The Costa del Sol juxtaposes gorgeous Mediterranean old towns and inland national parks with developed beach resorts. Famed for being the birthplace of Picasso, Málaga serves as a gateway to family-favorite stops such as Benidorm and Fuengirola. Endless beaches to stroll along, hidden coves, white villages that appear like a mirage in the middle of the mountains, historical landmarks with centuries of culture, afternoons spent shopping, evenings sipping cocktails by the sea, pleasant temperatures all year round and happy, friendly people that make you feel at home. These are the main ingredients of this region of Andalusia, where the mountain and the Mediterranean sea combine to create idyllic landscapes. The birthplace of geniuses such as Picasso, it is well worth discovering the revamped city of Málaga, exploring the local culture of nearby towns and villages, and enjoying the exclusive restaurants.

On a car journey of around 180 kilometres, it is possible to discover at a gentle pace some of the loveliest places in the coastal area. One essential stopping point is the capital, Málaga, which in recent years has invested heavily in culture which, in addition to the Picasso Route (the painter was born there), offers an interesting variety of museums: Pompidou Centre, Carmen Thyssen Museum, the Collection of the Russian Museum... It is lovely to take a stroll round this increasingly fashionable city and discover how the Alcazaba, the Castle of Gibralfaro and the Cathedral blend in with alternative urban art neighbourhoods such as Soho, with terraces where you can enjoy brunch, or with streets like the Calle Larios for those who love to shop. Other coastal tourist spots with beaches where you can relax are Nerja, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Estepona and Marbella. This last location and the nearby Puerto Banús are ideal places to find haute couture brands, prestigious restaurants and beach clubs where you can lay back on a Balinese bed and watch the sun set. For travellers looking to recharge their batteries or disconnect, there are luxury accommodation options with nutrition programmes or boats to hire in the marinas. For more information please visit Spain Official Office of Tourism.