Southern Spain in General:
With miles of sandy beaches and the best all round climate in Europe, the area caters for all ages, offering a multitude of choices for every visitor. From the beach with all its attractions to mountain villages waiting to be discovered. The region’s history dates back to Phoenician times and has since been a home to Greeks, Romans and Moors, all of whom have left their mark on the area’s architecture and culture. Perhaps less well known is the area’s culture, often in the shadow of its neighbour Seville, the Costa and the Malaga province are home to some of the finest Flamenco shows, tapas restaurants and secluded Andalucian villages. The region’s infrastructure is well organised with the new Autopista del Sol providing access from Malaga to Estepona and beyond to Gibraltar. The old N340 coast road is a little slower but offers some lovely sea views as it winds its way along the coast. Links between Granada, Seville and Cordoba are easily accessible for those wishing to venture further inland. This region of Spain boasts such a high number of world class golf courses, so much so that it is dubbed ‘The Costa del Golf’. For families there are theme parks, including water parks, go-karting, safari parks and many beautiful public gardens and lovely marinas such as La Duquesa. For those seeking authentic Spain there are the ‘pueblos blancos’ of Manilva and Casares as well as the beautiful town of Ronda. For some the main areas of attraction are the many bars and clubs in Puerto Banus and Marbella. The following details will give a more in depth information on what we consider the most attractive coastline in Europe.
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Estepona
Estepona is a large coastal town approximately 10 minutes from the villa. It is well known for having kept its Spanish charm and character. However, all facilities are here, with an abundance of bars, restaurants, and shops. The many cafes and tapas bars serve traditional Spanish ’raciones’ and the older part of the town reflects a forgotten time of donkeys and horses, with its narrow streets and cobbles. Also to be found are unusual, cheap and friendly shops and bodegas. In the centre of Estepona is La Rada beach the town’s most popular beach. It is 2.6km long and has an attractive promenade alongside. Located throughout are Chiringuitos (beach bars), which serve traditional tapas, or a choice of cosmopolitan style dishes. Located at the west end of La Rada beach is the marina. El Cristo beach is situated in a lovely cove to the west of the marina, with a number of beach bars. It makes an ideal place for long days in the sun. This is a popular beach that gets quite crowded at summer weekends. It’s a lively beach with music at some of the beach bars. There are a number of quieter beaches to the east and west of Estepona such as Playa del Castor. Reached via a track, this is a place where you can relax away from the bustle of modern life. The marina at Estepona is situated at the west end of the promenade. A lovely place to take a stroll and have a look at some of the magnificent boats moored here. The marina area has an excellent choice of bars and restaurants to suit all types. There is a market here on a Sunday morning. Estepona is still a relatively unspoilt haven on the coast, friendly, cosmopolitan in one breath, very Hispanic in another.
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La Duquesa
The jewel of the Southern coast. The Southern coast’s best kept secret, La Duquesa is just 5 minutes drive from our apartment. An oasis of peace, in an area that has retained a distinct Andalucian charm and character, La Duquesa offers serenity and relaxation for a holiday like no other on the Southern coast of Spain. The perfect place for a morning croissant and coffee, overlooking the variety of craft that jostle in the marina, the stunning port of La Duquesa provides the ideal location for all types of water sports and boating activities. The attractive promenade around the marina is home to a tempting selection of family restaurants, bars and cafés. Options for eating include French, Italian, Chinese, Indian, Thai and of course, Spanish with its fresh, local fish. Situated a short walk from the port is the La Duquesa Golf and Country Club with an 18 hole course offering wonderful sea and mountain views. As well as golf, on offer are tennis, squash, and a fully equipped gym. Other golf courses are close at hand and full details of all courses within easy reach of our apartment are featured at the bottom of this page. Whatever you’re looking for on holiday you’ll find it at La Duquesa. A 15 minute drive takes you either into the heart of Puerto Banus, with its vibrant night life and bustling shops, or alternatively take life at a slower pace in the quiet villages of Manilva, Casares or Benahavis. So if a laid back evening meal and moonlit boats bobbing in the harbour is for you, La Duquesa is most definitely the right choice.
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Puerto Banus
Lying approximately 6km west of Marbella, Puerto Banus is about a 20 minute drive from the villa. You could be forgiven for thinking it is La Duquesa on a larger scale in both size of port and marine craft, although here you are likely to rub shoulders with all kinds of celebrities including the titled rich and famous as it is a favourite stop for royalty of all nationalities. The Playa Levante beach lies north of the town and holds a European blue flag. Very long, wide and clean, the beach offers all of the usual facilities with the additional plus point being its close proximity to such a thrilling town. It really is an experience not to be missed, and it’s easy to enjoy a pleasant evening wandering up and down the marina pontoons, and then sit in one of the many bars, watching the world (and his wife) go by. As with La Duquesa, Puerto Banus enjoys a beautiful setting, with its stunning mountain backdrop and sparkling ocean vistas. From being a shopper’s dream during the daytime with some of the most famous fashion houses, vibrant shops and boutiques, Puerto Banus becomes a lively cosmopolitan port in the evening, blessed with an abundance of bars and clubs to suit all tastes. The bullring plays host to a popular street market every Saturday morning where all sorts of bargains can be bought. Stalls spread out in all directions offering a wide range of goods, especially antiques. To enjoy a bird’s eye view of the port’s magnificent position, take one of the regular boat trips departing from the central promenade. Then all you have to do is lie back and dream, and when you return to shore, let Puerto Banus turn those dreams to reality.
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Sotogrande
Sotogrande is a luxury resort on the Mediterranean coast. Enjoying a relaxed location, Sotogrande is approximately 5-10 minutes drive from the penthouse. Sotogrande is a quiet area based around a wonderful marina. Fine restaurants and bars line the water’s edge. Although the town livens up during the summer months of July and August, Sotogrande continues to thrive during the cooler months with its major regattas attracting many spectators. With several top class sailing events drawing vessels from all over the coast, Sotogrande is fast becoming a top attraction for winter sailors. Within the port there are several good bars, restaurants and small shops, and a market operates on Sundays and Wednesdays featuring antiques and crafts. Away from the port and along the main N340 highway, lies the generous, soft, clean and sandy beach, with a selection of bars and shops close by as well as the usual sunbeds and showers immediately on the beach. If you’re after something a little more remote, continue along the N340 highway towards Malaga, and you will find a series of small coves with wonderful, secluded beaches. Whilst they have very few facilities, you can be assured of peace and quiet alongside calm, shallow waters. Sotogrande is world renowned as a polo venue and it is played here throughout the year, with many weekend tournaments throughout the summer. Within Sotogrande itself is the protected natural area of the Guadiaro estuary. The estuary is of particular interest to bird watchers but anybody can enjoy a stroll along the wooden walkways. An ideal base for golf holidays, Sotogrande is just minutes away from a number of golf courses, including the world famous Valderrama course. With breathtaking views of the Straits of Gibraltar, the town offers visitors a complex picture, calm and serene on one hand, yet bustling, vibrant and thrilling in the many sporting activities it hosts. Whatever it is you’re after, you’re certain to find it in Sotogrande.
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