Holiday Rental in Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol is many people's idea of the perfect holiday destination: good beaches, warm Mediterranean water and great people. This strip of resorts, including Torremolinos and Marbella, is also a paradise for the sports lover. You'll find more than 40 golf courses, along with tennis courts, swimming pools, riding schools and facilities for every type of water sport. The coast is packed with bars, nightclubs and restaurants. It also boasts two casinos. All the larger towns have a thriving nightlife, whether you want to pose in the Cafe Del Mar in Marbella, or throw lager down your neck in Torremolinos. Estepona's Puerto Deportivo is less touristy and makes for a great night out - start off with tapas in the old town and then try squeezing into one of the nightclubs.

If you want try sample some Spanish food you are certainly spoilt for choice on the Costa del Sol. Many of the resorts in the region offering holiday accommodation rental such as villas in Nerja, apartments in Marbella or Mijas Costa villas have access to this well known part of Andalucia, famous for its fish and shellfish and is where tapas was invented. Try the spicy dish prawns pil pil, or crisp-fried fritters and croquettes. Another Spanish classic, gazpacho - the cold soup made from fresh, raw vegetables - originated in Andalucia. Most of the beach bars sell delicious, fresh, chargrilled sardines. Marbella has some excellent, if pricier restaurants. If you like markets, head for Fuengirola on a Tuesday and the bullring near yacht-lovers' haven Puerto Banus on a Saturday. At the latter you'll find ethnic Moroccan items, Spanish antiques and good-quality local crafts. Handicrafts native to the Costa del Sol include clay pottery, embroidered table linen, handkerchiefs and sheets, and handmade leather shoes.

Staying in a villa in Fuengirola for example provides a seemingly inexhaustible supply of entertainment for the whole family with children young and old. Benalmadena offers Tivoli World, an amusement park with lots of rides and displays of flamenco dancing, and also the Sea Life aquarium. Much of the activities are located within a short drive, so renting an Estapona villa will put you close to the aqua parks in Torremolinos and Mijas. Horse-loving kids will appreciate a visit to El Ranchito, near Torremolinos, for demonstrations of dressage and to see the Andalusian horses.

Tourist office:
Spanish National Tourist Office, 22-23 Manchester Square, London W1M 5AP. Tel. 020 7486 8077.
Website: www.tourspain.es

This is a year-round destination. May, June and September are the ideal months if you want to avoid the summer crowds and extreme heat. Temperatures range from 8C (46F) in winter to 34C (93F) in summer.

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