Spain’s Costa del Sol is one of the most scenic regions in Europe, boasting a diverse roster of romantic destinations to suit every mood and occasion. From its lively beach towns to its magnificent natural getaways in the mountains, you’ll have little trouble creating memorable romance on the Costa del Sol.
Most people think the Costa del Sol is all about beaches, but in reality some of its most charming attractions are found tucked deep into the rolling hills of Andalucia. In contrast to the modern resort-style scenes along the Mediterranean coast, the gentle hills just inland from the Costa del Sol are studded with little whitewashed villages.
Most of these hamlets, such as Arcos de la Frontera and Medina Sidonia, have a rich Moorish heritage mixed with earlier Roman roots and the traditional Spanish mountain culture that came later. This cool cultural blend is evident in the architecture, the monuments and the layout of the towns. As you wander up and down the hilly cobblestone lanes of villages like Vejer and Zuheros, you can see Moorish castles, Roman bridges and other incredible pieces of history.
The hilltop town of Ronda may be the most popular of the Andalucia mountain destinations, but it’s still well worth a few days of your itinerary. This place absolutely oozes romanticism, perched as it is on the edge of a sheer cliff that overlooks the valley below. It’s big enough to warrant a few days of exploration and speckled with some of the region’s most enchanting cafés, shops and historic attractions.
The Costa del Sol is one area where it pays to have a car. There is good bus service throughout the region, even to the tiniest whitewashed villages, but with a vehicle you can really get out there and make the most of your time. Most of the villages are good for a couple of hours worth of wandering, but with just one or two bus connections per day in most villages, it can be tough to time connections, not to mention getting stranded somewhere could be detrimental to your romantic break!
Back along the Mediterranean coast, romance on the Costa del Sol takes on a more fashionable hue. Resort towns are strung out along the coast like little jewels, each offering a slightly different variation on the same sun-drenched Mediterranean theme. While the big players like Cadiz, Malaga and Marbella are exciting, they can often feel too busy, noisy and crowded.
Luckily, there are dozens of little villages along the sea that haven’t lost their traditional fisherman atmosphere. Hamlets like Maro, Nerja and Estepona offer just enough amenities for a fantastic short holiday where the focus will be centred firmly your travelling companion, the warm sea air and the tranquil scenery.
Everyone’s idea of romance is different, however, and if it’s a more exciting partying getaway you’re after then the resort towns of Marbella and Malaga have plenty to offer. While certainly bigger and more modern, hot spots like Marbella are where you can enjoy urban pleasures like wine bars, nightclubs, boutique shopping and yacht cruises.
Perhaps the best itinerary is a little of both worlds. Malaga’s international airport ensures you can reach the Costa del Sol in no time from almost any major city in Europe or the UK. With a rental car, you can soak in the sunny warmth of the beaches then spend a day cruising the lovely countryside of Andalucia, stopping off at wineries and timeless villages.
This entire region simply basks in romance and its diversity of terrain and atmosphere ensure there’s something for everyone. So the next time you find yourself hankering for a special weekend away, consider the magical realm of romance on the Costa del Sol.
[box]Amy writes for Easyjet who provide cheap flights to Malaga to help you enjoy a romantic break to the Costa Del Sol for less![/box]
