Calanova Golf is one of the newest courses on the Costa del Sol Golf, located in the heart of Mijas Golf Valley, approx. 10 kms from Fuengirola and 15 kms from Marbella with easy access from the N-340 Costa del Sol coast road.


It is a private club with some 1,100 members but it is also open to paying green fee customers.


The 18-hole, par 72, 5.866 metres layout has been built to USGA specifications with regard to the tees, bunkers, drainage and greens, ensuring the best possible golf course conditions throughout the year and due to its unique design it has quickly become a local favourite.


Calanova Golf has been designed using its natural surroundings beautifully so that the medium handicapped golfers will find it a pleasure, yet challenging.


Tees are situated at different angles and levels providing golfers with the possibility of playing the golf course in a variety ways.


The greens have an average area of over 400 sqm and they have been shaped so that pin positions can be varied from the simple to the extremely difficult. The course has matured swiftly and the designers have made a first class job of what they had to work with.


There is ample parking but at the moment there is only a temporary clubhouse where you will find the pro shop, reception, changing rooms and showers. There is also a very fine restaurant, which has spectacular sea views from the terrace.

Sun, beach and relaxation – improves your health

The Spaniards have 2-3 years longer life expectancy than the North Europeans. Whether it is the sun, siesta, red wine or olive oil it is hard to say. However some of the Scandinavian countries send patients to Spain for rehabilitation as experience has shown that it is easier to recover in the sun.

Your health enjoys Costa del Sol Asthma, arthritis and many other health related problems fare much better in the mild climate of Southern Spain. For many people this is the main reason for moving to Costa del Sol. The climate is mild with winter temperatures generally not lower than 10 degrees Celsius, and summer temperatures seldom higher than 35 degrees Celsius. On average you will find more than 300 sunny days, and less than 20 wet days per year.

Your free time on Costa del Sol Different clubs, sports or cultural activities are here to fill your free time. It can be playing bridge or golf, taking a hike in the mountains, attending concerts and much more. Several business clubs are available where people meet for networking and to exchange experiences.

Selection in the shops Due to the large international society on Costa del Sol, almost any local speciality from home is available, especially in the towns of Fuengirola and Mijas.

Children on Costa del Sol There are many International Schools on Costa del Sol, and local Spanish schools are also quite good. In any case, the children are always the first to learn the language!

NIE-number Foreign Identification Number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is required to buy a property in Spain. The original document must be presented to the notary when signing the Title Deed (escritura) so make sure you apply for your NIE number well ahead of time. The NIE number is issued by Policia National or at the Spanish embassy in your home country.

Buying a property on Costa del Sol Since the international property marked slowed down in 2005, the Spanish property marked has had a similar slow down. The properties on Costa del Sol follow the European marked, as most of the buyers are European. However Costa del Sol is unique in the way that buyers come from most of the Northern European countries, making the property market on Costa del Sol more robust.

Health insurance This is an important topic and you have to pay attention to the small print. Private health insurance is not that expensive in Spain, though it does depend on your medical condition and age. The public health system is excellent, however with a private insurance you have a choice of hospitals and doctors speaking your own language.

Many flight connections to Costa del Sol Costa del Sol is a popular destination and has been for many years. Prices are low, and if you can order well ahead of departure, you might find that the prices are so low that it makes transport and parking at home more expensive than the flight itself. Flight connections are available from almost any airport in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and also all other major cities in Northern Europe are well connected to the Costa del Sol. Most people fly in to Malaga, however Gibraltar can be quicker if you live in Estepona or Sotogrande in the far west of Costa del Sol. Granada may also be another option for those visiting Almuñécár or La Herradura in the far eastern parts

The author has travelled across europe and would like to share the joy of looking over a place like costa del sol

With some superb beaches, first-class golf courses, beautiful marinas and superb climate, the Costa del Sol is one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations. This 80-mile stretch of coastline contains a variety of resorts, including up market Marbella and Puerto Banus, family-friendly Fuengirola and Benalmadena, and lively Torremolinos.

The Costa del Sol used to refer to the entire stretch of coastline between Almeria and Cadiz, but these days the term applies to the coastal strip within Malaga province. Tourism began to take off here in during the 1950’s when Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe opened the Marbella Club. This lavish holiday complex soon began to attract famous guests such as Sophia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Around the same time the coast’s first luxury hotel, the Pez Espada, opened in what was then the small fishing village of Torremolinos. More hotels would be added within the next decade and the Costa del Sol soon became known as a popular package holiday destination.


The area suffered a slight decline in the 1980’s, so the local government has invested a lot of money in recent years to bring things up to scratch. New marinas, seafront promenades and golf courses have been built, while the beaches have been cleaned up and improved.


The pretty resort of Nerja, known for its Balcon de Europa viewpoint and string of small coves, lies about 30 miles (50km) east of Malaga. Close to the town are the famous Nerja caves, discovered in the 1950’s and now one of the Costa del Sol’s top tourist attractions.


The three neighbouring resorts of Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola are situated to the west of Malaga. Torremolinos is well known for its popular nightclubs, while Benalmadena has a lovely marina and attractions such as the Tivoli World amusement park and cable car. The family friendly resort of Fuengirola boasts a small modern zoo, over four miles of sandy beaches, and a nearby water park.


A few miles inland from Fuengirola, in the foothills of the surrounding mountains, is the pretty town of Mijas Pueblo. Although it is sometimes overrun with tourists, Mijas has some notable sights including an interesting folk museum and an unusual square bullring. The views along the coast are pretty good too.


Further west along the coast from Fuengirola is the famous resort of Marbella and its neighbouring marina of Puerto Banus. In the centre of Marbella is the picturesque old town of whitewashed houses and pretty squares known as the Casco Antiguo. As well as its lovely beach, the resort is also known for its choice of up market boutiques and smart restaurants. Nearby Puerto Banus is a flashy modern marina complete with luxury yachts, trendy bars and posh shops.


The pleasant resort of Estepona, which still retains much of its original character, is situated to the west of Marbella. The town has several historic attractions, including the pretty church on Plaza del Reloj, plus a wide sandy beach and fishing port.


Malaga is the largest city and the main gateway to the Costa del Sol. Many budget airlines operate flights to Malaga Airport, including EasyJet, Ryanair and Monarch. There is a coastal railway line from the airport to the resorts of Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola.

Valderrama Golf Course in Malaga is renowned as one of the most excellent golf courses of Europe. The Valderrama golf course was formed in order to check the shooting style and skill of the enthusiastic golf players. Planned in the year 1974, this golf course is situated around one and a half hours from the Malaga region. This course was the official host to the ‘Ryder Cup’ in the year 1997.

It is an expensive affair to participate here as the green fee to be paid is approximately €320. The reason for this high amount is the great style and the manner in which this golf course has been designed. Although this is sound value if one is a seasoned golfer however, one should be equipped to reserve well before time!


Alcaidesa Golf Course


The Alcaidesa golf course is the only golf course in Spain which meets the International standards. The exteriors of the golf course are magnificent as one can view the celebrated Rock of ‘Gibraltar’ and Atlas Mountains. It is situated just over a hundred kilometers from the Airport of Malaga, all along the ‘A7’.


This course has been improvised during the course of time with fairways being widened. It runs besides ‘Cadiz’ shoreline along with undulating holes. One can also enjoy the sea breezes from the ‘Mediterranean sea’. The characteristic Green Fees vary up to approximately €80 for each round per person.


Guadalhorce Golf Club


Being the nearest golf club from the Malaga airport, ‘Guadalhorce’ Golf Club is a perfect destination for the players who cannot wait to play their favorite game. Situated just seven kilometers from the Malaga Airport, and with the car rental and accommodation booking service being available at the resort facilitates that the players can start to enjoy the game at the earliest.


This eighteen hole golf course is separated into 2 different parts, the first one is a parkland with nine holes with smooth fairways and the other one also has nine fairways which are has uneven fairways though. Characteristic Green Fees vary up to about €58 for each round for every person.


Anoreta Golf Course


This beautiful golf club designed by José María Cañizares , is surrounded by water on three sides and provides spectacular sea view. It was started as a 9 hole club and has been converted to 18 holes golf course. It is located twenty kilometers away from the Malaga airport and is the only 18 holes golf course in the east. With exhaustive and tapered fairways, this golf course offers a grand test for all the golf players.


Santa Maria Golf Course


Santa Maria golf course is amongst the most accepted golf courses all along the ‘Costa del Sol’ region, and is located between Marbella and Fuengirola Malaga region. It will be matched to medium and high handicap players. The lake and waterfall besides the eleventh the goal in the golf course add to the memories and thrill while playing the game.


One must be prepared as the and the sixth holes have quite difficult sheer walks, so one should be prepared. It is located fifty kilometers from the Malaga region near Cadiz.


In short there are number of golf courses in the Malaga region which provide a wonderful opportunity to the budding golf players who want to make carrier in this field. These golf courses are preferred by a lot many players of golf all across the globe.

When moving to Spain or France you can now do this by hiring a man and van service from Nicks removals.

You don’t completely have to see the contents of your house sold off in a boot sale or on eBay you can ship just about anything to Spain, but the cost for that service adds up fast. One couple on the verge of moving to Spain hoped to ship all beloved possessions from London to Barcelona.


When an international moving company gave them a quote of £3,700 for the service, they shopped around for a better price but they didn’t find much improvement. in the end , the couple arrived in Spain with a lighter load. Many people take one look at the price tag that’s typically attached to shipping the entire contents of a home and quickly come to the thought that emotional value is overestimated. you do not have to car boot your belongings when you can hire a man and van service to all areas of Europe for a fraction of the cost of a international removal company will charge.


Nicks removals as started a European man and van service covering mainly France and Spain but are willing to go to all European destinations to provide the service of flexibility to the customer which cannot be found with larger companies. UK Removals to Spain moving Spanish house and home moves door to door service England to Spain removals to Costa Blanca Alicante Costa del sol Malaga Costa Brava Almeria Fuengirola


Many UK residents will dream of one day retiring to sunny Spain. After all, thousands of people have done so in the past, and thousands more are planning to do so in the future. Considering the many benefits of living in and buying property in Spain for your retirement such as the lower cost of living, excellent local cuisine and fantastic climate why wouldn’t you want to move to this beautiful country?

Spain is part of the European Union and all EU and American nationals can visit the country for a period of no longer than 90 days solely with a passport. EU national can apply for a residency permit if they wish to extend their stay. Non EU nationals can apply for a further 90 day extension. These regulations do not appear to be enforced as far as the yachtsman living aboard is concerned. It is advisable to clear customs if entering Spain for the first time. The vessel’s registration papers and the passports of crew members will be required. A certificate of competence, evidence of the boat’s VAT status, a crew list with passport details, the radio license and a certificate of insurance may also be required. A VAT (Value Added Tax) paid or exempt yacht can apply for a “permiso aduanero” . This allows for an indefinite stay in the country and can be helpful when importing yacht spares from other EU countries. Boats registered outside the EU on which VAT has not been paid may be imported into the EU for a period not exceeding six months in any twelve, after that VAT becomes due. This period can often be extended by prior arrangement with the local custom authorities. There is a legal requirement for foreign vessels to fly their own national maritime flag together with the courtesy flag of Spain.

It is worth considering the following equipment when cruising this area. An SSB radio is useful for obtaining weather forecasts. It is very hot in the summer and ventilation is important. It may be worth fitting extra hatches and a wind scoop over the fore hatch will help a lot. An awning or biminy, covering the cockpit, to provide shelter from the sun is a must. A cockpit table is useful as eating outside during the summer months is one of the pleasures of cruising. Mosquitoes can be a problem and many boats screen all openings while others rely on mosquito coils, insecticides and repellents. Sunburn is the other hazard cruisers should be aware of, the sun can be deceptively strong while the boat is underway, plenty of cream and a hat will go along way to avoid the misery of sunstroke.


There is a constant east going current of between 1 and 2 knots flowing through the straight of Gibraltar and between the Costa del Sol and the north African coast. There is some tide to be considered at the western end of the region, Gibraltar sees 1 metre at most. This diminishes the further east traveled. The weather is affected by several systems and is consequently difficult to predict. There is an old saying that in the summer months nine days of light winds will be followed by a full blown gale that is inaccurate. A wind from the northwest is known as the “tramotana”. It can be dangerous because it can arrive and reach gale force in as little as 15 minutes. It often lasts for 3 days and can blow in excess of a week. The wind from the east, the “levante” can also blow for several days at gale force. Annual rainfall at Gibraltar is 760mm. The Costa del Sol will experience about 4 days a month of fog. Summer temperatures can exceed 35 degrees C and the winter months see around 15 degrees.


The remainder of this article looks principally at the harbours of the Costa del Sol. There are also numerous anchorages bbut only a few of the notable ones are mentioned here.


Marina Bay is largest of Gibraltar’s three marinas with 350 berths. Most berthing is stern/bow to. Larger yachts can lie alongside. Water and electricity on the pontoons. Within the complex you will find a chandlers, launderette and a good selection of restaurants and bars. There is an indoor market less than 5 minutes walk from the marina. Queensway Marina is much quieter than Gibraltar’s other two marinas. Security is excellent with all the pontoons being gated. Within the complex you will find several restaurants and bars.

Gibraltar itself was ceded from the Spanish to the British in the early 18th century and for most of it’s history since that time Spain has been trying to get it back. There is evidence of this wherever you go on the rock. The rock itself is honeycombed with tunnels constructed at one time or another for the purposes of adding to the defences of Gibraltar. Many of the older tunnels are open to the public and feature exhibitions of how life was for the soldiers of the day. Many of the tunnels are most definitely not open to the public and there is considerable speculation as to what might be seen in these. You can see Rosia Bay where Admiral Lord Nelson’s body was bought ashore from HMS Victory following his famous victory over a combined French and Spanish fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar. Nelson’s body was returned to Britain for a hero’s funeral but many of the seamen who died alongside him in the battle are buried on the rock at the Trafalgar cemetery. Take a cable car ride to the top of the rock, stunning views of Spain and across the straights to Morocco. Up here you will also find the famous colony of Barbary apes. Rumor has it that only when the apes are no more will the British leave the Rock. A rumor taken seriously by Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of Britain during the Second World War, who on learning of their dwindling population ordered more to be bought to the Rock from Africa.


Puerto de Sotogrande is an attractive marina complex surrounded by apartments, shops, bars and restaurants. The overall design has been inspired by Portofino. There are

sandy beaches to either side of the marina and golf, riding, tennis and squash courts nearby. One of the most expensive marinas on this part of the coast.


One of my favorites is Puerto de la Duquessa. Not too big and not to noisy. The marina is surrounded by apartments, shops, restaurants and bars. The marina offers free medical care to it’s users. There are sandy beaches either side of the marina. The village of Sabinillas is 5 minutes walk to the north. Another bus will take you to the village of Casares which clings to the side of a mountain. Marbella, popular with the rich and famous is another bus journey away. Don’t expect to see the famous on the bus though, they are the ones in the Ferraris. Hire a car and drive up to the picturesque town of Ronda.


Puerto de Estapona is a medium sized marina with the usual development of restaurants and bars.


Puerto de Jose Banus, the marina of the rich and famous and the prices reflect this. Whitewashed, Andalucian style building surround the marina, hosting boutiques, bars, restaurants and night clubs. There are several Yacht Charter and Yacht Brokerage operations within the marina complex. Marbella is 15 minutes away by car or bus. Good beach to the west of the marina which belongs to the hotel and allows berth holders access. This can be arranged at the control tower. Many golf courses in the area.


The small marina at Puerto de Marbella is surrounded by tourist developments. The marina can be noisy at night during the summer months. Wind from the east, south and southwest can produce a heavy swell within the harbour. Be prepared to double up on lines. Beaches on either side of the marina but these get very crowded during the summer months. The town itself is well worth exploring. Don’t miss the famous Orange Square which can be found at the heart of the city centre.


Puerto de Cabopino is a pleasant, small harbour surrounded by Andalucian style houses which makes a nice change from the normal high rise developments. Good shelter within the harbour. Limited space for transient yachts and it is recommended that you call ahead to confirm there is a berth available. Marina charges are on the high side. Cabopino beach, with it’s fine sand is reckoned to be one of the best on the Costa del Sol


Good shelter can be found at Puerto de Fuengirola. The nearby town is both noisy and very busy during the summer months. All provisions can be obtained in the town. There are good beaches on either side of the marina but these get very crowded during the summer months.


Puerto de Benalmadena is a huge marina with over 150,000 square metres of water. There is good shelter with the only swell being experienced in a W gale. Whilst the surrounding area is the usual overpowering high rise blacks the marina itself is quite attractive. It was named best marina in the world in both 1995 and 1998. There are over 200 commercial premises including boutiques, night clubs and the usual numerous restaurants and bars. There is also a sea life centre. There are good beaches on either side of the marina. Malaga airport is just 8 km away.


Puerto de Malaga is the major commercial and fishing port of the Costa del Sol. The only facilities for yachts are at the Real Club Mediterraneo de Malaga and there is little room for visitors. Malaga, known as the “City of Flowers” is both interesting and charming. It can be reached on foot from the port.


The small harbour of Puerto del Candado is found 3.5 miles E of Malaga. Suitable for vessels drawing 2m or less. With strong winds from the W – SW considerable swell builds up and the harbour becomes uncomfortable. Harbour charges are low


Puerto de Puerto Caleta de Velez is a quiet fishing harbour 22 miles to east of Malaga. There are beaches on either side of the marina.


The anchorages of Fondeadero de Neja and Cala de Miel are both worth a visit. Cala de Miel has a fresh water spring.


Marina del Este is a purpose built marina set amongst a huge housing development in a beautiful area. Wind from NE – E produces a limited amount of swell within the marina. Harbour charges are high in the summer months. There is a small beach close to the harbour and a pool at the yacht club. There are prehistoric caves to be seen at Nerja. The city of Granada and the famous Alhambra can be seen in a days trip. As can the Alpahurras valley, with it’s charming villages, towered over by the magnificent Sierra Nevada.


Once a small fishing port, Puerto de Motril has developed into a commercial port serving the inland city of Granada. Beaches on either side of the harbour.


The harbour of Puerto de Adra was founded by the Phoenicians and has been in use ever since. Today it is both a commercial and fishing port. The continual movement of the fishing boats makes for much disturbance. Facilities are limited. Harbour charges are high. Beaches on either side of the harbour. Adra town is small and has little in the way of development for tourism.


Puerto de Almerimar, a very large marina with the capacity for over 1,000 boats. Excellent shelter from everything but strong SW winds when some swell can build up towards the entrance of the harbour. Prices are low. Astonishingly so compared to some other marinas on the Costa del Sol. Sandy beaches on either side of the marina. This part of the coast is covered with plastic greenhouses, it has to be seen to be appreciated both for the vast number of acres under cover and it’s ugliness.


Puerto de Roquetas del Mar is a small fishing harbour. Strong winds from the SE – NE make the harbour uncomfortable.


Good shelter can be found at Puerto de del Aguadulce except with wind from the ESE which can cause some swell making conditions uncomfortable. The marina can cater for some 150 boats. The complex includes a swimming pool and squash court. Sandy beaches to the S with waters clean enough to merit a blue CE flag. Two 18 hole golf courses.


The Puerto de Almeria is a commercial & fishing port. Yachts use the Club de Mar del Almeria. There are several large rusty industrial structures close by a dominating the view and giving the place a rather grim feel. Overall the shelter is good but strong winds from the E produce swell that makes it uncomfortable within the marina. The Alcazaba inAlmeria, a Moorish castle, is well worth a visit.

Mijas is the Costa del Sol’s largest municipality consisting of three main parts; Mijas Pueblo, Mijas Costa and Las Lagunas. Mijas Pueblo is situated around 4 miles (6km) inland and about 430 metres above sea level. Popular with day trippers and coach parties, this attractive whitewashed village offers some fantastic views of the coast. Donkey taxis are available if you fancy a leisurely tour of this traditional pueblo.

Mijas Pueblo has a number of attractions, including the unusual Carramoto de Max. This museum houses a diverse collection of extremely small objects, such as a picture of Abraham Lincoln on a pinhead, or the Lord’s Prayer written on the side of a playing card. Close by is the grotto of the Virgen de la Pena carved out of the rock by monks in the 17th century. If you want a better understanding of the traditional way of life in Mijas, the municipal museum (Casa Museo) by the Plaza de la Libertad is well worth visiting. It tells the story of the post-war ‘years of hunger’ when the local community was close to starvation and often had to survive on soup made from grass. The museum also has a collection of farming implements and machinery used in the production of olive oil. Mijas Pueblo has an attractive bullring (Plaza de Toros) which is home to a small museum of bullfighting memorabilia.


Mijas Costa is the name given to the municipality’s long stretch of coastline (about 7 miles or 12km in total) between Marbella and Fuengirola. About halfway along is the little village of La Cala de Mijas which has an attractive sheltered beach plus several good bars and restaurants. La Cala is the venue for the popular street market which is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There are several large urbanisations dotted along the N340 coast road through Mijas Costa, including Miraflores, Riviera del Sol and Calahonda.


The commercial district of Las Lagunas is more or less an extension of the neighbouring resort of Fuengirola. There is not much of note here, with the exception of the Parque Aqua Mijas. Situated alongside the Fuengirola bypass, this water park is an ideal family attraction complete with water slides, paddling pools, jacuzzis and the Adventure River ride. There is also mini-golf and a rock climbing area for children. Parque Aqua Mijas is open from the end of April to the end of September. From mid-June onwards there are daily aerobics sessions and music shows.


There are plenty of golf courses in the area, most notably the La Cala Golf Resort, founded in 1991, which boasts three 18-hole courses plus a David Leadbetter Academy. Other venues include Mijas Golf, with two 18-hole courses, and the recently opened Calanova Golf. Mijas also boasts a horse racing circuit known as El Hipodromo Costa del Sol. There are regular evening race meetings held at the circuit throughout the summer months, and it has also been used as a venue for pop concerts.


The Portillo Company operates bus services from Mijas Pueblo to Fuengirola, Benalmadena and Torremolinos, as well as inland to Alhuarin and Coin. Portillo also runs the coastal service between Marbella and Fuengirola which stops throughout Mijas Costa.

Once upon a time people only went to Spain- and in particular the Costa del Sol – for the warn sunshine and the beautiful beaches.

That is still the case today but people are also seeking other things to do other than sunbathe.


The Costa del Sol has something for everybody.


The Mediterranean climate lends itself to sports and outdoor activities. Sports enthusiasts would be amazed at the different choices available from golf to horseriding, paragliding, hiking, sailing, tennis,fishing,windsurfing and even ski-ing in the Sierra Nevada.


Culture vultures will be happy with the number of museums, theatres, concert halls, ancient churches, castles and palaces. There is the famous Picasso Museum in Malaga, bullfighting museums in Mijas Pueblo and Cordoba, cathedrals in Malaga and Seville, theatres and concert halls in Malaga and Seville, palaces and historical buildings in Seville as well as lots of local museums such as the sherry bodegas in Jerez or the hunting and craft musems in Ronda. Also there are many cinemas- these are oftern found in commercial shopping centres and there is always one screen showing English versions of the latest films.


Lots of tourists love visiting the traditional Andalucian ‘white villages’ with their quaint cobbled streets and colourful pots of geraniums and orange and lemon trees. Mijas Pueblo, Gaucin, Casares..to name but a few. Another place worth visiting is Nerja with its famous caves with formations of stalagltites and stalagmites.


Nature lovers will enjoy the protected natural parkland of Donana near Huelva with its wildlife and is ideal for bird watchers. Some of the parks in the Jaen region are home to rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. The lakes in the Malaga province near Ardales are set amongst beautiful countryside with spectacular mountain views. The lagoon at Fuente Piedra on the outskirts of Antequera is a natural lake and home to a large colony of flamingoes.

There are also plenty of other green spaces to visit such as the Botanical Gardens on the outskirts of Malaga. Even the English cemetery in Malaga is worthy of a visit with its beutiful secluded garden of historical interest.


The gastronomes will be happy with the variety of food and drink from the traditional tapas dishes in local bars to fresh fish and seafood in the chiringuitos (beach bars/restaurants) to avante-garde cuisine in award-winning restaurants.


There is also a variety of accommodation to suit every budget ranging from the campsites, hostels, rural fincas (farmhouses), apartment and self-catering accommodation to top-of-the-range luxury spa hotels.


Children have little chance of being bored as there are many attractions to keep the kids happy. There is the Selwo Safari Park near Estepona, the Selwo Marina and Sea Life aquarium in Benalmadena, Tivoli World Amusement Park in Arroya de la Miel, Crocodile Park in Torremolinos, Fuengirola Zoo, Aqua Park with water slides and chutes in Mijas Costa and spectacular cable-car rides overlooking Benalmadena and Malaga. There is a wolf sanctuary in Antequera and donkey rides up mountain paths. All over the Costa del Sol you can find lots of parks with swings, slides, open spaces for bike-riding and seating areas for picnics etc..


The main airport is Malaga but there are other smaller aiports at Jerez and Granada. For travelling around there are plenty of car-hire companies, local taxis, excursion coaches, local buses, a regular train service from Malaga to Fuengirola and the fast AVE train which runs from Malaga to Cordoba and onto Madrid. The port at Malaga has many visits by large cruise ships and Fuengirola is principally a fishing port. Other ports such as Marbella, Puerto Banus, Benalmadena, Ducquesa and Cabopino are used by sailing clubs or to moor private yachts.


Lastly, but not least, Andalucia is the birthplace of flamenco. There are actually many different component parts to flamenco and styles vary from province to province and flamenco dance is still the main attraction for tourists to this region.

Marbella is a playground for the rich and famous although in recent years, more affordable holidays have become available. This area attracts visitors from the UK and Ireland but also Northern Europe. This is typified west of the town at Puerto Banus, this area attracts visitors from the UK and Ireland but also Northern Europe. A St Tropez like marina at Puerto Banus is home to million pound plus ocean going boats. Marbella as a whole has a very cosmopolitan community which has built up during the years. Many famous people have resident’s in Marbella which has all the characteristics and facilities required to serve them, casinos, boutique and designer stores, street cafes, world class restaurants and luxury night clubs.

As with most of the Costa Del Sol, golf in Marbella is a very popular activity. There are around 50 golf courses many with huge country clubs. The 320 days of sunshine a year mean as with all of the Costa Del Sol, it is the perfect golfing destination.


Marbella as with most of this coast is steeped in heritage so it isn’t just all shopping and golf when it comes to leisure activities. The White Village “Mijas” is well worth a visit. The village set 428 metres above sea level and it is obvious why it is called the White Village due to the hundreds and white-washed buildings. The views from the village are spectacular, right across the whole of the Costa Del Sol coast. Due to the nature of the village with its narrow cobbled streets, Mijas has a very close community especially with those over 60, many of which are English speaking.


It isn’t hard to find the real Spain in Marbella. There is the Old Town, which is based around Orange Square or ‘La Plaza de los Naranjos’. In this vicinity are three historical buildings: The 16th Century Town Hall, the old Governor’s House and the Chapel of Santiago. As in Mijas, you will find small cobbled streets, small boutiques, galleries, local tapas bars and other authentic restaurants.


There is a varied range of Marbella accommodation from apartments and hotels to private Marbella rentals. Some properties are beyond most people’s wildest dreams. Rentals Marbella can be found in the forms of villas, apartments, townhouse, marina properties and golf accommodation. Short and long terms lets can be found with most providers. Properties can be found in central locations where a car is not required or for a more peaceful holiday, there are retreats away from the central locations. In fact, if the best of both worlds is required, Marbella offers a great choice of villas and apartments that are off the beaten track, but still only a 10 minute drive from the busy Puerto Banus. These are the areas such as the Montevideo Hills, San Pedro de Alcántara and Bahia de Marbella. Marbella has seen a much improved transport system in recent years. Marbella has an excellent bus station which has a service running 365 days a year to Malaga Airport and back. There is also a regular service between Marbella and Fuengirola. Taxi’s are a quick and cheap way of getting around Marbella and the Costa Del Sol and are all modern, clean vehicles now.

Malaga Airport is perfectly located for tourists and business visitors alike wanting to visit the Costa del Sol. It’s Spain’s fourth busiest airport and over 12 million travelers pass through the airport every year.

The Airport has fantastic road links, this means that hiring a car at Malaga and getting to your destination couldn’t be easier. Malaga airport is in fact 8 kilometers outside of the city to the west, the A7 coastal road links to the AP7 Autopisa del Sol Motorway; which means you should have no problem in getting to destinations like Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Marbella, Granada or even out to Gibralta in your hire car.

Malaga airport has had to grow in size to accommodate a huge number of passengers which increases steadily every year. Latest developments show plans for a third terminal and second runway to be put in place. This means that the airport should be able to handle 9000 passengers an hour during their peak periods.

Malaga airport is a spacious beautifully thought out international travelling hub. Currently flying to 60 worldwide destinations Malaga airport offers a truly exceptional service. Keeping in theme with Malaga’s affluent profile the shopping center with in the airport has been updated and improved and is worth a visit for a little last minute holiday retail therapy.

As Malaga airport has expanded exponentially the industries servicing the airport have been forced to do the same and kept up with demand. Car hire is no exception and the range of companies now operating from Malaga is extensive. This competition amongst the companies keeps prices very competitive. If you are not careful though there are still large discrepancies in what you might pay.

How do you know you are getting a good price for your car hire with out trawling through every individual company? This would be incredibly time consuming, I suggest using a comparison search engine. You simply have to enter your travel details and requirements once, and then the search engine does the hard work. It will search over one hundred providers and bring back the most competitive appropriate options.

There are a few important things you should remember when you’re hiring a car, consider the size of vehicle you may need; not only does it need to get your group to your holiday accommodation but it must be able to hold your luggage as well. If you’re carrying extra luggage of golf clubs ensure you book an appropriate vehicle. Generally speaking the smaller the vehicle you book the less the car will cost you.

If you feel like taking a road trip in style consider a convertible, there’s nothing like the feeling of cruising through this area of Spain with the top down and warm breeze in you hair. Remember though air conditioning is a must have feature. With summer temperatures in the high 30’s a trip in a car will be very uncomfortable with out it.

Hiring a car in Malaga is not only an easy option today but it also makes financial sense if you are travelling a reasonable distance from the airport to your holiday destination it may work out cheaper than a taxi transfer. Next remember you may have to use taxis during your stay, a hire car will work out as the cheaper option. Not only this, but a hire car gives you far greater flexibility during your holiday. You can build your own excursions and get to visit areas of Spain that other tourists may miss out on.

Take an adventure in your hire car and visit some of the unique areas around Malaga. It may open up a whole new element to your holiday experience you have been missing out on until now. A Car Hire Malaga is the perfect way to explore the region. With so many interesting places to discover a “>”> Car Hire Spain is the recommended and most cost effective transport option. See