Saturday, November 29, 2008

Malaga's Costa del Sol Brings in Thousands of Tourists

By Rob Carlton

Malaga, Spain is a very hot spot in the southern province of Andalusia. It has existed as a city for hundreds of years, from 1000 BC when it was founded by the Phoenicians and supported a thriving fishing and salt industry. When Spain was taken over by the Moors, the city became a very critical trade center and has continued to be a thriving port city ever since.

Malaga experiences a very mild climate with temperatures typically varying year long between lows in the 40s during the winter and highs in the 80s in the summer. The summer, like many resort cities, is the most frequently visited season for Malaga, but visitors come to the area year round. The Costa del Sol, or Sun Coast, is a very popular strip of beach along the Meditarranean Sea that brings in thousands over the summer.

When you are planning on traveling around Malaga, Spain, it is a good idea to make your reservations for both your travel and lodging a long time before your desired vacation time for the absolute best prices. There are many rental car agencies located in Malaga that will allow you to drive a car from the airport to your chosen hotel, resort, spa or apartment in Malaga. Rental cars should also be booked well in advance of travel, or a car may not be available.

There are many places to see when you visit Malaga. The area is famous for its beaches, but there are many historical attractions here as well, including the Citadel, or Alcazabo. This is a fortress that was built throughout the 8th and 11th centuries.

The Castle of Gibralfaro, built in the 1300s, is a popular place for tours. It is a great representation of the history of this area, and the castles close proximity to the Citadel makes it a good day to visit both for an historical experience.

Tivoli World is Costa del Sol's one and only amusement park, located on the . The park has many attractions for families, including rides, daily shows, gardens filled with local flora and fauna. There is also a train scale modle and Jurassic adventure available in Tivoli World.

The Cathedral of Malaga is an interesting piece of architecture with its beginnings in 1592 and a work stoppage in 1783 that continues to this day with one tower still incomplete. The Cathedral is another example of many architectural styles across the several years during which the Cathedral was constructed.

Two museums in Malaga are the Museo de la Ceramica and the Archaeological Museum. the Museo de la Ceramica is dedicated almost completely to pottery over the centuries. The Archaeological Museum is filled with representations of both Greek and Gothic art. - 15432

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