#cabopino marina

[werentmarbella]

Marbella Sunset: Watch the Sun Go Down

Marbella Beaches

Puerto Banús

La Concha Mountain

Mirador de la Cruz del Juanar

Old Town Marbella

Paseo Marítimo

Beachside Bars and Restaurants

Cabopino Marina

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Family-Friendly Activities in Marbella: Making the Most of Your Taxi with Car Seat

Marbella, located on the stunning Costa del Sol in southern Spain, is a family-friendly paradise known for its beautiful beaches, charming old town, and abundance of activities that cater to all ages. Whether you��re travelling with toddlers or teenagers, there’s something in Marbella for everyone. One way to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience is by using a taxi service with a car seat. Here’s a guide to making the most of your family trip to Marbella.

Exploring the Beaches

Marbella boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, and they are perfect for families. Playa de la Fontanilla is a popular choice, with its golden sands and calm waters making it safe for children to play. Many of the beaches have playgrounds and facilities such as showers and restrooms, ensuring convenience for families.

For a more relaxed beach day, consider visiting Playa de Cabopino. This beach is known for its sand dunes and natural beauty. The shallow waters are ideal for young children, and there are plenty of beachside restaurants where you can enjoy a meal while keeping an eye on the kids.

Visiting the Old Town

Marbella’s old town, known as Casco Antiguo, is a delightful place to explore with children. The narrow, winding streets are filled with colourful buildings, quaint shops, and family-friendly cafes. One of the highlights is the Plaza de los Naranjos, a picturesque square lined with orange trees and outdoor terraces. Here, you can relax with a drink while the kids play in the safe, pedestrian-only area.

The old town is also home to a number of cultural sites, such as the Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation and the remains of the old city walls. These sites provide an educational experience for older children and a glimpse into Marbella’s rich history.

A Day at the Park

Marbella has several parks that are perfect for a family outing. Alameda Park, located near the old town, is a lush, green space with beautiful fountains, statues, and a playground for children. It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll or have a picnic.

For a more adventurous day out, head to Aventura Amazonia, an outdoor adventure park located just outside Marbella. This park features zip lines, rope bridges, and climbing walls, providing an exciting challenge for older children and teenagers. There are courses of varying difficulty levels, so everyone in the family can join in the fun.

Enjoying Water Activities

Marbella’s coastal location makes it an excellent spot for water activities. Many companies offer family-friendly boat tours, where you can enjoy the stunning coastline and even spot dolphins. For something more interactive, consider a day at one of the local water parks. Costa Water Park, a floating obstacle course on the sea, is particularly popular with families.

Another option is Selwo Marina, a marine park in nearby Benalmádena. The park features dolphin and sea lion shows, as well as a variety of other marine animals. It’s an educational and entertaining day out that kids will love.

Making the Most of Your Taxi with Car Seat

When travelling with young children, safety is paramount. Using a taxi service with a car seat ensures that your little ones are secure and comfortable during your travels. Many taxi services in Marbella offer car seats upon request, so it’s worth booking in advance to guarantee availability.

Having a car seat in your taxi allows you to explore the area without the hassle of public transport or the need to carry your own car seat. This convenience means you can easily visit attractions that are a bit further afield, such as the beautiful town of Ronda or the stunning Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park.

FAQs

1. Are taxis with car seats readily available in Marbella?

Yes, many taxi services in Marbella offer car seats upon request. It’s advisable to book in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak tourist seasons.

2. Is Marbella a good destination for families with young children?

Absolutely. Marbella offers a wide range of family-friendly activities, from beautiful beaches and parks to cultural sites and adventure parks. The town is well-equipped with facilities to cater to families.

3. What is the best time of year to visit Marbella with children?

Marbella enjoys a mild climate year-round, but the best times to visit are during the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. Summer can be quite hot, but it’s also a great time for beach activities.

4. Are there any child-friendly restaurants in Marbella?

Yes, Marbella has many child-friendly restaurants that offer high chairs, kids’ menus, and play areas. Beachside chiringuitos (beach bars) are also a great option as they provide a relaxed atmosphere and often have space for children to play.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Marbella is perfect for a family vacation. With numerous activities and the convenience of "Family Taxi With Car Seat Marbella," you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience for everyone. This service guarantees comfort and safety for your children, making it an ideal choice for families.

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Marbella: Villas and Luxury Homes for rent Prestigious Properties in Marbella

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Why Book With Swish

Holiday Rentals - villas, apartments & holiday homes for rent in Marbella

Bedroom Duplex right on Puerto Banus, Marbella

We put our heart and soul into making your stay a memorable one and pull out all the stops to pamper our guests. We hand-pick and inspect every property, selecting only those that will meet or even exceed our clients’ expectations. With a generous living area and a lovely outdoor terrace with lounge chairs and that rather great jacuzzi, you are also close to a range of tapas bars, restaurants and shops, meaning that you will not require a car to get around. The villa is set slightly outside of the centre of Marbella, on an elevated spot, so you will benefit from both a quieter location, while also being well placed to conveniently access all amenities of the town centre. Formerly known as HomeAway, VRBO is a well established global vacation rental platform. They operate under the mission of helping families everywhere find the perfect holiday home to reconnect with each other.

Struggling to book a table at Skina while staying in luxury holiday villas in Marbella? Consider tasting the high-quality Japanese food served up at Nintai instead. Stunning 7 bedroom villa available for Long Term Rent from 1st of August 2024.

This magnificent 5-bedroom luxury villa set in gorgeous, landscaped gardens is located in Guadalmina, just five kilometres from the beach and a short drive from Puerto Banús and San Pedro de Alcántara.

For utter pampering, rent a villa near town, where you can watch the sunset over the sea.

Many websites allow you to browse available properties, view photos, check availability, and make reservations online.

The outdoor spaces at this holiday villa are made to be enjoyed, with a private pool, sun loungers and outdoor shower, together with a comfortable and stylish outdoor lounge area to while away the hours in and to dine al fresco.

This spacious and elegant apartment offers complete privacy and consists of an entrance hall with a cloakroom and access to the kitchen and a lounge...

Beachfront, enjoying access to a shared spa with a seawater pool, a sauna, a gym, a kids´club and a beach club, the holiday rental Marbella is a perfect choice for a family or a... Our business is focused on the short term luxury villa rentals in Marbella, as well as property management for many of these villas. We offer an uncomplicated yet professional approach to both facets of our business.

The beautifully restored 6-bedroom Villa Paticoja is located on a private plot near the traditional village of Benahavís with panoramic views of the mountains and sea. This moderm villa available to rent is located in La Alqueria, a gated community surrounded by golf courses, right next to Atalaya Golf. Some luxury rentals in Marbella are pet-friendly, but it's important to check with the property owner or rental agency beforehand to confirm their pet policy. Explore our We Rent Marbella rental blog for the latest trends, tips, and insights on luxury villa vacations. The majority of our villas are being offered exclusively by us with the best possible rates. Besides the sailing, water sports and boat excursions on offer at the marinas of Marbella, Puerto Banus and Cabopino, this region’s other great sporting asset is its many first-class golf courses.

Why Book With Swish

There’s also a wonderful street market every Thursday, well-known for its huge variety of locally-grown fresh fruit and vegetables. Villa La Vega is a beautiful mansion situated in the famous gated enclave of Vega del Colorado in Benahavis, Malaga. This magnificent hotel combines elegance, comfort, and contemporary conveniences. Villa Magda is located in an elevated position, with panoramic views of the sea, within the most sought-after sector of the prestigious residential area of La Zagaleta Golf & Country Club.

Working as part of a network of professional real estate agents, Marbellapads.com have access to virtually every property that is available to the market. We offer a unique home finding service which save´s our clients having to surf the net to find a suitable property. This Marbella contemporary villa sits in one of the most exclusive residential areas, Cascada de Camojan. In the vicinity of Marbella centre, the beach and Puerto Banus, the house is perfect for those seeking to have it... In the vicinity of Marbella centre, the beach and Puerto Banus, the house is perfect for those seeking to have it all at call.

Holiday Rentals - villas, apartments & holiday homes for rent in Marbella

Most of the holiday lettings in Marbella have the necessary characteristics with luxury features. This is thanks to the fact that 74% of these accommodations come equipped with a pool, 54% with a garden and even 5% have a sauna. Absolutely, 88% of the holiday lettings come equipped with this feature. No matter which way you turn, Marbella is full of art, beauty, and refined culture around every bend.

There's a jaw-dropping 23 beaches to choose from, many of which have Blue Flag status. It's chilled out atmosphere and central location mean it's ideal for an afternoon dip in the sea after exploring the area. Playa de Alicate long, sandy shores are a popular choice with families, while Playa Nagüeles - playground to the rich and famous, is exceptionally clean and stunningly beautiful. Venus Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Marbella between the old fishing port and the marina.

Bedroom Duplex right on Puerto Banus, Marbella

Situated in an exclusive community, the purpose-built complex has been designed in the style of a typical Andalusian village, with narrow streets, flower gardens, fountains, and plazas. If this swanky Marbella villa doesn’t say rest and reset, we don’t know what else will. Set on an exclusive golf resort, the shared facilities, including a championship golf course, clubhouse and on-site restaurant, are gold standard. There is a fairly equal number of luxury villas in Marbella that accept pets and those that do not.

The best restaurant in the city must be Paco Jimenez Restaurant in the old town, excellent food with a cosy atmosphere. It’s tucked away a bit but definitely worth the effort of finding it. Bogart's Tapas Bar & Restaurant in Sitio de Calahonda is inexpensive with cocktails and a great menu that includes various dishes. Breathe Marbella in Puerto Banus is an upmarket all-round venue with outstanding food and drinks, atmosphere and shows.

We pride ourselves on our personal approach and will work closely with you from the moment you book Rent villa Marbella one of our villas. Stay in unparalleled beachside luxury at Villa Serafina, one of the most outstanding estates on Marbella's Golden Mile. Villa Zensei is an exceptional 8-bedroom villa in the exclusive gated community Cascada de Camojan, Sierra Blanca. Offering incredible views of the Marbella coastline, sleeps 16 with spa, tennis, gym. The core concept encompasses dining, music, fashion, film, and art whipped up into an entertaining experience with the wholesome family lifestyle in mind.

But we have a large portfolio of luxury properties for discerning clients and smaller family groups also. After an excellent recommendation to visit Ronda, Our CEO, Luis Ponce shares with us what activities to do while visiting Zahara and Tarifa in this Second Chapter of recommendations. The best plan to do in Zahara and Tarifa a part of enjoying it’s beaches, is to wander into its old town and picturesque alleyways. I created Cultured Voyages to help discerning travellers get to the heart and soul of a destination, while finding unique, luxurious accommodation in which to lay their heads down at night. I'm Isabelle, aficionado of immersive travel experiences and unique, luxurious hotels. You'll most likely find me camera in hand, or nerding out on research in advance of my next trip.

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Cabopino Marbella - Property Puerto Cabopino

[property-cabopino]

Properties For Sale in Cabopino Port

See a large selection of apartments for sale in Cabopino port otherwise known as Puerto Cabopino here. This selection are just some of the properties offered by Estate Agents Innovative Property that have their office located in the port. The port of Cabopino was built in the late 1970’s and is one of a kind on the western Costa del Sol, quite unique it would be difficult to imagine a port of this kind being built again. Many of the properties for sale in Cabopino Port are old with 1970’s interiors, but normally when they change hands the new owners totally renovate them.

See a large selection of the apartments here , but always enquire as we have more.

[readyfortravel]

Costa Del Sol: All Best Places You Must 100 % Visit

Among the leading tourist areas of the Mediterranean, it is difficult not to mention the famous Costa del Sol in Spain. Stretching over 150 km of coastline and bordered by iconic cities such as Marbella, Málaga, and Estepona, this Andalusian coastline attracts millions of holidaymakers every year in search of paradisiacal beaches, fascinating cultural visits, and, above all, sunshine all day long! Here are all the must-see places to visit on the Costa del Sol.

The must-sees in Marbella

A world-renowned destination, known for its festive atmosphere, dreamy beaches, and high-end services that delight the most demanding vacationers, Marbella attracts several million tourists from all over the world every year. But despite its reputation as a festive seaside resort, this chic destination has managed to preserve its authenticity with its typical narrow streets, lined with flowery whitewashed houses. Here are the must-sees in Marbella. The old city of Marbella

photo credit: Raiden 1 If you want to see the picturesque face of Marbella, the old town is the place to be! Stroll through the charming alleys with your camera in hand and capture every corner of this photogenic place: between the Orange Tree Square, the splendid Town Hall, the authentic traditional houses and the typical cafes, a huge palette of colors awaits you! Alameda Park

photo credit: Pedro Munoz Sanchez     A true "green lung" of the city, Alameda Park is a large area of lush vegetation in the heart of Marbella. When the sun gets heavy during the hottest hours, between noon and 2 pm, it is a real oasis of tranquility with its shady areas particularly pleasant for picnics. Lose yourself in the park, stroll the marble walkways and enjoy the refreshing breeze from the magnificent Virgen del Rocio fountain. The wild coast of the Dunes of Artola

If you want to get away from the most touristy areas and isolate yourself in more solitary corners, head for the wild coast of the Dunes of Artola. Between land and sea, you will enjoy the invigorating sea air and the beauty of this preserved nature, dazzling at sunset. On the beach of Cabopino, you will have the feeling of being alone in the world, and many consider it one of the most beautiful beaches in Andalusia. Puerto Banus Marina

photo credit: Tina P The Puerto Banus marina is a landmark for millionaires' yachts and an iconic place in Marbella. Its trendy atmosphere and posh reputation have attracted the international jet set year after year, as well as the most affluent vacationers: the streets are indeed lined with luxury boutiques and gourmet restaurants. The Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engraving If you are a lover of engravings, it is very likely that you will fall under the spell of the Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engraving in Marbella. In this historic Renaissance, the building exhibited various engravings, many of which were made by Picasso. The museum also organizes workshops and conferences to deepen the experience in this temple of engraving, a true national reference in this field. Arabian fortress of Marbella If you thought there were no historical monuments in Marbella, think again! The Arab fortress and its medieval walls are a perfect example of this, and a good example of the Muslim influence on the city's architectural identity. It is possible to visit them with a guide and learn more about this little-known facet of one of Spain's most famous seaside resorts.

Must-see places in Malaga

The birthplace of the famous painter Pablo Picasso, the port city of Malaga is inseparable from the Costa del Sol. So much so that it is for many its emblem, with its coveted urban beaches, its precious historical monuments, and its mythical medieval walls. There is so much to discover in this famous Andalusian city: here are the main places you must visit during your stay. Málaga's Alcazaba Citadel

photo credit: Colin Hepburn     History buffs will be thrilled to see the iconic Alcazaba citadel in Málaga. This fortress was built during the Islamic era in Spain and features elements typical of the Arab architecture that is widespread in this region of Spain. You can visit it from the inside, and appreciate the remarkable preservation of its foundations, but also walk through the beautiful gardens that border the building. Finally, you'll find the remains of a Roman amphitheater at the foot of the citadel, as well as several fascinating historical museums in the surrounding area. Add to this an overlooking view of the city, and you have one of the most visited places in Malaga! Malaga Cathedral

photo credit: Matthias Patzold     This is another emblematic monument of Malaga. The city's great cathedral was built in the 16th century, and its construction is said to have taken more than 250 years! When you arrive in front of this stone giant, you can't help but be overwhelmed by the majesty of this building with its atypical and refined architecture! At the heart of the building, you can observe the magnificent Renaissance ornaments, before reaching the roof and enjoying the spectacular view of Málaga, and then take your camera to immortalize the moment. Finally, to conclude your visit, take a detour to the cathedral's gardens, which are accessible free of charge. An enchanting stroll to contemplate the building from all angles. Picasso Museum in Malaga

photo credit: Teelicht This is one of those places that you would dedicate a whole day to visit, because it is so fascinating! The Picasso Museum in Malaga traces the career of the famous Spanish painter, known worldwide for his paintings such as Guernica and Les Demoiselles d'Avignon. Located in the heart of the magnificent Buenavista Palace, a historic building built in the 16th century, this museum exhibits more than 200 works by the artist in 11 different rooms. Here you can see the first childhood works of the man who was nicknamed "Little Goya", and understand the evolution of his style over the years. Atarazanas Market

photo credit: Edgar I If you want to meet the local producers of Malaga, what better way than to go to the famous Atarazanas market? Located in the heart of the city, in an old shipyard building with magnificent glass roofs, it is a friendly and popular place where locals gather in search of fresh products and good deals. Malaga's beaches

photo credit: Mateusz jagiela  Malaga's coastline is a true paradise for vacationers seeking relaxation and for lovers of water sports. Between the pebbled and fine sandy beaches, the popular beaches, and the more discreet coves, it is impossible not to find the ideal place to lay down your towel. For example, you can rest on the soft sand of the Penon del Cuervo cove, recognizable by its famous "crow's rock" that seems to attract sand like a magnet or have fun with the kids on the Burriana playa, one of the most famous in Andalusia. Near the beach, there are rental services (kayaks, jet skis...), showers, toilets, and traditional beach restaurants. Pompidou Center of Contemporary Art of Malaga

photo credit: Mike Fitzpatrick   If the weather turns bad, a visit to the Pompidou Center of Contemporary Art in Malaga could be a good alternative to the beach. This fascinating place gathers a large collection of contemporary works, which you can discover with your family. An original and entertaining visit! Botanical garden "La Concepcion"

photo credit: Stefan Schinning    La Concepcion Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe, covering almost 3 hectares. It is inspired by ancient times and has more than 2,000 different varieties of plants from all over the world. This landscaped park has also been declared a historical and artistic garden since 1934: one thing is sure, you won't be disappointed with your visit!

The must-sees in Ronda

Proudly standing atop a mountain, the small town of Ronda is one of the most authentic on the Costa del Sol. Relatively far from the coast, people come here mainly to enjoy the calm of the interior and the preservation of mass tourism. The cultural visits to Ronda can be done in one day. The New Bridge

photo credit: Visual coyote   A great symbol of the city of Ronda, the New Bridge was built in the eighteenth century and required more than 40 years of work. It is a privileged point of passage to the new town from the old town, and is almost 100 meters high, offering a dazzling view of the Tajo Valley. To take perfect shots of this grandiose structure, you will find many viewpoints at the foot of the New Bridge. Moorish King's Palace

photo credit: Bernhard Niedermeier    Superbly located in the middle of the peaceful countryside of Ronda, the Moorish King's Palace is a sumptuous eighteenth-century residence surrounded by magnificent hanging gardens. The interior of the palace cannot be visited, but the green space that surrounds this monument is worth the detour alone: it includes the Mina de Agua, an avant-garde water pumping system that once drew its source from the River Guadalevin. The park, designed by the French landscape architect Jean-Claude Forestier, is an invitation to stroll and relax. Plaza Duquesa de Parcent

photo credit: Domenico T    It is impossible to pass by the Plaza Duquesa de Parcent without stopping by when visiting Ronda. You are bound to fall in love with its unique charm and its fabulous monuments, including the town hall and the church of Santa Maria la Mayor. The latter building, of Gothic and Renaissance style, took more than 200 years to be built and is a must-see when you come here. Mondragon Palace

photo credit: Alan Cordova      A former royal residence built in the fourteenth century, the Mondragon Palace is a marvelous monument of Renaissance and Moorish style. Inside, you will find a museum with exhibits that trace the history of the town of Ronda. Afterward, stroll through the gardens of Mondragon, and enjoy the privileged view of the old city. Ronda bullring

photo credit: bestCityscape Emblematic of the city's bullfighting culture, the Ronda bullring was built in 1785 and is one of the oldest bullrings in Spain. With a total capacity of 5,000 spectators, these stands are now open to visitors who can visit the central sandy ring and the bullring's historical firearms museum.

The must-sees in Benalmadena

Benalmadena, the last town in our selection, has everything you could wish for when you go on vacation to the Costa del Sol. No doubt that its paradisiacal beaches, its fascinating cultural visits, and the comfort of its tourist infrastructures will make you fall under its charm! Benalmadena cable car

photo credit: Steeedm To climb the 780-meter-high Calamorro mountain, the cable car of Benalmadena is certainly the most comfortable and practical solution. During the 15-minute ride, you will enjoy an incredible view of the city and the sparkling blue of the Mediterranean under the sun. On a clear, sunny day, you can even see the Moroccan coast! Once you have reached the highest point, go to the Valley of the Eagles to watch the birds of prey shows. An activity that will surely delight young and old! Colomares Castle

photo credit: RPM It is one of the most refined monuments in the city of Benalmadena. Built in 1987, in honor of the famous navigator Christopher Columbus, the Colomares Castle has an unusual architectural structure and elements of Byzantine, Gothic, neo-Mudejar, and Renaissance styles. A monument like no other! Bil-Bil Castle

photo credit: Paul  Smeets      A surprising red residence in the middle of palm trees... No doubt about it, you are in the Bil-Bil castle. Built at the end of the 1920s for a French bourgeois family, it now serves as a municipal cultural center and wedding reception venue. Once inside, you'll be amazed! Benalmadena Pueblo

photo credit: Francisco  Goncalves      An enchanted interlude a few kilometers from downtown, Benalmadena Pueblo reveals to curious visitors the more picturesque face of this large seaside resort. We like to lose ourselves in its charming and poetic streets and contemplate the traditional houses with their whitewashed walls. A perfect place to take unforgettable pictures of your vacation! If you pass by the Plaza de Espana, you will probably notice this statue of a little girl holding a shell in her hands. It is the Nina de Benalmadena, a bronze sculpture symbolizing the friendly and benevolent look that the locals have towards the tourists. Here, conviviality is the rule, and you will be welcomed as if you were at home! Mariposario Butterfly Park

photo credit: Mariposario de Benalmadena     To conclude your stay with unusual activity, take a detour to the Mariposario Butterfly Park in Benalmadena. This large tropical aviary of 900 m2, located right next to a Buddhist temple, is home to more than 1,500 butterflies of 150 different varieties from around the world. In Europe, you will not find such a concentration of lepidopterans: it is a unique terrarium by its size, a must-visit!

Practical information for a dream stay on the Costa del Sol

How to get around the Costa del Sol?Once there, you will have the choice between the car and public transport. If you are traveling alone and light, you should take the bus because it will be cheaper than renting a car. If you are coming with your family, then it is better to rent a car. You will have a lot of freedom in your travels, and the prices will be proportionally lower than those of public transport if you are numerous (about 6 € per day). Read the full article

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Artola Homes has an idyllic location, front line of the Cabopino Golf Course in #Marbella and just a short distance from the privileged and protected sand-dunes and the #Cabopino marina. All of this provides you with the tranquillity you would wish for your home.

Just 15 minutes away is the vibrant, sophisticated town Marbella, with everything you could imagine for enjoying the authentic Mediterranean life style.

2, 3 & 4 bedroom apartments and penthouses. Prices from € 361.000

[troop2017]

This is my last post from our time at Cabopino and I’m aiming to mop up all the places that didn’t merit individual posts.  So this post is just a bit of a mash up 🙂

I have dealt with the following days out already (click to go directly to the relevant post):-

Malaga

Banos de la Hedionda

Embalse de la Concepcion

Ronda

Camino del Rey  (also our 1st visit was covered back in 2017)

But this wasn’t all we did (of course not – we were at Cabopino for over 6 weeks this time!)  There follows a short summary of all other days out during our time there.

Benalmadena

I visited Benalmadena years ago with my boys (staying in the Flatotel which was perfect for us at the time).  Whilst we were there that time we visited the theme park, Tivoli World (I was never going to get away with not going was I with 2 young boys in tow!)

This time though we were determined to go up the mountain in the cable car.  We tried twice….  The 1st time we got to Benalmadena before realising that the weather wasn’t as warm there as back at Cabopino, and would, of course, be cooler still at the top of the mountain – plus neither of us had bought any sort of warm top with us.  So we had to abort.  The trip wasn’t a complete wash-out though – we sat and had a drink in a cafe and found a cheap perfume shop where Calv managed to buy me a birthday present 🙂

A month later we finally found the time to return to head up the cable car.  This time it was much warmer but we went fully ready for all eventualities – except for the fact that the day before we arrived it had closed for a month (as, apparently, it does every year…)  We are completely useless and really must be better prepared. So we STILL haven’t managed to go up the cable car at Benalmadena – massive fail!

We popped down to the beach though and sat for a while (Calv in his walking boots; I at least was ready for this eventuality and had brought my flip-flops 🙂 ), before having a spot of lunch in a restaurant overlooking the beach.

Next time we visit Cabopino our first day trip out will be to go up the cable car at Benalmadena (although we will check that it’s open before we set out!)

Fuengirola 

If you saw ‘Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun’ this week then you would have seen the limo driver having to get from Cabopino Marina to Fuengirola in about 5 minutes.  I can tell you that this is an impossible task!  Fuengirola is a good 20 minutes down the coast from Cabopino, but this is where you will find a decent sized British Supermarket (an amalgamation of Waitrose and Iceland) – we never shop at Iceland at home but took many trips down the road to do a spot of shopping!

There is also the flea market – which one Saturday found Calv buying 4 regulators for his new Spanish gas bottle, because he kept finding one that was better.  In the end he sold the best one, but didn’t realise that until he needed it!

We were surprised at how nice the seafront and the beach were – some areas better than others.  We sat for a while near the breakwater one day (the 1st day we tried to go up the cable car, so we were both sat there in our walking boots…).  The next time we went was when Sam came to visit and we ended up with fish and chips on the seafront in the Crispy Cod (very nice too).

On our 1st visit (away from the shops) we also discovered the castle, free to visit sitting atop a small hill overlooking the sea and the river below.

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La Cala de Mijas

This is very close to Cabopino, maybe 10 minutes and also easily accessible by bus.  This is a nice little resort and this is where we went for Calv to have his hair cut (and me eventually when we re-visited), and also a good night out in Biddy Mulligan’s with Steve and Denise (and Peter & Diane) when we came back to the coast.

When we visited in 2017 Elaine and Chris brought us to La Cala (they made us walk – it’s about 4 1/2 miles from Cabopino, mostly along a boardwalk), so we were justified in visiting the rather wonderful cake shop (sorry I don’t know which 1 – just that it’s opposite a park).

This time when we came back down to the coast we didn’t stay at Cabopino but parked for free in the market car park at Cala de Mijas.  We didn’t think we’d like this but were absolutely fine, staying 3 nights in the end.  (You simply need to pop into the police station – 5 mins from the car park – to register and you won’t be bothered at all).

Torremolinos

A very short, but surprising, visit when Sam’s flight home was cancelled due to the drone fiasco at Gatwick.  He was put up in a 5* hotel right at the end of the seafront – although we’d been all the way along before we found him, my phone having died and refusing to come back to life in time to use google maps… We were pleasantly surprised by the beach and the seafront and the ambience.  It was quite distressing to discover that there are fairly frequent shootings here…

We did of course top the day off by getting lost trying to find our way back to the A7 to go ‘home’…

Marbella

Finally we felt that we should make a return visit to Marbella, having not been impressed the 1st time (when we only really found Puerto Banus – which we didn’t like)

This time we headed for the old town (Casco Antiguo) and had a much better experience.  The beach is lovely and a drink at a bar overlooking the beach found us sitting out of the wind – we could have stayed there all day!

The old alcazar walls are still prominent but inside there are ‘newer’ dwellings.  It was a lovely walk taking everything in, including Plaza de Naranjar and various other spots.

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Definitely recommended 🙂

My next post will be from our time up in the mountains at Casares; then look for posts on Tarifa, Cadiz, Algondonales, El Torcal and Cabo de Gata 🙂

          Delights on our Doorstep – Days out from Cabopino This is my last post from our time at Cabopino and I'm aiming to mop up all the places that didn't merit individual posts. 

[worldhotelvideo]

VIK Gran Hotel Costa del Sol in La Cala de Mijas, Spain (Europe) Hotel. Welcome to VIK Gran Hotel Costa del Sol in La Cala de Mijas, Spain (Europe). Subscribe in http://goo.gl/VQ4MLN The common services in the establishment will be wifi available in all areas. darts, hiking, billiards, , table tennis, diving, beach, , cycling and golf course (within 3 km). In the restaurant section you can enjoy restaurant, packed lunches, breakfast options, vending machine (drinks) and bar. To relax, the facilities have swimming pool, outdoor pool, shallow end, pool with view, swimming pool toys, beachfront, pool bar, sun loungers or beach chairs, outdoor pool (all year), sun umbrellas and pool/beach towels. As far as transport is concerned, we have car hire, street parking, secured parking, bicycle rental (additional charge) and shuttle service. For the reception services we can have safety deposit box, tour desk, newspapers, tickets to attractions or shows, 24-hour front desk, concierge service, express check-in/check-out and luggage storage. Within the common spaces we can enjoy shared lounge/tv area, games room, garden, terrace, sun terrace and library. For the enjoyment of the family we will have children's playground, books, dvds, music for children, entertainment staff, karaoke, board games/puzzles, indoor play area and evening entertainment. The function of cleaning services include ironing service, laundry and dry cleaning. If you arrive by business in the establishment you have meeting/banquet facilities and fax/photocopying. We could highlight other possibilities as lift, family rooms, facilities for disabled guests, , non-smoking rooms, designated smoking area, bridal suite, , air conditioning, heating, , wheelchair accessible and non-smoking throughout [https://youtu.be/EYfyEln4Bvw] Book now cheaper in https://ift.tt/2lPFZNY You can find more info in https://ift.tt/2u4KE2m We hope you have a pleasant stay in VIK Gran Hotel Costa del Sol Other hotels in La Cala de Mijas Miraflores Resort https://youtu.be/LB9XRS_f2Cg El Oceano Beach Hotel https://youtu.be/tqiL5YEJVW0 La Cala Resort https://youtu.be/cEoDU19xAiY Hotel Carmen https://youtu.be/oLDNv2K_HS0 Other hotels in Spain Holiday Inn Express Molins de Rei https://youtu.be/dMFRDJXEUmk House by Pillow https://youtu.be/FkPCnzZte0o Holiday Inn Express Alcobendas https://youtu.be/A_diKYRaQBU Agroturismo Alqueria Blanca https://youtu.be/M-dZCPnbE_4 Condesa de Chinchón https://youtu.be/O4_-3uPD8Nk Arrayanes Playa https://youtu.be/lNt5kEX2Kpg Holiday Inn Express Barcelona City 22@ https://youtu.be/NhmiWEsaYig Hotel Atolon https://youtu.be/aE9C5anIxfE Occidental Margaritas https://youtu.be/j2AptfxBC2U Hotel Estel https://youtu.be/_qImNivIGbA Ibis Valencia Bonaire Aeropuerto https://youtu.be/B05adyQDOq0 Petit Palace Santa Cruz https://youtu.be/3VRspwdgKrc Cala Blanca By Diamond Resorts https://youtu.be/OE80xO2Q-dw Ibis Barcelona Mollet https://youtu.be/CLT1kuMz5-g Marriott's Playa Andaluza https://youtu.be/WiIkriUeNOQ In La Cala de Mijas we recommended to visit In the Spain you can visit some of the most recommended places such as Puerto Banús Marina, Bioparc Fuengirola, Castillo Sohail, Fly Blue Gran Catamarán, Legends Bar La Cala, Hipódromo Costa del Sol, Playa y puerto deportivo de Cabopino, Torre de la Bateria de Cala del Moral and Senda Litoral Mijas - Málaga. We also recommend that you do not miss Monument to the Catholic Monarchs, Plaza Constitución, Aquamijas, Playa Cabopino - Artola, Playa de Calahonda, Club de Jazz y Cócteles Speakeasy, We hope you have a pleasant stay in VIK Gran Hotel Costa del Sol and we hope you enjoy our top 10 of the best hotels in Spain based in VIK Gran Hotel Costa del Sol Tripadvisor Reviews. All images used in this video are or have been provided by Booking. If you are the owner and do not want this video to appear, simply contact us. You can find us at https://ift.tt/2iPJ6Xr by World Hotel Video

[diedachse]

Spain

Aeroplane + blue sky + palm trees = Too impatient to wait for winter to end, so went in search of summer with these guys.

Our first morning did not disappoint. Frankly, I was so desperate for a break, just one day of sunshine would be enough. Naturally it was straight to the pool for these two.

My aim during this trip: read books, relax and eat fish once a day.

In the afternoon, we took a stroll down to the beach at Mijas Costa for our first ice cream and paddle.

The sea was pretty chilly - we won’t be swimming in there this trip, but the colours were intense and the sand was warm and soft under our feet, which meant plenty of fun with the football.

After a late flight in the night before, we decided to grab an early dinner, so went off to Los Tony’s at Nikki Beach for our first fresh fish of the trip. Sitting outside, under parasols looking out to sea, watching the sun go down. Yes, that works very well for me!

Day two to Perto Banus - for this guy - and his love of cars. Strolling the streets and meandering around the marina are the main highlights of visiting this pretty little town near Marbella. It’s the Costa del Sol's playground for the rich and wealthy. We blend in well in our VW Polo rental car - we didn’t get stopped by the paparazzi once!

Day 3 and we are four again. Neil arrived on the late flight last night, and we decide to head off to Granada for a rainy day adventure to the Alhambra Palace.

Hmm... it would seem that despite the rain, all the tourists are still coming to visit, and tickets for the palace & grounds are completely sold out by the time we arrive (mid morning). It’s not surprising one of the children doesn’t even want to get out the car - it is tipping down with rain. We are completely unprepared. No umbrellas or rain coats between us. We decide to do the obvious thing, and drag them along to the few areas that are free to access without tickets.

I’m sure the rest of it must be amazing. Hopefully we’ll get to see more of it another time.

After the palace we drove into the city centre to grab a bite to eat. Many of the shops were already closed for the Easter weekend, so we felt lucky that we managed to find a tiny bar serving freshly made pizzas where they took care of our needs very well indeed.

Day 4 meant mostly relaxing. The boys were off playing in the garden with new friends from the Isle of Man. We did manage to prize them away later in the afternoon for a change of scene and a stroll along the boardwalk through the dunes at Playa Cabopino.

This is a lovely accessible walk from the small port and safe bathing area at one end, where there is a small collection of beachside bars and ice cream stalls, the pathway meanders through the dunes, trees and plants towards Marbella. The boardwalk ends close to the “clothing optional” end of the beach.

We rounded off our day with a trip back into Mijas Costa for a decent curry and a sunset stroll along the beach.

Day 5, Easter Sunday. How was yours? Ours looked like this:

Day 6, our last day all together, and we decide to head off to visit some monkeys on a rock.

We didn’t plan ahead, which was probably a mistake. We attempted to take the cable car to the top of the rock, but at around £50 for the trip, we felt this seemed expensive for what it was, so we decided to do some of our own exploring instead.

We left the car on the Spanish mainland, so all our exploring was on foot. Down the main high street there wasn’t a great deal to see except tax free shops and familiar high street stores, but if you turn off this area, the back streets were full of colourful buildings that disappear up into the hills.

After a quick lunch of fish and chips (it’s not quite the daily fish dish I’d intended, but this is Gibralter), it gave us a good incentive for a long walk up a big hill.

We paused just above the castle, taking in the views over to Spain, out towards the Atlantic, and in the opposite direction, the Mediterranean Sea.

Of course, you have to pay to visit the Castle, and to walk through the Nature Reserve. Yes, really. Maybe this is the real reason the Spanish want it back. 

Digging deep for enthusiasm, and still going up.

No sign of any monkeys yet, but plenty of stunning cacti.

We found them. I can’t believe I didn’t get a photo. Maybe it was the vertigo, or perhaps the concern they might steal my phone, but anyway, they are only monkeys after all, and these three little monkeys of my own, happily heading back down the hill together make a far nicer memory.

Ice cream time people?

Early morning, day 7, and I have to take Neil back to the airport as he flies to London for work. It was so great he could join us and we managed to make the most of his 4 days away from the routine.

Meanwhile the kids and I head off for some retail therapy and gift shopping before relaxing by the pool for the rest of the day.

Day 8, our last day before we need to pack our bags ready for our journey to the airport the next morning.

I make sure I have one more run before we leave, taking the usual route down the hill, along the beach, splashing through the waves and back up a different hill home again. I’m out later than normal, it’s getting hot and hard work, yet it still feels so good to be out in shorts, working up a sweat.

The kids have already gone out - busy playing with their friends, they don’t even know I’m back. It’s such bliss.

Eventually after a day of lounging around, I manage to tear them away from play for our last dinner out, where we chose the easy option of Antonio’s, close by on the beach. 

These smiles make my day, every day.

Dinner is fish. That’s all.

We walk back along the seafront boardwalk towards Riviera Del Sol. The wind is picking up, bringing a chill in the air. Our stomachs are full, and our hearts are so happy. It’s going to be very hard to leave in the morning.

Naturally we are so grateful that Grandma and Grandad put their trust in us to take good care of everything. We’re secretly hoping the house takes a little longer to sell - maybe there’ll be a chance for another trip. Oh, we really hope so.

And boys - thank you so much for helping to make this holiday so very relaxing. You are so wonderful.  ❤

[placestoseein]

Places to see in ( Costa del Sol - Spain ) The Costa del Sol is a region in the south of Spain, in the autonomous community of Andalusia, comprising the coastal towns and communities along the coastline of the Province of Málaga. The Costa del Sol is situated between two lesser known coastal regions, the Costa de la Luz and the Costa Tropical. Formerly made up only of a series of small fishing settlements, today the region is a world renowned tourist destination. The Costa del Sol includes the city of Málaga and also the towns of Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella, San Pedro de Alcántara, Estepona, Manilva, Casares, Rincón de la Victoria, Vélez-Málaga, Nerja, Frigiliana and Torrox. This shoreline region extends from the cliffs at Maro in the East to Punta Chullera in the west. It occupies a narrow coastal strip delimited by some ranges of the Penibaetic System, including the Sierra de Mijas, Sierra Alpujata, Sierra Blanca, Sierra Bermeja, Sierra Crestallina and Montes de Málaga to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The coast shows a diversity of landscapes: beaches, cliffs, estuaries, bays and dunes. The rivers are short and seasonal, while the agriculture is hampered by the lee effect caused by the Baetic System. Alot to see in ( Costa del Sol - Spain ) such as : Puerto Banús Bioparc Fuengirola Fuengirola Selwo Marina Benalmádena Tivoli World Hotel Puente Romano Marbella Sea Life Benalmádena Sohail Castle Fuengirola Mariposario de Benalmádena-Butterfly Park Garden Of Eagles Castillo Monumento Colomares Carvajal Beach Museo Historico-Etnologico Mijas Museo Bonsai Marbella Costa del Sol La Plaza de los Chinorros Plaza de los Naranjos Basílica de Vega del Mar Carromato de Mijas Fuengirola Street Market Museo Arqueológico Estepona Museo Ralli Benalmádena Museum Centro de Exposiciones de Benalmádena Jardín de las Águilas Parque De La Paloma Museo del Grabado Crocodile Park Torremolinos Benalmádena Stupa Finca Del Secretario Museo de Arte Precolumbino Puente Nuevo Bridge Ronda Parque De La Paloma El Tajo Marbella Old Quarter Automobile and Fashion Museum Malaga El Torcal Natural Park Antequera Museo del Vidrio y Cristal de Malaga Alcazaba Benalmadena Puerto Marina Benalmadena Pueblo Balcon de Europa Nerja La Carihuela Torremolinos Puerto de Malaga eleferico Benalmadena Bioparc Fuengirola Fuengirola Centro Historico de Estepona Estepona Reservatauro Ronda Mercado Central de Atarazanas Cueva de Nerja Los Boliches Castillo de Gibralfaro Malaga Cathedral Rio Chillar Alameda Del Tajo Paseo Maritimo Torre del Mar Malaga Park Jardin Botanico Molino de Inca Parque La Bateria Butterfly Park of Benalmadena Playa de la Cala Mijas Plaza de Toros Cac Malaga Centro de Arte Contemporaneo de Malaga Lobo Park La Concepcion Jardin Botanico Historico de Malaga Avenida del Mar Museo Carmen Thyssen Malaga Playa El Bajondillo Playa La Carihuela Museo Picasso Malaga Museo Lara Coleccion del Museo Ruso Calle San Miguel Castillo de Colomares Puerto Cabopino Beach and Marina Playa de Burriana Plaza de la Constitucion ( Costa del Sol - Spain ) is well know as a tourist destination because of the variety of places you can enjoy while you are visiting the city of Costa del Sol . Through a series of videos we will try to show you recommended places to visit in Costa del Sol - Spain Join us for more : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLP2J3yzHO9rZDyzie5Y5Og http://ift.tt/2drFR54 http://ift.tt/2cZihu3 http://ift.tt/2drG48C https://twitter.com/Placestoseein1 http://ift.tt/2cZizAU http://ift.tt/2duaBPE

[property-cabopino]

This great apartment for sale in Cabopino Port has just come back onto the market. It has been renovated to a very high standard with two bedrooms, an amazing open kitchen, new bathrooms and flooring throughout. Cabopino Marina is one of the most attractive areas in East Marbella with great beaches either side and good restaurants in Puerto Cabopino. Price; €299000

Follow this link to see more info on this property click here!

[property-cabopino]

New on the market. A two bedroom apartment for sale in Cabopino Port this is a great apartment that has been cleverly converted into a two bedroom apartment by moving the kitchen into the living area as a modern open kitchen and thus turning what was the kitchen into a smaller second bedroom. What we like about this apartment in Cabopino Port is that it has two terraces. The smaller terrace has sea views and the other is on the backside of the property proving more space for outside dining and storage. Cabopino Marina is located between the towns of Fuengirola and Marbella along the coast and has some of Marbellas best beaches.

https://www.inproperty-spain.com/property-cabopino-port.html

[readyfortravel]

Costa Del Sol: All Best Places You Must 100 % Visit

Among the leading tourist areas of the Mediterranean, it is difficult not to mention the famous Costa del Sol in Spain. Stretching over 150 km of coastline and bordered by iconic cities such as Marbella, Málaga, and Estepona, this Andalusian coastline attracts millions of holidaymakers every year in search of paradisiacal beaches, fascinating cultural visits, and, above all, sunshine all day long! Here are all the must-see places to visit on the Costa del Sol.

The must-sees in Marbella

A world-renowned destination, known for its festive atmosphere, dreamy beaches, and high-end services that delight the most demanding vacationers, Marbella attracts several million tourists from all over the world every year. But despite its reputation as a festive seaside resort, this chic destination has managed to preserve its authenticity with its typical narrow streets, lined with flowery whitewashed houses. Here are the must-sees in Marbella. The old city of Marbella

photo credit: Raiden 1 If you want to see the picturesque face of Marbella, the old town is the place to be! Stroll through the charming alleys with your camera in hand and capture every corner of this photogenic place: between the Orange Tree Square, the splendid Town Hall, the authentic traditional houses and the typical cafes, a huge palette of colors awaits you! Alameda Park

photo credit: Pedro Munoz Sanchez     A true "green lung" of the city, Alameda Park is a large area of lush vegetation in the heart of Marbella. When the sun gets heavy during the hottest hours, between noon and 2 pm, it is a real oasis of tranquility with its shady areas particularly pleasant for picnics. Lose yourself in the park, stroll the marble walkways and enjoy the refreshing breeze from the magnificent Virgen del Rocio fountain. The wild coast of the Dunes of Artola

If you want to get away from the most touristy areas and isolate yourself in more solitary corners, head for the wild coast of the Dunes of Artola. Between land and sea, you will enjoy the invigorating sea air and the beauty of this preserved nature, dazzling at sunset. On the beach of Cabopino, you will have the feeling of being alone in the world, and many consider it one of the most beautiful beaches in Andalusia. Puerto Banus Marina

photo credit: Tina P The Puerto Banus marina is a landmark for millionaires' yachts and an iconic place in Marbella. Its trendy atmosphere and posh reputation have attracted the international jet set year after year, as well as the most affluent vacationers: the streets are indeed lined with luxury boutiques and gourmet restaurants. The Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engraving If you are a lover of engravings, it is very likely that you will fall under the spell of the Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engraving in Marbella. In this historic Renaissance, the building exhibited various engravings, many of which were made by Picasso. The museum also organizes workshops and conferences to deepen the experience in this temple of engraving, a true national reference in this field. Arabian fortress of Marbella If you thought there were no historical monuments in Marbella, think again! The Arab fortress and its medieval walls are a perfect example of this, and a good example of the Muslim influence on the city's architectural identity. It is possible to visit them with a guide and learn more about this little-known facet of one of Spain's most famous seaside resorts.

Must-see places in Malaga

The birthplace of the famous painter Pablo Picasso, the port city of Malaga is inseparable from the Costa del Sol. So much so that it is for many its emblem, with its coveted urban beaches, its precious historical monuments, and its mythical medieval walls. There is so much to discover in this famous Andalusian city: here are the main places you must visit during your stay. Málaga's Alcazaba Citadel

photo credit: Colin Hepburn     History buffs will be thrilled to see the iconic Alcazaba citadel in Málaga. This fortress was built during the Islamic era in Spain and features elements typical of the Arab architecture that is widespread in this region of Spain. You can visit it from the inside, and appreciate the remarkable preservation of its foundations, but also walk through the beautiful gardens that border the building. Finally, you'll find the remains of a Roman amphitheater at the foot of the citadel, as well as several fascinating historical museums in the surrounding area. Add to this an overlooking view of the city, and you have one of the most visited places in Malaga! Malaga Cathedral

photo credit: Matthias Patzold     This is another emblematic monument of Malaga. The city's great cathedral was built in the 16th century, and its construction is said to have taken more than 250 years! When you arrive in front of this stone giant, you can't help but be overwhelmed by the majesty of this building with its atypical and refined architecture! At the heart of the building, you can observe the magnificent Renaissance ornaments, before reaching the roof and enjoying the spectacular view of Málaga, and then take your camera to immortalize the moment. Finally, to conclude your visit, take a detour to the cathedral's gardens, which are accessible free of charge. An enchanting stroll to contemplate the building from all angles. Picasso Museum in Malaga

photo credit: Teelicht This is one of those places that you would dedicate a whole day to visit, because it is so fascinating! The Picasso Museum in Malaga traces the career of the famous Spanish painter, known worldwide for his paintings such as Guernica and Les Demoiselles d'Avignon. Located in the heart of the magnificent Buenavista Palace, a historic building built in the 16th century, this museum exhibits more than 200 works by the artist in 11 different rooms. Here you can see the first childhood works of the man who was nicknamed "Little Goya", and understand the evolution of his style over the years. Atarazanas Market

photo credit: Edgar I If you want to meet the local producers of Malaga, what better way than to go to the famous Atarazanas market? Located in the heart of the city, in an old shipyard building with magnificent glass roofs, it is a friendly and popular place where locals gather in search of fresh products and good deals. Malaga's beaches

photo credit: Mateusz jagiela  Malaga's coastline is a true paradise for vacationers seeking relaxation and for lovers of water sports. Between the pebbled and fine sandy beaches, the popular beaches, and the more discreet coves, it is impossible not to find the ideal place to lay down your towel. For example, you can rest on the soft sand of the Penon del Cuervo cove, recognizable by its famous "crow's rock" that seems to attract sand like a magnet or have fun with the kids on the Burriana playa, one of the most famous in Andalusia. Near the beach, there are rental services (kayaks, jet skis...), showers, toilets, and traditional beach restaurants. Pompidou Center of Contemporary Art of Malaga

photo credit: Mike Fitzpatrick   If the weather turns bad, a visit to the Pompidou Center of Contemporary Art in Malaga could be a good alternative to the beach. This fascinating place gathers a large collection of contemporary works, which you can discover with your family. An original and entertaining visit! Botanical garden "La Concepcion"

photo credit: Stefan Schinning    La Concepcion Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe, covering almost 3 hectares. It is inspired by ancient times and has more than 2,000 different varieties of plants from all over the world. This landscaped park has also been declared a historical and artistic garden since 1934: one thing is sure, you won't be disappointed with your visit!

The must-sees in Ronda

Proudly standing atop a mountain, the small town of Ronda is one of the most authentic on the Costa del Sol. Relatively far from the coast, people come here mainly to enjoy the calm of the interior and the preservation of mass tourism. The cultural visits to Ronda can be done in one day. The New Bridge

photo credit: Visual coyote   A great symbol of the city of Ronda, the New Bridge was built in the eighteenth century and required more than 40 years of work. It is a privileged point of passage to the new town from the old town, and is almost 100 meters high, offering a dazzling view of the Tajo Valley. To take perfect shots of this grandiose structure, you will find many viewpoints at the foot of the New Bridge. Moorish King's Palace

photo credit: Bernhard Niedermeier    Superbly located in the middle of the peaceful countryside of Ronda, the Moorish King's Palace is a sumptuous eighteenth-century residence surrounded by magnificent hanging gardens. The interior of the palace cannot be visited, but the green space that surrounds this monument is worth the detour alone: it includes the Mina de Agua, an avant-garde water pumping system that once drew its source from the River Guadalevin. The park, designed by the French landscape architect Jean-Claude Forestier, is an invitation to stroll and relax. Plaza Duquesa de Parcent

photo credit: Domenico T    It is impossible to pass by the Plaza Duquesa de Parcent without stopping by when visiting Ronda. You are bound to fall in love with its unique charm and its fabulous monuments, including the town hall and the church of Santa Maria la Mayor. The latter building, of Gothic and Renaissance style, took more than 200 years to be built and is a must-see when you come here. Mondragon Palace

photo credit: Alan Cordova      A former royal residence built in the fourteenth century, the Mondragon Palace is a marvelous monument of Renaissance and Moorish style. Inside, you will find a museum with exhibits that trace the history of the town of Ronda. Afterward, stroll through the gardens of Mondragon, and enjoy the privileged view of the old city. Ronda bullring

photo credit: bestCityscape Emblematic of the city's bullfighting culture, the Ronda bullring was built in 1785 and is one of the oldest bullrings in Spain. With a total capacity of 5,000 spectators, these stands are now open to visitors who can visit the central sandy ring and the bullring's historical firearms museum.

The must-sees in Benalmadena

Benalmadena, the last town in our selection, has everything you could wish for when you go on vacation to the Costa del Sol. No doubt that its paradisiacal beaches, its fascinating cultural visits, and the comfort of its tourist infrastructures will make you fall under its charm! Benalmadena cable car

photo credit: Steeedm To climb the 780-meter-high Calamorro mountain, the cable car of Benalmadena is certainly the most comfortable and practical solution. During the 15-minute ride, you will enjoy an incredible view of the city and the sparkling blue of the Mediterranean under the sun. On a clear, sunny day, you can even see the Moroccan coast! Once you have reached the highest point, go to the Valley of the Eagles to watch the birds of prey shows. An activity that will surely delight young and old! Colomares Castle

photo credit: RPM It is one of the most refined monuments in the city of Benalmadena. Built in 1987, in honor of the famous navigator Christopher Columbus, the Colomares Castle has an unusual architectural structure and elements of Byzantine, Gothic, neo-Mudejar, and Renaissance styles. A monument like no other! Bil-Bil Castle

photo credit: Paul  Smeets      A surprising red residence in the middle of palm trees... No doubt about it, you are in the Bil-Bil castle. Built at the end of the 1920s for a French bourgeois family, it now serves as a municipal cultural center and wedding reception venue. Once inside, you'll be amazed! Benalmadena Pueblo

photo credit: Francisco  Goncalves      An enchanted interlude a few kilometers from downtown, Benalmadena Pueblo reveals to curious visitors the more picturesque face of this large seaside resort. We like to lose ourselves in its charming and poetic streets and contemplate the traditional houses with their whitewashed walls. A perfect place to take unforgettable pictures of your vacation! If you pass by the Plaza de Espana, you will probably notice this statue of a little girl holding a shell in her hands. It is the Nina de Benalmadena, a bronze sculpture symbolizing the friendly and benevolent look that the locals have towards the tourists. Here, conviviality is the rule, and you will be welcomed as if you were at home! Mariposario Butterfly Park

photo credit: Mariposario de Benalmadena     To conclude your stay with unusual activity, take a detour to the Mariposario Butterfly Park in Benalmadena. This large tropical aviary of 900 m2, located right next to a Buddhist temple, is home to more than 1,500 butterflies of 150 different varieties from around the world. In Europe, you will not find such a concentration of lepidopterans: it is a unique terrarium by its size, a must-visit!

Practical information for a dream stay on the Costa del Sol

How to get around the Costa del Sol?Once there, you will have the choice between the car and public transport. If you are traveling alone and light, you should take the bus because it will be cheaper than renting a car. If you are coming with your family, then it is better to rent a car. You will have a lot of freedom in your travels, and the prices will be proportionally lower than those of public transport if you are numerous (about 6 € per day). Read the full article

[troop2017]

We had been told about a couple of places that we could park for free and were keen to check these out, never having parked for free before.  Along with these 2 spots we had been told about the Banos de la Hedionda, a Roman Baths that you can still swim in.

I’m telling you about this separately as it turned into a trip of 2 halves!

We had planned the day out with Steve and Denise for a Sunday and we were almost ready to go when Calv decided that we should fill up with fuel before we actually left.  So over to the fuel station opposite Cabopino we went – cue a little confusion as signs on the pumps suggested that we had to pay before filling up, so Calv decided to see if the pump worked, it did.  ‘Is this the right fuel?’ ‘Gaseole’ I read, ‘Diesel; yes’  And Calv proceeded to fill up.

We then all piled into the little car with our supplies for the day and set off along the A7 towards Marbella.  After about a mile and a half Calv said ‘We’re breaking down…!’ , the engine management light came on and we started to limp.  Luckily there was an exit handy (which turned out to be into the car park for the abandoned Marbella Roc hotel – shame as it looked really lovely).  This is where we realised (as I am sure you already have) that we had put the wrong fuel in the poor little car and we weren’t going anywhere until we’d sorted it out 😦

This is where knowing several people onsite came in handy!  We rang Alan, who was in a caravan so definitely had a towbar, to come to the rescue – which he did and really quickly too 🙂 (Thanks again Al 🙂 )  He firstly took us all back to the site before he and Calv returned to pick up the car (using the A-frame).

Calv then spent the majority of the next 7 hours emptying the diesel out (which wasn’t easy) and then putting some unleaded in (if only we’d done that in the first place!); and finally turning the engine over and over to expel the remaining diesel from the pipes….  Steve kept him company for the first hour or so, then I went into the car park to see if there was anything I could do – this turned out to be going and fetching more fuel (using Graham’s, of Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun fame, spare fuel can) and later turning the engine over and over again and again (we also had use of Jill’s – Jill and Roger, also seen frequently on Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun, car hooked up to the jump leads).

When the engine eventually fired it was a good moment, but also very dramatic!  It looked like the car was on fire…

All’s well that ends well and we re-organised our trip for a couple of days later 🙂

We decided in the end that this was actually for the best because just imagine how busy it would have been on a Sunday!!

We were going quite a way, beyond Estepona to Manilva.  Our first stop was to have a quick look at a campsite, Bellavista, which we didn’t really like (and at 31Euros had no intention of staying there – only we did…)

From there we took a walk along the boardwalk towards the marina of Puerto Duquesa (where we had a quick drink), which took us through the 1st of our suggested stopovers, in the car park in front of the Castillo Duquesa. Overnight parking is usually tolerated here, but we think that there is a limit on numbers as when we tried, a few weeks after our initial visit, the police were happy at first but when more motorhomes turned up they came back and moved us all on…  So our first attempt at free camping failed (and that’s why we ended up in BellaVista).

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Before heading up into the mountains towards Casares we had a lovely lunch in Marlowes Fish and Chip Restaurant – we have missed fish and chips 🙂

Next stop the motorhome parking area at Casares (which we resolved to definitely use)

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And finally to the best part of the entire day – the Banos de la Hedionda.  Although they don’t look much from the outside (when you eventually find them), this is one of my favourite activities on the whole trip so far.  We were literally swimming in history – the baths are believed to have been originally built by Julius Caesar, when the waters were recognised as having healing properties.  They were later modified by the Arabs when they conquered the area.

You can swim inside or outside – we went inside (apparently it was warmer outside).  I would recommend water shoes, simply because I’m a bit of a woss and don’t like putting my feet down when I can’t see what’s on the bottom!  I could put my feet down in a couple of places; you could also swim down the tunnel where there was a shallow pool that you could climb into – there was also another passageway that was so dark you couldn’t see someone literally a foot away!  Without a torch I wasn’t willing to venture down there, but might well do on another visit (with a torch!)

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There is clear evidence that this was once a thriving attraction, but when we went we were the only people there (although I understand that in the summer you now have to book your place (free of charge though).  On the walk back we also found the old aqueduct across the river.

I cannot recommend a visit here highly enough – although remember to remove any jewellery; it turned somebody else’s Pandora jewellery black..!

A couple of Secret Swimming Spots ‘found’ in Andalucia #2 We had been told about a couple of places that we could park for free and were keen to check these out, never having parked for free before.