Marbella
BEST BEACH
Marbella offers over 30km of beautiful beaches which vary hugely in their appeal. Puerto Banús beach is well known for being the playground of the rich and famous. The magnificent white sandy beach is studded with palm trees and boasts an abundance of bars and boutique shops. The beach offers an array of water sports in the summer months and as well as a mini golf course – perfect for the kiddies.
BEST ART AND CULTURE
La Feria de Málaga is a festival celebrated in Malaga during August. The city centre is completely transformed and the whole city becomes filled with vivid colours from traditional costumes and flamenco dancing. The lively atmosphere is complemented by live music and catered for by masses of food stalls serving traditional Andalucían cuisine. Don’t miss the spectacular firework display! There’s also, of course, the wealth of rich architecture in the region.
BEST AREA FOR NIGHTLIFE
Marbella old town is home to the elegant Notte Piano Bar (Camino de la Cruz), an upmarket cocktail bar which often hosts live music. The bar attracts a sophisticated crowd who gather to enjoy the tropical gardens and chic atmosphere well into the early hours of the morning. For night owls in search of dancing there are also several nightclubs and late-opening bars including O’Brians, Buddha Bar, Bambinas in the old town, and the Colonial Cafe which plays music until 3 am. Enjoy!
BEST ACTIVITIES/SPORT
Sports lovers will be in paradise in Marbella. A dozen magnificent golf courses allow the sport to be played at the highest level year-round, in surroundings of striking natural beauty. Those who prefer water sports will find the town has three marinas where they can take up the activity they prefer. In addition, Marbella has several riding schools, tennis clubs and other facilities to suit the most varied tastes. All this, and not forgetting the enormous possibilities the Sierra Blanca hills offer for all kinds of outdoor pursuits. For the more adventurous, there are several excursions at sea available. Local boating companies offer Killer whale spotting trips. There are also sailing lessons available for keen boating enthusiasts. Intrepid hikers can take advantage of the nearby caves of Nerja which are a 35-minute drive away.
BEST KEPT SECRET
La Ruta del Toro: discover the way of life of these magnificent animals and enjoy the landscape of la dehesa at the same time. Bliss.
Visit: www.eltoroescultura.com/excursiones-la-ruta-del-toro.asp for more information.
British Airways offer flights to Malaga from £75 pp (one way). Terms and conditions apply. See ba.com/cityoffer for details.