The Area

 

Torremolinos

Torremolinos was a tiny fishing village until the 1950's when luxury hotels began to be built and it became one of the first places along this coast to cater to mass tourism. The town and beach areas have been considerably improved over the years with many pedestrian areas. This resort continues to attract huge numbers of holidaymakers throughout the year.

 

Benalmadena

This resort is one of the most popular on the Costa del Sol. It has many attractive sandy beaches where one can partake in practically every water-sport and an award winning Marina Development that has shops, bars and restaurants lining the quaysides.

 

Mijas

With its famous donkey taxis, attractive mountain setting, picturesque little streets and whitewashed houses, Mijas is a popular tourist destination. The views down to the coast are

stunning and a whole day can be effortlessly spent discovering the bull ring, the

mountainside park, the churches and chapels, plazas and museums.

 

Fuengirola

Fuengirola has changed unrecognisably from its earlier days as a peaceful fishing village. It boasts the longest promenade on the coast - it stretches for more than 8 kilometres and is

currently being widened and re landscaped. The long sweeping beaches appeal especially to the families who can also visit the local Zoo or Aquapark for even more fun. There are a number of historical sites worthy of a visit amongst them The Museum of the City’s History and the Castle of Solhail. The old part of the town, especially around the Plaza de la Constitutión, is a lively meeting place for the older residents and visitors.

 

La Cala de Mijas

Still essentially a Spanish village La Cala is a delightful blend of old and new. There are golden sandy beaches a small promenade and numerous eating and drinking places strewn throughout the village.

 

Calahonda/Riviera del Sol

These two urbanisation's sit side by side mid-way between Fuengirola and Marbella and

includes the popular marina of Cabopino, three golf courses, a bowls club and several tennis clubs. Very popular with holidaymakers and although there are no hotels there are several holiday complexes and plenty of privately owned holiday homes to rent.

 

Elviria

Situated between Marbella and Calahonda, Elviria has become a very popular holiday destination and is home to the famous Nikki Beach facility at the Hotel Don Carlos.  The village of Elviria has a thriving centre with Town Hall, Post Office, School, Shopping Centres and an ever growing number of Bars and Restaurants.

 

Marbella & Puerto Banus

The playground of the jet-set where restaurants, bars and even beaches are more stylish and everything costs considerably more. In Marbella the beach is glorious and there is a very long promenade, for those unhurried strolls, dotted with Chiringuitos (beach bars) serving

barbecued sardines and 'catch of the day' seafood. The 'Old Town' of Marbella with its

narrow twisting cobbled streets, boutiques, bars, restaurants and the famous Orange Square is a must - if just to experience the atmosphere. The dazzling marina of Puerto Banus with its luxurious yachts, trendy restaurants and bars serves as a magnet for visitors to the Costa del Sol. At night the place comes alive as the smart restaurants, trendy piano bars, discos and night-clubs fill up with beautiful people.

 

San Pedro

The beach here is one of the nicest on the coast with ample free parking. The sand is golden, you can hire sun-beds and parasols and there are shady clumps of palm trees with showers disguised as elephants.  All along the wide flat promenade are Bars and Restaurants where you can buy anything from a drink to a three-course meal. The town is vibrant with

interesting plazas, streets and churches. Locally there are several sites of Roman remains that can be visited.

 

Benahavis

Billed as the 'Gastronomic' centre of the Costa del Sol this small mountain village has food at its heart. A short easy drive from the coast road brings you to the village with its narrow winding streets filled with restaurants and bars of all types and sizes. In the summer it is

almost impossible to park but a visit is well worth the trouble.

 

Estepona

This former fishing village still has a working fleet and offers the attractions of a long beach, pleasant seafront promenade, a marina and at least 3 golf courses. The old town dates back to Roman and Moorish times with old castle ruins on the hill just above the town. The focal points are, the little square of the Plaza del Las Flores entered by four archways of trees , the little church on the Plaza de la Reloj and the Mercado Municipal, a covered market for fresh fruit, vegetables and fish.

SPIRIT OF SPAIN