Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol runs along the southern coast of Spain from Malaga westwards to Sotogrande, passing the resorts of Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Mijas Costa, Marbella, Puerto Banus and San Pedro de Alcantará. Running parallel to the sea is the N340 road which links all towns along the coast.

The flat coastal terrain soon becomes green and mountainous a short way inland, leading to hilltop towns such as Mijas and, further west, it is possible to cross the mountains to get to Benahavis, Ojén, Monda and Coín. Although there is typical Andalucian architecture in the area, development has been densely located concrete apartment towers and hotels, catering to mass tourism.

The Costa del Sol is home to the largest expat British community in the world. There are also sizeable German and Swedish communities.