Leisure in Costa del Sol
Costa del Sol Beaches
The coastline of Andalucía is known as the Costa del Sol and has over 800 km (497 miles) that runs from Nerja to Gibraltar . The resorts are varied from quiet and exclusive to boisterous, offering every amenity and facility imaginable, including bars, restaurants, marinas, water sports and hotels.
Some beaches are popular for swimming and offer services such as showers, first aid, lifeguards and of course, the obligatory beach bars (chiringitos). Others are more sedate with hidden coves that can be reached down from the cliffs and there are beaches that are popular for snorkelling and diving.
Late May generally hails the beginning of the season when the beach bars start to open and sports equipment and sun beds are all dusted down in preparation for the long summer ahead. During July and August there is a noticeable influx of visitors from Madrid who come to the coast for their holidays to escape city heat. The average water temperature on the Costa del Sol is 18°C/64°F (24°C/75°F in August). Throughout the winter, the beaches are still popular and regularly used for walking, jogging and fishing. The winter weather is still pleasant and mild but with shorter hours of sunshine.