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!
Estepona:
Estepona is a very pleasant town 16 miles west of Marbella, with along seafront promenade, perfect for those sunset strolls or winter walks. It has a wide sandy beach and a fishing port where you can watch local fishermen unloading their catch from their colourful boats.
The pretty main square has numerous cafes and restaurants amid remnants of old castle wall sand traditional whitewashed buildings with their balconies of scented flowers. There is a good mix of shops and the area is particularly popular with families and well heeled British retirees.
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For those seeking night life, the exclusive bars and clubs of the world famous Puerto Banus are 10-15 minutes by car. Splash out in the designer shops or sip a cocktail while watching the millionaires on their yachts.
The beautiful white villages of Andalucía are well worth a visit and also Ronda with its breathtaking gorge and the oldest bullring in Spain, still in use!
Closer to home is the famouse Estepona Marina, where there is just about everything available to make your holiday special.
Further afield, for the more adventurous Morocco, with its souks and third world charm is only two hours away.
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.
