Getting Oriented
The towns and resorts along the southeastern Spanish coastline vary considerably according to whether they lie to the east or to the west of Málaga. To the east are the Costa de Almería and the Costa Tropical, less developed stretches of coastline. Towns like Nerja act as a gateway to the dramatic mountainous region of La Axarquía. West from Málaga along the Costa del Sol proper, the strip between Torremolinos and Marbella is the most densely populated. Seamless though it may appear, as one resort merges into the next, each town has a distinctive character, with its own sights, charms, and activities.
- The Cabo de Gata Nature Reserve
- Agua Amarga
- Almería
- Almuñécar
- Nerja
- The Axarquía
- Málaga
- Antequera
- The Guadalhorce Valley
- Torremolinos
- Fuengirola
- Mijas
- Marbella
- Ojén
- Estepona
- Casares
- Tarifa
- Gibraltar
- The Costa de Almería. This Costa region is hot and sunny virtually year-round and is notable for its spectacular beaches, unspoiled countryside, and (less appealingly) plastic greenhouse agriculture. Right on the coast is Almería, a handsome, underrated city with a fascinating historic center with narrow pedestrian streets flanked by sunbaked ocher buildings and tapas bars.
- The Costa Tropical. Less developed than the Costa del Sol, this stretch of coastline is distinctive for its attractive seaside towns, rocky coves, excellent water sports, and mountainous interior.
- Málaga Province. Don't miss the capital of the province: this up-and-coming cruise port retains a traditional Andalusian feel; better known are the coastal resorts due west with their sweeping beaches and excellent tourist facilities.
- Gibraltar. "The Rock" is an extraordinary combination of Spain and Great Britain, with a fascinating history. There are also some fine restaurants here, as well as traditional Olde English pubs.
