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Fuengirola
Situated some 30 kilometres from the capital of Málaga, and dating back to the 14th century, Fuengirola is now one of the largest towns on the coast, not only does it offer the visitor a large selection of hotels and apartments, but is also an enormous shopping area used by tourists and residents alike. Again with Roman origins, it has a Moorish Castle situated at the west of the town on the mouth of the river. The older part of the town has typical white Andalucían houses , and this area has now been reformed, with many of it's street pedestrianised.
The popular sea front has a safe sandy beach, and a pleasure harbour and has many shops, bars and restaurants along it's seven kilometres of coastline. It also has a bullring. where bullfights are held regularly during the year, and is home to the only zoo in the province of Málaga. The Aqua park is situated on the edge of the town and is open throughout the summer season. Situated at the entrance of the Torreblanca de Sol housing estate, are the Roman baths dating back to the 1st century AD, and at the Los Boliches end of the promenade can be seen a magnificent Roman Arch.
Mijas
Some eight kilometre inland from Fuengirola, and five hundred metres above sea level, this typical Andalucían village which, despite the impact of tourism, has maintained its traditional character and charm. It nestles on the lower slopes of the Sierra de Mijas mountains and is surrounded by pine trees and beautiful countryside. This town is everything you imagine an Andalucían village to be - narrow winding streets, wrought iron balconies, donkey taxis, horse and trap rides, pretty white houses and a profusion of greenery and flowers. The town is built on the hillside and has many levels to explore,and its steep winding steps are not for the fainthearted - but the views are incredible and will give the holiday maker a lasting memory of this beautiful area of Spain.
Mijas is popular throughout the year and has a great variety of gift shops, bars, restaurant and shady plazas as well as several vantage points, a bullring (the only rectangular one in Spain) and a tiny 16th century church 'Virgin de la Peña' which was built on a rocky outcrop and can be seen from all over the town. It was here, according to local tradition, where the Virgin Mary appeared to two shepherds. Also to be seen are several museums, including the Carromato de max miniatures museum, the Museo Taurino - the bullfighting museum, and the Villa Museum - which also contains a art gallery. This attractive and interesting villages is a must for all travellers, and you should allow yourself plenty of time to discover it's many interesting secrets.
Gibralta
Gibraltar is a 6 km long peninsular almost at the most southerly point of Western Europe. For centuries it was a strategic point controlling the entrance to the Mediterranean sea, and was given to the British at the end of the Spanish war in 1713. Due to political discontent between Spain and England, the border remained closed from 1969 until 1985, even now it still remains a main topic of discussion between the two countries. Gibraltar is a little taste of England lost in the sunshine almost falling off the edge of Europe, but it is a must for all visitors to this area. There are many interesting things to see in this tiny country, of course there is the famous 'Rock' along with its mischievous monkeys, caves and the tunnels which were used during war time. Apart from that, there are many beaches, the international high street now has many well known shops as well as the usual tourist gift shops, a pleasure harbour, interesting architecture and of course red post boxes, and the good old British 'Bobbie'
Tangier (Morocco)
Most people do not realise just how close the continent of Africa is, just 9 km across the straits of Gibraltar, only a 45 minute boat ride away. It is advisable to take an organised tour in order to se the sights of Morocco on a day trip. Your tour would include a visit to a Sultan's Palace, a trip to the Casbah, and of course a chance to try your hand at bargaining in one of the many bazaars, as well as a look at the fascinating scenery and the Arabian culture.
The Algarve (Portugal)
With the advent of modern motorways and the relaxation of border controls it is now possible to reach the beautiful golden sandy beaches of the Algarve in just a few hours, so if your holiday permits, then why not take a trip to the most southerly part of the Iberian Peninsular. The scenery is lovely, acres and acres of orange and almond groves, the beaches backed by the renown golden cliffs, the tiny villages where time has stood still, and of course the lively resorts like Albuferia. |
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Torremolinos
This town must be one of the best known tourist destination in Spain. The first guest houses began in the 1930's but it wasn't until the late 50's that Torremolinos came into it's own. Some twelve kilometres from the capital and set at the foothills of the Sierra de Mijas mountains, this resort remains open throughout the year as it enjoys a very mild winter climate.
The old part of the town - La Carihuels - dates back to the 14th century and has many of the typical narrow street seen in many of the smaller Spanish villages. Many of the tiny white houses in this area have now been converted into shops and bars, and here also you will find some of the best fish restaurants on the coast. The more modern part houses many big tourist hotels, shopping centres and leisure areas, and is fronted by an enormous safe sandy beach - always popular with families. If you don't want to get sand between your toes, you can always try the Aqua Park on the outskirts of Torremolinos.
Benalmádena
Belamádena covers a 9 kilometre stretch of coastline, but it is in fact divided into three very different areas. Firstly there is the Benalmádena Costa, which stretches from Torremolinos to Fuengirola and is the main centre for tourists, with many large hotels and apartment complexes, as well as a very pleasant pedestrianised promenade and a modern harbour. This area also has the famous Torrequebrada Casino, the Moorish 'Bil Bil Castle', built in the style of Alhambra Palace in Granada, and huge expanse of safe sandy beach - with all the usual water sports and attractions.
The second area is the Pueblo of Benalmádena, which lies two kilometre inland from the coast, and is a typical Andulucían village - neat, clean and pictureque. The Parish Church stands on a promontoru at the west end of the village, and it's garden give magnificent commanding views of the Benalmádena coastline.
The third area is Arroyo de Miel, close to which is one of the largest and most popular fun fairs in Spain - Tivoli World, (which has fairground attractions, gardens, bars, restaurants, Dinosaur World, toy museum, a wild west town, art and craft exhibitions, house of horror and theatres offering some of the best shows and folklore entertainment that can be found on the coast). The town has a very good shopping area, many pavement cafes and also Roman remains . including a Roman arch.
Marbella
Marbella is probably the most sophisticated and elegant resort on the coast. It has a traditional historic centre with old churches, narrow winding streets, sunny plazas - the most famous of which is the 'Plaza de los Naranjos' which is full of pavement cafés and surrounded by orange trees. The modern tourist area with it's designer shops, fashionable shopping centres, high class hotels and Broadway type entertainment attracts visitors from all over the world.
The area has 28 kilometres of coastline - which is dotted all way along with a variety of small beaches and includes three pleasure ports and one fishing port. The best known of the pleasure ports being Puerto Banús, which is without doubt the millionaires playground of the Costa del Sol. The marina itself presents a very impressive sight with hundreds of yachts set against a backdrop of Andalucían buildings and spectacular mountains. Alongside the marina is a very sophisticated commercial area with shops, boutiques, and many bars and restaurants which are open throughout the year. The whole area of Marbella is famous for it's 'jet-set' image and has a very heavy Arab influence both in it's architecture and it's wealth, and is surrounded by some of the best golf courses in the world.
Golf
The Costa del Sol has been famous for many years for its many and varied golf courses, and players from all over the world come to this part of Spain to play their favourite sport. The area boasts over 40 courses of all sizes,as well as golf schools and driving ranges, it is little wonder that the Costa del Sol has been chosen to host the 1997 Ryder Cup. |
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