ANDALUCIA, SOUTHERN SPAIN - COSTA DEL SOL TRAVEL GUIDE

Costa del Sol, Spain - Travel Guide

Activities for Children in Costa del Sol   by Susan Pedalino

For younger children who still need to sit in a pushchair, the Zoo in Fuengirola is ideal. If you don't hire a car, it is conveniently located just a two minutes walk away from the bus and train station. It is easy to get around and split into different areas of the world. The restaurant food is pretty good and reasonably priced too. For older children, I would recommend Selwo Adventure Park, on the Autovia Costa del Sol Km 162,5, Estepona. It is much bigger and spread out with a real safari feel to it, but involves a lot of walking.

If it's animals you're after then you might also want to check out Selwo Marina, the Sea Life Centre, Benalmadena and the Crocodile Park in Torremolinos. If you're visiting Gibraltar, there's more to the Rock than apes, there's dolphins too! Dolphin World does a cruise around the bay, which gives you the chance to get close to dolphins, flying fish and occasional whales.

For thrill seekers there is Tivoli World amusement park, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmadena. You might fancy squeezing a trip to Seville during your stay, in which case, you could visit Isla Magica amusement park.

You can't visit the Costa del Sol during the summer without a day at one of the water parks. There's 'Parque Acuatico' in Mijas, 'Aquapark' in Torremolinos and 'Bahia Park Acuatico' in Algeciras.

If you are still bored after all that, try a trip in the 'Telecabina' in Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmadena or see the city of Malaga from one of the big open top buses, which picks up at the bus station or outside the station at El Corte Ingles.

You don't need to spend a lot of money to show the kids a good time. As well as the obvious day at the beach (the best ones located towards and beyond Gibraltar), there are many impressive playgrounds located along the coast. Estepona has an enormous one along the promenade. Hunt around where you are staying, as good quality playgrounds are in abundance.

If you are unfortunate enough to be affected by bad weather during your stay, you don't need to lock yourself up in your apartment with cable television. Estepona has a fantastic garden centre, which boasts a huge pets corner, a few farmyard animals outside and a great coffee shop with an infant's soft play area.

For older children, you might want to try one of the 'Centro Comerciales' such as Miramar, Fuengirola, La Canada, Marbella or Marina Banus in Puerto Banus. The shopping centres have multi screen cinemas often showing films in English. La Canada has an amusement arcade with video games and a ten-pin bowling alley. Marina Banus is a small shopping centre with a fantastic indoor park, Camelot Park catering for both younger and older children. All the shopping centres have a vast selection of restaurants ranging from fast food to traditional tapas bars.

If you are into watersports, you can't holiday in Andalucia without a trip to Tarifa, the surf capital of Europe. Everyone is currently going mad over kite surfing there, with loads of schools and 'surfy' shops on offer. Even if you're not into water sports, you'll be 'blown away' by Tarifa's beaches; in fact you'll think you've landed in heaven. It is the closes that you can get to beach paradise in Europe and the sea is crystal clear. However, it does get pretty windy, so be prepared. Although, it will feel a lot cooler than the Costa del Sol, you can burn very quickly.

If its night life you're after but you haven't brought your babysitter don't think you're doomed to stay in every night with little ones. During the summer, every town has a feria with a funfair, music, market, local food and a fantastic family atmosphere. They don't really take off until very late and you see Spaniards arriving with their babies at midnight!

Weather permitting, (which it generally does) and with a little imagination and motivation to get up early whilst on your hols you can never get bored on the Costa del Sol.

About the Author: Susan Pedalino is Masters degree qualified in Intercultural Communication and teaching English as a foreign language. Susan regularly writes for Eye on Spain (www.eyeonspain.com). Having moved to Spain to set up a business and buy property, she has gained invaluable experience in buying off plan property in Spain.

Guide to Spain's Costa del Sol   by Robert Griggs

The Costa del Sol has a host of towns a cities to explore such as its capital Malaga, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Mijas, Marbella and Estepona to name a few.

Image by Tia Monto - Wikimedia Commons

The Costa del Sol is a fantastic holiday resort for people of all ages. If you have children then there are lots of places to visit such as Selwo Marina in Benalmadena which has a variety of sealife to see including sea lions, dolphins, flamingos and penguins.

Or if you are visiting Fuengirola the zoo there is a must. Located pretty much within the hustle and bustle of the town it has a great number of different animals from all over the world to see and is great for the kids.

If golf is your thing then the Costa del Sol is perfect for you as its one of the worlds golfing meccas. There are around 50 courses to choose from and most are of a very high standard. A particularly nice course is Santana Golf Course in La Cala and is well worth 18 holes. Bear in mind though if you do play golf in Spain try and avoid July and August as although the green fees will be a lot less than the rest of the year, it can get very hot and is not ideal for playing any sport.

If it is nightlife that you are after then the Costa del Sol is definetely a good choice. With literally hundreds of bars and clubs to tickle your fancy you will be spoilt for choice on where to spend your evenings.

On the other hand if all the above sounds like just a bit too much activity for you, why not settle for a nice spot of sand on one of the many fine beaches that there are on offer. Lay your towel down, chill out and feel that warm sun on your body.

The great thing about the Costa del Sol is that there is something for everyone.

About the Author: Robert Griggs lives on the costa del sol and is the owner of a www.directholidaylets.com website. He is also the maintainer of the holiday lettings Spain website which has lots of information on holidaying and living in Spain.

Sailing on the Costa del Sol   by Ken Jones

Boats registered outside the EU on which VAT has not been paid may be imported into the EU for a period not exceeding six months in any twelve, after that VAT becomes due. This period can often be extended by prior arrangement with the local custom authorities. There is a legal requirement for foreign vessels to fly their own national maritime flag together with the courtesy flag of Spain.

It is worth considering the following equipment when cruising this area. An SSB radio is useful for obtaining weather forecasts. It is very hot in the summer and ventilation is important. It may be worth fitting extra hatches and a wind scoop over the fore hatch will help a lot. An awning or biminy, covering the cockpit, to provide shelter from the sun is a must. A cockpit table is useful as eating outside during the summer months is one of the pleasures of cruising. Mosquitoes can be a problem and many boats screen all openings while others rely on mosquito coils, insecticides and repellents. Sunburn is the other hazard cruisers should be aware of, the sun can be deceptively strong while the boat is underway, plenty of cream and a hat will go along way to avoid the misery of sunstroke.

Image by Stephen Heron - Wikimedia Commons

There is a constant east going current of between 1 and 2 knots flowing through the straight of Gibraltar and between the Costa del Sol and the north African coast. There is some tide to be considered at the western end of the region, Gibraltar sees 1 metre at most. This diminishes the further east traveled. The weather is affected by several systems and is consequently difficult to predict. There is an old saying that in the summer months nine days of light winds will be followed by a full blown gale that is inaccurate. A wind from the northwest is known as the "tramotana". It can be dangerous because it can arrive and reach gale force in as little as 15 minutes. It often lasts for 3 days and can blow in excess of a week. The wind from the east, the "levante" can also blow for several days at gale force. Annual rainfall at Gibraltar is 760mm. The Costa del Sol will experience about 4 days a month of fog. Summer temperatures can exceed 35 degrees C and the winter months see around 15 degrees.

The remainder of this article looks principally at the harbours of the Costa del Sol. There are also numerous anchorages bbut only a few of the notable ones are mentioned here.

Marina Bay is largest of Gibraltar's three marinas with 350 berths. Most berthing is stern/bow to. Larger yachts can lie alongside. Water and electricity on the pontoons. Within the complex you will find a chandlers, launderette and a good selection of restaurants and bars. There is an indoor market less than 5 minutes walk from the marina. Queensway Marina is much quieter than Gibraltar's other two marinas. Security is excellent with all the pontoons being gated. Within the complex you will find several restaurants and bars.

Gibraltar itself was ceded from the Spanish to the British in the early 18th century and for most of it's history since that time Spain has been trying to get it back. There is evidence of this wherever you go on the rock. The rock itself is honeycombed with tunnels constructed at one time or another for the purposes of adding to the defences of Gibraltar. Many of the older tunnels are open to the public and feature exhibitions of how life was for the soldiers of the day.

Many of the tunnels are most definitely not open to the public and there is considerable speculation as to what might be seen in these. You can see Rosia Bay where Admiral Lord Nelson's body was bought ashore from HMS Victory following his famous victory over a combined French and Spanish fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar. Nelson's body was returned to Britain for a hero's funeral but many of the seamen who died alongside him in the battle are buried on the rock at the Trafalgar cemetery.

Take a cable car ride to the top of the rock, stunning views of Spain and across the straights to Morocco. Up here you will also find the famous colony of Barbary apes. Rumor has it that only when the apes are no more will the British leave the Rock. A rumor taken seriously by Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of Britain during the Second World War, who on learning of their dwindling population ordered more to be bought to the Rock from Africa.

Puerto de Sotogrande is an attractive marina complex surrounded by apartments, shops, bars and restaurants. The overall design has been inspired by Portofino. There are sandy beaches to either side of the marina and golf, riding, tennis and squash courts nearby. One of the most expensive marinas on this part of the coast.

One of my favorites is Puerto de la Duquesa. Not too big and not to noisy. The marina is surrounded by apartments, shops, restaurants and bars. The marina offers free medical care to it's users. There are sandy beaches either side of the marina. The village of Sabinillas is 5 minutes walk to the north. Another bus will take you to the village of Casares which clings to the side of a mountain. Marbella, popular with the rich and famous is another bus journey away. Don't expect to see the famous on the bus though, they are the ones in the Ferraris. Hire a car and drive up to the picturesque town of Ronda.

Puerto de Estepona is a medium sized marina with the usual development of restaurants and bars.

Puerto de Jose Banus, the marina of the rich and famous and the prices reflect this. Whitewashed, Andalucian style building surround the marina, hosting boutiques, bars, restaurants and night clubs. There are several Yacht Charter and Yacht Brokerage operations within the marina complex. Marbella is 15 minutes away by car or bus. Good beach to the west of the marina which belongs to the hotel and allows berth holders access. This can be arranged at the control tower. Many golf courses in the area.

The small marina at Puerto de Marbella is surrounded by tourist developments. The marina can be noisy at night during the summer months. Wind from the east, south and southwest can produce a heavy swell within the harbour. Be prepared to double up on lines. Beaches on either side of the marina but these get very crowded during the summer months. The town itself is well worth exploring. Don't miss the famous Orange Square which can be found at the heart of the city centre.

Puerto de Cabopino is a pleasant, small harbour surrounded by Andalucian style houses which makes a nice change from the normal high rise developments. Good shelter within the harbour. Limited space for transient yachts and it is recommended that you call ahead to confirm there is a berth available. Marina charges are on the high side. Cabopino beach, with it's fine sand is reckoned to be one of the best on the Costa del Sol

Good shelter can be found at Puerto de Fuengirola. The nearby town is both noisy and very busy during the summer months. All provisions can be obtained in the town. There are good beaches on either side of the marina but these get very crowded during the summer months.

Puerto de Benalmadena is a huge marina with over 150,000 square metres of water. There is good shelter with the only swell being experienced in a W gale. Whilst the surrounding area is the usual overpowering high rise blacks the marina itself is quite attractive. It was named best marina in the world in both 1995 and 1998. There are over 200 commercial premises including boutiques, night clubs and the usual numerous restaurants and bars. There is also a sea life centre. There are good beaches on either side of the marina. Malaga airport is just 8 km away.

Puerto de Malaga is the major commercial and fishing port of the Costa del Sol. The only facilities for yachts are at the Real Club Mediterraneo de Malaga and there is little room for visitors. Malaga, known as the "City of Flowers" is both interesting and charming. It can be reached on foot from the port.

The small harbour of Puerto del Candado is found 3.5 miles E of Malaga. Suitable for vessels drawing 2m or less. With strong winds from the W - SW considerable swell builds up and the harbour becomes uncomfortable. Harbour charges are low

Puerto de Puerto Caleta de Velez is a quiet fishing harbour 22 miles to east of Malaga. There are beaches on either side of the marina.

The anchorages of Fondeadero de Neja and Cala de Miel are both worth a visit. Cala de Miel has a fresh water spring.

Marina del Este is a purpose built marina set amongst a huge housing development in a beautiful area. Wind from NE - E produces a limited amount of swell within the marina. Harbour charges are high in the summer months. There is a small beach close to the harbour and a pool at the yacht club. There are prehistoric caves to be seen at Nerja. The city of Granada and the famous Alhambra can be seen in a days trip. As can the Alpahurras valley, with it's charming villages, towered over by the magnificent Sierra Nevada.

Once a small fishing port, Puerto de Motril has developed into a commercial port serving the inland city of Granada. Beaches on either side of the harbour.

The harbour of Puerto de Adra was founded by the Phoenicians and has been in use ever since. Today it is both a commercial and fishing port. The continual movement of the fishing boats makes for much disturbance. Facilities are limited. Harbour charges are high. Beaches on either side of the harbour. Adra town is small and has little in the way of development for tourism.

Puerto de Almerimar, a very large marina with the capacity for over 1,000 boats. Excellent shelter from everything but strong SW winds when some swell can build up towards the entrance of the harbour. Prices are low. Astonishingly so compared to some other marinas on the Costa del Sol. Sandy beaches on either side of the marina. This part of the coast is covered with plastic greenhouses, it has to be seen to be appreciated both for the vast number of acres under cover and it's ugliness.

Puerto de Roquetas del Mar is a small fishing harbour. Strong winds from the SE - NE make the harbour uncomfortable.

Good shelter can be found at Puerto de del Aguadulce except with wind from the ESE which can cause some swell making conditions uncomfortable. The marina can cater for some 150 boats. The complex includes a swimming pool and squash court. Sandy beaches to the S with waters clean enough to merit a blue CE flag. Two 18 hole golf courses.

The Puerto de Almeria is a commercial & fishing port. Yachts use the Club de Mar del Almeria. There are several large rusty industrial structures close by a dominating the view and giving the place a rather grim feel. Overall the shelter is good but strong winds from the E produce swell that makes it uncomfortable within the marina. The Alcazaba inAlmeria, a Moorish castle, is well worth a visit.

More information about Cruising can be found here To find other Marine Services on the Costa del Sol visit the Marine Directory.

About the Author: Ken Jones runs www.sail-the-net.com.

Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol in Southern Spain   by Anne Sewell

You might have already visited Fuengirola in summer - too many people, burning summer heat? Time to replan your Spanish holiday!

Fuengirola is very convenient to Malaga airport - a short drive or train ride away, and is also close to Marbella and other attractions on the Costa del Sol (also known as the Costa del Golf for golfing fans!)

Other major attractions in Fuengirola include:

Bioparc Fuengirola

Right in the middle of town is an oasis of calm, a world class zoo with wonderful animals in very natural enclosures. Appropriate regional sounds play as you walk around the various areas of the zoo. Of particular interest are the Sumatra Tigers, the gorillas, and also the Lemur enclosure, with many of these fascinating creatures from Magagascar. This enclosure is open with a tour guide at certain times of the day - ask when you arrive at the zoo for a close up experience with magical lemurs. Best time to visit is either early morning (zoo opens at 10 am) or late afternoon.

The Sohail Castle:

On a hilltop, close to the centre of town is the Sohail Castle. Makes a pleasant stroll (if a bit uphill), with wonderful sea views from the top.

The port of Fuengirola consists of two sections:

1. A working fishing port where it is fascinating to watch the fishermen offloading their catches from the boats - you can also take a pleasant stroll around the port from this point and look at the many boats moored in the port, and also magnificent mountain views.

2. A leisure boat marina, with many attractive yachts and other boats. In this area are several pubs and restaurants, and also enjoyable boat trips are on offer, including sailing boats and glass bottomed boats for viewing the dolphins.

So come and visit Fuengirola and enjoy our city in the so called "off season"! You won't regret it, and will have a wonderful holiday!

About the Author: Anne Sewell lives in Fuengirola, Spain

Malaga - Costa del Sol   by David C Jackson

Malaga on the south coast of Spain is part of the Costa del Sol region in Andalusia

The port city is surrounded by mountains, lying in the southern base of the Axarquía hills, and two rivers, the Guadalmedina and the Guadalhorce. Malaga has had a rich history having been ruled under various empires until being taken over by Spain in the fifteenth century. Malaga has become a popular location for British holiday makers thanks to its comfortably warm climate and luxurious image. 

When air travel became affordable to the masses in the 1960's British people began to seek something different for their annual holiday. A visit to the Costa del Sol offered Britons an alternative culture, hot weather and golden beaches. As the Costa del Sol's main airport is located in Malaga the city became an obvious choice for spending a holiday. 

With the development of cheap flights many visitors took the decision to purchase their own holiday villa which they can rent out to other tourists when they aren't in Malaga themselves. The lower Spanish property prices mean that a villa or apartment in the Costa del Sol is affordable to a wider range of British visitors. Due to the cheap prices buyers could afford the sorts of luxuries not available to them in the UK such as swimming pools, sea views, balconies and huge gardens and patios great for barbeques and evenings by the pool.

Malaga has good transport links, as well as the cities airport the city has the Malaga-Renfe train station making Madrid just 2.5 hours away. Malaga also has a good bus service which runs regular routes around the area. 

Malaga has some popular tourist attractions including the Gibralfaro Castle, the name comes from the Moorish Jebel meaning hill and Faro meaning lighthouse. The Castle is just a short walk from the centre of Malaga and from the top offers some fantastic views over the city. Some other places worth a visit include the Cathedral, the Bullring, the Picaso museum and the Roman Theatre. So if you are looking for a destination with a hot climate, a good variety of attractions and some of the worlds finest bars and restaurants consider a visit to Malaga in the Costa del Sol.

About the Author: www.costa-del-villas.co.uk in Malaga

Marbella - Go where you can golf   by Seb Jay

It's that time of the year when you pack your bags and leave on a family vacation: but you would rather golf. Make life easier for you by combining the two in Marbella, decidedly the best spot on the globe where golfing lends itself easily to a family outing. Here you have some of the best courses in the Costa del Sol area, in addition to sunny skies, golden beaches, and stunning landscapes, with all the associated pleasures.

Golfing for the family man - Places like the Atalaya Golf & Resorts take the strain out of vacationing with family and golfing at the same time. Here they have the perfect proposition that combines two fabulous 18-hole courses, with provisions for adventure activities like kayaking, rock climbing and water sports that should keep older kids engaged. You can concentrate on a good game of golf while they can probably hear your "fore." However, this may not always work as perfectly as it sounds.

What are we supposed to do when you go golfing?!!! Now you knew that was going to come up. Not to worry, Marbella accommodates all types, not just golfers. Funny Beach is where young children get a piece of action with Go-Karts, Mini-motorbikes, trampolines and water sports.  

Or they might prefer bowling at the Mega Bowl Sports Bar, which caters to all levels from professionals to the drop-ball-on-own-foot beginners; after which one might choose to limp to the Video games centre to soothe an aching ego. Another Marbella speciality is jet-skiing using cables rather than a motor-boat.

For the golf-widow - The Contemporary Spanish Engravings Museum houses works by Picasso, Dali and others. If art is not really your thing, you can proceed to the Bonsai Museum situated in the Arroyo de la Repressa Park. If architecture is what fascinates you, head down to the Orange Square where you can gaze at the Town Hall, Magistrate's House, and the Santiago Chapel, all dating back to the 15th century or so. If it's a Monday make sure you drop in on the street market, which runs from 9.00a.m to 2 p.m. next to the Recinto Ferial Marbella, where you might find ancient treasures at bargain prices. If you are in a particularly daring mood you might even sign up for flamenco dancing classes at the Escuelas de Flamenco en Marbella.

How to move around Marbella -While local transport is available and well-connected, you would find it more convenient and time-saving to hire a car for the duration of your stay. It beats having to wait in long queues and wasting precious time that could be spent in more pleasurable activities like, say at a golf course. You could hire a car of your choice in advance, so it will be waiting for you at the airport on arrival. It would also make sense to reserve child car seats if you are travelling with small children. You can do all this online at Your-Carhire.com - specialists in Spain car rental services to ensure a happy vacation.

About the Author: Article written by Seb Jay for www.your-carhire.com - specialists for car hire in Spain.

Adventure and Water Parks near Nerja, Costa del Sol   by Lisa Tupman

Adventure Theme Parks all along the Costa del Sol in Andalucia - there are many adventure theme parks to choose from, each providing entertainment for adults and children alike. Many of the parks are located near holiday resorts that mean they are within easy reach, and many charge a fixed payment for unlimited usage of the fairground rides throughout the day. This makes them great value for the whole family.

Isla Magica in Seville is an exciting and modern amusement park, which is divided into seven themed areas centred on a lake. Each of the areas represents a different episode in Spanish 16th century history, and all offer some fantastic rides and attractions. The seven areas are Gate to the Americas, Port of the Indies, Amazonia, Pirates Cove, Fountain of Youth, El Dorado and the Fury of the Gods.

Tivoli World is a large theme park in Benalmadena, and offers the opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a fantastic day out on the Costa del Sol. Tivoli offers a world of magic to enjoy for all the family. You will enjoy exciting rides and a large and varied program of shows in different squares. Within the park can be found a large range of bars and theme restaurants for refreshments as you enjoy the fabulous park atmosphere.

Water Parks  - Water parks are an excellent alternative to spending the day at the beach and offer a fun day out for the whole family. There are two aqua parks near Nerja, one in Torre del Mar and the other in Almunecar. Both provide numerous water slides for adults and children of all ages, including pure adrenaline-rush slides for the more adventurous.

Aqua Tropic Water Park can be found next to Velilla beach in the town of Almunecar, on the Costa Tropical. The park offers a wide array of water slides including firm favourites like the kamikaze & ring-rapids. There are also a range of swimming pools with wave machine, waterfall, inflatable and revolving current to choose from. There are also plenty of green areas and eateries to relax.

Aqua Velis Water Park can be found opposite El Ingenio shopping mall in Torre del Mar. It has over 20 different rides for all ages including some super-fast slides for the more adventurous. There is an inflatable ring ride and wave machine along with a large sun terrace for sunbathers and a cafeteria serving food and drinks all day.

About the Author: Eclipse Vacations is a well-established property rentals and sales company in the centre of Nerja headed by Lisa Tupman. You are invited to visit eclipsevacations.com for Costa del Sol villas and apartments.

Estepona - Quiet Gem on the Costa del Sol in Spain  by Anne Sewell

Estepona is a wonderful little town - relatively unspoiled by tourism - and located on the Costa del Sol, about 30 minutes from Marbella, and only a short drive to Gibraltar. 

Unlike the busy towns of Marbella and Fuengirola, Estepona is relatively quiet - and the centre of town is still very traditionally Spanish.  The winding narrow streets are lined with older houses, with balconies decorated with bright geraniums, and the sound of pet birds singing in their cages makes a lovely sound as you stroll along.  Relax in the Plaza de las Flores - a beautiful town square lined with flowers and several excellent cafes and bars.

There's a coffee bar on virtually every corner of town and you will never go short on somewhere different to eat dinner, or have a light snack, or "tapas".  On the beach you will find the famous beach "chiringuitos" serving excellent sea food and other dishes, or just an ice cold drink when you need one.

The outskirts are developing, however, and there are many huge apartment blocks sprouting up, but luckily this doesn't luckily interfere with the atmosphere and attractions of the town itself.  New supermarkets and shopping centres have also been built on the outskirts, giving more shopping options for both residents and holidaymakers including the famous Carrefour and the ubiquitous McDonalds!

Running alongside the town is a beautiful Blue Flag beach, which is surprisingly quiet even in the summer months, lined by a stunning flower-strewn promenade. Estepona's beaches are in actual fact 21 kms long in total!   Walk along the promenade from town to the end of the beach (a comfortable stroll), and you will find first the lighthouse, and then the Port of Estepona.   The port is a traditional working fishing port, but there is also the addition of a modern marina, with lovely yachts, and a selection of fine restaurants serving international and Spanish cuisine and also a Yacht Club.  Definitely the place to "hang out" in the evenings, with bars and nightclubs to entertain all ages.

For history buffs, there are interesting museums to visit including the archaeological museum, the Ethnic museum and also the museum at the bull ring.  Quite a few interesting historical ruins in the town too. Selwo Aventura, close to Estepona, is the only Adventure, Animal and Nature Park in Europe - enjoy a safari drive in the warm Spanish sunshine.  200 species of animals can be viewed, and photographed.

The town retains its original bull ring which hosts not only bull fighting, but also international music concerts.

Golfers will be happy with the selection of courses, including Atalaya Golf & Country Club, El Paraiso Golf Club (designed by Gary Player), Estepona Golf, Los Almendros and Golf SotoSerena,

Plenty of attractions close by too… you can easily visit Ronda, a fascinating mountain top city, or Ojen, a beautiful traditional white village, both reasonably close by, or pop down the coast to Marbella one way, or Gibraltar in the other direction, for shopping.

In town, you will find small hotels and hostals to accommodate you in comfort, or you could go for the larger and more luxurious resort hotels on the outskirts of town.  There are many wonderful holiday apartments on offer in the town - either along the beachfront, or above the marina, giving options to suit all.

Transport-wise, the town has an efficient bus service and many taxis, but you might find that you need a hire car to travel further afield.  As for language, many workers in restaurants and shops do speak a certain amount of English, but it would be good to have your Spanish phrase book handy.

All in all, Estepona is the ideal destination for families, couples, golfers and the young.  While retaining its traditional Spanish features, it offers everything one could want for the perfect holiday, and gives you a chance to relax without the crazy crowds!

About the Author: Anne Sewell  is involved in web based accommodation reservations and advertising in Fuengirola, Spain. Visit All Spain Rural Accommodation.

The Old and the New in Torremolinos  by Seb Jay

Torremolinos mixes the modern with the quaint in some style. It is a holiday haunt popular with the young and mature alike, and for golfers it is the gateway to the Costa del Sol's forty or so golf courses.

The Old Torremolinos – La Carihuela is the old fisherman’s quarters in Torremolinos. Seemingly untouched by time it encourages visitors to bask in the aura of Spanish old-world charm. Just take a walk along the narrow lanes lined with original cottages, and you'll see what I mean. The old sea-faring atmosphere is palpable, and defines this little village even though a few of the cottages have been turned into shops and bars for the paying public. El Calvario and El Bajondillo are two other traditional neighbourhoods untouched by urban development, so much so that you could forget that modern-day Torremolinos even exists!

A Piece of History – If you head down to the historic part of town, prepare to be amazed by the architectural wonders that await you. The parish church of Nuestra Senora del Carmen, the Casa de los Navaja, and the Torre de Pimentel also known as the Torre de los Molinos from which the city takes its name, are all wonders made of stone. It might also interest you to note that archaeological discoveries belonging to the Neolithic age have been uncovered in Cortijo del Tajo.

When hunger strikes – It's seafood all the way! That’s the magic of the Mediterranean cuisine. You just can’t pass up on pescaito frito, and fish cooked any way you care to take it! Besides local fare, almost all kinds of international cuisine are available here. What more could you ask for?

A Day at the Beach – Is the perfect way to wind down and just relax on vacation in Spain. Torremolinos has some of the best-loved and cleanest beaches on the Costa del Sol coastline. El Canuelo, Montemar, Playamar, and El Lido are just some of the beautiful beaches that await your presence.

Getting around Torremolinos - Hiring a car is essential if you are to fully appreciate everything that Torremolinos and the surrounding area has to offer. If you plant on visiting several golf courses on the Costa del Sol, a car that is large enough to take your golfing equipment is vital. To avoid the hassles of trying to arrange car hire at the airport, why not visit Your-Carhire.com - specialists in Spain car rental services where you can book your hire car in advance for pick up at the airport. It's quick to do and it'll save you a lot of trouble when you arrive in Spain.

Top

About the Author: Seb Jay