Malaga, in the centre of the Coastal del Sol, is most people's entrance to the coast. Malaga's Moorish past is well preserved in the fortressed area of Alcacaba, which along with its cathedral and its shops are worth visiting.

The fact is, though, that most people exit Malaga airport and jump straight on the N340 motorway that runs along most of the region, just inland from the coast. To the east of Malaga, the coast is relatively quiet, being a late developer in tourist terms. But now it offers many opportunities to those looking for villa holidays. The main resort is attractive Nerja.

By contrast, the coast to the west of Malaga has been highly developed for many years. Bustling Torremolinos, a place of wild nightlife is first along the motorway, followed by the more family-oriented resorts of Benalmadena (effectively a suburb of Torremolinos) and Fuengirola.

This is very much mass market tourist country, but good in those terms. If you want to take advantage of the area, but retire somewhere more restrained at night, there are a number of villa developments just in land, notably around Mijas, in the hills a few miles from Fuengirola.

Going further west, the Costa del Sol goes upmarket, first with famous Marbella and then chic Puerto Banus, an area as notable for its shops and yachts as its benign climate. Just past here at Estepona the heavy development fades until Gibraltar, almost at the end of the Costa del Sol.

Past Gibraltar the coast turns sharply to face the Atlantic, leading towards Portugal. This is the Costa de la Luz - much less developed than its famous neighbour and boasting better beaches. But being on the Atlantic coast, expect it to be windier and cooler in the sea. Pick of the resorts Conil de la Frontera, not far from Cadiz

Golf

Andalucia has developed into a major destination for the golfer, rivalling the Algarve. The area came to prominence in 1997 when Valderrama, at the western tip of the Costa del Sol, hosted the Ryder Cup. There is a wide choice of quality courses, and where there are golf courses, there is usually villa accommodation nearby - often practically on the fairway.