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Why the Costa Del Sol is a great choice for your holiday

The Costa del Sol is one of Spain's most popular tourist destinations. Located in the south of the country and situated in the autonomous region of Andalusia, this area takes in over 100 miles of prime Mediterranean coastline with hundreds of beaches offering everything from quiet coves to bustling swathes of golden sand.

For those selecting a holiday destination for 2012, the Cost Del Sol is therefore likely to remain a popular choice, but why?

Sun, sea and sand

The Spanish name for the area translates quiet literally to the "Coast of the Sun" and it is nestled between two lesser known Costas, Costa de la Luz and Costa Tropical. As well as the city of Malaga, other famous towns and destinations include Torremolinos and Marbella.

The Costa de Sol is usually divided into two separate sections based around Malaga. The western Costa curves southwards towards Gibraltar and includes main tourist destinations such as Fuengirola, Torremolinos and Marbella. This gives it an international air due to the wide selection of tourists these cities attract from countries all over the world.

If you're thinking of planning a holiday in what is arguably one of the most popular stretches of coastline in the world, the choice available can be somewhat confusing to the first-time visitor, and even if you've been before, the familiarity of places already loved can sometimes prevent you finding new favourites. A great way to expand your view of the region is to check out websites such as Sunshine.co.uk – where you can view the best places to stay.

Affordability and attractions

Thanks to the popularity of Spain as a holiday destination, trips to the Costa Del Sol can be obtained at a relatively low price. This doesn’t mean that quality is sacrificed however and just like in most of Spain, there is a wealth of cultural and gastronomic delights on offer here.

Malaga city itself has rejuvenated in recent years, becoming a centre of excellence for those looking for a little more when it comes to leisure pastimes. An unparalleled offering of museums, of which the dedicated Picasso Museum is a highlight for any art lover, is combined with a vibrant contemporary arts scene, as well as with an extremely wide range of high-class restaurants and modern tapas bars.

All of this is even before the mention of one of the main attractions of the region – golf courses. In total, there are more than fifty golf courses stretching along the Costa, each with a unique location and view. Naturally, if you are intending to visit the Costa Del Sol this summer, then you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to top class beaches.

The weather is a sure bet with over three hundred days of sunshine each year and average annual temperatures of 18ºC. This means that night-time temperatures are warmer than the average summer afternoon in the UK – perfect for those who want a break from home.