SPAIN: Costa del Sol
When someone mentions the Costa del Sol, what springs to mind? Sun, sea and sand? You'd be right. Mother Nature blessed this gorgeous slice of Spain with more than its fair share of seaside beauties. In fact, with over 100km of shimmering coastline, there are bags of beaches to take your pick from. Will it be the fine sands of family favourite Fuengirola? Will you go for Benalmadena's caramel beaches? Or will Nerja's vanilla-coloured coves win you over? And that's just for starters. How could we not shout about Torremolinos, too? Yes, it's larger than life, but you'll also find oodles of Spanish ambience here. Just head to the old quarter of La Carihuela and it's tapas bars R us. And if you want to strike a pose in true celeb style, it has to be millionaire's posing ground, Marbella. With an irresistible medley of cobbled streets, orange tree-lined plazas and of course, a marina crammed full of house-sized yachts, it's little wonder the rich and famous can't keep away. If you'd rather spend all your time in rural utopia, fall for the traditional ways of life in Frigilana. More than qualifying for a place on a postcard, this quintessential whitewashed village, or 'pueblo blanco', is sprinkled across a hilltop and has views that are to-die-for. Wherever you lay your sunhat along this captivating coastline, take some time out from the sand and explore the enchanting Andalucia region. All Moorish castles, flamenco and matadors, if Spain was made anywhere it was here. In the streets of Seville. The plazas of Granada. And the bullring of Ronda. So whether the beach is calling you or you want to hideaway in the hills, we can all agree on one thing. Mother Nature certainly did her best work here.
Beaches
The Costa del Sol is known as the playground of Europe. After all, translated it means the 'sunshine coast'. Pretty impressive credentials. And once you clap eyes on the shimmering shores here, you won't be disappointed. These sands are the Marilyn Monroe of the beach world. Okay, so they're more blonde than bombshell, but legendary in their own right all the same. Torremolinos is famed for its seven kilometre stretch of unbroken sand. Nerja is celebrated for its scallop-shaped coves that frame the secluded shores. And Benalmadina, Marbella and Fuengirola boast the best of the rest in the sand stakes. Wherever you unpack your suitcase, you'll find mile after mile of wide, sandy beaches to unravel your towel on. And when the going gets hot, the sparkling Mediterranean seas are on hand for a cooling swim. If sitting still for too long drives you to distraction though you'll find plenty to do. Most of the resorts dotted along the coast offer a wide variety of watersports. And it won't take long to cotton-on to the local pastime walking the 'paseo' or prom as we call it. This is beach life at its best.
Eating out
If you don't like to venture too far out of your comfort zone, you'll easily find flavours from home along the Costa del Sol. Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola are chock-full of British-style pubs and ex-pat owned cafes. We're talking fried breakfasts. Roast dinners. Even the golden arches. But if the local cuisine is all part of the experience for you, boy are you in for a treat and a half. The Spanish dishes here have authentic written all over them. For starters, Southern Spain is the birthplace of 'tapas' bars. And Seville, Nerja and Torremolinos' cutesy La Carihuela quarter have them in droves. This is where you'll find mouth-watering small snacks, often eaten at the bar as you enjoy a drink, which adds to the vibrant atmosphere. Walk into a tapas bar and any one worthy of the name will greet you with stacks of treats to try. Savour the flavour of 'jamon serrano', salt-cured ham that's dried in the mountain air. Bite into 'calamares fritos', deep fried squid rings drizzled with lemon juice. And tuck into the big favourite 'chorizo', a spicy sausage with added paprika, peppers and chillies for that extra fire. Then there's all the succulent seafood that's freshly caught along the coastline here. Be sure to try the classic 'paella', as well as 'cazuela de mariscos' a rich seafood stew. If you really want to push the boat out, head for Marbella's swanky clutch of waterside eateries. You may have to splash the Euros about, but it's food to write home about. Oh, and whatever you eat, don't forget to wash it down some Spanish wines, from the dry, sparkling 'cava' to the locally produced 'muscatel'.
- Merendero El Malagueno Benalmadena. Lip-smacking seafood dishes with specialities such as skewered sardines.
- 34" at Hotel Carabeo Nerja. This imaginative Mediterranean restaurant is a regular in the Michelin guide. Need we say more?
- Casa Pacos Torremolinos. Tuck into a myriad of traditional tapas dishes in this buzzing bar.
- CJ's Cafe de la Feria Fuengirola Market Square. Cosy up in this buzzing bar and tuck in to Brit-style breakfasts.
- Villa Tiberio Marbella. You'll as likely find royalty, diplomats and A-listers next to you as you are holidaymakers at this uber-chic, top-notch eatery.
Nightlife
How do you like to spend your evenings on holiday? Trying out the restaurants? Catching a cultural show? Bouncing from bar to bar? Well you really don't have to fit into any category on the Costa del Sol because there really is something for everyone. You can really get the party started in the fun-filled streets of Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola after dark. Let your hair down the buzzing bars and glitzy clubs that lace the streets. Take to the stage in a karaoke contest. Or have a chuckle at a comedy club. If you prefer the quieter life though, head for the resorts of Estepona, Nerja and Marbella where the evenings are much more laid-back. Linger over a slap up meal at a romantic waterside eatery. Enjoy the traditional Spanish ambience in a bustling tapas bar. Or catch a colourful flamenco show where you can experience the compelling rhythm of a Spanish guitarist and the flashing moves of a dazzling dancer. Decisions, decisions.
- Pepe Lopez - Torremolinos. One of the best flamenco shows this side of Spain. Arrive early though it gets chock-a-block.
- Bar Clansman - Nerja. Let yourself be led around the room by your very own Nerja Dance Club adonis as you learn sultry salsa and Latin moves.
- Torrequebrada Casino Benalmadena. Don your best 007 attire at this ritzy, glitzy Las Vegas-style casino.
- La Notte Piano Bar Marbella. Knock back cocktails off the never-ending menu along with the rich and famous at this chic-er than chic piano bar.
- Moochers Jazz Cafe and Restaurant - Fuengirola. Pull up a pew and chill to live music at this smooth jazz haunt.
Shopping
Whether you're a bargain Betty or a designer Daphne, the Costa del Sol is brimming with shops of all shapes and sizes. From Torremolinos' bucket and spade places to Marbella's oh-so chic boutiques, you'll find it all and then some. If you're a bit of an all-rounder though, head for bustling Malaga. Here you can shop 'til you drop in famous Spanish department store El Corte Ingles, melt some plastic in the malls, or browse the market stalls of the elegant Atarazanas. Talking of markets, Fuengirola is the place you really want to head for a bargain. The largest street market on the Costa del Sol sets up here every Tuesday and you can pick up everything from leather goods to pretty blue and white Andalucian pottery. Don't forget to barter, barter, barter. If you've really got some cash to splash though or simply want to see how the other half shops don't miss Puerto Banus off your shopping list. Dripping with all the latest labels, this really is the place strut your stuff with shopping bags swinging around your ankles. Don't worry if your budget won't stretch that far though help is at hand in the form of Gibraltar. Near enough for a day trip, you can spend the day on the famous 'Rock' as it's known, snapping up duty-free delights. Wallets at the ready
