Well known for its sunshine, lively atmosphere and inviting beaches, this Andalucian Costa also offers a wonderful mix of traditional Spanish old-world charm with a rugged mountain backdrop. Here you'll find pretty white-washed houses and narrow cobbled streets adorned with terracotta pots brimming with colourful flowers.
Flights: UK - Malaga - UK
Accommodation as per hotel details
Meals as per hotel details
Transfers between overseas airports and hotels
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NERJA The town centre is made up of attractive, narrow, white-washed streets, which have a traditional Andalucian feel to them and plenty of restaurants and bars. If you prefer a quieter resort with a Spanish atmosphere you will enjoy Nerja.
Transfer time from Malaga to Nerja: 1hr and 30 mins approximately.
MIJAS With its warren of streets lined with white-washed houses, the attractive hilltop village of Mijas is full of traditional Andalucian charm. As well as offering superb views of the coastline, the village is well-stocked with friendly bars, restaurants and souvenir shops.
Transfer time from Malaga to Mijas: 35 mins approximately.
Nerja's famous caves are an interesting trip, and whilst some walking down steps is required, they are quite a spectacle and make quite a tourist hotspot.
Within striking distance you'll find the delights of Granada, the highlight of which is without doubt the fascinating Alhambra Palace and its complex of walled palaces, mosaic-tiled chambers and beautiful gardens. You can enjoy lovely views over the city and the often snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains. Cordoba another of Spain's most famous historic Moorish cities is a little further afield, but equally worth the effort, as you will uncover a wonder of riches from the past including the largest and most eye-catching mosque in Spain, the 8th century Mezquita.
For a change of scene, you may like to visit some of the regions famous beach resorts such as Torremolinos and its old quarter 'El Cavario', or Benalmadena with its busy marina. Malaga itself is another interesting visit with its bustling port, shopping streets and 'Alcazaba' castle and gardens.
Relaxation is the key to our chosen resorts, be it on the beach in Nerja or around your pool in Mijas, or simply enjoy watching the world go by at one of the many outdoor cafés. Alternatively you may just like the idea of strolling through the quaint, twisting streets and hunting out a souvenir, or for the more energetic, perhaps a trip into the mountains for a walk amidst the beautiful scenery. Costa del Sol is of course famous for its golf courses, and there is one near Mijas village (pueblo) as well as a choice of five others along the coast. Most clubs require a handicap certificate.
Locally produced goods and souvenirs including ceramics, sherry and leather are the mainstay of the region and widely available. Nerja has an open-air market on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and Mijas Costa (which is along the coast) holds a street market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to local crafts, ceramics, pottery, flowers and clothes.
Famous foods to try are paella (both chicken and seafood varieties) which is usually made for a minimum of two people, gazpacho, a cold spicy soup, garlic mayonnaise called 'ali oli', and fresh fish which will be seasonal and usually locally caught. Most resorts have a good choice of restaurants and tapas bars, so you can sample a range of food. For drinking there is of course the well-known sangria, which is widely available, as well as a local caramel flavoured speciality from Torremolinos called 'tortas de aceite'. Otherwise, in addition to beers such as San Miguel, you'll find a good selection of Spanish wines, both red and white and cava.
Nerja has a choice of beaches and coves, each with its own character including Burriana, Torrecilla and La Caletilla. The nearest beaches to Mijas are around 20 minutes' drive away at Mijas Costa which is made up of 12 kilometres of villages along the coast.
Called Costa del Sol for good reason, you can expect long hours of sunshine in the summer, with temperatures peaking at around 80 degrees plus in July and August, with a minimum of approximately 70 degrees in May and October.
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