Location of an early Iberian settlent, what is now known as Fuengirola was originally known as Suel. A little later the Phoenicians founded a trading post there, to serve their ships, which regularly plied their trade along this coast, on their way to Portugal and beyond. Subsequently occupied by the Romans, and noted by Pomponius, a Roman historian, a fortress was built in Fuengirola, together with spa baths and residential villas. Sohail Castle was built much later, and by another civilisation, namely the Moors, this was during the 10th century. The settlement was burnt to the ground in the Middle Ages, and became little more than a heap of ashes and rubble, its remaining residents fleeing to nearby Mijas. In the late 15th century Fuengirola was recaptured from the Arabs, by the Christians, it soon became depopulated, but eventually recovered to become the sizeable town that it is today. In the 20th century tourism arrived and saw the area grow considerably, attracted by the wonderful weather, excellent beaches, and good amenities, Fuengirola has continued to attract visitors up to the present day, becoming one of the most popular resorts on the Costa del Sol.
April 3, 2011
May 18, 2010
Mijas Golf Costa del Sol
One of the most popular golf destinations on the Costa del Sol in Andalucia southern Spain, Mijas Golf actually comprises 2 golf course built at different times and designed by Robert Trent Jones. The first built of the golf courses was Los Lagos (named after its numerous water hazards), a fine par 71, 18 hole golf course with wide fairways, big greens and a playing length of 6,007 metres. The second built was Los Olivos (named after the large amount of olive trees lining the fairways), an undulating course with many bunkers, Los Olivos is par 72 and has a playing distance of 5,866 metres. The town of Mijas is one of Andalucia’s “white villages”, built on a hillside overlooking the Costa del Sol coastline, its coastal section Mijas Costa is adjacent and almost joined to the resort of Fuengirola. The region enjoys a fine climate and Mijas weather is excellent for all year round golfing although the cooler winter months are more popular. Mijas Map.
September 14, 2009
Torremolinos Spain
Located about seven kilometres west of Malaga, the coastal resort and town of Torremolinos, was, forty years ago, just a small fishing village with little of note to attract visitors. Since the 1960’s Torremolinos has developed as one of the most popular resorts on the Costa del Sol and along with neighbouring Fuengirola and Benalmadena attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. At one time having a reputation much like Benidorm, fish, chips and beer, Torremolinos is gradually evolving into a better class of resort and has some excellent shopping facilities, improved, clean beaches, and a very vibrant nightlife scene which of course appeals to the younger generation. There is of course plenty for visitors of all ages, with facilities for children and a huge range of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. A big attraction is the wonderful Torremolinos weather, which is pleasant all year round, being especially hot and dry in the summer months and mild (watch out for the chilly wind though) during the winter. Easily accessed from Malaga airport, Torremolinos is an ideal location for the purchase of a holiday home or a rental investment property, and has a large expat community, making the Brits especially feel at home (but with sun!). Torremolinos Map.
Malaga Costa del Sol
Located in the Spanish region of Andalucia, Malaga is the 2nd largest city in that region, also considered as the capital of the Costa del Sol, Malaga has a long history going back to its founding in around 1000 BC when established as a trading port by the Phoenicians. Famous as the birthplace of the celebrated painter Pablo Picasso, Malaga has a number of interesting places to visit including the Alcazaba, the Roman Ampitheatre and the cathedral which was started in the 16th century. Having the main airport for the region of course Malaga in one way or another welcomes most of the visitors to the Costa del Sol, the main road from Granada passes by the city and the port is still a busy commercial centre as it has been for many centuries. To the south of Malaga lie the popular coastal resorts of Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola, further south is Marbella, Malaga together with all of these resorts attract huge number of visitors each year, attracted by the fine beaches, the superb Malaga weather and the variety of interesting places to visit.
August 31, 2009
Calahonda Andalucia Spain
Located on the Costa del Sol coastline between Fuengirola and Marbella, the custom built urbanization of Siteo Calahonda is a low-rise development which is so large that it has become a town in its own right. Renowned for the high build quality, Calahonda is regarded as a prime real estate area, and properties here are in great demand. Running gently up undulating hills from the coast, Calahonda was formerly the site of a fort-house, built to defend local citizens from assaults by Barbary pirates, the fort was in two colours, for the purpose of camouflage. Calahonda was developed from the 1960’s as a blend of rural and coastal life, there are plenty of green areas planted with pines and other trees. This stretch of the Spanish coast benefits from a lovely climate and Calahonda weather is perfect for holidays throughout the year. Calahonda is located about 35 kilometres from Malaga airport. Calahonda Map.
August 20, 2009
Benalmadena Costa del Sol
One of the finest holiday resorts on the Costa del Sol coastline of southern Spain, Benalmadena has a variety of tourist attractions including the Sealife Aquarium, the Selwo Marina and the famous Tivoli World Amusement Park at Arroyo de la Miel. Benalmadena has a history going back to the Arab occupation of Spain, and the name is thought to be derived from the Arabic “Ben-al-Madina” (“Children of the Mines”), referring to the iron ore mines which used to be important in the area. The coastal area of the town, known as Benalmadena Costa is the home of the marina, a popular area with visitors and the location of a variety of shops, bars and restaurants. The inland section is known as Benalmadena Pueblo, an attractive village with pretty white walled houses. Sit and watch the world go by in the charming Plaza de Espana, or visit the picturesque church of Santo Domingo. Benalmadena and this entire stretch of coast enjoys a wonderful climate (Costa del Sol means “Sun Coast”) and the weather in Benalmadena is perfect for family holidays at any time of year. Benalmadena is located between the popular resorts of Torremolinos and Fuengirola and can be accessed from the railway station at Arroyo de la Miel or by road from Malaga airport. If you are not driving you may need to book a Malaga airport transfer, to get you to your destination in Benalmadena, though if you are booking through a tour operator, this will probably already be laid on for you.