the life of the artist in Malaga.

The Roman Theatre was discovered in 1951 when a garden was being built. The theatre was built in times of Augustus and was used until the 3rd century; after that it was used as a quarry by the Moors.

On the other hand, one of the most beautiful places in Marbella is La Plaza de los Naranjos (The orange square) that hosts the 16th century town hall. Other places to visit in this city are the old town that is surrounded by an Arab wall and has narrow streets, old churches and squares, as well as lots of shops and boutiques; the Roman Villa and Baths; Marbella Mosque; the Bonsai Museum; the Municipal Art Gallery and La Alameda park.

Finally, Ronda is the third Andaluz tourist city because it has retained its historic charm especially in its old town. It is also famous as the birthplace of modern bullfighting. Its main attractions are Puente Nuevo New Bridge, Puente Viejo Old Bridge, Balcony of Paseos, the Bullring, Alameda del Tajo, the Santo Domingo Convent, Casa del Rey Moro, Marques de Salvatierra Palace, the Arab Baths, Puente Arabe Arab Bridge, the walls, Mondragon palace, Citadel and the Carmelit Convent.