COSTA DEL SOL - GETTING AROUND

The Costa del Sol has a very well organized infrastructure.

The Autopista del Sol A7/E15 provides quick access from Malaga to Estepona and beyond to Gibraltar.

The old N340 coast road is a little slower but offers some lovely sea views as it winds its way along the coast.

In terms of heading inland to discover the nearby delights of Malaga province, the spectacular road from San Pedro de Alcantara winds up to the historic town of Ronda, while the A45 to Antequera provides an essential link to the A92 Seville-Granada motorway, as well across to the Axarquia and many natural parks.

By Rental Car

Renting a car is the absolute best way to explore the Costa delSol. It provides you with freedom and felxibility that publictransportation cannot provide.

By Taxi

An easy way to zip between towns and beaches is by taxi. There are plenty of taxis in all of the major urban areas and they operate 24 hours a day. In small towns and villages, operating hours may vary. You can find taxis at the ranks, hail one on the street, or call one to collect you. When taxis, which are all white in color, are available, they show a sign that reads "Libre” on the windscreen or display a green light on the roof. Compared to most countries, taxis are still reasonably cheap and all licensed cabs have a booklet displaying prices to destinations, or they are metered. There may be supplements for extra baggage, or if your journey is at night or on a national holiday, so check the fare before you set off.

By Bus or Coach

The Costa del Sol is served well by bus and coach services. The network is extensive and extremely reliable and punctual, which is handy as it`s the only form of public transport in the coast`s surrounding villages, such as Frigiliana, Mijas and Ronda. The services are run by private companies, and Malaga, Fuengirola and Marbella are the largest hubs for buses and coaches along the coast.

Malaga`s coach station (Paseo de los Tilos; +34 952 350 061; www.estabus.emtsam.es) serves all the cities, towns and villages in the province and a great many locations in Andalucía and indeed throughout Spain.

From Fuengirola you can access the western side of the coast; including inland areas (see www.ctsa-portillo.es for timetables). The bus sales windows are located in the main stations, or you can buy your ticket when getting on if you`re not boarding at the station.

By Train

The local commuter trains (Line C1) that run from Malaga city to Fuengirola (via the airport, Torremolinos and Benalmadena), are clean, spacious, fast and extremely efficient. There`s at least one train in both directions every half an hour. You can be in Benalmadena from the airport in 15 minutes, for example. A single journey is 1.50 euros (for example only; actual price subject to change). Find the timetable here: www.renfe.com/viajeros/cercanias/malaga.

Line C2 from Malaga`s Maria Zambrano station will take you inland to villages including Alora and Pizarra.

Metro
If staying in the city of Malaga, the Malaga city Metro, covers 90 per cent of the urban area.