AGP

Insider’s Guide to the Best Dining in Estepona

How exactly Estepona, just a short trip down the coast from Marbella on the busy Costa del Sol, has managed to hang on to its pretty, authentic Spanish charm is something of a mystery. But, despite several (it has to be said, tasteful) developments along the waterfront, kept it it most certainly has.

The old part of town is still an enchanting network of narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings decorated by colourful flowers in pots. In short, Estepona is something of an oasis of authentic Spanish charm, in a wilderness of tourist development along Spain’s popular Costa del Sol.

Explore the Character and Culture of Estepona

Estepona is a charming coastal town on the Costa del Sol, in Southern Spain. Though not unfamiliar to tourists, it retains its authentic pueblo charm with beautiful traditional houses, stone-cobbled streets and charming flower displays. You can treat your taste buds to typical Spanish flavours at tapas bars and explore the quirky shops and bodegas. The town of Estepona is a museum in itself, as the streets are decorated with artistic treasures and beautiful monuments. The historic centre also provides an authentic experience of the Andalusian town, while its local museums and gardens give you a feel for its history.

Nerja

Tempt Your Teen’s Tastebuds: Family Friendly Restaurants in Nerja

When you have teenagers, deciding what to eat at home can be tricky enough – let alone when you are on a family getaway! It is likely that the teens will not share your en-thusiasm for sampling local cuisine – instead they’ll be on the hunt for burger and chips – so you will want to find a destination that caters to all tastes. In addition to this, you will need to find a family-friendly restaurant where you will all be well looked after.

Calella

Fabulous Family Fun in Fuengirola!

Parents will always want their children to look back fondly on their family vacations. When you look back on the trips that you made as a child, there is a very good chance that these will be memories of fun attractions and frolicking in the ocean in a climate much more pleasant than back home!

Málaga

Malaga Shore Excursions

To the majority of package tourists from Northern Europe, the city of Malaga is little more than a gateway to the holiday resorts of the Costa del Sol. Little do they know how much they are missing! With a history dating back to its founding by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC it is one of the world’s oldest cities. Today’s visitors can admire its historic attractions which include a fine Roman Theatre, a well-preserved Moorish Fortress and an immense Cathedral. There’s also a vibrancy about the city thanks to the number of tapas bars, cafés and restaurants in its historic centre which always seem packed with local people.

Torremolinos

Teens, Tans and Torremolinos!

If the first thing you think of when you imagine a family summer holiday to Torremolinos is lying on a beautiful sandy beach soaking up the rays… then you’re not going to be disappointed.

One of Spain’s most famous resorts, Torremolinos has a total of six beaches along its 7km of sandy shoreline, which means that you and your family could pretty much visit a different one every day of your stay. And the best part is that they are all easily accessible, linked by a single promenade which runs from one end of the resort to the other.

From the close to town beaches, perfect for letting your teens discover on their own, to ones offering a dazzling selection of high octane watersports excitement, days beside the sea here can be as relaxed or action-packed as your family wants them to be.

Málaga

24 Hours in Málaga: A Stopover on the Way to the Beach

More and more UK travellers are making time in their holidays to Spain’s busy beaches to schedule a stopover in Málaga. There’s a good reason for this – the ancient port has become something of a hip city hangout in recent years. After years as the rather grotty city you passed through on your pilgrimage to sand, sea and sun, the mayor Francisco de la Torre has put the city through a programme of rejuvenation. Cleaning up the city centre so that visitors could actually see the beautiful buildings, investing in new art projects and architecture and encouraging a burgeoning

Benalmádena

Sharks, Slides and Super Fun Parks – Benalmádena for Teen Travellers

Choosing a family holiday destination becomes a lot trickier once you are add teens into the mix. It is important to find somewhere that is bursting at the seams with a range of activities to keep them happy and engaged, but they may also require some time to themselves (as will mum and dad!).
One fantastic choice is Benalmádena – a beautiful town on the southern coast of Spain’s sunny Costa del Sol. This is a great place for teens as it has fun theme parks, inviting sandy beaches and a cool, laid-back atmosphere that you will all enjoy.
Exploring the area? Check out our guide on Malaga’s local culture and history.

Shopping in Puerto Banús

If retail therapy is a key component of your ideal vacation, then I highly recommend that you check out the glamorous marina of Puerto Banús in Marbella, Spain on the Costa del Sol. The rich and the famous flock to this luxury region throughout the year to splash their cash at the many high-end boutiques, restaurants and bars. This is all against a beautiful backdrop of dramatic mountains and a yacht-filled marina (this looks spectacular lit up at night!).

Only 48 hours to work with? Check out this two-day itinerary.

Here is everything that you need to know about shopping in Puerto Banús:

Nerja

A Weekend Break in Nerja

Often referred to as the ‘jewel’ of the Costa del Sol, Nerja on the east of Spain’s most famous coast is a relatively tranquil and reassuringly Spanish destination.

Just an hour’s drive east of Málaga, set against the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Almijara, Nerja has managed to fight off the over-development of much of this stretch of coast so that, especially in the town’s low-rise heart, it remains resolutely Spanish.

Of course there are souvenir shops and it does get its fair share of day trippers but, so long as you avoid the peak summer season, you’ll be able to enjoy its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful beaches without having to share them with too many crowds.

A weekend in Nerja is a blissful combination of relaxing on a beach, swimming in the sea (sea temperatures are still a little chilly in February at around 15ºC but the water is clear and inviting for those brave enough to give it a go), and a little gentle sightseeing.

Here’s my suggested itinerary for the perfect weekend break in Nerja.

Marbella

The Perfect Proposal Destination: Romance in Marbella

For those planning a destination proposal, finding that special somewhere to surprise your special someone is a pretty important decision. Where would you find a place with just the right romantic ambience, plenty of sunshine, lots of things to see and do and won’t cost you the earth to get to? A little piece of Spanish heaven called the Costa del Sol, that’s where – and to be more specific, Marbella.

Fuengirola

Waves, Walks and Rich History in Fuengirola

When the days are short and the temperatures plummet it’s not hard for thoughts to stray to the idea of chasing some winter sun in Fuengirola, on the Costa del Sol. But while the resort is justifiably famous for its fabulous beaches, wonderful weather and laidback ambience, you might be forgiven for thinking you’d have to sacrifice substance for sun if you’re considering a longer break. But… no es verdad! It’s simply not true – because if you know where to find it, Fuengirola’s depth of culture, history and gastronomy is surprisingly good.

Granada

3 Days in Granada: Unique City Break Ideas

We all have enormous lists of destinations that we’d love to visit on a city break. One place that I think is somewhat of a hidden gem is Granada, which is located in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains.