Costa del Sol, Spain

Situated along the coastline stretching in both directions from Málaga, Costa del Sol, or the “Coast of the Sun,” lives up to its name 320 days out of the year, perfect for the sun-starved Royal Holiday member looking for the ideal beach holiday. A haven for European tourists since the early 1900s, it has since grown to international prominence due to its incredible beaches, fascinating Andalusian culture, and wide variety of cities and villages to explore. With 100 various communities populating the colorful coastline, from sleepy fishing villages to chic resort towns, Royal Holiday members will be sure to find a region that appeals to them.

The area’s fame has led Royal Holiday to affiliate with four different locations in Costa del Sol, thereby enabling members from around the world to experience this vacationing haven. Marina del Sol offers gorgeous gardens, sun terraces, and endless on-site entertainment in its condo-style units situated on the coast outside Fuengirola. Located in La Cala de Mijas, Sierra Marina’s handsome condominium lodgings sit high above the community, thus providing Royal Holiday members fabulous views. It also possesses a swimming pool and a relaxing waterfall. Marina Dorada, just south of Fuengirola, includes royal-style condo units suitable for eight guests, while the San Diego Suites at California Beach Resort brings American style to the Spanish coast as well as numerous luxuries, including a fitness center and on-site massage therapist. All four locations feature fully equipped rooms complete with kitchens or kitchenettes, as well as the ability to house Royal Holiday members traveling with large groups or big families.

People have been living in the Costa del Sol region for some 2,800 years, and Málaga’s ideal location on the sea has made the city a center of trade through the centuries. By the late 1800s, however, the local economy had stagnated, and the region refocused its livelihood on tourism, which quickly gained in popularity after the conclusion of the Spanish Civil War and World War II. Today, Royal Holiday members visiting Costa del Sol will find one of the most polished resort regions on the planet, with its endless beaches, peaceful natural parks, and a huge variety of different towns and villages, each with their own unique flavor.

Many Royal Holiday members arrive in Costa del Sol via the airport in Málaga. An increasingly sophisticated city, it offers much to see, including the Moorish palace Alcazaba and a museum devoted to the city’s most famous son, Picasso. The ever-popular beaches along the stretch of coastline making up Costa del Sol range from secluded spots to teeming beach clubs, suitable for Royal Holiday members looking for any kind of seaside fun. Those looking for a bit of natural beauty should visit one of the inland national parks, which provide outdoor adventures like horseback rides and forested hikes. However, those looking for a peaceful walk may prefer to stroll through the streets of old towns like Nerja, Marbella Old Town, and Ojen. Developers have largely built much of Costa del Sol into a resort area, so those looking for authentic Andalusian culture will want to travel further inland, where the famous sugar-cube-style buildings still glitter in the sun in towns like Casares.