The Costa del Sol/Malaga region:
Spain's `sunshine coast' is one of Europe's favourite holiday destinations. With an average of 320 days of blue sky annually, it is perfect as a summer holiday or as a winter destination for golfers, walkers and those wishing to pursue out -door activities. Families are particularly well catered for, with myriad attractions, restaurants and of course miles of beaches. Children are not just tolerated but welcomed by the friendly Spanish people.
Despite the march of development, the area still has the ambiance of Andalucía, the most `Spanish' of all regions and you do not have to venture far from your holiday home to encounter local ferias, fiestas and romerias - the scent of Jasmine is in the air, inexpensive wine is flowing freely- come and enjoy!
Mijas Fuengirola:
This is the most family orientated of all the Costa del Sol resorts with a variety of children's attractions on the doorstep including the ever popular Aqua Parque Mijas and Fuengirola Zoo , one of the most modern in Spain and well worth a visit even for adults.
Central Fuengirola is lively in the summer and people congregate on the promenade in the evenings, you can see street artistes doing all kinds of art, including fantastic sand modelling and musicians performing.
There are a wide variety of excellent restaurants with 3 course set menus for around 6-7 Euro and lots of bars from Chic to Karaoke at realistic prices.
If you prefer it a bit more peaceful head for the Sohail Castle end of the town where you can stroll beside the sea with the beautiful backdrop of the castle lit up in the red glow of the sunset.
General Information:
Easter Week, live presentation of the Passion of Christ in the Pueblo
February 28th - Andalucia Day (everything Spanish closed)
24th-29th June. Arroyo de la Miel celebrates John the Baptist with a local fair
Mid-August, Virgin of the Cross festivities with a fair in the Pueblo
July 16th, evening boat procession on the Costa for Veladilla del Carmen
The railway station for Benalmadena is located in Arroyo de la Miel, close to the Tivoli Theme Park. Trains run from here to Fuengirola and Malaga. Train travel is cheap and very efficient.
The coastal bus service runs along the seafront road. There is also an excellent circular service running between the village and the port.
Arroyo de la Miel has a flea market on a Wednesday. There is also a market at Tivoli World on a Sunday morning.
Arroyo de la Miel normal market - Friday
Ski:
Sierra Nevada is approximately 2-2.5 hours from Marbella and often has snow up to the first week in May. This mostly undiscovered ski resort is known for skiing in the morning and sunbathing on the beach in the afternoon. The prices are good and you can stay overnight locally for a reasonable price in a wide range of properties in and around the resort. The countryside is beautiful and worth a visit out of ski season as well.
Golf:
The Costa Del Sol is also know as 'Costa Del Golf' . If you stayed for a month you could play a different course every day and not travel more than 45 min to do it.There is a huge range of courses to suit all abilities and of course some fantastic club houses, many of whom feature regular dinner dances and special events.
Other Activities:
Snorkelling, scuba diving, dolphin trips
