By: 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.

About the Author: Article submitted by Ruth Polak, the owner of http://www.costadelsol-vacationrentals.com a site specializing in holiday apartments and villas on the Costa del Sol and in Rural Andalucia. You will also find lots of information about Spain and Andalalucia in particular.