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Area Guides

	Alhaurin Located at the entrance of the Guadalhorce Valley, 17km from Málaga and 8km from Torremolinos, the village is easily accessed by means of the N340 highway. This is a village in which modern features happily coexist alongside the old. White bleached houses in narrow streets are surrounded by modern urbanisations. The area has a good agricultural industry with fruit high on the production list, as are flowers. Back To Top
	Benalmádena Just 19km from Málaga lies the principality of Benalmádena which consists of three main areas. The first of these, Benalmádena Pueblo (village), is located on the mountainside, an old, typical Andalucian village with steep, narrow streets and white-painted houses that retain a wealth of culture, while Arroyo de la Miel is a populated area between the mountains and the coast. This is where the cable car to the mountain peak departs from. The third area, Benalmádena Costa, is the most visited by tourists. Next to Torremolinos, it has 9km of shoreline with beautiful beaches and tiny coves, and a fully equipped marina for over 1,000 vessels. The marina is surrounded by apartments and offers sports such as diving and sailing. The marina boasts many international awards for design and functionality. There you can walk in the large garden overlooking the sea. Back To Top
	Casares Close to Estepona stands a unique Spanish village nestled in the hillside with white-painted houses interlaced with tiny streets. Casares has been inhabited for thousands of years by a myriad of civilisations, each leaving its mark. Besides walking along the narrow cobbled streets with their Moorish design, one should not miss the opportunity to visit the Arabic castle at the top of the hill where the views are particularly spectacular. Tiny village shops selling local produce hide around every corner with a scattering of small bars and cafés thrown in for good measure. Local pottery and leatherwork are very good buys. Almost untouched by tourism, Casares has its own little museum with artefacts dating from the Roman era. In Roman times the town was of such importance that it had its own mint and baths which were commissioned by Caesar as a mark of gratitude after being cured of a skin complaint while bathing in nearby sulphurous waters. Numerous Roman ruins lie close by, including the remains of an aqueduct. Back To Top
	Coín Coin is one of the Andalucian towns that have yet to be touched by the tourist boom. It is just far enough from the coast to be out of the reach of the high-rise hotels. The beautiful village of Coin is located at the crossroads between Marbella and Mijas and is accessed by very reasonable roads. Conquered from Arab rule by the Catholic Kings and later destroyed, the settlement grew once again under rule of the Castillian monarchs. Coin makes for a wonderful visit at any time of year but you may wish to visit during one of its popular festivals. In May, the town celebrates Cross Day and in June the procession to the Chapel of Our Lady of the Fuensanta takes place, while in August there is a traditional fair dating back to the 18th century. Within the town you will find several important monuments including the Saint Maria de la Encarnación Church, San Juan Church and the Torre de los Trinitarios. Back To Top
	Duquesa - Play Video At the heart of this fast developing area is a wonderful, quaint marina built with more than 300 berths. There are no high-rise hotels here but ample apartments for rent and purchase. The area is undergoing a property boom. Along the waterfront is a wide variety of restaurants and bars, topped with apartments overlooking the boats, although there are very few shops in the port itself. It has however retained its charm and its quiet environment. The port is flanked by two very long sandy beaches with their own beach bars. As well as modern pleasure vessels, the port is still home to a working fishing fleet and daily catches are landed here. The port offers all marine facilities including storage, as well as very reasonably priced berths, although there is often a long waiting list. There are also refuelling facilities for boats in the port. The boatyard offers renovation space and a lifting service. Back To Top
	Estepona - Play Video An Andalucian fishing town on the Costa del Sol that has begun to move into the tourist industry yet still preserves its peaceful atmosphere, Estepona is located 25km from Marbella and within an hour of Málaga. The town is sheltered on its northern side by the Sierra Bermeja Mountains, which reach 1,449m at their highest point, Los Reales. Estepona has a wonderful, quiet cove, Playa de Cristo, which is ideal for small children due to its shallow, safe waters, a long, sandy beach called La Rada and a small naturist beach. The beaches, which boast the Blue Flag Award, are very clean and well cared for and all have pleasant bars. In total there is 23km of sand. The construction in the town is attractive, combining modern with old. There is a wonderful Wednesday market, considered to be one of the best on the coast, at which all manners of local produce can be found. The climate of the Estepona area is an important factor for visitors as it enjoys an average annual temperature of 18.7º. Golf is also a major attraction as there are 8 courses in this area. Back To Top
	Fuengirola The coastal holiday resort of Fuengirola has enjoyed a tourist boom since the 60s. Every year hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers head for Fuengirola, which is now the most densely populated area within the Málaga province. Its long sandy beaches offer numerous bars and restaurants and one of the longest seafront walks along the coast. The thermal baths in nearby Torreblanca and the Roman columns in Los Boliches are well worth visiting, as is the Castle of Sohail at the entrance of Fuengirola. Fuengirola offers entertainment for all tastes and ages from a ride on the tourist train or horse and carriage around the town to a visit to the local zoo. At night, Fuengirola truly comes alive as its remarkable variety of bars, restaurants and clubs fill with people. Here you will also find cinemas with a wide range of films, theatres with a full programme and in the summer, regular festivals and concerts at the castle. Back To Top
	Istan Just 20 minutes from the highlife of Marbella is this beautiful Andalucian village. The brilliance of the white painted houses contrasts perfectly with the green slopes of the Sierra Blanca. Istán means 'spring' and throughout the village you will find many springs, flowing with fresh water. The origins of the village date back to the 14th century when, after the capture of Arboto Castle by the Christians, the defenders retreated to the site of the present day ‘pueblo’. The oldest and most important building is the parish church, built in the 16th century on the orders of the Archbishop of Seville. Other features worth noting are the cave which houses the Casa de la Juventud and the Arab tower, situated at the highest point of the village. The tower once formed part of the old fortress that dominated the local area. Back To Top
	Malaga The capital city of the Costa del Sol, Málaga is steeped in over 3,000 years of history. It has been inhabited by the Romans, the Moors and the Carthaginians, all of whom have left their mark on this wonderful city. Málaga airport is the largest in Spain and during 2001 handled a record 10 million passengers. In the city you can find the Alcazabar, a 15th century Moorish fort. It will take you at least an hour to explore its many parts, most of which have been restored. You will see several good examples of Roman stonework, some of which have clear inscriptions. From the top, wonderful panoramic views of the city and port can be enjoyed. Unusually perhaps for a large city, Málaga also offers a long clean beach. Each year, hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers arrive to enjoy the clear Mediterranean waters. Whatever time of year you visit, you will receive a friendly welcome. Back To Top
	Manilva - Play Video A wonderful little white village in Andalucia. Set back from the coast by about 3km, high on the hill, this sleepy little village is almost untouched by tourism. There are few bars and restaurants, no discos, no nightclubs and a sprinkling of accommodation options. There are however, wonderful Spanish properties with lots of potential to be bought within the town. The main hub of the village is embraced by a magnificent vineyard of Muscatel Grapes. Most of the district is influenced by the coast as is reflected in the first-class fish restaurants available. Wander down one of the narrow side streets and find the 17th century church, with a quiet square close by to sit and rest. Very close to the village of Manilva lie some excellent Roman ruins. At the foot of the village are two pieces of aqueduct in very good condition, one of which can actually be walked over. There is also a Roman bath that is still used to this day, and Spaniards travel from miles around to bathe in the white sulphurous waters. Back To Top
	Marbella - Play Video Marbella is probably one of the best known, most popular and best liked resorts on the Costa del Sol. With 3000 hours of sunshine a year and a very agreeable climate, it is difficult to find better conditions anywhere in Europe. Despite its popularity, Marbella has managed to retain its charm and Andalucian character. Step away from the glamour of the port area and venture into the old quarter where you will find the popular resting place, Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Square), amidst a maze of narrow alleys and streets. It is the nightlife of Marbella that attracts many thousands of visitors every year, with an array of quality restaurants, theatres, cinemas and clubs of every description. If it's something a little more traditional you’re looking for, then head into the old town and sample a few of the tapas bars. Many of the rich and famous have made Marbella their home in some of the most beautiful villas on the coast. Back To Top
	Mijas - Play Video If there were ever a typical Spanish village worthy of a visit then Mijas, perched high on the hillside near Fuengirola, must be it. Make your way up the winding, narrow road towards the village and see the whitewashed houses arranged in tiers clinging to the hillside. Despite its popularity with the tourists, Mijas has managed to retain its Spanish individualism and character. All over the village are viewpoints and resting places, one of the best being the Muralla Gardens, designed so that flowers are in bloom all year round. The Plaza de la Virgen de la Pena is another ideal place to relax, with the bandstand in the centre. Mijas has splendid views all round. The best can be had from the church on the hill or from the park at the top of the village. Tiny shops line many of its beautiful streets, all brimming with local wares such as ceramics, leatherwork, jewellery and paintings. Back To Top
	Monda The town of Monda predates Roman times and it was the Moors that established its castle in its commanding position. The castle has been totally rebuilt and is now occupied by one of the Best Western chain hotels. The road to the castle winds its way up the hill and can be dangerous when wet, however the panoramic views from the hotel alone justify the risk. The whole of the surrounding area is the Sierra las Nieves, one of Spain's most beautiful natural parks. Back To Top
	Ojen Not far inland from Marbella lies the typical Andalucian white village of Ojen. For a panoramic view, the village is best viewed from the ‘mirador’ on the main Marbella road. There is a lay-by for parking near the tiled plaque. Ojen has a wonderful parish church of modest proportions based in the market place. There is also an interesting wine museum where you can enjoy a guided tour, sample or buy local wines and purchase local handicrafts. Back To Top
	Puerto Banús - Play Video Located just 6km from Marbella within Andalucia, a favourite resort along the Costa del Sol for international celebrities. As you wander along the waterfront at Muelle Rivera, you will be confronted with a wide array of expensive bars, restaurants and designer shops. There is not a designer name that you can't find in Puerto Banus among it's many expensive shops. If it's in fashion - you'll find it here. The marina is always well stocked with the most expensive of vessels from all over the world. It is quite easy on a pleasant evening to spend several hours wandering up and down the marina pontoons, then sit in one of the many bars, watching the world of high-life strolling past you. Close by is the cinema that show films in both Spanish and English. Back To Top
	Ronda This town is steeped in history and is dominated by the fact that the town is split in two sections by a 100m deep gorge. This spectacular gorge is bridged by the New Bridge (Puente Nuevo) built in 1751 and taking 42 years to build. On one side of the bridge is the old Moorish town with many historic buildings including the House of the Moorish King, worth a visit. On the other side is El Mercadillo, a more recent urban development. There is also evidence of prehistoric man living near Ronda. The famous Ronda bullring is one of the oldest in Spain, built in 1785 and now houses a museum, a shrine to the sport. Before you head for the bridge take in the gardens behind the bullring, along Paseo Blas Infante. From here are the best panoramic views over the mountains. Ronda is accessed by routes that are very scenic and frightening at the same time. Back To Top
	Sabinillas Just about 1km from Puerto de la Duquesa, along the main N340 highway, lies a small village community that has just latched on to the holiday business. Sabinillas is predominantly a market town with a street market every Friday and a massive car boot sale and market every Sunday. There are many bars and restaurants here but very few hotels. It has a wonderful sandy beach that stretches the whole length of the village. The village has everything you would expect from a progressive Costa del Sol location, with ample banks, shops, cafes and other services. Most of the village life revolves around the town square Back To Top
	San Pedro de Alcantara The beach at San Pedro is nearly 5km long and has been awarded a blue flag. San Pedro came about in the 1860s on the creation of a new agricultural colony. At the same time, the areas of Cancelada and Cortes were born. Even though agriculture is still important, since the 1970s the area has thrived on tourism. Hotels, golf courses and many other businesses have become established. San Pedro has it's share of history and monuments to offer the visitor, including the Parish Church, constructed in 1866. The building is of colonial style and stands adjacent to Villa San Luis, now the Deputy Mayor's office. Las Bovedas is a Roman site belonging to the 3rd century A.D and consists of an octagonal building containing a central nucleus with seven rooms around it. The purpose is thought to be public baths or a water storage place at the end of an aqueduct. Back To Top
	Torremolinos Only 50 years ago Torremolinos had just one street and a score of houses and now we see the tiny fishing village become a massve resort area with rows of high-rise apartments and hotels. It is a household name all over the world. It is without a doubt, a family resort aimed at the package holiday business. Torremolinos is located just 8km from Malaga airport and 13km from the port of Malaga. There are two principal beaches, both long and sandy. Shopping is vast with a wide selection of shops all at very reasonable prices. Very little of the old town of Torremolenos still remains although a fine 14th century Arab watchtower can be found. The number one street for shopping is Calle San Miguel where you can find any manner of goods. To hit the beaches, go to the end of this street and decend the steps. Here you find 6 miles of sand where summertime temperatures can be in the high 80's and the humidity is low. You will also find all the beach facilities you would expect, such as brollies, sunbeds, water sports and beach bars. Back To Top

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