Resorts close to apartment (all timings approximate by car)
Fuengirola
Marbella
Puerto Banus
Cabopino Beach and Harbour
Mijas Pueblo
Benalmadena
Gibraltar
Ronda
Granada
FUENGIROLA – 10 MINS
Fuengirola is probably most famous for its five miles of sandy beaches. The sea front is a favourite place for tourists and local families alike. The beaches at Fuengirola hold a European blue flag and the resort is probably the most popular on the Costa del Sol.
A wide variety of entertainment and restaurant choice, ranging from the Andalucian traditional tapas (snack bars) to local fish restaurants to the British fry-ups, make Fuengirola a popular choice for eating.
Tuesday is market day (El Mercadillo), open in the morning; it is the biggest outdoor market on the coast and attracts visitors from nearby resorts as well as the locals. It is well worth going down to browse at the wide range of wares for sale, from fake designer clothes and watches to more traditional Andalucian produce.
FUENGIROLA ZOO - 5 minutes from Fuengirola bus and train station.
The spectacular Fuengirola Zoo is a zoo without cages making it visitor and animal friendly. Its humane environment is designed as a replica of the natural habitat of each and every one of the animal species living there.
AQUA PARK – on the by-pass
One of the main water parks on the coast and located along the main road in Fuengirola. Open from 10:30 hrs to 18:00 hrs (late April - September). Attractions include wave pool, kamikaze slide, water chutes, adventure river with winding raft slides and a mini aqua park for the kids.
MARBELLA – 10 MINS
Set against the stunning backdrop of "La Concha" mountain, Marbella is the choice of the rich and famous. The resort is large and stylish, with around 28km of beaches. A favourite area to visit is the beautiful Plaza de los Naranjos in the Old Quarter, meaning "Orange Plaza" it is especially beautiful when the orange blossoms are in bloom. It is surrounded by restaurants and cafes, making it a perfect place to unwind and watch the world go by.
Head west out of Marbella and travel along the famous "Golden Mile", so called for the palatial beach front villas that make the area some of the most expensive real estate in Europe.
PUERTO BANUS – 20 MINS
Puerto Banus is just west of Marbella. It is the "place to be" and "to be seen". The setting is close to perfect, with its impressive mountain backdrop and ocean views. The area is lined with designer boutiques and restaurants. The marina is home to large, expensive yachts and smaller pleasure craft alike. Enjoy a drink at one of the bars along the front while watching the coming and going of Ferraris and Bentleys or just "people watch" - you won't be disappointed.
CABOPINO BEACH AND HARBOUR – 5 MINS
Cabopino is situated on the coast, heading towards Marbella. From here you can indulge in water sports, fishing or take a boat trip. Lifeguards on duty throughout the summer months combined with the beaches gentle slope into the sea make Cabopino child-friendly and safe.
Beach bars (chiringitos) with barbeque areas where freshly caught fish are cooked are a speciality. A good range of specialised restaurants are to be found, including the famous Albert's, which is visited by celebrities. In the Plaza Santa Monica during the summer months, traditional Spanish flamenco dancing is performed three evenings every week.
Further along the coast road towards Marbella is Funny Beach. This area has go-karting track and will let children over 7 drive around the track on the smaller children's go-karts. In addition, there is a trampoline area, electronic games, and you can go on quad safaris.
MIJAS PUEBLO – 20 MINS
Some 428m above sea level is Mijas, the beautiful picturesque 'pueblo blanco' (white village). The views over the Costa del Sol are stunning. The village has still managed to retain some of its quaint traditions, one of the most unusual being the donkey-taxis, which line the central plaza. These donkey-taxis are the best way to see the narrow streets and squares. Mijas has Spain’s only square bullring and some interesting churches & other monuments. Well worth a visit.
BENALMADENA – 20 MINS
This coastal area is very popular. The new Puerto Marina is admired with locals and tourists alike. The area is crammed with a variety of nightclubs and bars playing the latest music and staying open until sunrise (or later). Visit a "Chiringuito" (Beach Bar) where fresh fish dishes are served up with a wonderful chilled wine or a refreshing glass of sangria.
TIVOLI WORLD
Tivoli World makes for a great evening out. It is one of the biggest and best tourist attractions in Benalmadena. The 25 acres of fairground and gardens contain attractions for all the family. Because of the hot summer weather Tivoli World opens between 6pm and 3am in July and August. In the winter it is open between 4pm and 1am.
SEA LIFE CENTRE
Benalmadena Sea Life Aquarium is located next to the Marina in Benalmadena and can be reached by the bus that runs from most of the resorts along the coast. This is a great one to take the kids to; they will love it, loads of local and more exotic Mediterranean wildlife, sharks, rays, eels and much more.
GIBRALTAR – 1HR
Gibraltar is Famous Worldwide for its Dramatic Rock. It is located in a strategic position at the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula, where Europe meets Africa. It measures less than six square kilometres in total. As a VAT free jurisdiction, Gibraltar's popularity with visitors is enhanced by its value added shopping experience in famed Main Street. The bay is well known for Dolphin watching, with some of the highest concentrations of dolphins in the Mediterranean. Don't forget the colony of the famous apes, the only ones in Europe to run free in a semi-wild state.
RONDA – 1.30MIN
Some 739 metres above sea level, the beautiful town of Ronda lies up a winding mountain road from Marbella in the mountain range, Serranía de Ronda. It is one of the most visited towns in Andalucia. Visit at the bullring, which is one of the oldest and most beautiful in Spain and enjoy the breathtaking views from Puente Nuevo (New Bridge). This was built in 1751 and took 42 years to build.
GRANADA – 2HRS
Granada lies in the foothills of Spain's Sierra Nevada Mountains. Many visitors to Spain believe that if there is only one place to visit then it should be Granada. A must to see is the Alhambra Palace. The Alhambra has been described as 'the Jewel of Moorish Spain' and its beauty will overwhelm visitors. If you like tapas, then Granada is the place to be, not only are they good, they're also free! Just order a drink and in most bars you'll be given some tapas with it.
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