Three towns worth visiting when in the Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol has long been a popular destination for sun-seeking holidaymakers and you'll definitely discover why this is the case when you head there yourself. To get a true appreciation of the region, take a tour that stops off at some of the best and most bustling towns.

There's plenty to choose from, so snap up car hire from Malaga Airport and from the moment you get behind the wheel you can experience the thrill of the open road, stopping off to explore wherever takes your fancy. Here's a guide to some of the places that are worth a visit.

Malaga

If you're hiring a car from Malaga Airport, it'd be a crime to not see the nearby city. This is the perfect place for culture vultures taking a sunshine tour - not least of all because it is where Pablo Picasso was born.

A number of attractions related to the iconic artist are located here, including the beautiful Santiago Church, where he was christened, and the Casa Natal de Picasso, the house he was born in, which is now an official heritage site dedicated to his work. Visit the Museo Picasso Malaga - housed in the beautiful Palacio de Buenavista - and you can see a range of his paintings and drawings, including Portrait of a Bearded Man and Fruit Bowl.

Of course, there are plenty of other things to see here besides those to do with Picasso, including the astounding Roman Theatre, Gibralfaro Castle and Palace Marques de Valdeflores. Visit Alcazaba, an 11th-century Arab hilltop fortress, and you will be provided with stunning views over the town's bay.

Torremolinos

Situated just 7 km west of Malaga Airport, Torremolinos can be easily visited while on a tour of Costa del Sol. In recent years, the town has become known for its vibrant nightlife, although there is plenty to see and do during the day also.

Wildlife lovers will enjoy a trip to Crocodile Park, as you can get up close and personal to these fascinating creatures. If you fancy a spot of shopping, make sure you head to Calle San Miguel. A bustling street filled with stores and market stalls, this is a great place to pick up some souvenirs.

If the Costa del Sol sun gets a little too hot to bear, cool down with a trip to Aqualand. This water park contains a number of slides, pools and rides that are perfect for kids young and old alike.

When the sun does set, make sure you head into town for a few drinks at one of Torremolinos's bustling bars!

Marbella

Park your hire car in Marbella and you will soon discover why it has a reputation as one of the most popular destinations in the Costa del Sol.

Spend time in the Orange Square in the old town district and you will come across a variety of historic attractions, including the 16th century town hall. For something that little bit different, head to Parque Arroyo de la Represa and you can visit the stunning Bonsai Tree Museum, which contains hundreds of the miniature trees.

Another attraction that certainly draws in many holidaymakers is the pristine beaches. The Marbella coastline stretches for some 26 km, so there is plenty of scope to grab a towel, lay back and soak up the Spanish sun.