SIGHTS OF THE COSTA DEL SOL

Spain is a country of tradition, passion and contrasts. After all, it is known not only for its wines and corrida, but also for its very picturesque nature, beautiful beaches, adjacent to mountain peaks, hospitality and national treasure. And here, almost every day, there are various festivals, both local and global. Some of them have people specially come every year from all over the world. This state is the most popular among numerous tourists, many of whom, having been here only once, no longer want to leave and want to stay for permanent residence. And this is not surprising, because every day they discover new ideas for walking and exploring the local flavor.

If you still do not know where it is better to rest this year, turn your attention to the southern coast of Spain, which was called the Costa del Sol and territorially belongs to autonomous Andalusia. Here is just heaven on earth, because all the benefits of civilization and folk traditions are perfectly combined. Especially if you are staying in a penthouse or a comfortable villa. In this case, your holiday will be truly unforgettable! After all, nothing is more conducive to maintaining a good mood, as comfort and convenience in every detail. Perhaps that is why celebrities with a world name stop here so often.

WHERE TO STAY?

Costa del Sol or 'Beach of the Sun' is conditionally divided into two parts. Western is considered to be the most popular for visits, where the best conditions are provided for satisfying any smallest need of holidaymakers. And the east - has kept its primitive, and gives everyone the opportunity to plunge into the unforgettable maelstrom of Spanish hospitality, which captivates with its sincerity and makes you love this wonderful country with all your heart.

'Border' passes through the capital of the region, where both worlds are closely intertwined, as well as the consequences of development in different epochs of the formation of the culture of Muslims and Christians. After all, this resort city was built over 500 years BC by the Phoenicians and survived the rule of many nations, including the Romans and Arabs. Silent witnesses of these events rise above their curious impregnable walls. In addition, there is an international airport. So it is most convenient to start your acquaintance with the state from here. And after you choose a travel route that you enjoy.

In any case, each locality has its own stunning color and will surprise even the most skeptical traveler. And no matter what you prefer - beach-restaurant relaxation, mountain or water extreme, or educational tours. The sights of the Costa del Sol will certainly please you and satisfy any preferences.

WHAT TO SEE?

If you decide to use our advice and see the sights of Malaga, devote one day (or several, to see more and more detail) to walk around the most interesting points. And we will show you the route.

First of all, visit the Roman amphitheater on Alcazabilla street. Next to it you can see the fortress of the VIII century, built by the Moors on the ruins of its previous Romanesque. In the 11-14 centuries, it has undergone repeated restructuring, therefore, bears the imprint of many times. At the gate Granada are archaeological finds. From here there is an underground passage to the Moorish castle of Gibralfaro, which rises above the town and offers just a magnificent panoramic view. In clear weather, you can even consider the coast of Africa.

After enjoying the beauty of the surrounding area, take a stroll through the excellent Paseo Parque Park Avenue, which has the most beautiful fountain of Neptune (also called the Genoese), made of marble in 1560, and more than two thousand names of plants. This truly heavenly path will take you to the old city, which begins with the Alameda-Principal Avenue, or rather the bridge over the Guadalmedina River, which is part of it. Then you will walk along the narrow streets to the Atarazanas gate, which now serves as a passage to the Malagan market.

From here, go to the river bank, where on the Santa Isabel street in the building, built in 1632, is the Victoria Artes Museum near Tradiciones Populares. The three-story exposition will illustrate in detail the historical heritage of the region, and a cozy courtyard garden will be a good oasis for a break from the city rush.

Not far from here, on the Piazza Constitución, you can see the church Santo-Cristo, erected in 1930 in Mannerism style. Here is buried the famous sculptor Pedro de Mena.

Now walk two blocks through Molina-Lario to the 18th century Bishop’s Baroque palace. And next to it is the Gothic cathedral, which was built from 1528 to 1782 on the ruins of a destroyed mosque. Here the best architects, sculptors and artists of that time showed their skills, but due to the fact that the money went to military operations in the American colonies, one of the towers was not finished then. So the Cathedral remained one-armed, or Manquita, as the local inhabitants call it.

Here you will see the 1488 Gothic church in a strictly kind, but having an altar and polychrome statues created by Alons Birrugheg and Juan de Balmaced.

At San Agustin, you will find Buenavista, on the territory of which there are two courtyards of Mudejar and Renaissance styles. The building itself is occupied by the Provincial Bellas-Artes Museum, displaying the best paintings by Spanish artists from the fifteenth century right up to contemporaries.

Nearby, on Granada street, stands the Mudejar church of Santiago El Mayor, established in 1490. And in neighboring Calle Victoria in memory of the capture of Malaga by order of the royal couple in 1487, Nuestra-Senora was built where their tent stood. Inside you will see a very beautiful Virgen-Maria altar, an inner dome covered in gold with attractive stained glass windows and ornaments.

In the square of San Pedro, there is the Semana-Santa museum, which stores the accessories of the annual Holy Sunday procession.

There is something to see in the vicinity. For example, the ancient cities of Coin and Alora, famous for their architecture. Next to the latter is a nature reserve in the Garganta-Chorro gorge with a wooden road over an abyss and unforgettable mountain landscapes.

WEST DIRECTION

At a distance of 14 km from the 'heart' of the region there is another world-famous resort destination - Torremolinos. Here you will find a first-class holiday that will satisfy all your preferences. Cozy cafes and restaurants, trendy clubs, shops offering quality products at the lowest prices. And all this can be found on the main town square - San-Miguel. And also enchanting show programs, incendiary rhythms of flamenco, breathtaking festivals, delicious food and a water amusement park. There are also architectural monuments of both Christian and Moorish culture. During your walks, you certainly cannot fail to notice the 14th century tower. And if you decide to visit a real fishing village, then on the way to it, on the street Cuesta-Tajo, you will see the mill Boveda. In addition, if you are staying in Torremolinos, you can easily go on an excursion to the famous Granada, Seville or Cordova, spending only a couple of hours on the road.

If you want to attend a truly enchanting show, go to Fuengirola. Here is the brightest nightlife, daily performances of flamenco and variety, as well as a large number of clubs with a variety of musical directions. And another 7 kilometers of excellent beaches and San-Isidore. All this has turned the village of fishermen into a real metropolis.

Nearby is the port city of Benalmadena. The 18th century castle of Bil-Bil and Precolombiano are the main objects of the historic center, built in typical white and green tones. An amusement park and a port area with various musical institutions, from discos to themed cafes, will brighten up the time of entertainment lovers. And for the most gambling on a rocky plot outside the city limits there is the entertainment complex Torrequebrada, in whose territory the casino operates.

If you prefer less noisy settlements, but still want to choose a decent city, come to Mijas. There are many souvenir shops, and there is still a platform for bull fighting, an ancient Christian cathedral in the Romanesque style, a 17th century chapel. and an exhibition of miniatures.

If you are planning to be in Spain 24.06, then choose your place of deployment Marbella. It is on this day that local residents and specially arrived tourists gather on the beach to glorify Saint Juan, meet summer festivities and wash their feet with sea water after midnight. They say it will bring happiness for the whole year!

Marbella is the second most important metropolis after Malaga. But no less attractive in all respects. It also has a long history and developed under the influence of radically different cultures. But if in other towns of Andalusia Christian churches were erected after the destruction of mosques, here representatives of the blue blood preferred to build their residences. What subsequently influenced its further development. And now it is the most luxurious resort town for the beauty of its architecture, both ancient and modern.

Start exploring the treasures with Naranjos, which represents their greatest accumulation. The most popular among them are:

• the municipal exhibition center, built in 1568, has a remarkable collection of archaeological artifacts;
• Casa Corregidor of 1522 is decorated with a Gothic arcade, a wrought-iron balcony and a Renaissance gallery;
• The fountain of 1504 is a wonderful heritage of the Renaissance;
• Santiago chapel XV century;
• chapel San Juan Dios XVI century;
• in the structure, called 'Hospital Bazan', is located Museo Arqueología;
• two beautiful monasteries, one of which is dedicated to St. Francis, and the second to the Trinity;
• Santa Maria Encarnacion XVII;
• fortress ruins of the tenth century, the basis for which were Roman fortifications

You can also walk through the Alameda Park or take a ride in a luxurious carriage with thoroughbred horses along the embankment. Well, the choice of cafes, bars, restaurants and clubs is simply huge here!

In the suburbs of this elite resort, a casino is open all night. Geographically, it belongs to Nueva-Andalucia, a separate administrative unit, which almost merged with the metropolis.

And eight kilometers from here is the international Benahavis, which was chosen as home by immigrants from other countries, bringing to its appearance the features of their homelands. In addition, there are two unsurpassed galleries. One of which - Maffini-y-Carmen - is a collection of woven products and sculptures, illustrating the national treasure. And the second is formed according to David Marshall's brilliant plan, and representing an amazing effect - one village in another, where the author's sculptures are represented.

ORIENTAL ATTRACTIONS

On the rocky hill at 740 km above sea level, the oldest town is located - Ronda. To get here, you need to overcome the dizzying rise winding road. But the view here is no less stunning. In addition, crowds of tourists visit Ronda for the sake of one of its remarkable objects. Museo Bandolero opened in 1995 and put on public display clothing, weapons and other tangible evidence of crimes and exploits of the once famous gang, which at first kept the entire neighborhood in fear and then became the strongest stronghold of the partisan war with Napoleon's troops.

But this is far from all that Ronda can surprise and please. Alley parks store the arches of different time intervals. The bridges are no less a witness of history. Even the 365-step ladder, along which water skins were dragged along with water during the siege, went on sayings. She leads to the palace Casa Rey Moro, surrounded by beautiful gardens, which hid the marble fountain.

Rhonda is replete with various kinds of locks, the most striking of which are considered:

• Palacio Marques Salvatierra, keeping within its walls not only the lives of former owners, but also works of art;
• XIV-century Arabic Casa-Gigante, which has undergone many rearrangements;
• Palacio Mondragon 1314, which served as the first residence of the Muslim governor, and then the Spanish kings;
• Moorish fortress - Alcazaba, built on the basis of ancient Roman fortifications and connected to the Mongradon underground tunnel.

Beautiful temples, 13th-century Arab baths, and a bullring arena - there really is something to see. And yet there is a half kilometer-long cave Pileta, which used to be the channel of an underground river, which is an exhibition of ancient paintings, because on its walls there are drawings of Paleolithic times. At 12 km from here, in Ronda la Vieja, the Roman theater and aqueduct remained in good condition. And in Ubrique they sew leather products according to the sketches of fashion designers even from Paris.

Another interesting locality - Antequera. They began to appear more than two thousand years BC. After all, there are three caves nearby, which are the memorial grottoes of the leaders of the Neolithic times. Until now, no one can explain how people who lived in those times were able to build similar constructions from 180-ton stone blocks. Antequera has a rich architectural heritage. Among them are the most impressive:

• ruins of an Arab fortress of the 14th century;
• the triumphal arch of Los-Gigantes of 1585, erected to the glory of Philip II, but after its transfer to the church ownership began to bear the name Santa-Maria;
• chapel of the XVI century. Mary Mayor and St. Sebastian, the latter of which is equipped with an elegant tower from 1709;
• Encarnacion Mudejar Monastery;
• the carmen church of 1633, modest in appearance and luxurious inside;
• San José Monastery, whose architectural design is an unsurpassed blend of baroque and pagan mythology;
• Rococo church Madre-Dios XVIII century;
• palace Najera XVIII century. now occupies a tourism bureau;
• Museo Municipal, which has archaeological finds and sculptures from all eras, including the statue of Apollo I century.

In the vicinity of Antequera, on limestone hills, is the Ei Parque Natural Torcal nature reserve, which contains truly fabulous representatives of the animal world.

Costa del Sol - is a first-class resorts, pristine nature, preserved intact, clean beaches and azure blue waters that will leave positive memories for many years. In addition, it is here that the only European desert Bardenas Reales is located in 45.5 thousand hectares. This is not only a UNESCO biosphere reserve, but also an attractive landscape.