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.
Local Places of Interest and Activities
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 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 - 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 (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
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 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.
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