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Costa Del Sol Tourist Information

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With some superb beaches, first-class golf courses, beautiful marinas and superb climate, the Costa del Sol is one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations. This 80-mile stretch of coastline contains a variety of resorts, including up market Marbella and Puerto Banus, family-friendly Fuengirola and Benalmadena, and lively Torremolinos.

The Costa del Sol used to refer to the entire stretch of coastline between Almeria and Cadiz, but these days the term applies to the coastal strip within Malaga province. Tourism began to take off here in during the 1950's when Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe opened the Marbella Club. This lavish holiday complex soon began to attract famous guests such as Sophia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Around the same time the coast's first luxury hotel, the Pez Espada, opened in what was then the small fishing village of Torremolinos. More hotels would be added within the next decade and the Costa del Sol soon became known as a popular package holiday destination.

The area suffered a slight decline in the 1980's, so the local government has invested a lot of money in recent years to bring things up to scratch. New marinas, seafront promenades and golf courses have been built, while the beaches have been cleaned up and improved.

The pretty resort of Nerja, known for its Balcon de Europa viewpoint and string of small coves, lies about 30 miles (50km) east of Malaga. Close to the town are the famous Nerja caves, discovered in the 1950's and now one of the Costa del Sol's top tourist attractions.

The three neighbouring resorts of Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola are situated to the west of Malaga. Torremolinos is well known for its popular nightclubs, while Benalmadena has a lovely marina and attractions such as the Tivoli World amusement park and cable car. The family friendly resort of Fuengirola boasts a small modern zoo, over four miles of sandy beaches, and a nearby water park.

A few miles inland from Fuengirola, in the foothills of the surrounding mountains, is the pretty town of Mijas Pueblo. Although it is sometimes overrun with tourists, Mijas has some notable sights including an interesting folk museum and an unusual square bullring. The views along the coast are pretty good too.

Further west along the coast from Fuengirola is the famous resort of Marbella and its neighbouring marina of Puerto Banus. In the centre of Marbella is the picturesque old town of whitewashed houses and pretty squares known as the Casco Antiguo. As well as its lovely beach, the resort is also known for its choice of up market boutiques and smart restaurants. Nearby Puerto Banus is a flashy modern marina complete with luxury yachts, trendy bars and posh shops.

The pleasant resort of Estepona, which still retains much of its original character, is situated to the west of Marbella. The town has several historic attractions, including the pretty church on Plaza del Reloj, plus a wide sandy beach and fishing port.

Malaga is the largest city and the main gateway to the Costa del Sol. Many budget airlines operate flights to Malaga Airport, including EasyJet, Ryanair and Monarch. There is a coastal railway line from the airport to the resorts of Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola.

Costa Del Sol Tourist Information

Salamanca is located in the autonomous region of Castilla y Leon, around 125 miles (200km) northwest of Madrid. The city is famous for its university and numerous historic monuments, which include cathedrals, palaces, convents and churches. Salamanca also enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status, and in 2002 it was European Capital of Culture. Most of the city's sights are situated in a small area, within easy reach of the main Rua Mayor thoroughfare.

After King Alfonso IX founded the city's university in 1218, Salamanca soon gained an international reputation as a renowned seat of learning. The Catholic monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, provided funds for various architectural projects, in particular the New Cathedral, in the early 16th century. Salamanca was occupied by the French during the Napoleonic Wars, although the Duke of Wellington defeated them at the famous Battle of Salamanca. Today the city has a lively and youthful feel, although the university is no longer the leading academic institution it once was.

Salamanca has twin cathedrals which are named, appropriately, Catedral Nueva (New Cathedral) and Catedral Vieja (Old Cathedral). Construction of the New Cathedral started in 1513 and it was completed over two centuries later. Consequently the building displays an interesting mixture of architectural styles, including Gothic and Baroque. Notable features of the New Cathedral are the beautifully decorated dome and the carvings on the facade which represent the life of Christ. The Old Cathedral contrasts sharply with its newer counterpart due to the simplicity of the building's Romanesque design. Dating from the mid 12th century, the Old Cathedral contains some interesting 13th century frescoes within the Capilla de San Martin.

The focal point of the city is the famous Plaza Mayor, arguably the most beautiful square in Spain. Around its perimeter are numerous open-air cafes, while the grandiose town hall stands on the northern side of the square. Just off Plaza Mayor is one of Salamanca's more unusual and most photographed attractions - the Casa de las Conchas or House of Shells. The facade of this 14th century mansion is covered with scallop shells carved from stone. These shells honour the pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela. Close to the Casa de las Conchas is the 17th century Baroque church of La Clerecia, notable for its twin spires.

Famous people to have attended Salamanca University include the writer Miguel de Cervantes and the explorer Hernan Cortes. A statue of Fray Luis de Leon, who was famously imprisoned by the Spanish Inquisition for five years, stands in the university's Patio de Escuelas. The 16th century church of San Esteban, situated next to the university, is notable for its carved facade, best seen in the evening light.

The museum of Art Nouveau and Art Deco has a collection of over 1,500 pieces, including paintings, furniture, jewelry and porcelain dolls. There are also works by the celebrated glassmaker, Rene Lalique. The pieces are all part of the Manuel Ramos Andrade Foundation.

Salamanca's tourist office is situated in Plaza Mayor and is open daily. The city does not have an airport, but there are regular buses and trains from Madrid.

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Gary Marshall has sinced written about articles on various topics from Jamaica Vacations, Travel and Leisure and Property Guide. For more advice and tourist information about the Costa del Sol please see Spain.. Gary Marshall's top article generates over 550000 views. to your Favourites.

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