Costa del Sol

Gibraltar to Estepona

The rock of Gibraltar is well known for being a tax-free shopping haven. Whilst you're hitting the high street why not head up to the top of the rock too? Here you'll find excellent views of the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and Morocco as well as some friendly local apes. At the south of the island marvel at the amazing rock formations inside St. Michael Caves. If you head just a short way into Spain proper you'll find some lovely quiet beaches and excellent golf courses on the way to Estepona. Relax on the lovely Playa El Cristo, or rent a boat from the marina and head off on an adventure.

Marbella

The Costa del Sol has long been associated with the rich and famous and nowhere more so than glamorous Marbella. From the huge yachts in the marinas to the swish hotels this is the place to come to holiday like the stars. If your budget is more modest, you can still enjoy the Marbella high life. Get to Puerto Banus Beach early to snag a sunlounger on the most sought-after beach in the region, or shun the glamour and enjoy yourself at the entertainment-packed Funny Beach. Marbella's Old Town provides Spanish charm as well as great places to eat, or head to the Bonsai Museum for some quirkier fun.

Fuengirola - Benalmadena - Torremolinos

These three resorts have practically merged together over the years to form a fun and action-packed resort with something for everyone. View the region from on high by taking the Benalmadena Cable Car to the top of Mount Calamorro, or from the slightly lower viewpoint of the spectacular Castillo do Colomores. The largest water park on the Costa del Sol, Aqualand Torremolinos, is here and there's more water, this time with aquatic inhabitants at the Benalmadena Sea Life Centre. If animals are your thing then you won't want to miss the Fuerngirola Zoo or the Crocodile Park. Alternatively escape the crowds at our pick of the off-the-beaten-track spots; the Molino do Inca Botanical Gardens in Torremolinos.

Malaga

The heart of the Costa del Sol is best known as a destination for cheap flights and great nightlife, but there's more to Malaga, with plenty of lovely beaches as well as some top attractions. The Picasso Museum is a shining example of a modern art museum, complete with plenty of rare works. Head towards Tivoli World for fun and entertainment at the biggest amusement park on the Costa del Sol. If you want to get away from the beach and see more of the natural beauty of this area then the Botanical Gardens in the town are great. Head further afield for the Bobastro ruins, an important site due to its rare architecture, or the Laguna de Fuerte de Piedra to see the local birds.

Nerja

The Costa del Sol to the east of Malaga often gets overlooked in favour of the better known resorts, but Nerja can offer the same excellent beaches and beautiful weather just with a slightly different feel. The Caves of Nerja are well-known for their fantastic rock formations and amazing natural acoustics, and you can't go to Nerja without walking along the Balcony of Europe, a cliff top with spectacular views. The Old Quarter offers Spain as the guidebooks show it; with narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and geraniums aplenty. Those in the know head to beautiful Gardens of Europe and the nearby Burriana Beach. The speciality of the area is Red Mullet (De La Doncella) so watch out for it on the menus.