Costa Del Sol Properties

The whitewashed villages of Costa del Sol are impressive historical monuments in themselves, and their people still live according to age-old traditions, inherited from their Iberian, Roman and Moorish forefathers.

Many of the villages near the coast have become fashionable resorts, while still conserving their ancient charm, whereas others, lost in the highlands, remain rough and ready olive-farming towns, with a special appeal for the adventurous travellers.

Most towns began as fortresses, and over the centuries, many have developed into thriving agricultural centres producing olive oil, fruit and vegetables and goat milk

Malaga

Considered "the City of Paradise" by Vicente Aleixandre, the capital of the Costa del sol enjoys one of the finest climates to be found anywhere in Europe. The Alcazaba Fortess, Roman theatre, Cathedral and Gibralforo Castle are the four leading architectural lights, not forgetting the Malagueta Bullring, at the end of the Paseo del Parque.

His birthplace in Plaza Merced is today an archive of his life and works and open to the public; the entrance is absolutely free (so are all the services: Documentation Centre, exhibitions, museum, video projections...) Málaga's main theatre is the "Theatro Cervantes". As well as being a cultural centre, Malaga is also a great place to eat out. Tapas, small portions of many different dishes is an Andalusian tradition and a wonderfully inexpensive way to try a variety of local food.

Garden lovers won't be disappointed in Malaga either. In the centre of the city is the beautiful Alameda Gardens, and just outside on the way toAntequera one finds the extensive Jardines de la Concepción. Málaga airport is of course on of the major airports in Spain due to the number of tourist arrivals on charter flights from Northern Europe using Malaga airport as a gateway to the Costa del Sol.

Marbella

World-famous for its gardens and beaches, the jewel in the Costa del Sol's crown offers the visitor a most special panorama, a contrast of sea, mountains, village and cosmopolitan city, where fishermen rub shoulders with wealthy tourists in summer.

Marbella is unique. A sun drenched historic town, at the foot of Europe, it is blessed with a specially mild microclimate, thanks to the protection of the impressive Sierra Blanca mountain range, which rises majestically behind Marbella just one mile inland from the shore. Surrounded by luxuriant semitropical vegetation, bathed by the waters of the Mediterranean, cooled by sea and mountain breezes, Marbella has a very special feel.

A truly Andalucian town, Marbella has always succeeded in conquering its conquerors - Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Arabs. A few years ago, the first mosque to be built since the reconquest of Spain by the Catholic monarchs at the end of the 15th century, opened its doors to worshippers and visitors, a few miles from Marbella. This magnificent complex was built by H.M. King Fahd of Saudi Arabia .

Marbella is a wonderful blend of old and new, historic and modern. Its carefully conserved historic monuments include the beautiful 16th century parish church with its outstanding organ, built ten years ago by public subscription, its Moorish, whose walls border the eastern perimeter of the Old Town - itself a fascinating collection of old houses and quiet streets. Marbella's archaeological treasures and sites have been carefully catalogued, restored and protected.

The Museum of Engravings is the largest in Europe, whilst its Bonsai Museum is located nearby in the broad Represa stream bed, recently converted into a quiet and beautiful park. All Marbella's wide beaches fly the European Union blue flag there are national and international schools for students of all nations, and soon there will be a university.

The Exhibition and Conference Centre hosts dozens of events a year, there are hotels and restaurants, bars and discos for all tastes and pockets, a string of leisure ports, including the world famous Puerto Banus, and a full range of sports facilities, including numerous golf courses, water ski centres, tennis and health clubs.

Its musical life, both classical and pop, includes concerts and recitals by world famous artists. Lighter entertainment is also on offer - piano bars, karaoke bars, flamenco centres, and the like.

The majestic Christian processions which line the streets during Easter week and the August Fair offer the best opportunity to witness the city's most popular traditions, traditions which are more than worthy of the visitor's attention. The Verdiales Dance Festival held in the Málaga Mountain on 28 December is a more intimate affair.

Malaga is the major coastal city of Andalucia and is a genuine and typical Andaluz city with a gritty individualism untouched by tourism and the passage of time. The Moors occupied the city until the mid fifteenth century, after which it grew to become one of the foremost merchant centres in the entire Iberian Peninsula. This illustrious past has left its imprint on the historic centre, particularly around La Alcazaba, a fortress which dates back to 1065 and is now a fascinating archaeological museum.

Also worth a visit is the nearby castle which was rebuilt by the Moors and is today a traditional parador (state hotel) with superb panoramic views. During the nineteenth century, Malaga was a popular winter resort for the wealthy famed for its elegance and sophistication. The impressive park on Calle Alameda dates back to this era and is recognised as being one of the most celebrated botanical collections in Europe. During the winter, open air concerts are held here every Sunday which makes a refreshing change from the bucket and spade scenario on the coast. Pablo Picasso is the city's famous son and there are several galleries showing his work, including the 16th century Museum of Fine Arts, adjacent to the Cathedral.

Nerja

Nerja is on the seashore some 50 kilometres from Malaga on the N340 coastal highway, and marks the eastern tip of Malaga's Costa del Sol. Once a sleepy fishing village, the town now has a population of over 12,000.

Nerja boasts 16 kilometres of beaches with powdery sand and sparkling clear water. All major water sports are available here, including water skiing, scuba diving and sailing.

Flanked by a dramatic mountain range, Sierra Almijara, to the east, the town has, fortunately, managed to avoid being blighted by the concrete high-rise scenario which has been the inevitable result of the tourist boom in some of the coastal resorts. The old quarter of the town is still virtually unchanged with narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses with wrought iron terraces overflowing with geraniums, on which a canary can sometimes be heard singing.

Estapona

Located between the mountains and the sea, Estepona is another of the Costa del Sol's great bastions. Its beaches and marina offer the visitor the chance to enjoy nautical pursuits. The mountains, famed for the presence of forests of Spanish fir, have been declared a Nature Reserve. The town itself boasts monuments of great significance, such as the Virgen de los Remedios Parish Church, the Clock Tower and the ruined walls of the 15th-century castle. Selwo Theme Park is a must for safari lovers and is recommended for all ages. The school of Equestrian Arts is another example of the interesting recreational opportunities Estepona has to offer.

With an overall population of 37,000, the "old town", as it's known, is quite a hive of activity. Estepona is one of the few coastal towns, that, whilst providing tourist facilities, maintains it's original charm and character. The numerous street cafés and tapas bars still serve authentic Spanish delicacies. The hilly, cobbled, very narrow streets are more used by horses than cars. You'll find unusual shops and bodegas where you'd least expect them, very inviting ,very friendly and very cheap!