Benalmadena
Benalmadena is a municipality of the province of Malaga consisting of three main urban areas; Benalmadena Pueblo, Benalmadena Costa and Arroyo de la Miel. The city of Malaga is about 12 km to the east with Marbella 42 km to the west of Benalmadena. The area has grown rapidly in recent decades due to tourism and has become one of the Costa del Sol's prime locations. Over the last number of years the local council has spent a lot of time and money upgrading the image of Benalmadena and also the infracture has greatly improved with beautiful parks and promenades and beaches and also the lovely Marina. A very safe and secure area now to holiday or live on a full time basis. So if you have not been here for a number of years it is well worth a visit to see the changes. Malaga airport is only a 15 minute drive away.
Benalmadena Costa is home to the majority of the areas attractions, the foremost of which is probably the golden sandy beaches, which run off into the Mediterranean Sea. There are restaurants and bars to suit all types and tastes and the area retains a relaxed friendly atmosphere all year round.
With such a wide and varied array of activities and things to do any visitor will be hard pressed to find a moment of boredom when visiting Benalmadena, a town which is truly more than just a resort.
You have something for all the family here Golf, beautiful sandy beaches and promenades, Marina, Tivoli Amusement park for the kids, Parque Paloma, Cable car with stunning views, Water world . Sea Life center in the Marina, Selwo adventure park etc…
Malaga airport is only 20 minutes away by train which is located in the Arroyo de la Miel area. You have life all year around here and have the choice of so much to do or just sit in one of the many beach/promenade cafes and watch the world go by.
Malaga
Malaga is a key destination in Andalucía - not only is it the birthplace of the famous painter Pablo Picasso, but it has a raft of incredibly beautiful monuments like the Alcazaba, the Cathedral and the Roman Theatre.
Its cultural agenda includes the famous Semana Santa de Malaga (Malaga's Holy Week at Easter ), which has been declared a Festivity of International Cultural Interest. During the week of this festival, the demand for hotels in Malaga considerably increases with tourists from all over the country flocking to the city.
Malaga is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and boasts a great museum of the works of this famous painter. In total there are around 20 museums located in the historic centre, which can be reached comfortably on foot. Museums aside, there's plenty to be said for enjoying a walk through the old city, whose terraces and shops extend out from the main thoroughfares of the Alameda Park and Calle Larios.
In Malaga you can combine a relaxed visit to an increasingly attractive Mediterranean city with a growing supply of culture and museums and the traditional excellent gastronomy, entertainment and nightlife - as well, of course, as plenty of nearby beaches and bustling beach bars and the newly designed and opened Malaga port and Marina with all its shops and restaurants and bars.
While many of the resorts along the Costa del Sol often receive a large number of visitors concentrated during the summer months, Malaga city is perfect for a city as you have life throughout the year. What's more, just a few kilometres away from the city there are countless fantastic natural spaces with plenty of hiking trails and charming white villages for day trips.
Marbella
Marbella's motto is "A Way of Life" and, certainly, this luxurious resort town seems to have it all and is, once again, rising to the fore as a favourite location with the rich and famous, as well as more ordinary folk who are willing to pay just a little bit extra for southern Spain's answer to St Tropez.
But Marbella has a down to earth side as well, an air of individuality which can be best appreciated by exploring back streets in the old part of town. There just so happens to be parking all over the old town making it convenient to drive to and visit. One of the prettiest places is the fabled 'Orange Square' which is located just off the main street in the older district and is also home to the 16th century town hall and tourist office where you can pick up a detailed map and visitor information.
Back to Orange Square, or "La Plaza de los Naranjas", as it is called in Spanish, expect to meet with stately buildings, small shops, art galleries, bars and bistros and is a hub of activity day and night. And, depending on the time of year, the colours here can be vibrant, with the trees and exotic tropical plants set against a backdrop of dazzling white buildings and a deep blue sky.
Be sure to explore the honeycomb of surrounding narrow streets where homes and shops intermingle to create the atmosphere of a small village, rather than a cosmopolitan town. There are numerous excellent restaurants to choose from, ranging from those specialising in the predictably pricey exclusive cordon bleu to the gritty individuality of a backstreet Spanish bar where the Serrano ham is gently cured by tobacco smoke and the tapas are both tasty and filling.
Back towards the coast is the La Alameda Park where you can book your personal horse and carriage to travel in style or, if you prefer, stroll on towards the sea along the Avenida del Mar. This is arguably one of the most delightful promenades on the costa, flanked by classy restaurants and bars
Marbella is about 40 minutes' drive from Malaga airport and you also have the option to take a direct bus from the airport to the central bus station.
Marbella is made up of Marbella town and old town. The Golden Mile, Sierra Blanca which is made up of Luxury Villas and apartment about 7 minute drive from town centre.
Marbella East is made up of Cabopino, Las Chapas, Elviria, Los Monteros, Bahai de Marbella etc.
Marbella West is made up of Puerto Banus, Nueva Andalucia, Aloha, La Quinta,San Pedro, Guadalmina etc.
La Cala de Mijas
La Cala de Mijas is one of the original fishing villages situated on the Costa del Sol, in the province of Malaga. A charming village with a restored Moorish tower, a friendly village atmosphere and lots of appeal.
Located between the towns of Fuengirola and Marbella, close to popular urbanization of Calahonda, La Cala de Mijas is a very popular town with many good restaurants, shops, chemist and beach-front bars. Malaga International Airport is just 25 minute drive away.
The town offers a nice easy paced life, not taken over completely by tourism, but with good facilities, a lovely golden sand beach and close to larger towns offering more action.
La Cala de Mijas might be small, but it is packed with dining out choices. From typically Spanish 'Menu del Dia' restaurants, seafood, a Goan Indian Restaurant, British, Thai and a good old Irish pub. Spoilt for choice you will be.
You have a lovely beach and promenade here and all the local shops and restaurants, banks, church and supermarkets. Public transport runs every 30 minutes. You also have a large market here every Saturday.
You have a choice of 3 major golf courses within a 5 minute drive. Again a town with life all year around and a great heart and soul to this village.
Torremolinos
Torremolinos has thankfully long outgrown its Monty Python spam and chips image and, over recent years, has evolved as an attractive and appealing resort noted for its clean sandy beaches, wide choice of hotels and restaurants and unparalleled variety of entertainment, activities and nightlife available.
Torremolinos is located 7km west of Malaga airport and was the first Costa del Sol resort to be developed back in the early sixties when it was little more than a sleepy village, still today the town reflects its heritage with several of the original fresh fish bars located right in the shopping centre, incongruously flanked by exclusive boutiques and gift shops. In general, however, the wave of tourists who descended on the town in the fifties and sixties changed the face of Torremolinos for ever.
Over the years, Torremolinos has evolved as an attractive and appealing resort, noted for its clean sandy beaches, wide choice of hotels and restaurants and unparalleled variety of entertainment, activities and nightlife available. At the height of summer, the resort has a great appeal for the younger set, with a reputation for its hectic nightlife. Out of season, however, it takes on a different character. Now practically a suburb of Malaga, the atmosphere is much more Spanish, especially at weekends, with an air of friendliness and welcome.
Packed with tantalising shops, thronging with people of every nationality and located right at the heart of the town is the pedestrian only Calle San Miguel, the main artery of the town. This smartly paved pedestrianized street is lined with boutiques and shops with a great variety of goods on offer, attracting a constant flow of people. The Cuesta del Tajo, at the end of San Miguel, leads down a steep flight of steps through the old fishing district of El Bajondillo. This is a popular, picturesque area lined with restaurants and market-style kiosks, selling souvenirs. Down at the bottom is the beach of El Bajondillo.
The seafront promenade, Paseo Maritimo, extends east to Playamar and west to La Carihuela, now continuing as far as Benalmadena Marina. The walk to La Carihuela offers pleasant sea views and some dramatic rock formations, before entering the old fishing village of La Carihuela which is a delightful area of picturesque simple houses and bougainvillea clad patios where old men play dominoes and drink anis. Many of the original cottages still exist and not all have been turned into bars or shops. Some have stood still in time. Wander around the area early one morning before the tourists wake up and see a different world. This is the area also known for its excellent seafood restaurants and chiringuitos (beach bars).
The area of El Calvario is less known to the average tourist. Located to the north of the main road which cuts through Torremolinos, it offers a quieter area of small streets of bars, with an appeal to those who prefer to be away from the bustle of the centre.
Mijas Pueblo
One of the jewels of the Costa del Sol is the beautiful little village of Mijas, which nestles comfortably in the mountainside at 428 meters above sea level; it is a superb choice for either holiday or full time living. Of the 7,500 population, there are so many foreign and English speaking residents in and around the pueblo that the Town Hall has a very helpful Foreigner's Department, which caters for the many needs of those who do not speak Spanish.
The nearest main town is the Spanish sea-side resort Fuengirola 10 minutes, Malaga airport is 25 minutes by car.
Mijas has managed to retain much of its "white village" charm, with cobbled, narrow winding streets, dazzling whitewashed walls and breath-taking views.
When you wander through the narrow cobbled streets of this Andalucian village, you can understand what has attracted foreigners to settle here over the years. Many artists and writers have made it their home, enjoying the benefits of an excellent all year round climate, without being part of the busier, more commercial coastal towns just 7 kilometres down the mountain side. Despite its huge popularity with tourists, Mijas Pueblo has somehow managed to retain much of its traditional Andalucian way of life, the locals displaying their unabashed passion for all things festive and an unmistakable relaxed 'mañana' outlook on anything that can be put off for another day.
The craft shops have some wonderful handmade pottery and often affordable paintings and prints by acclaimed local artists, such as Don Clarke and Michele Lehmann. A holiday memento could turn out to be a sound investment.
Public transport to and from Mijas Pueblo is excellent and there are regular bus services which operates to several different destinations.
You haven't experienced the real Spain until you enjoy one of Spain's many festivals. The local fiesta is the moment when every town and village strives to put on a splendid show, not only for themselves but also for those who come from afar to admire and enjoy. Over 3,000 fiestas are celebrated every year in Andalucía including fairs, pilgrimages, carnivals, and religious processions.
The Easter week processions in Mijas are very pretty and worth visiting. The parade leaves the village church to wind slowly around the narrow, cobbled streets, with their lifelike statues of Christ on the Cross and his mother the Virgin Mary in mourning. Elaborate costumes are worn and much time is taken on the decorations.
Fuengirola
Only 25km from Malaga International Airport is the town of Fuengirola – one of the most popular destinations on the Costa del Sol. Easily accessible by road, rail or bus, it is not difficult to see why this buzzing cosmopolitan town on the Mediterranean is the number one choice for so many different kinds of people.
Previously, a tiny fishing village, Fuengirola has become a vibrant metropolis with character. The advent of many up-market tapas bars, good cafes and restaurants, interspersed with chic boutiques and other shops of interest, as well as fabulous beaches makes it the perfect holiday destination. The main square, Plaza de la Constitución, has been re-designed but still retains its unique enchantment. It looks pretty especially at Christmas, when it is decorated with very attractive lights and ornaments. It is also attractive during the Fuengirola summer feria, when the whole town takes part in the annual street celebrations. A walk down the narrow, pedestrian streets leading off the main square is a voyage of discovery for the many visitors, who come across some of the hidden secrets and delightful corners of this friendly Andalucian town.
If you are planning to re-visit Fuengirola after a gap of 10 years or more, prepare yourself to take in the changes. If you are considering a first time visit, you are sure to be impressed with the atmosphere, amenities and wide choice of accommodation and property for sale (in case, like most people, you want to stay a little longer!). In recent years the municipality has made enormous investments towards improving the infrastructure in Fuengirola, not only to maintain a healthy and happy tourist trade, but also to make this a wonderful place to live. The results speak for themselves and have brought Fuengirola into the 21st century, while never losing sight of the rich historic past and traditional Andalucian roots.
Puerto Banús
Puerto Banús is located in the Nueva Andalucía suburb of Marbella, 6km to the west of the town centre, just before you reach the small town of San Pedro .Although it may at first appear as a developed old Spanish fishing village with an impressive mountain backdrop, Puerto Banús was in fact designed and built in 1970 by local property developer José Banús as a luxury marina and shopping complex.
Officially named Puerto Jose Banús, after the architect who designed the town, Puerto Banús is known as Costa del Sol's playground for the rich and wealthy who comes here for the beaches, the beach clubs and the buzzing nightlife. The shops and restaurants reflect this expensive lifestyle, with plenty of designer names on offer around the marina. If you enjoy people-watching and are there during the summer months you'll never be short of pop stars or TV stars to spot. If sports cars and big boats are more your thing, don't worry, there are plenty of Ferraris and luxury yachts to admire.
Puerto Banús is home to three beaches: Playa Nueva Andalucía, Playa Puerto Banús (also known as Playa de Levante) and Playa del Rio Verde.
The three beaches are all very different from each other, so you are sure to find one that suits your taste. Playa Nueva Andalucía and Playa del Rio Verde have both been awarded a blue flag by the European Union for their excellent facilities and high standards of cleanliness.
Despite being fairly small in size, Puerto Banús is a haven for shop-a-holics. With everything from one of the biggest Corte Ingles department stores in Spain and plenty of high street names, to top-end designer boutiques, Puerto Banús has it all.
The town has several shopping centres, including Marina Banús and Centro Plaza, however you will find the majority of the town's designer labels in the marina area, along Calle Ribera.
Puerto Banús has plenty of restaurants to choose from. The majority are located around the marina and waterfront, with some also in Plaza Antonio Banderas.
Malaga airport is a 40 minute drive and Marbella a 5 minute drive approximately.
San Pedro de Alcántara
San Pedro de Alcántara is in an ideal situation, just 10 kilometres west from all the glitz and glamour of Marbella, yet just a few minutes' drive away from the natural beauty of the Sierra de Ronda mountain range and 20 km from the town of Estepona. An ancient farming community, once famous for sugar cane, today San Pedro is a refreshingly unspoilt pueblo with an appeal all of its own. Malaga airport is 40 minute drive approximately.
Be sure to head for the central plaza here with its gracious parish church and surrounding narrow streets which are packed with intriguing small shops, sidewalk cafes and bars. Thursday is street market day with all the associated hustle and bustle; a veritable bargain shopper's paradise.
A pleasant walk is from the centre of town to the beachfront along the Avenida del Marques del Duero which is a particularly attractive wide avenue flanked by palm trees. And the modern wide promenade is ideal for continuing your stroll (or skateboarding!) with several excellent Chiringuitos (beachside restaurants) specialising in fish dishes. Visit Bora Bora if only for a drink at the bar. It is one of the best beach clubs on the coast, with a superb restaurant and all the usual beach facilities, a tropical paradise.
San Pedro also has the last summer fair (feria) in Andalucía being in the second week in October.
Nueva Alcántara is the newer zone to the beach side of the coast road underpass.A new park is nearly finished which is on top of the new underpass and it is been developed for houses shops, restaurants, hotels, walkways and green areas etc.
Estepona
Estepona with an overall population of 80,000, the 'old town', as it is known, is a bustling and atmospheric centre and about 60 minute drive from Malaga airport. Gibraltar and its airport is about 35 minutes' drive.
Estepona is one of the few coastal towns that have succeeded in maintaining its pueblo charm and character, despite the onslaught of tourism. Notwithstanding, all the tourist facilities are here, including hotels, restaurants, leisure and cultural activities, and shops
The flip side is that the numerous street cafes and tapas bars still serve traditional Spanish delicacies and the steep, cobbled, narrow streets seem more suited to horses than cars. You'll also find unusual shops and bodegas in Estepona, where you'd least expect them, all very inviting, very friendly - and very cheap! The Estepona Marina is situated at the west end of the seafront promenade. This is a very pleasant place for a stroll and there are some magnificent boats moored here. There are, also a wide variety of excellent bars and restaurants, open both midday and in the evening while younger revellers can enjoy the late night disco bars. There is a popular tourist market here on a Sunday morning.
There are several beaches and a fantastic promenade that stretches several km.
The Café Central on the corner is one of the town's most popular cafés. It is commonly known locally as the Manicomio or 'mad house' presumably referring to a building that once stood on this site. Take a look at the old photos of Estepona on display here. If there has been a recent town event or procession, photos of this will probably also be on display.
If time permits, have a look at the shops on Calle Terraza and Real, and stop in at one of the traditional bars on Calle Caridad for an ice-cold fino (sherry) and tapa.
Walk up to the attractive Plaza de las Flores. On one side is the historic building (old Casa de la Cultura) containing the Garo art collection.
Walk west to view the Clock Tower, the municipal market, the old town hall forthe Archiological Museum, and the Castle of San Luis. Wander around the many pedestrianised streets that have been beautifully styled and decorated with plant pots and hanging baskets. Ideal for photographs.
Duquesa
Puerto de la Duquesa really is one of the Costa del Sol's best marinas. Although within easy reach of the airports of Malaga (75 minutes) and Gibraltar (25 minutes), La Duquesa seems like a thousand miles away from the throng of the holiday resorts.
La Duquesa enjoys an advantageous location to the west of Marbella sometimes called "the Other Costa del Sol". The essence in this distinction is that the area retains a vast amount of unspoiled natural scenery and authentic local character - while sharing the fantastic climate and all the excellent services and infrastructure of the rest of the Costa del Sol. This is primarily due to a limited and well-managed development. The result: an ideal balance of relaxed living with easy access to every imaginable amenity. In other words, quality of life.
The beautiful port of La Duquesa offers full Marina for boating enthusiasts as well as a myriad of attractions for those with no aspirations to take to the water for those that a do a number of companies offer Jet Boat, Wake Board, Boat trips and Scuba Diving. The attractive promenades encircling the port offer a variety of restaurants, intimate bars and cafes in which to while away the days.
On the east side (Muelle de Levante) a number of cafe bars face the Marina due to the afternoon sun make a very pleasant place to have a snack or a drink and watch the world go by. H2O and Dolphin Bar are such bars along with La Marine on the corner.
The vast choice of eating options include French, Italian, Chinese, Indian, Thai and, of course, Spanish with its fresh, local fish.
In the summer weekend evenings the port hosts a unique Crafts Market, popular with the local residents as well as visitors.
Mijas Costa
Mijas Costa is the part of the municipality of Mijas which covers the 12 kilometre stretch of coastline joining (from East to West) El Chaparral, La Cala and Calahonda and takes in the three major urbanisations, Miraflores, Riviera del Sol and Sitio de Calahonda. Although just a twenty minute drive from little village of Mijas which is still steeped in the old Andalucian traditions and customs, the residential and beach life of the coast is very much 21st century.
The beach life offers water sports ranging from jet skis, water-skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, parapenting and more.
The three large urbanisations, Sitio de Calahonda and Riviera del Sol and Miraflores are catchment areas forming large villages in their own right and have all the amenities such as commercial centres, supermarkets, golf course, sports centres, bars and restaurants for everyday living. Many foreign residents live here permanently and in summer, it is also very popular with holidaymakers with hotels and rented properties. Due to the great number of English speaking residents and visitors, it is easy to find English medical centres and most people there can speak English. The main A7 motorway divides the sea side from the mountain side, but the outlook is the almost-always blue horizon onto the sparkling Mediterranean.
Malaga is approximately 30 minutes' drive with a regular bus service every 30 minutes and the main Train station of Fuengirola only a 15 minute drive which will then take you to Malaga airport in 30 minutes.
