SOUTHERN SPAIN – A WHOLE NEW WORLD

NERJA

To the East of Málaga, the picturesque town of Nerja stands on a cliff in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara. It is particularly notable for the “Balcon de Europa” viewpoint, with its magnificent views of the sea and the mountains. It has a pretty fishing district and many coves and beauty spots. In the Maro district, in a tropical setting, is the huge Cave of Nerja, with beautiful stalactites.

In the heart of the Sierra Almijara is the white washed village of Frigiliana where the “donkey-taxi” awaits to show the beauties of this delightful coastal spot.

MALAGA CAPITAL

The city of Málaga is both a commercial city and port, with a population of over half a million, it enjoys one of the best climates on the European continent.

2003 saw the opening of the Contemporary Art Centre (CAC) and the Picasso Museum turn Málaga into a great centre of art and culture. The birthplace of Pablo Picasso in La Plaza de La Merced is also open to the public.

Visitors to the city can view one of the best examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture in the Cathedral. Despite the fact that one of it’s two towers was never finished the Cathedral has high, wide naves and is noteworthy for its chapels, choir-stalls, and paintings by Cano, Morales and Coello. Next to the Cathedral can be found the “Sagrario” which boasts a magnificent Gothic-Elizabethan facade.

As well as long stretches of beach the city is also home to several parks and gardens, full of sub tropical species from every continent in the world.

The majestic Christian processions which take place at Easter and in August offer the best opportunity to witness the city’s most popular traditions which are more than worthy of a visitors interest.

TORREMOLINOS

Located to the west of Malaga – Torremolinos first became a major tourist destination in the 1960’s – and is still the heart of tourist country with crowded beaches, an abundance of British bars and restaurants to cater for most tastes. The area “La Carihuela” is known world-wide for it’s speciality fried fish dishes.

Torremolinos is the ideal place to enjoy long days on the beach and fun filled nights out to suit all tastes. The “Romería de San Miguel” is an open air festival that takes place at the end of September each year and is considered to be one of the best in Andalucia.

BENALMADENA

Tapas bars, a wide range of cuisine and the open character of the people make this town a fun place to be with a nightlife which is second to none. The beaches, Bil Bil Castle and the delightful marina, declared one of the world’s finest for its housing complex, make Benalmádena a charming place to stay.

The new Puerto Marina is the place to go for young "party goers". Popular with locals and tourists alike it has a distinctly international feel to it and the area is crammed with a variety of night-clubs and bars playing the latest music and staying open until sunrise (or later).

Prices are slightly more expensive than those in Malaga city centre, however most people should find them in line with prices from their home countries or similar tourist resorts. The town boasts a sea-life centre and the Tivoli World theme park. Benalmádena Costa has aimed for a more family based clientele than the "young, fun-in-the-sun" image associated with Torremolinos.

The Torrequebrada hotel to the west of the town is one of the finest in the area, with a golf course, casino, restaurants and an international show.

BENALMADENA PUEBLO

The original heart of Benalmádena remains as a typical Andalucian village in the foothills of the mountains which sweep down to the shore. The narrow, flower-filled streets hold plenty of traces of the former civilisations which used to exist in the area. This picturesque village and its coastline are eminently suitable for tourism, with a population of over 60,000 people at the height of the season.

FUENGIROLA

Located just twenty minutes from Málaga airport. The “cercanías” train service provides easy access to the popular nearby towns of Arroyo de la Miel, Torremolinos and Málaga capital. Fuengirola is probably most famous for its long stretch of sandy beach, which is flanked by residential blocks of apartments and hotels, offering magnificent views of the Mediterranean and coastline. The recent rejuvenation programme by the local townhall has provided a wide sea front promenade lined with palm trees and colourful flower beds as well as underground parking in the main church square. There is ample seating both in the square and along the seafront to sit and watch the world go by.

The advantage of staying in Fuengirola is that it is not a typical seaside town with rows upon rows of overpriced, low quality souvenir shops. It has an excellent selection of supermarkets and competitively priced shops, as well as a large variety of restaurants to offer the residents. On Tuesdays Fuengirola plays host to the largest and liveliest street market on the coast. There is also boot sale held in the town’s fairground every Saturday morning with an intriguing selection of items for sale.

There is certainly no shortage of things to do for holidaymakers, activities range from family fun such as a visit to the local water park “ Parque Aquatico” to a trip to the zoo to host of any number of sea sports. A leisurely sight seeing tour on a horse-drawn carriage, or by foot, will show particularly recommended Los Boliches which still reflects the ambience of a bygone era with narrow streets, neighbourhood shops and traditional white washed houses which once belonged to the local fishermen.

Annual fiestas here include the “Feria de los Pueblos” when nationals from various countries set up stalls in the fair ground to promote the best of their home countries – the feast of the Virgin del Carmen in July when local fisherman carry an effigy of the Virgin out to sea , while a colourful feria takes place in October and is the time when the town really comes to life with flamenco, fino ... (dry sherry) and fun which carries on from dawn to dusk for a week and sees visitors from around the world flocking to Fuengirola to enjoy the town’s typical festivities.

 

MIJAS

One of the most famous Pueblos Blancos (white villages) in Spain set amongst pine forests and lush vegetation on the side of the Sierra de Mijas hills, Mijas offers superb views over Fuengirola and the Mediterranean.

The area has become a favourite with artists and the narrow streets are filled with ceramic shops and artisan crafts. The Romans developed a fortress on the site, which was conquered by the Moors in the 8th Century. It is rumoured that underneath the Iglesia Parroquial de la Inmaculada Concepcion run tunnels where the villagers hid from Franco's armies.

The festival of the “Virgen de la Peña” is held every September 7th-11th and includes various celebrations including a “running of the bulls” and flamenco dancing.

Mijas is also home to the Spanish Derby run at the Costa del Sol Racecourse – join in the fun on Sunday afternoons or when the summer sun heats up ..........on Saturday evenings.

CALAHONDA

Located between the two most important cities of the area, Marbella and Fuengirola, 25 minutes from the International Airport of Malaga. Sitio de Calahonda is one of the largest urbanisations on the Costa del Sol. The splendid climate throughout the year makes it an excellent residential location with various medical centres, commercial centres, banks, language schools and service companies.

MARBELLA

World famous for its gardens and beaches, the jewel in the Costa del Sol’s crown offers a most special panorama, a contrast of sea, mountains, village and cosmopolitan city, where fishermen rub shoulders with the wealthy tourists in the summer.

Inhabited by Romans, Arabs and later, Christians, Marbella has become a tourist resort of international renown due to the importance of its marinas and its excellent golf courses.

The beautiful old town, the “Cilniana “ Roman archaeological site and the famous Puerto Banús give Marbella a special charm which has been recognised by many leading personalities who have not hesitated in choosing this coastal town as their ideal place to live.

SAN PEDRO DE ALCANTARA

Located 10 kilometres west from the jet set town of Marbella and 20 km from the town of Estepona. It has an appeal all of its own so it’s a good idea to visit the central plaza and surrounding narrow streets which are packed with intriguing small shops, sidewalk cafes and bars. Thursday is the town’s street market day and a bargain shopper's paradise.

San Pedro also has the last summer fair ( feria ) in Andalucia held in the second week in October. The local tourist office will be happy to supply timings for all events.

ESTEPONA

One of the few coastal towns that has, despite it’s rapid tourism growth, has succeeded in maintaining its pueblo charm and character. All the required tourist facilities are located here, including hotels, restaurants, leisure and cultural activities, and shops.

The various street coffee shops and tapas bars still serve traditional Spanish delicacies. You will find a selection of unusual shops and bodegas in Estepona, where you'd least expect them, all very inviting, very friendly - and reasonably priced.