It was before the tourism boom of the 50s and 60s that the Mediterranean coast of the autonomous community of Andalucia received its simple yet appropriate denomination, Costa del Sol - which translates to Sun Coast or Coast of the Sun. Costa del Sol comprises the once small fishing towns and communities of the coastline of Málaga, Andalucia’s capital, which became today a world-famous tourist destination. The region’s amazing weather, sunny for the greatest part of the year and with temperatures hardly ever falling below 10°C, make Costa del Sol one of the best places in Europe to rent an apartment for the winter.
Torremolinos, Costa del Sol’s most famous location, gained popularity among international celebrities such as Orson Welles, Marlon Brando, Grace Kelly, Ava Gardner, Brigitte Bardot and Frank Sinatra. It subsequently received considerable funding and was developed to fulfil the needs of international tourism. Today, Costa del Sol is a bustling touristic destination, as well as one of the best places for a long-term rental in Spain, thanks to its beautiful beaches and rich Mediterranean gastronomy.
Costa del Sol takes pride in serving the delicious dishes of the Andalusian cuisine, influenced throughout the ages by Jewish, Arabic and Spanish traditions. Deeply rooted in tradition, and bonded indissolubly to the Mediterranean Sea, the local gastronomy emphasises on - but it’s not limited to - seafood and fresh vegetables. Perfect examples are the internationally famous Andalusian gazpacho - delicious cold soup made with raw tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers and extra virgin olive oil, and the pescaíto frito – small sea fish lightly battered in flour and fried in olive oil.
Equally famous and appreciated are the Spanish tortilla - a potato omelette, and the jamón serrano - the Spanish dry-cured ham, both of which are typically accompanied by a glass of Andalusian wine or Sherry. Another Andalusian tradition, the tapas tour, or “ir de tapas” in Spanish, is enjoyed by the locals and the foreigners that choose to rent an apartment in Costa del Sol for a long term during the winter. Tapas are small snacks served alongside the “copas” - or drinks - at the pubs and bars. Traditionally, tapas are free (although nowadays most of the bars charge a little fee for each tapa) and consist of marinated fresh anchovies, meatballs in sauce, Russian salad and other tasty specialities.
The region’s capital, Málaga, has been a cultural crucible since ancient times, and the legacy left by the various cultures can still be admired today. You shouldn’t miss a visit to the Alcazaba de Málaga, a well-preserved Moorish fort dating back to the middle ages, the Roman amphitheatre, and the stunning Cathedral with its glasswork and 4000 pipe organ.
