Wondering which of the many “costas” to choose for your vacations Spain? Why not take a peek at Spain´s splended south coast?
Its sophisticated Costa del Sol is certainly a number one international destination. The superb quality of its holidays is endorsed by the high number of foreign visitors it receives - including renowned celebrities - and the income it obtains.
However, if something calm and serene is more your “cup of tea”, southern Spain still won´t disappoint you!
You will be delighted with its numerous quaint “calas”, hidden beaches, narrow Spanish streets and whitewashed villages.
So, take a moment to run through this résumé of the delightful costas which comprise the south of Spain and take your pick!
One thing is for sure, all have safe waters, a delightful climate and warm-hearted Spanish inhabitants which should combine to make your vacations Spain a success!
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VACATIONS SPAIN - COSTA DE LA LUZ
Ideal for “get away from it all” Spanish holidays since it is not terribly developed, the Costa de la Luz is situated in the southerly region of Andalucia on Spain´s west coast, just below Portugal.
This extensive area of sandy beaches, pine trees and small fishing villages is bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and can be divided into two main areas: the western Costa de la Luz, which is in the Province of Huelva; and the eastern Costa de la Luz, in the Province of Cádiz.
The beaches found on the west side tend to be long and wide with fine, golden sand. It is home to several small seaside towns, many backed by sand dunes and pine trees, where you get the chance to discover the “real Spain”.
Main resorts include Isla Cristina, La Antilla, El Rompido, Punta Umbria and Matalascañas, the latter being an ideal base for a trip to Doñana Park - one of Spain´s largest national parks which serves as a stop-over for birds migrating between Europe and Africa.
Beaches to the east tend also to be long with fine, golden sand but with huge sand dunes. The coastline is dotted with small fishing villages and it is great for surfing and windsurfing.
Main tourist centers on this side include Conil de la Frontera, Caños de Meca, Zahara de las Atunes, Bolonia and Valdevaqueros, Tarifa.
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VACATIONS SPAIN - COSTA DEL SOL
Moving away from the Costa de la Luz, round to the south-east of Spain, we have the bustling Costa del Sol - a long-time favorite for vacations Spain!
What can we say about it that has not already been said?! It is the best-known and most highly-developed costa of Andalucia, situated in the Province of Málaga, facing the Mediterranean Sea.
Its Mediterranean waters are warm and safe, its climate mild and the coast well-sheltered from northerly winds by a mountain chain.
With its lengthy promenades, long stretches of beaches, swaying palm trees and brilliant bougainvillaea, it is no wonder that most of the resorts along the Costa del Sol - in particular Marbella, Torremolinos and Fuengirola - are packed out in the summer.
They offer plenty to do and see: jet skis, marinas, bars, restaurants and night-life … you name it, they´ve got it! If you want to “live-it-up”, play with the jet set and party all night long, well … this is certainly the place to be!
Having said that, you do not have to wonder very far away from these main resorts to find the peaceful ambience of country villages and … of course, the golf courses!
Main beaches on the west side of the Costa del Sol include Playa el Cristo - Estepona, San Pedro, Playa Nueva Andalucia; Puerto Banus - Marbella and La Carihuela; Torremolinos.
Beaches on the east side include Calahonda and Calas Occidentales - Nerja and El Maro.
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VACATIONS SPAIN - COSTA TROPICAL
Next to the Costa del Sol, still in the large, southerly Region of Andalucia but this time in the Province of Granada, is the Costa Tropical.
This is probably the least well-known of the Andalucian costas for vacations Spain, mainly because the name is a recent creation for the coastline of the Province of Granada.
Bathed by the Mediterranean Sea and with mountains running down to a rugged and picturesque coastline, you are offered a variety of landscapes and isolated, sandy coves. One impressive, large bay well-worth visiting can be found at La Herradura.
The Costa Tropical possesses many of the good points of the Costa del Sol - a mild, Mediterranean climate, infrequent rainfall, and sheltered coastline. However, being less-developed, you can “get away from the crowds”.
It offers great diving opportunities and, not far away, is the fine city of Granada and the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains.
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VACATIONS SPAIN - COSTA DE ALMERÍA
The Costa de Almería is the most easterly of all the Andalucian costas situated - do I need to say it - in the Province of Almería!
Such a pretty coastline, it again looks out onto the Mediterranean Sea, and also goes under the name of “Costa Esmeralda” or Emerald Coast.
It offers a taste of the “old” Spain for, as yet, tourism hasn´t taken too strong a hold, and you will find everything from popular resorts to hidden, rocky coves for your vacations Spain.
If you enjoy exploring virgin territory but like your modern comforts too, then Roquetas del Mar is a great place to stay - its peaceful atmosphere and shady palm trees put you in mind of an unspoilt Caribbean beach.
Some other beaches in the area include Playa de los Genoveses, Playa de los Muertos, Cabo de Gata, Isleta del Moro Arráez y Playa de las Negras, and Agua Amarga.
When on holiday in benalmadena why not take the chance to visit the lakes at El Chorro,you can get there by organised trips from the coast or use your car rental
Situated an amount of some 50 km’s away from the coast of Malaga and near to the towns of Ardales and Alora are the Ardales Lakes (Conde de Guadalhorce man made lake) and striking gorge at El Chorro. Three utterly divine reservoirs surrounded by pine timberlands made from a dyke made across the spectacular 200 metre tall gorge known by the moniker Garganta del Chorro or El Chorro Gorge. The foregoing is a peaceful hideaway upon which it’s possible to camp. picnic, swim and dine out. The gorge, extremely well liked with rock climbers is over 400 metres deep with just a 10 metre opening between the 2 rocks. If the Gorge reminds of someplace, it is in all probability from having seen Von Ryan’s Express with Trevor Howard and Frank Sinatra which had the railroad train pictures shot in that location.
There are 3 good marked paths with posts here on info boards. Walking coming from the park outside El Chorro camping you will find a poster with 2 short walks on that take you near the gorge itself. If you begin coming from the railroad station you are able to walk a portion of the GR7 tracing the Giantanes.
The GR7 is the longest trail in Europe, and is most 9000 km long. The itinerary begins on the Atlantic coast close to the Strait of Gibraltar and the trail passes through Spain, France, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria and leads to the Peleponesos in Greece. Tracing this itinerary, or sections of it, is a outstanding route to an amount of splendid walks in Spain.
The Destroyed Church building at Bobastro.
Really close to El Chorro and well worthy of a drop by is the abandoned hamlet of Bobastro. The ancient church building was constructed between 879 and 918 and is carved direct from the stone.
Individuals who feel treking not quite enchanting enough, might well like to try mountain climbing, mountaineering or caving, all of of which are well liked in this region of Spain with a wealth of challenges and a few of the best regions in Europe outside Alps.
The Garganta el Chorro (El Chorro Gorge – pictured here), two and a half miles long, up to 1,300 feet deep, and, in places, scarce 30 feet wide, briefly divides the Andalusian heartland. Join the variety of social climbers who home in from around the planet and whose brilliant colourings produce its walls shimmer. Pick out from over 200 itineraries traced onto the stone face. Their names-The Officer Stole My Walkman, Brain Clot, Mama Wants to be a Bullfighter-are as intriguing as the paths themselves. Standards contain beginner-type shinning up the Placa de los Cotos to scary paths up the near-vertical walls of the gorge’s steep subdivisions. There are various outdoor clubs and a few intriguing rock faces, in particular around the area of El Chorro near Alora (see above). Sierra de las Nieves, between Ronda and Malaga or Sierra Almijara are as well well liked with social climbers.
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Aqualand Torremolinos is the big water parkland located on the Costa del Sol, conveniently situated simply 10 mins coming from the town center. There are a host of rides for all of the family to relish ; for example the Kamikaze, Black-hole, Twister, Crazy-race, Rapids and the all new Boomerang (the only one of its variety on the Costa). As well featured in the price of admission are a vast number of swimming pools, lazy river, wave machine, 18 hole mini golf, and a lot of garden areas to loosen up in.
The parkland can offer a wide range of superiority eating houses without trouble or waiting lines. Foods served includes pasta and salads alongside the usual fast food options ; burgers, pizzas and kebabs. There is also an ice cream stand near the Boomerang.
Whether you have got forgotten to bring in your bathing costume or are trying to find a memento of tour stay at the park the gift shop is where to head. A good array of sun cream, towels, armbands, swimsuit, footgear, jerseys and other various items are on sale here.
Well liked with younger children, teens and big kids, the Parque Aquatico, Mijas, and Aqua Land in Torremolinos welcome huge number of visitors every summertime, and on a regular basis add new rides and attractions to these fun-filled leisure time parks.
The Mijas park, from direction Marbella, is found just off the N-340, in the vicinity of Fuengirola. Exit the road where you see the big Mcdonalds sign and turn immediately left at the roundabout. The Torremolinos Aqua park is also easy to get to. From the N-340, direction Marbella to Malaga, pass all signs for Benalmadena. Exit the motorway at the first sign for Torremolinos, and follow the road down to the right. At the first main junction turn right and you will come to the Aqua Park.
Aqualand Torremolinos is the most well known water park on the Costa del Sol, and you are able save 10 % if you buy your tickets on the internet prior to you go. Attractions include the Black Hole, with over 100m of drops, shadow and mystery curves, Mini-Park, with most of the attractions for the little kids, The Rapids, that recreate white water rafting down a racy river, Boomerang, a new ride that offers a amazing return trip, Crazy Race, four lanes where it’s possible to hit high velocities, Super Slalom, three winding slides with different thrills, Kamikaze, which happens to be the highest of its kind in Europe at 22m, Twister, with a combination of velocity and curves to get the adrenaline flowing, Surf Beach, with over 1m high waves, Laguna Tropical, where you’re able loosen up in calm water and weigh your next move, and the Jacuzzi, which would calm you.
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