Spain
You must book your flights
before reserving a hotel!Costa del Sol
Costa del Sol takes up about 300 kilometres of the Mediterranean
littoral that corresponds to the province of Malaga.
Protected from the northern winds by a mountain chain that in
some parts comes down to meet the sea, this sheltered coast is
shaped by a succession of extensive beaches, coves almost hidden
between cliffs, marinas and anchorage for fishing.
The mild climate, infrequency of rainfall and the sea breeze
make for semitropical vegetation in which palm and cypress
trees, bougainvillaea, oleander and hibiscus are common. The
proximity of such different landscapes -the mountain, the
valleys blanketed in vegetable gardens and the sea- is, without
a doubt, one of the greatest attractions of this coastline which
combine all the appeal of the Mediterranean landscape and
culture.
Residential areas, marinas, golf clubs, entertainment centres,
nightclubs and many more tourist attractions have been built
around and now coexist within the peaceful ambience of country
villages, which have astonishingly conserved their traditional
town centres.
Summer beach holidays and all the appeal that this can offer
along this stretch of the Mediterranean is not, however, the
only attractions offered by the Costa del Sol: you will have the
chance to uncover the most genuine, authentic features of the
Andalusian culture very close by. In addition to the folkloric
displays in the tourist centres, you can also experience the
lively and popular celebrations. The fiestas, Easter parades,
song contests and the bull runs without a doubt claim first
place on the list of recommendations for travellers who want to
see beyond what first meets the eye.
Tasting country wines in the intimate cellars of yore and having
some traditional fried fish (cooked to perfection by the local
folk) are some of the temptations that will seduce all visitors,
specially those that prefer the wonders of local gastronomy over
the ever-present international fare.
With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the Costa del Sol is
an extremely popular holiday destination for the British. The
area offers some of the best beaches in Spain and there's plenty
to do both in and out of the water. The Costa del Sol has been
developed to meet the demand of the tourist and even small
fishing villages have been transformed into holiday resorts.
However, if you take the time to travel inland you will find the
more traditional world with Andalucian white-washed villages and
the splendid cities of Seville, Granada and Ronda. For any golf
fanatics they will simply feel that they have died and ended up
in heaven. There are over 30 courses with green fees starting as
little as £38 per round. Benalmadena
Benalmadena Upmarket coastal resort built around a large marina
equipped to handle more than 1,000 boats and yachts of all
types. Characterised by luxury hotel and apartment complexes,
the resort also offers many sports facilities. It is home to the
Sea Life Centre and the Mississippi Willow, a restored
steamboat. Along the main promenade are a number of Moorish
watchtowers and also the Arab-style Castillo del Bil-Bil, used
for conferences, concerts and exhibitions. In the hills behind
the resort sits the original Benalmadena Pueblo (village) with
its steep narrow alleys and whitewashed houses. The daytime fun
focuses on the new Moorish-style port area which features
several small beaches where you can enjoy your own private space
and while away the day.
All around, you'll find a good variety of restaurants, shops and
cocktail bars where you can tuck into some tasty tapas or enjoy
a long, lazy supper before enjoying the town's lively
nightspots, bars and casino. Sports-wise, there are plenty of
facilities, including a scuba-diving centre with beginner's
courses. "Tivoli World" amusement park ensures hours of fun for
children, where you'll find funfair rides, amusements and
restaurants open till late at night. In high summer, you'll get
the chance to join in the festivities of the resort's annual
romeria. Journey time from airport: 40 minutes.
Fuengirola
Fuengirola This well-designed and bubbly resort is absolutely
ideal for families and older couples seeking a sun-filled,
fun-filled break. It still boasts a large fishing fleet, and has
a pleasant sea road, narrow but generally busy, stretching the
whole three mile length of the beach, which is one of the best
beaches in the area. The promenade is lined with open-air cafes
and bars, ideal for a morning coffee or afternoon snack. There's
a wealth of shops and sports to get into, a waterpark as well as
a Zoo for the kids. The town's weekly Tuesday market is another
bustling attraction, and if you want to venture to other
resorts, Marbella and Mijas can be reached by bus and
Torremolinos by train. Journey time from airport: 45 minutes
approx.
Malaga Malaga
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Malaga Malaga is a bustling little city, the old and the new
meet on Marques de Larios, Plaza de la Constitución and Calle de
Granada, which form the backbone of the shopping area and the
thriving nightlife. The narrow side streets form a confusing
maze of alleys crammed with tapas bars and bodegas - old
fashioned wine shops brimming with casks including the local
sweet wine which is similar to Port.
At weekends the area is full of young people going out to
enjoy the thriving nightlife in one of the cities many bars, bar
de copas (wine bars), or nightclubs. Locals often do not go out
until midnight and will continue until morning light, catching
some breakfast on there way home. Warning: Parking as in any
City is a big problem. There are some lovely suburbs to Malaga
and you only need to be about 15 minutes out of the City to
enjoy a little of both worlds.
Marbella Marbella
Marbella Marbella is the "jet-set" capital of the Costa del Sol,
the "in" place with Europe's and America's fast-living
pace-setters. The area is a golfer's paradise, boasting several
excellent courses. There are several tennis clubs in the resort
and horse riding is found at some beaches and some inland
stables. 4 miles from the centre is the modern development of
Nueva Andalucia, covering several square miles. The old town
still has a quaint atmosphere and has retained some of its
16th-century charm. Ideal for a relaxed sunbathing and sociable
holiday, Marbella is one of Costa del Sol's most elegant spots.
The town's old quarter, laced with narrow alleyways and leafy
cafe-Lined plazas is a great place to spend a laid-back morning
or afternoon. Elsewhere you'll find excellent restaurants and
upmarket boutiques strung out along wide, sophisticated
boulevards, just made for strolling. Otherwise, you can simply
lounge about on the famous sandy beach. At night, Marbella
offers bright lights in abundance, with lots of stylish bars and
clubs to keep you entertained. The glamorous marina with its
casino and up-market shopping of Puerto Banus is just down the
coast.
Nerja
Nerja This picturesque fishing village has much to offer if
you want to mix old and new Spanish in one holiday but Nerja
isn't the resort fro those who want an active holiday. Gradually
becoming a popular tourist spot, the resort is becoming quite
built-up. Nerja is typically Andalucian in style, with
whitewashed houses climbing up the hillsides to the rocky
mountains beyond, it has an unspoilt charm that is simply
delightful. Lazy days can be passed on the main sandy/shingle
beach or at some of the intimate coves that dot the coast around
the resort.
Warning. Beaches are poor with gritty sand. Discover
Moorish-style architecture and narrow alleyways waiting to be
explored, and you are bound to find many tempting restaurants
and cafe-bars everywhere you go. There are very few apartments
in Nerja and accommodation is mainly hotel based. Journey time
from airport: 1 hour 15 minutes approx.
Puerto Banus
Puerto Banus This very smart resort has an ultra chic marina
bobbing with luxury yachts and fringed with fine beaches, where
some hotels can be found strung along the sands. The marina
complex is a magnet for the jet-set, so if you like the idea of
people-watching, just take a seat at one of the innumerable
waterfront cafes.
Shopping is on the stylish side too, with an array of
tasteful boutiques and gift stores to explore, and when you want
something slightly more strenuous, there's a full complement of
watersports readily available as well as some magnificent golf
courses, Later, as darkness falls, the place livens up even
more, with several nightclubs where you can literally dance the
night away. Journey time from airport: 45 minutes approx. You
could also consider a flight to Gibraltar which is around 30
minutes away.
San Pedro de Alcantara
San Pedro de Alcantara Once famous for sugar cane production,
today, San Pedro is a refreshingly unspoilt pueblo. its small
shops maintain the life and integrity of the town and despite
the development progress happening around, local people still
conduct their way of life as normal.
Strict building regulations ensure that no new buildings can
exceed three storeys and much of the surrounding countryside is
well protected with Selwo adventure park, the largest game
reserve in Europe having recently reopened after enhancements to
its visitor attractions and offering over 100 hectares
comprising botanical gardens, lake, 'the little farm' aimed at
young kids and some 2,500 wild animals.
There is a pleasant walk from the centre of town to the
beachfront along an attractive wide avenue flanked by palm trees
and the modern promenade is ideal for continuing your stroll
with several excellent chiringuitos (beachside restaurants)
specialising in fish dishes. A little further west along the
beach to Guadalmina are the restored remains of the roman baths.
Only 55 minutes from Malaga airport.
Torremolinos
Torremolinos Bright, bold and packed with all the fun under the
sun, Torremolinos, the most happening resort on this upbeat
stretch of coast, is heaven if you want limitless entertainment
on tap. If you can drag yourself away from the sandy beach,
there's a wealth of enjoyment just waiting. The town's
old El Calvario quarter is well worth a tour and if you want a
taste of real Spain. Elsewhere, the town is jam-packed with gift
shops, outdoor restaurants and bars, as well as excellent
leisure amenities, so you can play tennis, ten-pin bowl or
splash out a brilliant Aquapark. And naturally, the whole place
is jumping at night, with lively discos, nightspots and British
pubs galore. It's easy to get to Gibraltar when you want a
breather. Journey time from airport: 25 minutes approx.
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