The Costa del Sol, Still Europe's Premier Holiday Destination- find out why.

Ruth Polak
Since the 1960's and the advent of package holidays the Costa del Sol has
always been one of the premier holiday destinations in Europe, and with
good reason. The weather is perfect, with little or no rain between
the beginning of June and the end of September. The beaches are long, clean and sandy
and the vast majority have the coverted blue flag award also, the
Mediterranean, being practicaly tideless, you never have to worry about the tide being
out and bathing is relatively safe.

If this isn't enough then there is also the excellent night life with bars
and clubs staying open until the early hours and a great choice of restaurants
up and down the coast. The Andalucian people are very friendly and obliging
and crime is relatively low.

Recent years have seen vast improvements in the infrastructure with both the
road networks and Malaga Airport being significantly improved.In addition
air routes into both Granada and Jerez now offer the visitor a greater
choice of flights and very reasonable rates.Gibraltar too has increased
their number of regular flights.

The type of holidays people are taking has changed in recent years with a shift away
from the more traditional package tours as more and more people appreciate
the flexibility of renting their own apartment or perhaps a villa with a private
pool.Many holiday makers are starting to explore the beautiful countryside
just a short drive from the Costa where they can enjoy the peace and quiet of
renting a country villa whilst at the sametime being able to easily
visit the beach.

In addition to lazing on the beach the Costa del Sol now has alot of other attractions
to offer visitors, Selwo Wild Life Park
near Estepona being just one. This is a super day out for all the family
not only entertaining but educational too. Likewise Selwo Marina is a superb
attraction at Benalmadena with the only Dolphinarium in Southern Spain.
At Torremolinos and Mijas Costa you will find 2 brilliant Aqua Parks,
with a vast array of slides and pools.

If you wish to take a more cultural outing then The Picasso Museum at Malaga
should be on your agenda or for plant lovers visit the The Botanical Gardens
also at Malaga or the Bonsai Museum at Marbella.

One other attraction for the Costa del Sol is certainly not new but should
definitely be on your list of places to visit and that is Gibraltar. It is
of course steeped in history and has the only troop of wild monkeys in Europe.
The beautiful St. Michael's caves are also well worth visiting and then
of couse there is the tax free shopping.

For the golfers there is an awe inspiring choice of excellent
golf courses of all different levels, some by the sea and some set in
stunning mountain scenary. New ones are reguarly being constructed and as
a result many golfers return year after year to the Costa del Sol.

Another first on the Costa is Mijas Race Course where evening meetings
are held weekly throughout the summer. In addition they hold many top clas concerts,
including such artists as Sir Elton John, Rod Stewart, UB 40 and Bryan Adams.
They don't forget classical music lovers either, giving concerts by
world class orchestras.

So whilst the Costa del Sol is traditionally reknown for "sun, sea and sangria"
it has moved with the times and now has alot to offer the more discerning
holiday maker who wants more from his holiday than just these ever popular elements.

Article submitted by Ruth Polak the owner of http://www.costadelsol- vacationrentals.com A web site specializing in holiday villas and apartments on the Costa del Sol and in Rural Andalucia. You will also find lots of information about Spain and Andalucia, in particular.
All of the major airlines are now associated with different web sites allowing for you to find discount airfare and cheap tickets on the internet. One of the reasons the airlines have done this is because so many people now have access to computers and the internet.What does that mean to you as a traveler? It means that as you search the airlines for tickets you can be very selective as to
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