The Costa Brava is located in the northern part of the Mediterranean coast of Spain. The sandy beaches of this region stretch for 214 km from the border with France to the city of Blanes. Barcelona is located 40 km to the south.
Translated from Spanish, Costa Brava means “rocky coast”. And in fact, forested cliffs adjoin the quiet bays. The beach season here begins in June and ends in October. The main resorts of this part of the coast are Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar and Blanes.
Tossa de Mar is a noisy tourist city with a developed infrastructure. In the 18th and 19th centuries it was a major port. From medieval times, the fortress Vila Vella, which was built in the 14th century, remained in the city. It is located on a small cliff jutting out into the sea. There is also the Municipal Museum with archaeological finds and a collection of paintings by Catalan and foreign masters. In the new area of Vila Nova you will find many hotels, bars and restaurants. You can sunbathe on the municipal beaches of Mar Grande and La Baume.
According to Countries and Shipping Rates, Lloret de Mar is the main tourist center of Catalonia. From the beautiful promenade, surrounded by palm trees, offers a beautiful view of the sea. Next to it are medieval and modern buildings. The Church of Sant Roma was built in 1552 in the Gothic and Romanesque style. It is interesting to look at the Santa Cristina Hermitage and the Sailor Monument. Within the city there are 4 sandy beaches, where there are opportunities for active water sports. Not far from Lloret de Mar, Water World was built. It is ideal for families.
Blanes is the oldest resort on the coast. The famous botanical garden Jardin Botanico Marimutra is located on Mount Sant Joan. About 7,000 exotic plants have been collected here. Blans also has a zoo with marine animals Marineland, where spectacular shows are held with fur seals and dolphins.
Costa del Sol, Andalusia (Spain)
The Costa del Sol is located in the south of the Iberian Peninsula. It occupies 150 km in the Andalusian province of Malaga. The history of tourism in the Costa del Sol dates back to 1940 and since then the area has attracted many tourists.
A cold Atlantic current passes through the coastal waters, so the water temperature only in July reaches +23 degrees, and in June it does not rise above +20 degrees. But still, there are many beaches and opportunities for windsurfing, diving, yachting, tennis and golf. The Costa del Sol has some of the best golf courses in the world. The coast is very interesting in terms of attractions. The city of Ronda is famous for the largest bullfighting area in Spain, in Malaga it is worth seeing the medieval Cathedral, the Alcazabra fortress, visiting the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. Among the resorts of the Costa del Sol are Torremolinos, Fuengirola and Marbella.
Torremolinos is located 12 km from Malaga. In the center of it is a pedestrian area. Numerous streets diverge from here in different directions, the most crowded of them is St. Michael Street, here you will find all kinds of shops. It leads to the El Bajondillo beach area. It includes the beaches of Playamar and Los Alamos. A long promenade stretches from El Bajondillo, which rests on another recreation area – La Carihuela. It features the best beach bars and restaurants. For a family vacation, the water park, which is located at the entrance to the city, is perfect. It is worth seeing the old area of Torremolinos, which has survived to this day. An integral part of the city is the Torre de los Molinos, which gave it its name. The building of the French church Nuestra Senora del Carmen, built in the 19th century, is interesting. The Cortijo del Tajo area is the main archaeological site. Findings extracted here, scientists refer to the Neolithic times.
Fuengirola is located 35 km from Malaga. The center of the city is Constitutional Square. Sohail Castle rises on a nearby hill. It was built under Abderakhman III in the 10th century. The ruins of the old Roman city of Suel, located in this area in the 6th-3rd centuries BC, were also found here. On Thursdays, the largest market on the coast is open in the Recinto Ferial area. There is a zoo in the west of the city, next to it you can relax in the beautiful Sunny Park. Along the sea alley are Roman columns and a statue of the Virgin of Carmen, who is the patroness of fishermen. In the quiet area of Los Bolinches on the outskirts of the city are the beaches of Gaviotas and Torreblanca. They have been awarded European blue flags for clean coastal waters. Within the city limits, golf lovers will find about 20 golf courses that are open to players all year round. In the first week of October, Fuengirola celebrates the Feria and Romeria del Rosario. This is a festive fair with a solemn parade.
The resort of Marbella is considered one of the most prestigious resorts on the coast. Luxurious villas and five-star hotels, fashionable shops and cozy restaurants are everywhere here. Marbella is located 59 km from Malaga. The hill of La Concha rises above the city. In the old district, the main place of recreation is Orange Square. It houses City Hall, built in the Renaissance style in the 16th century. In Marbella you will find two large sandy beaches – El Fuerte and El Fontanilla.
