Spain

Famous for the sun, sea, beaches and tapas. But surely as popular for it's culture, history and beautiful countryside...

An unique destination, due to its rich history and cultural heritage, diverse landscape and varied gastronomy. Here you will find green, hilly country side with pastures and small fishing harbours to the mountains with permanent snow, like the Sierra Nevada or the Pyrenees. From the steep rocky coast to the busy beaches of the Costa's, from the worldly towns to the small middle ages villages inland.

The diversity and the contrasts which characterize Spain can also been seen in the culture. The country is strewn with interesting cultural sights, each with it's own influences: Celtic, Iberian, Greek-Roman, Moors.

The Spanish people enjoy a lively culture, with it's many folk festivals and in the music and dance (think of the 'Flamenco' in Andalusia or the somewhat gentler Sardana in Cataluña), each region with it's own festivals and customs. On top of which Spain has excellent cuisine: olives & olive oil, tapas, fish and shell fish paella, wine, sherry and above all a many sided local gastronomy.

Costa del Sol

The Sun coast in southern Spain takes its name from its sunny climate with 300 sunny days a year. The Costa del Sol has developed into a tourist paradise and Andalusia's most popular costa for those wanting to soak up the sun on the beach.

The Costa del Sol stretches over 161 kilometres of coastline and is divided into a western and an eastern part. The most famous towns of the Costa del Sol can be found in the western part. The frequented seaside resort of Torremolinos is known for its shops, bars, and discos. Another famous town is the jetset holiday spot of Marbella. These towns are characterised by long beaches, good restaurants, and a positive and relaxed atmosphere in the outdoor cafés on the brimming squares, or in the busy shopping streets.

East of Malaga, you will find well known places like Torrox, Rincon de la Victoria, and Torre del Mar, a popular, lively seaside resort with sandy beaches, numerous outdoor cafés and restaurants and a brimming nightlife.

One of the most beautiful villages on the coast is the former fishermen’s village of Nerja. Have a look in the old (car-free) centre, with white houses and winding lanes, and don’t forget to visit the boulevard. This boulevard is sometimes called the 'Balcony of Europe' because of its spectacular location. But Nerja’s most important attraction is the Cuevas de Nerja. This huge cave complex, consisting of stalactite and stalagmite caves with prehistoric wall paintings, is the most important one in Spain, and has an enormous archaeological value. The caves are also used as a natural theatre.

You could also pay a visit to Malaga, the capital. Thousands of people a year visit Malaga because of its beautiful beaches and its nightlife, shops, and sights. In the centre, you will find the Moresque Alcazaba. This former palace is now the ‘Museo Arqueolegico’ and offers wonderful views across the city.

The Costa del Sol is also the place to be for golfing enthusiasts. It has many well-equipped golf courses to choose from. Of course there are plenty of options for water sports enthusiasts on the Costa del Sol too.

If you want to explore more of the country, go further inland into Andalusia and drive through rocky scenery, forests, ravines, and lovely villages. Here you will also find the mountain massif of Parque Natural Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama, where you could take wonderful walks or go horse riding. Near the town of Antequera, you will find ‘El Torcal de Antequera’, impressive scenery consisting of spectacular rock formations. Don’t forget to take the “Route of the White Villages” (from Ronda to Arcos de la Frontera) and visit the gorgeous town of Granada!