Antequera
Some 40 kilometres north of Malaga, Antequera is a quiet town rich in architectural monuments dating back to the 16th century. Among its abundance of churches don’t miss Nuestra Señora del Carmen. Worth a visit too are the Palacio de Nájera, the 19th-century bullring, and a collection of massive dolmens just outside town. Near Antequera the Garganta del Chorro is a spectacular 180-metre deep gorge. Walkways offer vertiginous views.
Benalmadena
Benalmadena divides into two discrete parts: five kilometres inland is the original quiet, traditional, whitewashed village; on the coast is the new seaside resort of Benalmadena Costa, featuring a lively glitzy marina. The latter adjoins the less frenetic end of Torremolinos, with its sandy beaches, myriad family attractions and good water sports facilities.
Estepona
Estepona is often mentioned in the same breath as its glitzy neighbour, Marbella, but is much less developed—and less expensive. Alongside the new hotels and modern marina, it retains a characterful Old Town with steep, cobbled streets and tapas bars. Its beaches are among the best on this stretch of coast, including a (legal) nudist beach. There is a good golf course here and Selwo Safari Park is very close by. By night it is relatively quiet.
Fuengirola
Fuengirola boasts eight kilometres of sandy beaches, flanked by high-rise hotels. Although heavily developed, it retains some local identity and glimpses of its historic past. The old port features traditional fishing boats, while the new marina has sleek yachts. A water park, zoo and water sports are the principal diversions while the weekly flea market is the largest and liveliest on the coast. For a glimpse of yesteryear visit neighbouring Boliche.
Malaga
One of Spain’s biggest ports and the provincial capital, Malaga’s city centre has undergone a major facelift in recent years to attract many tourists who would usually pass straight to the local resorts. The historic centre features narrow streets surrounding the iconic lopsided cathedral. Plaza Merced is the birthplace of artist Pablo Picasso. Above it all sits the hilltop fortress of the Alcazaba.
Marbella
Synonymous with international glamour, Marbella presents both the old and new faces of the Costa del Sol. Its charming Old Town is a warren of whitewashed streets with authentic tapas bars while six kilometres west, glitzy Puerto Banús boasts super yachts, designer outlets and gold-card dining. There are two sandy town beaches with water sports, and nearby championship golf courses. After dark, nightclubs are upscale and often exclusive.
Mijas
Filled with cobblestone streets and hillside architecture, Mijas is a quintessential Andalucian village. Visitors can catch a donkey-taxi at the central plaza to get around town, but must travel by foot, through winding, narrow stairways, to reach the high points of the city. During the high-season, coastal residence head to Mijas to join international travelers for tours of monuments and churches.
Nerja
East of Malaga and one of the Costa del Sol’s quieter resorts, Nerja attracts a more mature traveller than its brasher neighbours, and sits atop low cliffs dropping down to enclosed beaches such as that of El Salón. The town’s focal point is the Balcón de Europa, a paved headland jutting out into the Mediterranean. The most popular attraction is the Nerja caves, large enough to house a concert hall hosting ballet and orchestra performances.
Ronda
Set 35 kilometres inland, Ronda is a very picturesque, typical Andalusian town popular with Costa del Sol day trippers. Its emblematic feature is its bridge, spanning a vertiginous 150-metre deep gorge that dramatically bisects Ronda. There are plenty of historic visitor attractions including Spain’s oldest bullring (with museum), Arab baths, and a fine palace. Close by are a number of charming /ipueblos blancos/i (white villages), including Grazalema and Gaucín.
Torremolinos
There is more than meets the stereotype to this Anglo-centric seaside resort. While most of Torremolinos is a brash high-rise heaven for fun-loving Brits, the low-rise western part is patronised by the Spanish and has a very different character. Soft golden sands stretch either side of town and there is a huge choice of entertainments by day and night. Aquapark is a white-knuckle water world; Tivoli World is the region’s major theme park.
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