The Costa del Sol is Andalucia’s most famous stretch of coastline. This “sunshine coast” is a beautiful 160-kilometre mixture of action-packed tourist resorts, unbeatable sporting and first-class family entertainment centres. It is known primarily for its seemingly endless beaches, months of sunshine and wide array of major tourist attractions. It’s for anyone seeking a “sun and sea” holiday. It’s been attractingr foreign tourists since the start of cheap charter flights in the late 1960s.

These are just some of the benefits which make it one of the Mediterranean’s top holiday spots and why its villas and resort towns are so much in demand. It is one of Spain’s most popular package holiday destinations. This places gives tourists everything from cheap fish and chip joints to fun-filled foam parties.

No matter what your budget or expectations or budget you will be able to enjoy the Costa del Sol. The rich and famous bought very exclusive and luxurious villas along Marbella’s Golden Mile while ordinary folk invested in the Torremolinos area, or rented villas there to “taste” the good life. In the last few years middle market tourism and ex-pat home buyers have helped spearhead the development of the lesser known resort areas like Estepona, at the western end of the Costa, and Nerja at its eastern edge.

Malaga sits at the center with its international airport where millions of tourists enter Costa del Sol every year. But Malaga itself ha so much to offer. It is the capital of the Costa del Sol and has kept the traditional Andalucian charm and character which have been diluted in the neighbouring coastal towns. It is the home of Picasso. Here you will find many villas clustered around the hillsides and mountains.

Foreigners often mix up Andalucia with the Costa del Sol and they may stay on the seaside without really seeing the myriad of treasures of Spain’s largest autonomous community. The region actually has four costas, including Costa de la Luz, Costa del Sol, Costa Tropical and Costal Almeri. There are also eight Spanish provinces of Huelva, , Malaga, Jaen, Granada, Sevilla, Cadiz, Cordoba and Almeria.

The region is filled with national parks, lush rolling hillsides and tall mountain peaks where sits Europe’s southernmost ski resort. Winter attracts skiers from other parts of Spain and many European countries. This is the ideal place for bird lovers and hikers especially in spring and autumn. Golfing is fantastic here all year round, and the region holds 60 golf courses which are often used as venues for international championships.

For history and culture buffs, Andalucia offers amazing selection of Roman remains, medieval villages, ancient monuments and Moorish castles.

Seville is a fantastic destination for holiday tourists who are looking for a unique Spain vacation. It is found in the region of Andalusia and is one of its provinces. Here are some of the best tourist attractions in the city.

Seville makes a good day trip. Although there is much to see and do in Seville, the major tourist attractions are (quite conveniently!) close together and can be viewed in a day. You should just be careful when you tour. Seville has a relatively high crime rate and you should stay alert and watch your belongings during your visit. Pickpockets are often found in the tourist areas, even during the day.

Barrio de la Santa Cruz is one of the most ancient parts of the city. Here you will find the the Giralda and the Seville Cathedral. The Reales Alcazares is merely a block away. To take a break between visiting the attractions try resting on one of the many picturesque fountains or explore the attractive but narrow streets and get refreshments at a restaurant or bar serving cool drinks. Be sure to order the tapas, which locals claim were invented in Seville. If you have time, you can take a carriage ride to see the beautiful facades.

The Seville Cathedral was constructed on the site of mosque around the 15th century. Remnants of the old mosque can be found in the Patio de los Naranjos (Patio of the Orange Trees). The cathedral is known for being the tomb of Christopher Columbus (it also has museum quality art in the Sacristy). It is acclaimed for its enormous size, several chapels and lavish decor. The interior is has a gilt covering chapels and altars. La Giralda is the bell tower of the cathedral and its history also dates to the time of the Moors. If you walk to the top you’ll get spectacular views of the city.

The Alcazar (a royal palace) is mixes the influences of the Moors and the Andalusians after the Reconquest. It was made at different times and reflects different styles, and is seen as an excellent example of the Mudejar architecture.
There is much to see at the Alcazar and you need at least two hours, if you want to study the structures in detail. Don’t leave without seeing the gardens which will be a relaxing way to end to your tour.

Many people dream of visiting Spain. There are many places to visit: Andalusia, on the south coast; Valencia, to the east; Catalonia, in the north-east; the capital, Madrid and the northern regions of Galicia and Basque Country.

The capital Madrid is the centre point. Madrid is a good place to start your trip. Everything (literally) revolves around it. Most of the other big cities of Spain are on the coast, and you will need an average of at least six hours away to travel to and from the capital by car. The capital it is well connected by train, bus and internal flights.

Outside of Madrid are agricultural villages and barren land, with Seville, Granada and Salamanca the main in-land cities of note. But don’t rush off without seeing the city. You’ll find every kind of bar, restaurant and leisure activity you could desire. El Escorial also a short train ride away. It is also the only sensible base for day trips to the wonderful aqueducts of Segovia and the historical delights of Toledo,

Andalusia is famous for its flamenco dresses, bullfighting and blistering hot sunshine. But if you want sun then you should go to the beaches. You can visit the Costa del Sol (technically speaking a part of Andalusia, but usually seen as separate from the rest of the region) or the Costa Brava in Valencia. This is not the place to go if you are looking to rough it with the locals! It is so popular among Brits, Germans and Scandinavians you can go a long time without hearing a word of Spanish.

Catalonia offers a cosmopolitan experience. Here you’ll find Barcelona in the north east. Barcelona has a different feel to it from the other parts of Spain and some locals say it isn’t really part of Spain at all (but this is not the time to get into a political discussion). It’s famous for its solemn Barri Gotic and lively Ramblas street are as iconic as you can get in Spain and its spectacular Gaudi architecture.

But to really experience how diverse the regions of Spain can be schedule one of your vacations to the area of Galicia, Asturias or Basque Country. Life here is quite different to what tourists usually expect of Spain. Galicia’s national instrument is the bagpipe, while in Asturias you are more likely to find cider than sangria.

Rhese are the regions that tourists spend most of their time in.but do remember there’s a lot more to Spain that just that. I hope you’ve enjoyed your little virtual tour – it’s even better when you actually get there!