Nerja

This one time fishing village found some 45 minutes east of Malaga airport, is the largest resort on the eastern Costa del Sol and remains somewhat less unspoilt compared to its western counterparts. Nerja has resisted the influx of high-rise apartments blocks in favour of a more traditional and relaxed atmosphere in a more typical Spanish environment.

Set below the foothills of the stunning Almijara mountain range, and with views out to the Mediterranean Sea, Nerja is a popular destination for young and old alike. Nerja is hugely popular as a holiday location, and as a result there are many excellent villas and apartments to choose from, for those wishing to purchase.

The winding cobbled streets of the whitewashed old town all lead to the Balcon De Europa (named by King Alfonso XII on a visit in 1885)– which offers a palm lined promenade leading to a spectacular viewpoint carved out of the rocky headland. Here you can relax in one of the bars that surround the square or wander down to one of the coved beaches that lie below the headland. Here, you will also find the beautiful Iglesia Del Salvador church where if you are lucky you may be see one of the many Spanish weddings that take place here over the course of the summer.

Nerja has a good selection of beaches to choose from – from the Playa Torricilla located adjacent to the town centre to the popular beach resort of Burriana located to the east of the town with its selection of bars restaurants and beach front Chiringuitos.

Recommendations

Ayo – Burriana Beach

Go on a Sunday and experience the giant paellas cooked on the beach front.

El Puente – C/Carretera

Located on the cobbled bridge as you enter Nerja, this offers a lovely sun terrace and a quality menu and competitive prices.

Casa Luque – Plaza Cavana

Nouvelle Spanish cuisine and tapas served in stylish surroundings with a panoramic terrace

Udo Heimer – Pueblo Andaluz www.udoheimer.net

Elegant dining in sumptuous surroundings.

Pinnochios – Calle Cristo

Inexpensive but friendly and tasty Italian menu.

Activities 

Frigiliana

Just four kilometres inland from Nerja, clinging to the lower slopes of Monte el Fuerte lies the pretty little whitewashed village of Frigiliana. In this ancient Moorish settlement where originally only those Moors who converted to Christianity were allowed to live you will find a maze of geranium and bougainvillea adorned cobbled streets that wind endlessly upwards. Much of the town’s history can be learned from reading a series of ceramic plaques posted about the streets of its historic section.

Steeped in great history this beautiful White village is a haven of tranquillity and tradition that is truly appreciated by the locals making it the most honoured town within the Axarquia province. In the 1980’s the town was awarded by the tourist department of Spain 1st prize for the most beautiful place in Spain. An early contribution to this was the law introduced by the incumbent mayor in 1971; he declared that everyone in Frigiliana must whitewash their houses once a year – a law that is still enforced today. Due to its unrivalled charm Frigiliana attracts a vast number of tourists during the summer months. Sunny summer days can be spent enjoying a light refreshment in one of its numerous bars and cafes, taking in the sights of some of its enduring processions and fiestas or exploring the area by taking a walk through olive groves, avocado plantations and lines of almond trees.

Only ten minutes drive from the beaches of Nerja and Maro, Frigiliana enjoys stunning views down to the coastline, many fine restaurants offering local dishes such as ‘choto con salsa almendra’ (kid in almond sauce) and many good shops selling local wines and craft items.

Recommendations

La Bodeguilla Calle Chorruelo 7 & Calle El Garral 2

Lovely family run restaurant in the upper village.

Taberna del Sacristan Plaza de la Iglesia 12

Upmarket restaurant on main square with terrace fronting the Church of San Antonio

Attractions

Frigiliana Ghost Tour. Evening tour of story telling & amazing illusions. Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays at 8.45pm. Call +34 607 545 299 for details.

Mijas

	Set in the hills some 8km above Fuengirola, you will find the beautiful whitewashed village of Mijas. Despite the influx of tourism over the past 20 years, Mijas has managed to retain its Moorish charm and is ideal for those wishing to have a relaxing break in a typical Spanish location.

The Ancient Plaza de Toros which claims to be the only rectangular bullring in Andalucia is a good starting point to enjoy an early morning coffee and watch the world go by.

Perhaps one of the most unusual sights is the hermitage of El Puerto which is visible from almost anywhere within the village!

Arts and crafts are particularly popular here in Mijas, in particular wicker, plus the locally produced bread and honey.

Recommendations

El Mirlo Blanco – Plaza Constitucion

Basque restaurant serving typical dishes.

Bar La Gamba – c/San Sebastian

Good selection of Spanish dishes including paella.

Bar Restaurant Alarcon – c/Lasta

Dine on the beautiful roof terrace with spectacular views.

Max Beach – Riviera del Sol Km 198 Mijas Costa

Fine Belgium cuisine in a stylish beachfront setting

Activities

Torrox  

Torrox is situated on the eastern end of the Costa del Sol and just 5 km west of Nerja.

Split into two parts, the first being its coastal resort ‘Torrox Costa’ with its sunny promenade and 9 km of beach and the second its more authentic Spanish counterpart Torrox Pueblo situated 4km inland. Both areas are very different in atmosphere. While Torrox Costa is a modern resort, Torrox pueblo has the tranquillity of a relaxed and rural community. Torrox Costa, favoured largely by Germans and Scandinavians offers a wide range of amenities and restaurants, bars and water-sports. Additionally Golf courses can also be found only a short drive along the coast.

Sites of historical interest can also be found, immediately west of its lighthouse are the remains of a Roman necropolis and villa. Evidence of an important and established community in the area with many of the Mosaics and utensils found now housed in Museums in Malaga and Barcelona.

Charming Torrox Pueblo is a pretty and sizeable village of white washed houses clinging to the steep hillside slopes on which the town was built. The main square is typically Spanish and great for enjoying the local wines and tapas with fountain gardens, small bars and market. Much of the towns urban structure is Moorish, with its winding, narrow streets and it is said to be the birthplace of the great vizier, Almanzor in AD938. Almanzo’s route runs through the village with his history retold on decorative ceramic tiles.

Recommendations

Graham & Angies – Paseo Maritimo, Torrox Costa

Thai & Traditional cuisine

La Meta – Plaza de la Constitucion, Torrox pueblo

International café/bar serving tapas & meals

Activities

La Herradura

The bay of La Herradura is a fishing village-resort suburb of Almunecar and one of the prettiest bays along the southern coast of Spain. Together they form the main tourist area of the Costa Tropical, which lies between the Costa del Sol to the West and Almeria to the East. Unlike most resorts, development has been restricted here and height restrictions are in place to maintain its traditional Spanish aspect of whitewashed buildings climbing up the hill from the beach.

Along the length of the bay many beach bars can be found as well as the availability of water sports. Numerous companies offer various variety of sport and equipment hire. Divers will find this area of particular interest. In recent years Ls Herradura has expanded eastward along the coast towards the next headland of Punta De La Mona. This gives great views of the spur of Almunecar and its castle. Protected by the bay of Punta de la Mona is the pretty harbour of Marina del Este, which can be considered as one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Here you can enjoy a relaxing meal at a variety of waterside bars and restaurants.

Recommendations

El Tinao – Paseo Maritimo seafront

Friendly little bar with good ‘raciones’ available.

Bonache – Paseo Andres Segovia

Frontline Wine bar

La Sardina – Paseo Andres Segovia

Beachfront Chiringuito/Restaurant

Marina Playa – Puerto Depotivo, Marina del Este

Chiringuito, Restaurant & Cocktail Bar

El Barco – Puerto Deportivo, Marina del Este

International Restaurant/Bar next to marina

Activities

• Market Day – Friday
• Diving
• Dia de San Jose (March 19 th) – The patron saint of La Herradura. Week long fair ending on March 19th with procession and fireworks on the beachfront.
• Yacht Trips
• Hand – Gliding
• Windsurfing
• Sailing

Competa

Competa sits about 650 metres above sea level in the Sierra Almijara and 30 minutes drive from the beaches of Torre del Mar and Torrox Costa. From its pretty white houses and flower-lined streets are spectacular views out to sea as well as beautiful vistas of the mountains and Andalucian countryside.

Originally a Moorish settlement, the town retains a relaxed atmosphere whilst offering all that is required for contemporary living; banks, bars, restaurants and shops. Competa’s focal point is it’s charming main square known as Plaza de Almijara which sits beneath the lofty bell tower of the 16 th century church of Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion. Here you can relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the village whilst enjoying a refreshment in one of its bars or restaurants.

On August 15 th each year the village holds its annual fiesta ‘Noche del Vino’ when hundreds of barrels are rolled through the village and local revellers gather to sample as much of the free vino made from the local Muscatel grape as they can manage.

For the active traveller, Competa’s surrounding National Park of Tajeda offers stunning walks through the pine forests and olive terraces. The forest trail to Venta Panaderos by the casa de la Mina commands breathtaking views of the Almijara hills of Verde, Tres Cruces and many more.

Recommendations

Bar-Restaurante Perico – Plaza Almijara

Spanish menu situated in the village’s main square

El Pilon – Calle Laberinto s/n

International cuisine

Activities

Fuengirola

A lively and popular resort just 15 minutes from Malaga, Fuengirola appeals mainly to young families and older people, the latter arriving throughout the year. The resort has changed immeasurably since its days as a simple fishing village and now offers a huge array of bars, nightclubs and shops. Less costly than Marbella and more sedate than Torremolinos, Fuengirola does indeed offer something for everyone.

Two of the resorts main sights are the restored and impressive Castillo de Sohail located on the road West out of the town which commands impressive views of Fuengirola and out to sea.

The other, at the Eastern end of the Paseo Maritimo lye the remains of a Roman temple. However, Fuengirola’s main draw is its7km of beach and bar lined promenade, which is possibly the longest in the Mediterranean. Here there is an abundance of sunloungers and pedal boats for hire and at the far end a windsurfing school for the energetic and adventurous. Just a short stroll from the promenade is Santa Fe, one of the resorts older areas.

A contrast of narrow streets, whitewashed houses and fine restaurants offering alfresco dining. Along the pedestrianised Calle Moncayo you will also find the Plaza de la Constitucion, which is dominated by the main church and offers a good choice of atmospheric eateries.

Recommendations

Meson del Mar – Paseo Maritimo Rey de Espana

Delightful restaurant with excellent sea front terrace.

La Abadia – Plaza Picasso 4

Specialising in meat and fish dishes with terrace on the square.

Restaurante Portofino – Paseo Maritimo Rey de Espana

Serves classy international and Italian dishes.

Activities

Benalmadena

Located between Torremolinos and Funegirola lies Benalmadena. The town is divided into three parts – Benalmadena Costa which is the main tourist area with its numerous beaches and bars, Arroyo De La Miel and Benalmadena Pueblo – the charming hilltop original village which has a number of traditional places to eat and stay.

At the Costa, you can choose from 9km of clean beaches which are all situated to the west of the new Puerto Marina with its choice of shops, bars and restaurants surrounded by the many seafront apartments and moorings. The resort itself is one of the most popular family destinations on the Costa del Sol with its choice of bars, restaurants, local attractions and a range of evening entertainment.

One of the major attractions of the area is Tivoli World, the Costa del Sol’s biggest amusement park that offers a wide range of rides, restaurants and shows for all the family. Additionally, there is the Sea Life centre plus the Teleferico – a cable car ride that takes you from Tivoli Word up to the peak of Monte Calamorro where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding areas. Benalmadena Pueblo is a typical Andalucian village which remains largely unspoilt and is the perfect contrast to the tourist influenced Costa. Enjoy the views and take time for a coffee in the many traditional Spanish bars and cafes and just watch the world go by.

Recommendations

El Bodegon De Muro – Benalmadena Pueblo

Beautiful terrace with views over the coast. Inexpensive menu.

Metro Café Bar – Puerto Marina

Modern Italian menu. Set in the new marina.

La Sirena – Paseo Maritimo

Paella, Fresh Fish, Shellfish & a selection of meats. Voted best Spanish restaurant in Benalmadena 2002/3

Activities

Torremolinos  

	Located only a short 10 minute drive from Malaga Airport, Torremolinos is the original commercial Costa del Sol resort offering above anything a fun packed good time. Once a tiny fishing village it is now one of the largest and most popular resorts of southern Spain brimming over with bars, nightclubs and shops. The resort offers a range of activities appealing to all the family.

Located to the east of the town are the main beaches of Playamar and El Bajondillo. Stretching for seven Kilometres, the beaches of clay coloured sand are busy, full of fun and can be noisy in high season. Here you will find a huge variety of bars and restaurants catering for all tastes. The La Carihuela area offers a more authentic Spanish flavour with fresh fish and tapas on the menu in any of the number of good seafront fish restaurant.

Just outside Torremolinos, is one of the area’s most popular and interesting attractions…. The Crocodile Park. Inland from the centre, Aquapark is a water playground with Europe’s largest water slide, wave machines, kids playground and a mini 18 hole golf course.

For shopping, you will find anything and everything within the old town maze of alleys around Calle San Miguel.

The nightlife here is something else with most clubs getting busy at about 10pm in summer and continuing until dawn. Most clubs can be found around Avenida Palma de Mallorca with the gay clubs concentrated to the east of Calle San Miguel.

If you want a large, busy resort with an endless supply of activities to choose from then Torremolinos is most certainly the resort to choose.

Recommendations

Yate El Cordobes – Paseo Maritimo Playamar

Great beach restaurant with excellent fish and Paella.

Restaurante La Huerta – Calle Decano Higuertes del Castillo 1

Little mid- priced restaurant with great fish and meat menu and lovely desserts.

Restaurante Antonio – Plaza del Remo La Carihuela

An upmarket restaurant in the Carihuela area, again with a great fish and meat menu and mouth-watering desserts.

New Pipers Disco – Avenida de Palma Mallorca s/n  

Claims to be the biggest nightclub in Europe, with eight dance floors and a World war ll Fighter plane suspended from the ceiling.

El Carrete Pasaje Decano – Nr Hotel Pez Espada in Carihuela.  

Authentic Flamenco club venue.

Activities

Marbella/Puerto Banus

The areas of Marbella and Puerto Banus have always has the reputation of being the playground of the rich and famous, and even today these are perhaps considered the most stylish and cosmopolitan resorts on the Costa Del Sol.

Situated around 60km west of Malaga, beneath the Sierra Blanca hills, Marbella has excellent beaches and shopping and hence is well worth a visit. The town is remarkably tasteful, and has managed to retain the greater part of its old town. The resort has three main beaches, Playa de la Bajadilla to the east, Playa de Venus and the Playa de la Fontanilla to the west, which is perhaps the least crowded of the three.

	For a fun afternoon, visit Funny Beach where there is a host of activates both in and out of the water including jet skis, go karting, paintball, water slides and a giant Scalextric track! The Casco Antiguo ( Old Town) surrounds the picturesque Plaza De los Naranjos, with its many bars and restaurants offering al fresco dining.

The plaza is lined with small shops, art galleries, bars and restaurants and on the plaza you will find the impressive Ayuntamiento, and close by the church of Nuestra Senora de la Encarnacion.

Recommendations  

Gaspar – c/Notario Luis Oliver 19

Superb restaurant offering standard dishes and tapas and an extensive wine list.

Triana – c/Gloria 11

Superb and reasonably priced fish restaurant.

El Patio Andaluz – c/San Juan de Dios 4

Excellent meat and fish dishes served up on the patio of this medieval town house.

Restaurant Santiago – Avda. Duque de Ahumada

One of the most expensive restaurants in the area. Has an excellent tapas bar and a range of fish and meat dishes.

Activities

Calahonda

A popular residential community located between Marbella and Fuengirola. Founded in 1963, Calahonda is a relatively new development on the Costa del Sol, close to several Golf courses and picturesque beaches it attracts beach lovers and Golf enthusiasts alike.

The pretty port of Puerto Cabopino is just a couple of kilometres along the coast with a reputation for being one of the most secluded and quaint ports on the Costa. Fantastic restaurants such as Guiseppe’s are located here. Miraflores, a resort popular for lawn bowls and golf is also nearby.

Recommendations

Guiseppe’s – Port of Cabopino  

Cosy bistro plus main restaurant and terrace overlooking the boats. Fine food, fine wine and excellent service.

China City – 1 st Floor El Zoco, Calahonda  

The premiere Chinese restaurant in the Calahonds area serving special lunch time and set menus as well as a la Carte.  

Activities

• Golf
• Lawn Bowls – Miraflores

Duquesa

Puerto de la Duquesa really is the Costa del Sol's best-kept secret. Although within easy reach of the airports of Malaga (40 minutes) and Gibraltar (30 minutes), La Duquesa seems like a thousand miles away from the throng of the holiday resorts and offers an unparalleled quality of life in Southern Spain. 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 unspoilt 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 services for boating enthusiasts as well as a myriad of attractions for those with no aspirations to take to the water. The attractive promenades encircling the port offer a variety of restaurants, intimate bars and cafés in which to while away the days. The vast choice of eating and drinking options include French, Italian, Chinese, Indian, Thai and, of course, Spanish with its fresh, local fish.

La Duquesa Golf and Country Club boasts an 18 hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., a technical masterpiece with wonderful sea and mountain views. In addition to golf, the club offers many facilities including tennis, squash, and a fully equipped gym with a qualified resident trainer.

Beaches and Mountains. Whether it's miles of pristine beaches (many earning the European Blue Flag for cleanliness) or rugged mountains with their wildlife, the La Duquesa area offers every type of terrain. Rising virtually from the beaches, the mountains hide their medieval towns like little jewels ­ the famed White Villages. Every type of nature recreation is at hand including even winter and spring skiing only two hours away in Granada.

Recommendations

La Traviata

Terrace overlooking port, stylish, yet family orientated.

BROWNS

First level (at top of first set of steps).
English breakfasts, Carvery.
Supper quiz on Thursdays.

CHENG DU

Harbourside
Chinese restaurant

EL MIRADOR

Plaza de la Fuente, (first level).
French brasserie.

GEMOJO

First level (just off the access road by Banco Andalucia).
International menu.

IL CAPITANO

Plaza de la Fuente, (first level).
Italian cuisine.

JOLLY SAILOR

Frontline first level.
International menu.
Sunday lunches.

Activities

• Beach Front Watersports
• Scuba Diving
• Horse Riding
• Golf
• Waterpark - 30 mins
• Fishing
• Jeep Safaris
  

Sotogrande

Within the municipality of San Roque is one of the most luxurious sports and residential developments in Europe. Going to Sotogrande is simply entering another world. Its 2,500 hectares (6,178 acres) encompass all the amenities you could imagine as a complement to the Polo Club. As well as golf, sailing, beach, marina and incredible bars, restaurants and even leisure centres, its situation and fabulous all year round weather, makes it a unique experience. Road access to Marbella, Malaga, Jerez, Cadiz and Seville and all along the Costa del Sol is easy by the motorway or new Toll Road. Gibraltar is the nearest international airport at just 15 minutes away and Malaga is 45 minutes.

There is the amazing Santa Maria Polo club and there are four golf courses to choose from; Valderrama (host to Volvo Masters and the Ryder Cup), Real Club de Golf de Sotogrande (Founded in 1964, designed by Robert Trent Jones), La Cañada and Almenara, to say nothing of the further vast choice of courses along the coast, at just 30 to 45 minutes drive away.

The marina, with around 550 moorings, has an impressive sailing club and for paddle tennis enthusiasts, there are two clubs in Sotogrande to choose from.

Sotogrande is located near the Straits of Gibraltar whose quiet beaches are only moments away. Thanks to its particular geographic situation, the offer available is most varied, with a choice of dramatic Atlantic beaches and tranquil Mediterranean coves. If you would rather enjoy sun, sea and sand on a large commercial beach offering all of the services you can imagine.

Within Sotogrande lies the Guadiaro estuary protected natural area of 27 hectare of marshland on the west bank of the estuary at the mouth of the River Guadiaro. It is of particular interest to birdwatchers but anybody can enjoy a stroll along the wooden walkways.

Recommendations:

Vicente

Bl-E Local 8
Speciality in Fish.
Open from 13.00 - 16.00 and from 20.00 to midnight.
Closed on Mondays.

El Gaucho

Galerias Paniagua
Grill Argentino.
Open for dinner.

El Bistro

Galerias Paniagua
Specialty in fried brie.
Open lunch and dinners.

Lombardo's

Galerias Paniagua
Italian cuisine.

Activities

• Beach Front Watersports
• Scuba Diving
• Horse Riding
• Golf
• Birdwatching
• Waterpark - 30 mins
• Fishing
• Jeep Safaris

Estepona

Estepona is a truly privileged town. Located on the western Costa del Sol it offers the visitor an unrivaled array of attractions. Glorious summers and mild winters make it the perfect holiday destination for the discerning traveler. Steeped in history and culture the town remains unspoiled and future development is carefully planned to ensure the preservation of the town´s identity. The heart of Estepona beats with a timeless rhythm. The heritage of centuries runs through its streets. Its warm and friendly people preserve their traditions with pride. Located on the western Costa del Sol Estepona offers the visitor an unrivalled array of attractions, with more than 30 kilometres of carefully maintained sandy beaches. Some wild and dramatic, others tranquil with their waterside restaurants (Chiringuitos).

The players dream of year round golf. four courses in Estepona to refresh the interest, more than 30 on the Costa del Sol.

A sporting paradise. Water skiing, parascending, sub-aqua diving. Tennis and squash. Cycling and walking. Hunting and fishing. A sports marina harbours yachts and power boats. Cristalline swimming pools and after exertion relaxation.

Recommendations:

La Alcaría de Ramos

Urbanización El Paraíso Vista al Mar 1
Spanish

Lido

Sofitel Las Dunas
International cuisine

Playa Bella

Playa-Bella Noreste
Andalusian, International

Activities

• Beach Front Watersports
• Scuba Diving
• Horse Riding
• Golf
• Birdwatching
• Waterpark - 30 mins
• Fishing
• Jeep Safaris