Outside the Villa.:
Outside, there are sun-loungers, a large table and chairs together with barbeque, for al fresco dining. There are covered terraces to provide shade from the sun and also an outside shower, to help cool you down.
If shopping's your thing, then the huge El Ingenio Shopping Centre is just 20 minutes away. (Also referred to as Eroski - the name of the largest food hypermarket inside the shopping centre). El Ingenio is more than just a shopping centre, it is a leisure zone, incorporating many restaurants, café bars and multiplex cinema. A spectacular construction, full of open spaces, that offers its visitors over 120 establishments all set in a unique environment. Opposite El Ingenio is the Aquapark - here, the kids (large and small!) will find fun and entertainment in the water park, on the slides and other amusements. From here, the beach and all the attractions of Torre del Mar, are just a 2 minutes drive.
So, you will find that there is something for everyone at Villa Alba.
Shopping:
The best shopping in the area is beyond doubt at El Ingenio Shopping Complex - just 20 minutes from Villa Alba. The main hypermarket in the complex is called Eroski and it sells everything from beds to barbeques and a wide choice of excellent foods, clothes and soft-furnishings. This is the place to do the 'big shop' and stock up the freezer with food for the barbe!!!
The El Ingenio shopping complex is fully air-conditioned and offers a choice of restaurants and coffee shops, all set in a beautiful setting with fountains, full glass lifts and multiplex cinema. There are many designer clothing outlets, Dunnes (Marks & Spencer copy), jewellers, cash machines and gift shops.
Open from 10 am - 10 p.m. Not open Sundays. Around the Lake, there are small local grocery shops at the village of Los Romanes - approx 2kms from the villa and at Alcaucin, Puente Don Manuel and Vinuela (on the other side of the lake - all approx. 4kms from the villa). There's also many local markets to sample.
Restaurants:
There are numerous restaurants dotted around the little villages and countryside surrounding the lake. The difficulty is in deciding which one to choose - here's some help!
Restaurante Camping Situated on the West Side of the Lake is very popular with local people and tourists alike. It has a casual, laid back, taverna-type atmosphere, and has a wide choice of grilled meats, salads and bagels. There is plentiful seating inside and an L shaped terrace outside which has magnificent views over the Lake. (This is your 'local' - and just about 2 kms from the villa).
Resturante EL Pantano Situated next door to the Restaurante Camping, this restaurant provides a little more refined dining experience with extensive menu of meat, chicken and fish dishes. Similar to the Camping restaurant there is an outside terrace with excellent views over the Lake. Good value for money.
Vente El Charco (Los Romanes) is just a 5 minutes by car from the villa - and there many more to choose from.
Ski:
The Sierra Nevada Mountain Range is approx one hours drive from the villa, where excellent skiing is available in the winter season.
Golf:
There are 2 golf courses within approx 30 minutes drive of Villa Alba:
Anoreta Golf - 30 minutes drive along the coast toward Malaga
Anoreta opened in 1990, leading the way in new course construction east of Malaga City.
18 Holes. Par 72. Competition length: 5,976m
Designer: Jose Maria Canizares.
Pro: Mr Antonio Lastre, Mr Sergio Rodrigeuz Cespedes, Mrs Begona Cespedes, Mrs Valle Espana
Baviera Golf - 20 minutes drive along the cast towards Nerja
Situated in La Axarquia with magnificent views to the sea and mountains, this course has been designed for all types of players.
18 Holes. Par 72. Competition length 5,910m
Designer: Jose Maria Canizares.
Pro: Francisco Javier Natoli
