Spain / Costa Del Sol:
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 ambience 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!
Fuengirola:
In the old part of the town bars and restaurants are clustered around the Plaza de La Constitution which is lively in the evenings in the summer. Strolling along the promenade in the evening people love to watch the many sand artists, musicians and entertainers whilst the sun sets over the lovely bay with its mountains behind.
Fuengirola Zoo is the most modern in Spain and is a great day out that shouldn't be missed by children or adults.
From May to September, children will love Parque Aquatico with great slides and watery attractions for both older and younger children.
Los Boliches, Torreblanca, Fuengirola:
Nearby there is the Tivoli World theme park , reasonably priced with a good variety of family oriented shows, often with entertainers well known in Spain, as well as log flumes and other rides for children of all ages.
The pretty white village of Mijas, a 10 minute drive up the mountain is well worth a visit for its splendid views and attractive winding streets with their flower bedecked patios and craft and arts shops and the famous donkey 'taxis' .
Another excellent nearby attraction is the Cable car at Arroyo de Miel, fantastic views, a show of Spanish horsemanship and a show of Birds of Prey which they fly in the thermals above the hill weather permitting, and donkey riding.( When available, check before ascending)
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.
Internationally known as a 'jet set' play ground, Puerto Banus is a sophisticated village -style port development with whitewashed condominiums clustered around the lovely marina, where you can admire the luxurious yachts of the rich and famous or 'people watch' in one of the many exclusive bars and restaurants that line the port. Or if your purse can stretch to it, shop until you drop in the many designer boutiques, that stay open until late in the evening.
