Mijas
Only a 5 min drive away is one of of the jewels of the Costa del Sol, the beautiful little village of Mijas, which nestles comfortably in the mountainside at 428 meters above sea level. You can wander through the narrow cobbled streets or take the path around the edge of the village to experience the magnificent, breathtaking views. Many artists and writers have made it their home, enjoying the benefits of an excellent all year round climate, without being part of the busier, more commercial coastal towns just 7 kilometres down the mountain side. Despite its huge popularity with tourists, Mijas Pueblo has somehow managed to retain much of its traditional Andalucian way of life, the locals displaying their unabashed passion for all things festive and an unmistakable relaxed ‘mañana’ outlook on anything that can be put off for another day. Further afield you can enjoy all of the usual beach activities in Fuengirola or Benalmadena where you will find Sea Life, Selwo Dolphin Shows, Fuengirola Zoo to name a few. For the golfers there is a choice of over 30 golf courses which we can offer expert advice and bookings. We recommend to maximize your sightseeing and shopping experience that you hire a car but if not there is a regular bus service between Mijas and Fuengirola just a short 5 min walk away.
Bus timetable here
Malaga City
It is easy to understand why Malaga City is dubbed the Capital of the Costa del Sol.Once considered the poor cousin of Andalusia’s capital city, Seville, it now competes successfully for attention, thanks to its profusion of quirky museums and it’s delightful pedestrianised centre. The Picasso museum is a must see. Muelle Uno is the latest addition, a contemporary leisure complex in the port where you can shop in the designer stores, eat in the varied selection of restaurants while watching the cruise ships. In addition there is new party district called SOHO that is bringing a new bohemian edge to the city.
Puerto Banus
Puerto Banus is located in the Nueva Andalucia suburb of Marbella, 6km to the west of the town centre, just before you reach the small town of San Pedro de Alcantara.Although it may at first appear as a developed old Spanish fishing village with an impressive mountain backdrop, Puerto Banus was in fact designed and built in 1970 by local property developer José Banús as a luxury marina and shopping complex. Officially named Puerto Jose Banus, after the architect who designed the town, Puerto Banús is known as Costa del Sol’s playground for the rich and wealthy that come here for the beaches, the beach clubs and the buzzing nightlife. The shops and restaurants reflect this expensive lifestyle, with plenty of designer names on offer around the marina. If you enjoy people-watching and are there during the summer months you’ll never be short of popstars or reality TV stars to spot. If sports cars and big boats are more your thing, don’t worry, there are plenty of Ferraris and luxury yachts to admire.
El Chorro
82km drive – Imagine three stunningly beautiful turquoise coloured lakes bordered by pine forests. A tranquil retreat where you can swim, hire kayaks or peddle boats or picnic on the lake shore. Hardly sounds like a typical Andalucian scene, does it! But west of Alora that is what you will find. Malaga’s “Lake District” is in fact three artificial lakes created by a dam built across the dramatic 200m. high Guadalhorce river gorge, known as the Garganta del Chorro. Watch out for the eagles which continually circle around the sheer cliffs. From your journey through the Valle de Abdalajis you will arrive at the small village of El Chorro and your first sight of the dam and gorge area. There is a small bridge across the middle of the gorge, built during the construction of the reservoir between 1914 and 1921. A day out not to be missed.
Sierra Nevada
184KM drive – Sierra Nevada is Europe’s most southern ski resort. The resort is located 32 km from the centre of Granada. The ski season normally lasts from the beginning of December until the end of April or beginning of May. Artificial snow machines now mean that the resort can open for skiing even when there is no natural snow. Andalusia has a very high proportion of sunny days even in the winter and usually it is possible to ski with beautiful blue skies and warm temperatures. It is possible to ski in the morning and sunbathe at the beach in the afternoon on the same day. In total there are 79 pistes in different parts of the resort: of these 4 are black (very difficult), 34 are red (difficult), 33 are blue (easy) and 8 are green (very easy).
Sierra Nevada in summer, with an average temperature of 20º C, is the ideal place for all kinds of outdoor activities. The mountain resort offers a wide range of active tourism options for the whole family. The sports area of Fuente del Mirlo Blanco, offers its a range of facilities: Roller-sled (Wiegan), bike slalom, slides, children’s park with bouncing castles, trampolines, zip-lining, ice-skating on a rink with ecological ice, etc. The young ones will love these activities… and so will their parents.
Granada
150km drive- In Granada there is one of the most brilliant jewels of universal architecture, the Alhambra, a series of palaces and gardens built under the Nazari Dynasty in the 14th century. This mighty compound of buildings, including the summer palace called Generalife, with its fountains and gardens stands at the foot of Spain’s highest mountain range, the Sierra Nevada and overlooks the city below.
At the centre of the Alhambra stands the massive Palace of Charles V, an outstanding example of Spanish Renaissance architecture. Other major Christian monuments found in the city are the Cathedral, including the Royal Chapel where Isabel and Ferdinand lie buried, the Monastery of La Cartuja and many churches built by Moorish craftsmen after the Reconquest, in Granada’s unique “mudéjar” style.
The hill facing the Alhambra is the old Moorish casbah or “medina”, called the Albaicin, a fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and whitewashed houses with secluded inner gardens, known as “cármenes”.
The Plaza de San Nicolas, at the highest point of the Albaicin, is famous for its magnificent view of the Moorish palace. The Sacromonte hill, which overlooks the city from the North, is famous for its cave dwellings, once the home of Granada’s large gypsy community.
Gibraltar
107km drive – There’s really nowhere quite like Gibraltar. A little piece of England looking out from Spain to the coast of Africa with a rock fabled in ancient mythology and the only wild monkey population in Europe. Quite a cocktail, huh?
Gibraltar was handed over to the British by Spain in the 18th century, and British (if its very own brand of hybridized, flashback British) it has remained ever since, despite Spain’s best efforts to browbeat it into accepting its sovereignty.
The Rock of Gibraltar is a fabulous chunk of limestone rearing up over the city and overrun by Barbary macaques. Legend says that if these monkeys leave the rock, so will the British leave Gibraltar. The ancients thought it to be one of the Pillars of Hercules, with the other standing across the sea in Morocco. If climbing the rock looks to you like a modern-day Labor of Hercules, fear not: there’s a cable car that will take you the 425 meters (1,396 feet) to the top. Also of note is St Michael’s Cave, a dramatic natural grotto used as a venue for concerts, ballet and classical music performances. Visitors can also cross the border from Spain into British territory to see British policemen, spend British money and enjoy the duty-free shopping. After touring the city, journey to the top of the famous Rock of Gibraltar itself, where you can take in the views of the Spanish and Moroccan coastlines. Also spend some time getting to know the locals – the semi wild troop of Barbary “Apes” (a.k.a. Barbary macaque monkeys). Hang on to your belongings though, they are cheeky little monkeys! DONT FORGET YOUR PASSPORT!
Sevilla
231km drive – Sevilla lies on the banks of the Guadalquivir and is one of the largest historical centres in Europe, it has the minaret of La Giralda, the cathedral (one of the largest in Christendom), and the Alcázar Palace. Part of its treasure include Casa de Pilatos, Torre del Oro, the Town Hall, Archive of the Indies (where the historical records of the American continent are kept), the Fine Arts Museum (the second largest picture gallery in Spain) , plus convents, parish churches and palaces.
In Sevilla, you will want to visit the old city, with the Cathedral and the Giralda tower at its heart. (You can climb the steps inside the tower for a magnificent view of the City). Very close by are the royal Mudéjar palace known as the Alcazar with marvellous gardens and the Santa Cruz quarter, with cramped streets, flowered balconies, richly decorated facades, hidden patios… Other sights not to be missed are, in the old city, the Casa de Pilatos, a large sixteenth-century mansion where Mudejar, Gothic and Renaissance styles blend harmoniously amidst exuberant patios and gardens and, crossing the Triana bridge over the large Guadalquívir River, the lively popular quarter of Triana with charming narrow streets around the church of Santa Ana and traditional ceramic factories
Ronda
90km drive – Ronda is famous worldwide for its dramatic escarpments and views, and for the deep El Tajo gorge that carries the rio Guadalevín through its centre. Visitors make a beeline for the 18th century Puente Nuevo ‘new’ bridge, which straddles the 100m chasm below, for its unparalleled views out over the Serranía de Ronda mountains. Across the bridge, where an elegant cloistered 16th century convent is now an art museum, old Ronda, La Ciudad, sidewinds off into cobbled streets hemmed by handsome town mansions, some still occupied by Ronda’s titled families. The Casa de Don Bosco is one such, its interior patio long ago roofed in glass against Ronda’s harsh winters. Its small, almost folly-like gardens lose out, however, to the true star, a few minutes’ walk to the furthest end of the Ciudad, the Palacio Mondragón. Clumsily modernised in parts during the 1960s, this still has working vestiges of the exquisite miniature water gardens dating from its time as a Moorish palace during Ronda’s brief reign as a minor Caliphate under Córdoba in the 12th century.
The cobbled alley to the Mondragón leads naturally on to Ronda’s loveliest public space, the leafy Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, which boasts a convent, two churches, including the toytown belltower of the iglesia Santa Maria de Mayor, and the handsome arched ayuntamiento (council) building. Nearby calle Armiñan leads down to the spacious plaza of the traditional workers’ barrio, San Francisco, with excellent bars and restaurants. Back from the Mondragón, the Plaza del Campillo overlooks steps that zigzag down to a dramatic eye-level through the Puente Nuevo. The town’s pedestrianised ‘high street’, calle Espinel, opposite the bullring, is nicknamed ‘La Bola’ and is where Rondeños go for virtually everything.
Local Attractions
PLAZA MAYOR (Malaga – near airport)
Bowling, Amusement arcade, 50 Restaurants, 30 shops (including Nike and Levi Factory stores), 20 Bars, Cinema (1 film a day in English) www.plazamayor.es
LOBO PARK (Antequera)
Wolf Park. Guided wolf tours, Petting Zoo, Horse riding, Café www.lobopark.com
AQUALAND (Torremolinos)
Waterpark, with slides, Children’s water play area, ‘Boomerang’ ride, mini golf – Open late May – late Sept www.aqualand.es/torremolinos/en
CROCODILE PARK (Next to Aqualand)
Over 300 crocodiles. Live demonstrations of feeding, Hold one! if you dare! www.crocodile-park.com
TELECABINS
Take a cable car from Arroyo de la Miel to the peak of Mount Carramola and see the most spectacular views and on a clear day you can see across to Africa. At the peak there is also a bird sanctuary and café. www.english.telefericobenalmadena.com
SELWO MARINA (Benalmadena)
Amazing dolphin show, Penguins, sea lions, exotic birds. Children’s playground, swim with the dolphins and sea lions! Cafe. www.selwomarina.es/en
SEA LIFE (Benalmadena Port)
A magical, educational marine experience. Hundreds of species of fish, 20 species of sharks, seahorses, Touch pool, Children’s play area, Pirate Adventure mini golf. Hint – while you are there take a walk around Benalmadena Port – well worth seeing. www.visitsealife.com/benalmadena/en
FUENGIROLA ZOO (Fuengirola)
A unique experience with direct contact with wildlife. Lemur Tour, Zoo by Night (July & Aug), children’s play area, Cafe www.bioparcfuengirola.es/en
MIJAS AQUAPARK (Fuengirola)
Free bus from Fuengirola. Waterslides, childrens water play area, cafes, mini golf. Live daily show. Open late April – Oct. www.aquamijas.com/en
BORN TO BE WILD (Estepona)
Jeep Eco Tours – guided tours through Unesco Nature Park and white villages. Dolphin Eco Tours – Also, a fantastic beach bar and restaurant. www.borntobewild.es
SELWO ADVENTURE (Estepona)
Much more than a zoo. More than 2000 animals and 1000 bird in semi – freedom. Adventure activities, Archery, Rope bridges and much more. Highly recommended. www.selwo.es/en
ZOO DE CASTELLAR (Sotogrande)
An animal rescue center, is a private initiative started since 1998 which officially opened in 2002 in order to aid animals which were seized by the authorities. These animals that were the victims of the black market were mistreated and uncared. The purpose of the rescue center is to provide to these animals with better living conditions by the best carers. Several years after its commencement, the center opened its doors to the public for their enjoyment, but also to increase awareness. Gradually, with economic support, the Castellar Zoo is improving its facilities and installations for the public and animals. The center offers a second chance for the animals, and to the public an entirely different zoo, where visitors may feed the animals and interact directly with them. www.zoodecastellar.es/english
MAYAN MONKEY (Mijas Pueblo)
Chocolate making experience and cafe with great cakes and of course chocolate!! www.mayanmonkey.es
MIJAS WINE MUSEUM (Mijas Pueblo)
Mijas wine museum gives wine lovers the chance to taste different wines from all regions of Spain. Wines including Cavas, table wines, reds, whites, rose’s and the more noble of wines are there to be sampled alongside gourmet foods chosen to enhance the wine tasting experience.
www.museovinomalaga.org
AMAZONIA (Elviria, Marbella)
AVENTURA has a total 83 challenges in the trees and 20 ziplines distributed over 6 adventure circuits: MiniKids, Kids, Explorador, Jungla, Aventura and Deportivo, and 3 training circuits. You can also launch yourself on the longest treetop zipline in Andalusia, an amazing 240 m. in length.www.aventura-amazonia.com/parques-amazonia/marbella-eng
INDOOR PLAY CENTRES There are a few different indoor activities. This is the nearest
YOYUBA ADVENTURE PARK – (Fuengirola/Mijas Costa)
Indoor activity centre with Cafe and an array of activities that will keep them running, jumping and sliding for hours! From the Baby Zone to the Multi-level Junior Softplay area with Giant Ball Pit and Multi Adventure Zone for the older child. Or, for the true adventurer… ring the bell at the top of our climbing wall)
www.yoyuba.es
MIRAMAR CENTRO COMMERCIAL – (Fuengirola/Mijas costa)
The Miramar Shopping Centre, which officially opened in 2004, has an area of 119,000 m2, making it one of the Costa del Sol’s largest shopping spaces. All the well known shops, carrefour supermarket, but also many restaurants, fast food, traditional Spanish food, Starbucks! Also there is a cinema which shows some films in English and Spanish. On the roof there is karting and other activities for children.
www.miramarcc.com
Altitude Trampoline Park – (Malaga)
Over 3.000m2 of fun and sports, with the best and most complete set of events you have ever seen in a Trampoline Park. Dodge the balls they throw at you while you play in the Extreme Dodgeball court; slam the ball into the basket like a Harlem Globetrotter, fight a friend on the Battle Beam over the foam pit, or slide 11 metres down our giant twisted slide.
altitudemalaga.com/en/homepage/
MARKETS:
Mondays: Alora, Marbella center
Tuesdays: Fuengirola (feria ground),
Wednesdays: Benalmadena (Parque de la Paloma), La Cala, Mijas Pueblo
Thursdays: Alhaurin el Grande, Torremolinos,
Fridays: Benalmadena (Tivoli gardens), Elviria
Saturdays: Fuengirola, La Cala, Ojen Pueblo, Coin, Marbella (Puerto Banus)
Sundays: Fuengirola (near mosque), La Trocha Coin.