1.Marbella

Marbella is undoubtedly one of the most stylish towns on the Costa del Sol, and attracts thousands of well heeled visitors every year, and the town is buzzing with the news of a £350 million marina investment by Qatari Sheikh, Abdullah Ben Nasser Al-Thani.

Visitors to Marbella can stroll along the paseo, enjoying the pavement cafés, take a walk up to Orange Square, Plaza de Los Naranjos, and enjoy the art galleries, and the tapas bars while soaking up the local culture. Marbella Old Town surrounds the square, and quaint, cobbled streets lead off to hidden restaurants and old Andalucian whitewashed houses.

The town also boasts some of the best beaches and golf courses on the Costa del Sol, and whether you are looking to soak up the sun by day, and party by night, or enjoy a few rounds of golf, you will find plenty to keep you entertained. Check out the local beach bars for superb fresh fish and seafood. At night, Marbella comes to life, and visitors can find a host of great clubs, pubs and live entertainment in town and on the Golden Mile between Marbella and Puerto Banus.

2.Puerto Banus

The world famous Puerto Banus, has been attracting celebrities and stars of the silver screen since the 1950´s, when Sean Connery, Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn graced its shores.

Nowadays you are more likely to see glamour model Jordan, Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith strolling along the marina in Puerto Banus, but the location is unbeatable. Swish restaurants, bistros, cafés and bars jostle for position beside the marina, and visitors can enjoy a coffee or a cocktail while people-watching, with great views of the luxurious yachts coming and going.

There is much more to Puerto Banus than the marina, and if you venture a little further back, you will find some excellent shops and department stores within easy walking distance. Just 1km inland from Puerto Banus is the famous Golf Valley, including Los Naranjos Golf, Aloha Golf, Las Brisas Golf and La Dama del Noche Golf Courses. The Manolo Santana Tennis Clubs is situated just a couple of kilometres down the Golden Mile, towards Marbella.

Night time always seems to be the right time in Puerto Banus, and the marina comes to life with a bang, when the late night bars open. Popular for Stag Parties and Hen Nights (The Only way is Essex crew were here a few weeks ago, making the most of the night life), Puerto Banus remains a hot favourite with the young crowd, plus the well-heeled older tourists who want to splash their cash in style.

3.Fuengirola

Fuengirola has improved dramatically in the past 5 years, and what was once seen as a poor relation to Marbella, is now a very hip and happening holiday resort.

New tapas bars, swish cafés, gastro pubs and bistros have replaced the tired old buildings which once made up central Fuengirola, and if you want a gastronomic treat, take a stroll down ´Fish Alley´ which is home to over 100 restaurants and bars, serving fresh fish, seafood and a wealth of different cuisine from all over the world.

Just off Church Square, behind the Post Office, you will find a choice of excellent tapas and fish bars, serving local specialities, including boquerones, gazpacho and local hams and home made patés, and also offering extensive wine lists with local and international choice of wines. If you fancy doing something different in the evening, take a trip to the Salon Varietés Theatre, just near the centre of town, and watch some seasoned professionals and keen amateurs take to the boards.

4.Benalmadena

Benalmadena is made up of three regions: Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmadena Costa and Benalmadena Pueblo, which is the older part of town.

If you are looking for water sports, fun in the sun, all night drinking venues or simply a good party, take a trip to Benalmadena Marina on the seafront, where you will find a wealth of great clubs, bars and restaurants. You can also hire a boat to go dolphin spotting from here, or enjoy a cocktail in one of the harbour-side bars. The award-winning Marina has an island in the middle, which is home to some of the most exclusive apartments in the area. Great beaches flank the marina.

If you are planning to visit with the family, spend a few hours at Selwo Marina, close to the Parque de las Palomas, where you can view sea-life up close and personal. Benalmadena is a fun town, which is the perfect holiday destination for groups of friends, families or individuals who want to have fun, without breaking the bank.

5.Torremolinos

Known as the Gay Capital of the Costa del Sol, Torremolinos is a cosmopolitan resort town which first became famous in the 1950s, when it was the first region of the coast to embrace tourism.

Once a small fishing village, Torremolinos has  evolved into one of the coasts main party towns, and the bars and restaurants in La Nogalera, close to the centre of town, attract the gay crowd, particularly at weekends, when some clubs don´t even open  until 2am.

Torremolinos is also a popular family resort, and miles of long, sandy beaches, reasonably priced hotel accommodation and some great attractions keep visitors coming back for more. Check out the massive water park close to the entrance of the town, and the Crocodile Park, next to it. If you are looking for fun in the sun, Torremolinos may not have the elegance of Marbella and Puerto Banus, but it offers a wealth of great things to see and do that are within most people´s budgets.