Does any other worldwide tourist region have such a lovely and evocative name? The Costa del Sol certainly lives up to its name, with 325 days of sunshine a year and warm temperatures. No wonder so many tourists from Spain, Europe and the rest of the world flock to the magnificent Costa del Sol's beaches that rim the warm waters.

It stretches from Almeria in the north to Tarifa in the south and is located alone the Malaga coastline and is by far Spain's most popular tourist destination. People in their thousands flock to the Costa del Sol to enjoy the superb beaches, enviable climate, fantastic sporting activities and tourist attractions. Some of the best know holiday resorts in Europe are located along the sunny-coast such as Marbella, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Nerja, Malaga capital , Torremolinos and Estepona.

The Costa del Sol caters for just about every type of holiday make, tourist and traveler to the area offering and enormous selection of activities and relaxation options. These include, numerous water parks, a zoo, safari parks, boat and fishing trips, tens of daily excursions, visits to the White washed villages, a myriad of water sports activities, amusement parks and much much more.

The local and regional authorities have invested heavily in the infrastructure including Malaga airport which feed the coast and is the main point of entry for most travelers to the area. There is also a new ( Motorway – toll road ( autopista ) which runs almost the whole length from Estepona to Malaga . The older dual carriage way , the N340, is also a good option most of the time although a little slower. An excellent train service runs from Malaga to Fuengirola , plans to extended the service are well underway.

This area of Spain already has the attention from the golfing world as golf lovers already revere the fantastic Costa del Golf which currently has over 75 magnificent courses to play on.

Local hotspots include famous places like Malaga, the capital, and the swank Marbella. For nows let,s focus on Marbella.

Marbella is a world-famous, internationally renowned resort. Located at the heart of Spain's sun-drenched Costa del Sol, in the southerly province of Malaga, the city boasts a really lively atmosphere, an array of beautiful sites and an elitist selection of the finest Spanish and international restaurants and bars (don't forget to taste the typical, succulent seafood). Marbella's centre is comprised of its Old Part, the most traditional and historic; however, a must-visit area is the one and only Puerto Banus, Marbella's own recreational promenade, absolutely laden with eateries and high-profile shops to one side, and flanked by the rows of spectacular boats and yachts to the other.

Marbella has long been a hub for the rich and famous. A wealth of celebrities (pardon the pun!) have chosen Marbella and its surroundings as their holiday destination, or as a second hometown. The most notable activities on offer are golfing – the Valle del Golf boasts around five unique golf courses, and about five more can be found within a very close range; architectural, and historic exploration – Marbella, as well as offering the best of Spanish food and culture, especially in the Old Part, is also the site of a number of archaeological beauties, museums and a tonne of events that take place all around the year. The city covers about 27 kilometres of coastline, and is home to 24 beaches, ranging from the fine-sanded dream scenario, to the more rugged rocky outcrops, perfect for that seaside picnic under the shady tranquillity of a palm tree.

Marbella is highly accessible by toll and free-fare coast roads, and is about 45 minutes away from Malaga's international airport, the closest. Other Costa del Sol resorts are to be found nearby, such as Fuengirola, Torremolinos and Estepona. For those who wish, Gibraltar is only 45 minutes away and can serve as a unique day's trip.

You dont have to be part of the jet set to enjoy staying in Marbella. It offers accommodation to suit all pockets from luxurious to great value smaller hotels and hostels. Some of the best rated hotels include:

For pure luxury try the Guadalpin Puerto Banus This hotel has direct beach access and is a 15-minute walk from the centre of Puerto Banus. It offers free Wi-Fi internet and large rooms with a plasma TV.There is a beach club and a sunbathing terrace surrounding the large outdoor swimming pool. For children there is a kid's club. You can also enjoy a free sauna.

And the Vasari Resort which offers luxury apartments, all with a private terrace and a hydromassage bath. The marina and beaches of Puerto Banus are just 1 km away. A beautiful 4 start establishment is the Fuerte Miramar which overlooks the beach in central Marbella, 7km from Puerto Banús. It has a spa and free use of the fitness facilities at the Club Fuerte Sport, 300 metres away.

For more modest budgets but still great value must include the 3 star Marbella Inn a comfortable hotel ideally situated in the heart of Marbella, close to the charming old town and tourist attractions. And the 2 Star Hotel Don Alfredo Situated in the heart of Marbella's charming old town, the hotel is just a 5 to 10 minute walk away from the beach. The comfortable hotel is ideally located in a quiet corner of the historical Marbella, right by the Moorish castle walls.

A great way to discover the area is by vehicle. Cheap car hire Costa del Sol is available in many locations along the Costa del Sol. For as little as £9 per day you will have the freedom to drive and explore all corners of this popular coastline.

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Other regional hotspots include Mijas , a charming example of an Andalucian "white village" and home of a beautiful spa and golf course; Ronda , the historical city perched on the edge of a rocky precipice, and Jaen, an old medieval fortress surrounded by extensive olive groves, an 11th Century Moorish baths and the castle of Santa Catalina.

Possible the most popular region in Spain, the Costa Del Sol attracts tourists from the World over. Famed for its wonderful coast line it is no surprise that Malaga airport is one of the busiest in all of Spain during the summer months. We situated, Car hire Spain is a great starting point to see all of the sites and rental cars a very popular way of getting around. With all of the main suppliers located at the airport, competition is strong and prices remain competitive all year round. The lowest rates can be found off peak and when booked well in advance, try Rhinocarhire.com , an online specialist.