Welcome to the Costa del Sol
Here in this sun-kissed region is where the ancient mysteries of Africa mingle with the proud history of Europe. Where the romance of the
past meets the cosmopolitan life of today. Where the breathtaking drama of the snow-clad mountains contrasts with the golden beauty of the
beaches fringing the Mediterranean. For this is Andalucia. Cradle of Spain’s long history. And today one of the world’s most
prestigious holiday locations. The Costa del Sol is where Andalucia meets the Mediterranean. The area enjoys an average of 320 days of
sunshine a year and is one of Spain’s crowning glories. Legend has it that Marbella was named by Queen Isabel of Spain. Looking
across the magnificent bay towards Gibraltar, the Queen exclaimed; “Que mar tan bella!”, what a beautiful sea. And so it is:
with a coastline of unsurpassed beauty and romance. It was Isabel’s consort King Ferdinand who expelled the Moors from Andalucia
over 500 years ago; but the Moorish influence remains in the art and architecture of the region. In Marbella Old Town, the winding streets
and alleys of the Moorish Medina all seem to lead to the great Plaza de Naranjos and the town hall that has stood for five centuries.
The cosmopolitan bustle of the shops and craft stalls, the warm welcome of the many bars and restaurants and the buzz of the nightlife
all combine to create a very special atmosphere. The marinas set in a shimmering sea are home to some of the world’s most luxurious
yachts. The boutiques add their own exclusive touches of luxury. An air of elegance and wealth abounds. No wonder today’s Marbella
is host to so many of the rich and famous. Inland from the Costa del Sol lie some of the greatest glories of this stunning country.
Granada and its magnificent Alhambra Palace. Ronda, with the oldest bullring in Spain, where Goya once sketched. Seville, the magical
capital of Andalucia. And the famous Sierra Nevada, with snow from November to April and some of the best skiing in the world.
