The Costa del Sol with its exceptional wealth of landscapes, an historic past of such magnitude that it continues to influence Spanish life even today, and a coastline considered to be one of the principal centres in the world for holidays and tourism, offers the traveller the perfect setting for an unforgettable stay.

For golf lovers the Costa del Sol is a truly international meeting point. The splendid year-round climate, excellent hotels, cuisine and leisure facilities, together with the high quality of the golf courses have made it one of Europe's best folfing centres, attracting golf enthusiasts from all over the world. (More information about the Golf Coast)

Enjoy the atmosphere: The Costa del Sol - blue and white; green and ochre - expresses its individuality in its heritage, its resources and its way of life. Warmth and light form an essential background to this hospitable, open and welcoming land.

The bustling activity which characterises the streets reaches a crescendo in summer to become an ever-present vivacious background to the lively nightlife in many areas. Throughout the year, and especially in summer, the fun goes on until the early hours of the morning.

The most striking thing about the coastal towns is the variety of interest, from pubs and small bars which offer a wide choice of home-cooked tapas to the most sophisticated restaurants, casinos and night clubs. And in the modern resorts and marinas sailing boats sway in the gentle breezes which cool the heat of summer.

Friendly people: One of the great attractions of the Costa del Sol is its people. You will find that they are open, welcoming and tolerant, in keeping with their historical legacy which has witnessed so many cultures living in harmony. Hospitable and courteous towards visitors, they will welcome you to join in their festivals and customs.

A long history: Southern Spain has been inhabited since the Stone Age. It became part of the Greek and Phoenician empires and the Vandals conquered it in the 5th Century, thereby giving it the name of Andalucia from the Arabic 'Al-Andalus', Land of the Vandals.

The list does not end here. The Vandals were followed by the Visigoths, and at the beginning of the 8th Century the Moors crossed the Straits of Gibraltar conquering all of Iberia within three years. After seven centuries of Muslim rule it passed into Castillian hands.

What is it in this land of Andalucia that has inspired such a desire to possess it on the part of so many different people? Join us, and experience for yourself the mysterious attraction which it exercises. Part of this attraction is precisely the result of the passage of these different cultures which has made this a land where contrasts flow into harmony. The visible traces can be witnessed in its monuments, but there are others, less apparent which are rooted in the character of the people and in the customs and traditions faithfully maintained throughout the centuries.

A land of contrast: The Costa del Sol has an ability to be what each visitor wants it to be. It is probably here that the secret of its attraction lies. A wonderful climate, a warm sea and sandy beaches are not enough to explain the enormous number of visitors of all kinds who come to the area every year.