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.