The inauguration of Benalmadena Marina in 1982 signalled the start of a new golden era for the resort which, until then, had been way down the list of Spanish holiday destinations favoured by north European visitors. Today the award-winning Puerto Deportivo marina is one of the most happening locations on the Costa del Sol with a host of attractions which draw hordes of visitors by day and night. The marina is flanked by street cafes, international restaurants, music bars and classy night clubs and its centre is dotted with islands which are home to some of the costa’s most exclusive apartment blocks.

Major attractions at the marina include the Mississippi Willow, a restored American paddle steamer which has been transformed into a floating bar and restaurant. The fascinating Sea Life Centre, with its underwater tunnel, Sea Horse Kingdom, Lost City of Atlantis and popular touch pool is always a big hit with children and adults alike. And if your taste for adventure still isn’t satisfied you can scuba dive, book a dolphin watching excursion or pop over to Africa for the day.

Away from the seafront, Benalmadena consists of two other distinct areas, both of which offer their own attractions. Benalmadena Pueblo is the original Old Town, set back from the beachfront on an ancient hilltop settlement once occupied by the Romans and Moors. It’s a charming confection of steep, narrow streets and traditional Andalusian whitewashed houses.

Benalmadena’s Arroyo de Miel district is the resort’s commercial heart and home to one of the Costa del Sol’s most popular entertainment centres – Tivoli Amusement Park

Malaga

Malaga is both the capital city of the Costa del Sol and one of the eight provinces of Andalucia. In the minds of the vast majority of foreign tourists Malaga is associated with its international airport and its many famous coastal resorts.

The city itself tends to be overlooked by millions of run for the sun holidaymakers who head straight from the airport to the costa’s top tourist towns such as Marbella, Fuengirola and Torremolinos.

Yet Malaga city, six kilometres east of the airport, is a vibrant, fascinating place combining a thoroughly modern commercial centre with ancient streets, palaces and castles which tell many a romantic tale of Andalucia’s colourful history.

Even though the city is a major industrial and business centre serving southern Spain it has managed to retain its age-old Andalucian charm and character, unlike many of its costal neighbours. The local Malagueños love to indulge in that delightful Spanish habit of the paseo – a leisurely wander through the streets, chatting with all and sundry en route with no particular purpose or destination in mind. Many local bar owners still serve a free "tapa" (a snack such as chorizo sausage, grilled octopus or fried squid) with every drink and impromptu flamenco performances commonly erupt in the city’s bars and streets.

The city is blessed with beautiful parks and gardens and has more than its fair share of museums, art galleries, grandiose buildings and historic monuments. Major visitor attractions include the mighty Alcazaba citadel built by the Moors after they invaded southern Spain in the 8th century. The hillside fortress has magnificent views of the city and within its grounds you’ll find the Archaeological Museum which offers an absorbing insight into the area’s prehistoric past and the days of both Roman and Moorish domination. The ruins of a Roman amphitheatre can be seen just below the Alcazaba. Another tourist attraction is the nearby 14th century Gibralfaro Castle, facing the citadel, which is also the enviable location of a government-owned Parador hotel.

The city’s impressive 16th century cathedral, built on the site of a Moorish mosque, is one of Malaga’s many historic religious monuments worth visiting along with the nearby Iglesia de Sagrano – a 15th century church with a lavishly decorated interior.

Besides spawning Hollywood heart throb Antonio Banderas, Malaga is also famous as the birth place of Pablo Picasso whose former home in Plaza de la Mercad is now a contemporary art gallery. More of the great master’s work, banned from public view under the Franco regime, are on show at the nearby Picasso Museum at the foot of the Gibralfaro hill.

The city hosts numerous traditional fiestas throughout the year including the impressive Easter Week processions, which draw visitors from far and wide, and a riotous summer festival in August. The annual Feria de Verano is a typical Andalucian knees up with flamenco dancing, fireworks and round-the-clock partying fuelled by a plentiful supply of locally produced wines and sherries. The summer fair dates back to 1491 when the city fathers decreed that a celebration should be held every year to mark the return of Malaga to the Catholic monarchs after centuries of Moorish domination.

Malaga’s port is the second largest in Spain, after Barcelona, attracting luxury cruise liners which disgorge tens of thousands of passengers to explore the city’s many delights each year.

The wider province of Malaga, which is bordered by Cadiz to the west, Granada to the east and Seville and Cordoba to the north, incorporates rugged mountain ranges speckled with the famous "white villages" of Andalucia where time seems to have stood still for centuries.