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Costa Del Sol

The Costa Del Sol is part of the Andalusia area of Southern Spain and where all Spain’s stereotypes meet. Bullfighters, beaches, flamenco, white villages, cave houses, religious processions, tapas and sherry all here in abundance. (Please note that the following tours are suggestions only and do not imply that they are a tour inclusion when on an escorted tour with driver and guide unless confirmed in advance with your Golf Travel Specialist).

Local Places of Interest and Activities

Ronda Ronda (Half Day Tour) - Drive from Marbella into the Andalusian Mountains (1hr) for a visit to Ronda. One of the most spectacularly located cities in Spain. Ronda sits on a massive rocky outcrop, straddling a deep 330ft gorge. The New Bridge (Puente Nuevo) separates the old and the new Ronda. On the south side perches a classic Moorish city of cobbled alleys, window grilles and dazzling whitewash, while in the newer town lies “El Mercadillo” one of the oldest bullrings in Spain. Be sure to visit the Palacio Mondragon with its arcaded patio adorned with original mosaics and the Puente Nuevo where you can get inside the bridge and learn of its impressive construction and history.

Jerez (Full Day Tour) - Enjoy a full day out with a visit to Jerez de la Frontera. Jerez is the capital of sherry production and many bodegas can be visited. Among the best is Gonzalez Byass Jerez where a comprehensive explanation of the sherry wine making process is conducted in a guided tour. The city is also famous for the “Real Escuela Andaluza de Arte Ecuestre”, a school of equestrian skills. Try and plan your visit on a Thursday when there is a truly spectacular public display. This is a fully fledged equestrian ballet, featuring choreography adapted from the training exercises of classical dressage, with traditional Spanish music and costumes which date back to the 18th century.

Mijas Mijas - Take a trip to Mijas, a town situated on the edge of the mountains, facing the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by pine trees. Mijas is a classical village with strong Andalusian flavour and offers incredible views over the coast. All the houses are painted white and the structure of the streets has been done in such a way to protect the houses and their inhabitants from the speedy winds of the area. ‘Donkey-taxis’ and the beautiful local crafts will capture your attention.

Granada Granada (Full day Tour) - Today visit the wonderful city of Granada. Standing 2,200 ft above sea level in the foothills of the snowcapped Sierra Nevada, Granada sprawls over two main hills, the Alhambra and the Albaicín, and is crossed by two rivers, the Genil and the Darro. This former stronghold of Moorish Spain is full of romance and folklore. Granada has the Alhambra which is considered to be one of the 10 wonders of the world. The Alhambra is a massive castle constructed over many centuries. It consists of gardens, fortifications and sumptuous palaces. It was the home of many of the Arabic Sultans who ruled the whole province. It receives 8000 visitors per day and is Spain's most visited monument. The Albaicín is the old Arabic quarter located on the hill opposite the Alhambra. It is characterised by cobble stoned streets with white washed houses. There are many squares with terazas and places to laze about and have a bite to eat. The Albaicín is an oil painter's paradise and almost at every turn of the head there is an attractive view, almost always involving glimpses of the Alhambra.

Marbella Old Town - Marbella is a favourite location with the rich and famous, however Marbella has a down to earth side as well, an air of individuality which can be best appreciated by exploring back streets in the old part of town. One of the prettiest places is the fabled 'Orange Square' which is located just off the main street in the older district and is also home to the 16th century town hall and tourist office where you can pick up a detailed map and visitor information.

Casares Casares - Casares is a picture postcard village with a population of just three thousand and the view from the approach is definitely worth a photo. There is something very special about the sight of Casares that causes the visitor to park the car and simply stare or take a photo. Easily accessed from the coast road from Marbella by turning inland at Km.147 (between Estepona and Sabinillas) near Torre de la Sal and head inland for 15 km. The scenery is picturesque, suddenly you turn a bend in the road, and are treated to a spectacular view of the village with its medieval fortress. Park the car and climb down one of the footpaths that lead into the village and the main square. Those wanting a rewarding experience will follow the narrow street adjacent to the Virgin del Rosario chapel keep climbing and eventually you will have reached the top of the town of some 1,400 feet above sea level. There is an old fortress here and a derelict church, as well as a marvelous view overlooking the rooftops of the village. Watch for peregrine falcons and kestrels and, on a clear day, you will be able to spy on the African coast with the Rock of Gibraltar looming craggily in the foreground.