News and views from the Costa del Sol!
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Living, working and breathing the Costa del Sol since day one
Some of Marbella's most celebrated residents have included famous actors such as Antonio Banderas, Melanie Griffith, as well as famous English songwriter Richard Daniel Roman.
Rod Stewart used to call Marbella home in the 80's as well as actress Deborah Kerr.
And Sean Connery also once lived in Marbella until 1990.
Sir Alan Sugar of The Apprentice in the UK continues to reside in Marbella as well as James Hewitt.
Fancy famous neighbours? We can help!
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Marbella's history began in approximately 1600 BC when it was conquered by the Romans who named the city Salduba, which means Salt City.
However, scientists have found remains that the area has been inhabited since the Paleolithic and Phoenician eras.
In the 6th century Arabs arrived in southern Spain bringing Islamic rule and changing the name of the town to Marbil-la.
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It won't surprise too many people to hear that the Costa del Sol is famous for its beaches. The towns along Spain's 'Sunshine Coast' each have several beautiful stretches of sand, though that is often their only similarity. Each has a unique atmosphere and style.
It's a place that's all about sun, sand, and coastal views, with the top beaches being great places for enjoying this little slice of paradise. You might find the TSEA team on any of these beaches on a Sunday!
Top 5 beaches
- Burriana Beach (Nerja)
- Cristo Beach (Estepona)
- Viborilla Beach (near Benalmádena)
- Cabopino Beach (Marbella)
- Maro Beach (Nerja)
The Cueva de Nerja is a cave located in Maro, a district of the Spanish municipality of Nerja (Málaga). It was discovered on January 12th, 1959 by five local boys who were looking for bats but ended up finding something much more interesting! The cave is of historical and natural interest for its archaeological remains, which include some rock paintings, and for its speleothems: stalactites and stalagmites that cover ceilings and walls.
The cave where the bats were supposed to be was probing impossible to get into. Realizing this, the five teenagers went home and returned the next day, January 12, 1959, with hammers and flashlights. As they searched for the bats, they broke stalagmites from Torca Chica and dug their way into a hole. Once they found solid ground, they got into the hole and stepped into a room with walls that were covered in mud and bat excrement. They realized the bats were leaving through a small hole in the wall, so they decided to knock it down - opening the cave into a hidden place that’s a top tourist spot today; "Sala de la Cascada." It is one of the most well-known interior rooms in the Nerja Cave complex and has hosted countless performances of famous artists like singer Ainhoa Arteta.
Experts believe that the cave was inhabited 25,000 years ago, although ongoing studies suggest there may have been humans there as early as 40,000 years ago. Every other week, a new object is found at the site that sheds new light on various periods of early human history.
Take a trip back in history and visit the caves on your next Costa del Sol trip.
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If history is your thing, this is a gem! This fortress palace, whose name in Arabic means citadel, is one of the historical monuments of the city of Malaga, and a must-visit.
Dating from the Muslim period, it is located at the foot of Mount Gibralfaro where the Arab defensive castle is located and to which it was linked by a corridor sheltered by walls called La Coracha. Next to the Roman Theater and in front of the Customs building, it is an opportunity to see in just a few metres the influences of Roman, Arab and Renaissance cultures, which makes this corner a very special place.
The palace was built between 1057 and 1063 according to Muslim historians, at the behest of the Berber king of Granada, Badis.
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Estepona, with its beautiful old town and pretty port, is a real success story for the Costa del Sol. The town has really grown rapidly, but maintained its quintessential, traditional, Spanish roots; if you’re looking for a slice of real culture along the Costa del Sol, Estepona is where you need to go.
The old town is full of characterful cobbled lanes, tapas bars and pretty little hidden away shops. Bars are restaurants on this part of the Costa del Sol tend to be cheaper than its coastal counterparts, but still retaining excellent quality. Of course there are plenty of traditional meats and seafood, but international tastes are also well catered for.
Renovation of the seafront is nearing completion and will make for a beatiful pedestrianised space for family walks.
Those who are familiar with the province of Andalucia will most certainly have heard of its iconic white villages. These are villages that sit high in the mountains and stick out from their natural environment with their white-washed square-shaped houses. They are characterised by a sleepy atmosphere, breathtaking views and interesting cultural influences, incorporating Iberian, Moorish and Roman elements.
One of the most famous is Ronda, which you can find more about in an upcoming blog. However, there are many others that are closer to the coast such as Casares - apparently well-liked by Cesar which is where it is reputed to have gotten its name from. Outside of the province of Malaga, you will find white villages such as Arcos de la Frontera in Cadiz which is more of a town and therefore has more to offer in terms of restaurants and bars. If you’re after mysticism this could also be the place for you, but you’ll have to discover its dark side for yourself…
In the heat of the summer the beach beckons but November is a fine time to explore some of the grand cities of Andalucia. We started close to home with Malaga. The most accessible city in Andalucia, Malaga has more low-cost flights from the UK than any other city in the region.
November temperatues are perfect for sight-seeing and, ahem, shopping. So get your flats on and let's walk...
The Picasso Museum - see the artist's work in the city where he was born
Iglesia de los Martires (Church of Santos Martires): a stunning Roccoco altar piece makes this a must-see.
An hour and a half from the hustle and bustle of city life in the provincial capital of Malaga, Ronda is an architectural gem hidden in the mountains inland. Set between two national parks - Parque Natural Sierra de las Nieves and Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema - it is rich in history and natural beauty. Here you will find a list of must-see attractions.
The number one monument that cannot be missed if you are making the trip to Ronda is Puente Nuevo, from which you will enjoy amazing views of the Tajo Gorge below. If you go in spring be sure to wander down into the gorge which will be filled with flowers.
Climbing enthusiasts will be most acquainted with El Chorro, a village in the province of Malaga, around an hour or so north of the eponymous capital city. With world-renowned climbing walls as well as one of the most famous (and up until recently, dangerous) hikes in the world, it is well worth a visit if you are in the area.
You will approach El Chorro from Ardales or Alora, both routes are scenic although the Alora route slightly more so, so if you are not stuck for time I would recommend going down these windy roads and seeing the little villages along the way.
Once finished, the coastal path along Spain’s eastern Costa’s (the Senda Litoral de Malaga) will join up with other coastal paths to extend from just north of Gibraltar in the south, to Barcelona on the Costa Brava.
Many parts are already finished and there are lengthy stretches along the Costal del Sol where you can enjoy an easy, almost flat walk right beside (and for short stretches, on) the beach. The path is a mix of gravelled tracks, short paved walks through front-line developments and along existing seafront promenades and newly constructed boardwalks.