The Costa del Sol (The Sunshine Coast) is a region in the south-eastern part of Spain, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. It is an agglomeration of coastal towns and communities along the Mediterranean coastline in the province of Málaga.
Nestled between two less popular coastlines, Costa de la Luz to the west and Costa Tropical to the east; The Costa del Sol is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain. It is also the destinations of choice for second home buyers across Europe looking for year-round sunshine, warm weather and a healthy lifestyle alternative and investors looking to profit from its buoyant holiday rental market.
This spectacular shoreline stretches from the cliffs at Maro to the east to Punta Chullera to the west. The region is delimited by mountain ranges of the Penibaetic System, including the Sierra de Mijas, Sierra Alpujata, Sierra Blanca, Sierra Bermeja, Sierra Crestallina and Los Montes de Málaga to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south.
Endowed with a diverse landscape including beautiful beaches, cliffs, estuaries, bays and dunes. Many compare it to southern California in the scenery, climate and geography. Both areas have warm weather throughout the year and average annual sunshine hours of about 3,000 hours. It is also home to some of Europe’s most prestigious tourist resorts and some of the world’s most expensive residential areas.
The Costa del Sol includes the capital city of the province Málaga baring the same name and the towns of Torremolinos, Banalmádena, Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella, San Pedro de Alcántara, Estepona, Manilva, Casares, Rincón de la Victoria, Vélez-Málaga, Nerja, Frigiliana and Torrox.
HISTORY
The first settlers of the region date back 2800 years. The Phoenicians founded their colony of Malaka in the area around 770BC, hence where the name Málaga comes from. Málaga comes from the Phoenician word ‘Malac’ which means ‘to salt’.
The Phoenicians settled along the Guadalhorce River, which became the fish-salting centre at the time. During the 6th century BC, the region was ruled by the hegemony of ancient Carthage in North Africa. And by 218 BC onwards the region was conquered by the Romans. By the 1st century, the area we now know as the Costa del Sol, was federated with the Roman Empire.
The decline of the Roman imperial power in the 5th century led to the invasions of Hispania Baetica led by the Germanics and by the Byzantine Empire. The southern Mediterranean coast became part of Visigothic Spain from the 5th century up until the Muslim Arab conquest of Hispania (711 – 718). In 1026, Málaga, the city today, became the capital of the Taifa of Málafa, an independent Muslim kingdom ruled by the Hammudid dynasty.
Málaga was then conquered by the Catholic Monarchs in 1487. Trade, was the main source of wealth in the Málaga province during the 18th century, with wine and raisins as the principal exports. By the 19th century, the emergence of a business-oriented middle-class citizens sparked what would become a fruitful economic boom. By the 1880s and 90s Málaga’s once a buoyant economy, began to fall.
The social disruption caused by the crisis and its aftermath of job loss, business collapse and a general decline in economic activity, led many residents to consider other means of livelihood. Even at this early date tourism was slowly developing into an alternative source of income.
In 1897 a group of influential Málaga businessmen, who saw the potential for tourism as a generator of wealth, founded La Sociedad Propagandística del Clima y Embellecimiento de Málaga. The idea was to devise a plan for the development and growth of the economy with a strong focus on tourism. Their promotional campaigns, boasting Málaga and its particularly favourable climate, started attracting enough tourists and winter visitors to help relieve the economic slump.
At the beginning of the 20th century, in the eastern part of Málaga, the Baños del Carmen beach opened its doors to tourists, followed by the Torremolinos golf course in 1928.
In 1933 Hotel Miramar was inaugurated in Marbella. The owners promoted the hotel and the city, Marbella, to the French and the English, using the expression “Sunny Coast” and “Côte du Soleil”. That is how The Costa del Sol actually got its name.
It was not until after the second world war that Marbella started to rise in fame. Ricardo Soriano, Marquis of Ivanrey, moved to Marbella and popularised it among his rich and famous friends. In 1943 he had acquired a country estate located between Marbella and San Pedro called El Rodeo, where he built a resort called Venta y Albergues. This was the start of the Marbella we know today.
His nephew, Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe-Langenburg acquired another estate, Finca Santa Margarita, which became Marbella Club in 1954, and the focal point frequented by movie stars, business executives and the nobility.
In the 1950s Torremolinos began to strive to attract international celebrities the likes of Grace Kelly, Ava Gardner, Marlon Brando, Orson Welles, Brigitte Bardot and Frank Sinatra.
During the 60s and early 70s, the Costa del Sol witnessed a mass tourism boom. Torremolinos’ popularity as a tourist destination had a domino effect. Neighbouring municipalities including Benalmádena, Fuengirola and Mijas followed suit. The once, quiet fishing villages of the Costa del Sol were rapidly transforming into cosmopolitan hotspots. Construction experienced and unprecedented boom with high rise buildings, hotels, homes and apartments being built everywhere at lightning speed.
Today, the Costa del Sol welcomes millions of tourists and ex-pats every year. It has now become an international haven for the British, Germans, Scandinavians and more recently the French and the Italians.
Europeans flock to this area in search of a better quality of life. As such, over the years prestigious, private, international schools have flourished across the coast, catering to the needs of foreigners who have settled in the area with their entire families. These private schools offer top-quality education in their native languages including, French, English, German, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish and finish.
There are areas on the Costa del Sol that offer all of the amenities, including food shops and other speciality shops and services to cater to these foreign cultures that have made the Costa del Sol their home. Mixed with the Andalusian flare, Mediterranean diet and wonderful weather, it truly is the idealistic home away from home in a multi-cultural environment where everyone lives happily side by side.
RESTAURANTS
Spain is a country known worldwide for its gastronomy. Many Michelin star chefs are Spanish. Consequently, the country has an abundance of Michelin star restaurants spread across this wonderful nation. The Costa del Sol is home to some extraordinary restaurants that provide a mind-blowing culinary experience. We have gathered a list of some of our top choices, including a few Michelin star restaurants.
Casares
Carretera de Casares, Km 2, 29690 Casares, Málaga
+34 952 937 800
Estepona
Calle Cristóbal Colón, 20, 29680 Estepona, Málaga, Spain
+34 952 805 857
Autovía del Mediterráneo, Km 159, 29680 Estepona, Málaga
+34 952 809 500
Calle Jazmín, 2, 29688 El Paraíso, Málaga
+34 952 886 178
Urb. Guadalmansa, Autovía del Mediterráneo, KM 164, 29680 Estepona, Málaga
+34 92 798 449
Fuengirola
Calle Larga, 14, 29640 Fuengirola, Málaga
+34 952 475 441
Paseo Marítimo Rey de España, 161, 29640 Fuengirola, Málaga
+34 952 661 012
Urbanización Reserva del Higuerón, Av. del Higuerón, 48, 29640 Fuengirola, Málaga
+34 951 385 622
Malaga
Puerto de Málaga, Plaza de la Capilla, 1, 29016 Málaga
+34 952 003 588
Marbella
Urbanización Nueva Alcántara, Av. Salamanca, s/n, 29670 San Pedro Alcantara, Marbella, Málaga
+34 952 783 784
Calle Los Lirios S/N, 29660 Marbella, Málaga
+34 952 036 494
Calle de la Encarnación, Plaza de la Iglesia, 5, 29601 Marbella, Málaga
+34 952 858 069
Hotel Puente Romano, Av. Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso de Hohenlohe, s/n, 29602 Marbella, Málaga
+34 952 764 252
Urb. Elviria Hills, Avda. Las Cumbres, s/n, 29600 Marbella, Málaga
+34 952 832 371
Av. Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso de Hohenlohe, 178, 29602 Marbella, Málaga
+34 951 554 554
Av. Severo Ochoa, 12, 29603 Marbella, Málaga
+34 952 864 895
Calle Aduar, 12, 29601 Marbella, Málaga
+34 952 765 277
Calle Gregorio Marañón, 4, 29602 Marbella, Málaga
+34 952 770 839
Mijas
Urb. Torrenueva s/n Local 1, Av. de Rota, 29649 La Cala de Mijas, Málaga
+34 952 493 504
Calle Ronda, 34, 29649 Mijas, Málaga
+34 952 493 602
Torremolinos
Av. de España, 18, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga
+34 616 195 870
Calle Párroco Don Antonio Díaz Romero, 5, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga
+34 952 058 790
Calle Decano Higueras del Castillo, 65, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga
+34 661 851 850
GOLF
The Costa del Sol is one of the wealthiest areas when it comes to golf. The region has a large concentration of gold courses to suit everyone at every level. The Costa del Sol is after all, a golfers paradise.
Alhaurin Golf & Hotel Resort Aloha Golf Club
Antequera Golf Club Añoreta Golf Club
Los Arqueros Golf Club Atalaya Original Course
Atalaya Rosner Golf Club Benalmádena Golf Club
Baviera Golf Club Real Club de Golf Las Brisas
Cabopino La Cala Campo America
La Cala Campo Asia La Cala Campo Europa
Calanova Golf El Campanario
El Candado Casares Golf
Cerrado del Águila El Chaparal
Coto de la Serena Doña Julia Golf
La Duquesa Golf Club Estepona Golf
Finca Cortesin Flamingos Golf
Tramores Golf Greenlife Golf
Guadalhorce Club de Golf El Higueral Club de Golf
Lauro Golf Magna Marbella Golf
Marbella Club Golf Resort Marbella Golf & Country Club
Mijas Golf – Los Lagos Mijas Golf – Los Olivos
Miraflores Monte Mayor Golf Club
Monte Paraíso Golf Club Los Naranjos Golf Club
La Noria Golf Resort Parador Málaga Golf
El Paraíso Golf Club La Quinta
La Resina Golf & Country Club Río Real Golf
Santa Clara Golf Santa Maria Golf
Santana Golf & Country Club La Siesta
El Soto Club de Golf Golf Torrequebrada
La Zagaleta Club de Campo La Zagaleta – Los Barrancos
Valle Romano Golf Alferini Golf
Alcaidesa Links Almenara
Alcaidesa Heathland La Cañada
La Reserva de Sotogrande San Roque Original Course
San Roque Club – New Course Valderama
Real Club de Golf Sotogrande Real Club de Golf Guadalmina – Campo Sur
Real Club de Golf Guadalmina – Campo Norte Flamingos
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Benalmádena
The British College of Benalmádena
Urbanización Torremuelle, Paseo del Genil, S/N, 29630 Benalmádena, Málaga
+34 952 442 215
The Benalmádena International College
Clle Catamaran s/n Nueva, 29630 Benalmádena, Málaga
+34 952 561 666
Colegio Noruego Costa del Sol,Av. Cerro del Viento, s/n,, 29631 Benalmádena, Málaga
+34 952 577 380
Colegio Internacional Torrequebrada
Urbanización Torrequebrada, Calle Ronda del Golf Este, 7, 11, 29639 Benalmádena, Málaga
+34 952 576 065
Av. Cerro del Viento, s/n, 29631 Arroyo de la Miel-Benalmádena Costa, Málaga
+34 952 57 73 80
Cártama
Crta. de Cártama Estación a, Calle Pizarra, s/n, 29580 Estación de Cártama, Málaga
+34 952 424 253
Elviria
Patronage of the German School Malaga
Urbanizaión Elviria (La Mairena), Calle Velazquez, 1, 29612 Ojén, Málaga
+34 952 83 14 17
Estepona
Av. de las Golondrinas, 16, 29688 Estepona, Málaga
+34 952 888 894
The International School Estepona
Calle Azahar, 112, 29688 El Paraíso, Málaga
+34 952 884 789
Calle Gibraltar, 3, 29680 Estepona, Málaga
+34 952 882 032
Fuengirola
Calle José Salik, 4, 29640 Fuengirola, Málaga
+34 670 898 688
Lastenkerho Tuiskula Fuengirolassa
Av. de los Boliches, 4, 29640 Fuengirola, Málaga
+34 636 874 330
Av. Acapulco, 11, 29640 Fuengirola, Málaga
+34 952 475 076
Malaga
Malaga International School BeWorldWise
Partida Huertas Altas, 51, 29120, Málaga
+34 684 169 733
Calle Flamencos, 36, 29018 Málaga
+34 952 296 900
Marbella
The English International College
Urbanizacion Ricmar, Ctra. de Cádiz-Málaga Km. 189,5, 29604 Marbella, Málaga
+34 952 831 058
The British International School Of Marbella
Calle Jacinto Benavente, 0, 29601 Marbella, Málaga
+34 952 779 264
Swans International School Marbella
Urbanizacion Sierra Blanca, Calle Lago de los Cisnes, s/n, Nagüeles, 29602 Marbella, Málaga
+34 952 902 755
Calle Severo Ochoa, 63, 29590 Málaga
+34 952 020 281
Av. de Ceuta, 2, 29602 Marbella, Málaga
+34 952 773 248
Urb. la Alzambra, Local, 3-1, 29660 Marbella, Málaga
+34 952 868 252
Mijas
Camino de Coín, Km 5.25, 29649 Málaga
+34 952 473 166
Nueva Andalucia
Colegio Fundacion Aloha College Marbellahttps://aloha-college.com/en/aloha-college/
Urbanización El Ángel, s/n, 29660 Marbella, Málaga
+34 952 814 133
San Pedro de Alcántara
Laude International College San Pedro
Avenida de la Coruña, 2, San Pedro de Alcántara, Marbella, 29760 Málaga
Urb. Cortijo Blanco, C/Pablo Ruiz Picasso, 11, 29670 San Pedro de Alcántara, Marbella, Málaga
+34 952 786 606
Casa del Abuelo, Urbanization Valle del Sol, s/n, 29670 San Pedro Alcántara, Málaga
+34 952 884 153
Casa del Mar International Montessori School
Calle Linda Vista, 112, 29670 San Pedro Alcántara, Málaga
+34 678 870 930
Calle los Eucaliptos, 60, 29670 Marbella, Málaga
+34 952 786 029
Sotogrande
Sotogrande International School
Av. de la Reserva, s/n, 11310 Sotogrande, Cádiz
+34 956 795 902
Torremolinos
C/ Teruel Nº 32, Cerro del Toril, 29620 Torremolinos
+34 952 38 31 64
International High School of Gastronomy Málaga-Costa del Sol
Av. Carlota Alessandri, 83, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga
+34 615 999 829
Calle Periodista Federico Alba, 13, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga
+34 951 297 995
HEALTHCARE
Private Hospitals
Hospital Quirónsalud de Marbella
Avda. Severo Ochoa, 22
29603 Marbella Málaga
+34 952 774 200
Hospital Vithas Xanit Internacional
Av. de los Argonautas, s/n, 29630 Benalmádena
+34 952 367 190
Calle San Agustín, 1, 29015 Málaga
+34 952 224 295
Carretera Nacional 340, Km. 162, 29680 Estepona, Málaga
+34 952 760 600
Complejo Hospitalario Integral Privado (CHIP)
Av. de Carlos Haya, 121, 29010 Málaga
+34 951 011 150
Hospital F.A.C. Doctor Pascual
Calle Amargura, 31 – 29012 – Málaga
+34 951 019 100
Hermanas Hospitalarias del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús
Calle San Juan Bosco, 41, 29014 Málaga
+34 952 256 150
Private Clinics
Av. Buchinger, 15, 29602 Marbella, Málaga
+34 952 764 300
Calle Maestra Doña Carola, 8, 29602 Marbella, Málaga
+34 615 602 050
Calle Sardinero, s/n, Torremolinos, Malaga
+34 952 386 266
Clínica Institución Montebello Nordsjaellands Hospital Group
+34 952 569 030
Clínica Salus-Fuengirola
Av. Alcalde Clemente Díaz Ruiz, S/N 29640 Fuengirola Málaga
+34 952 467 944
HC Marbella International Hospital
Ventura del Mar, 11, 29660 Marbella, Málaga
+34 952 908 628
Av. Andalucía, 2, 29680 Estepona, Málaga
+34 952 808 100
Public Hospitals
Costa del Sol Hospital
A-7, Km 187, 29603 Marbella, Málaga
+34 951 976 669
Hospital Provincial Málaga
Avda. Carlos Haya, 29010, Málaga
Tel: 951 030 100
Hospital Materno Infantil
Arroyo de los Angeles, 29011, Málaga
Tel: 951 030 200
Hospital Provincial San Juan de Dios
Avda Doctor Gálvez Ginacher,o 29009, Málaga
Tel: 951 030 300
Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria
Campus Universitario de Teatinos, 29010, Málaga
Tel: 952 649 400
Hospital de Torremolinos
Sanitario 5, 29620, Torremolinos (Málaga)
Tel: 952 508 030
Hospital Comarcal (Regional) de la Axarquía
Finca el Tomillar, 29700, Velez-Málaga (Málaga)
Tel: 951 067 010
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