By Simon Wright
Recently, my freelance contract with the travel website Holiday Weather came to an end. The experience saw me write in-depth travel guides on some big hotspots for British travellers, and I learned a lot in the four months I did work for them.
My final piece was reporting on some of the top accommodation, events, beaches and nightlife within the Costa del Sol in Spain. The summer months of June, July, August and September are included in this article, with links to the other months of the year on the Holiday Weather website.
Events: The 54th Nerja Caves International Festival of Music and Dance takes place in July, with a scheduled
2013 date for 24th July. This year’s festival will see performances
from clarinet expert Ferdinand Steiner, singer Pastora Soler, and a spectacular
demonstration from the Victor Ullate Ballet, which is celebrating its 25th
anniversary in 2013. Soler represented Spain at last year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Baku, and finished in a creditable
10th place.
Recently, my freelance contract with the travel website Holiday Weather came to an end. The experience saw me write in-depth travel guides on some big hotspots for British travellers, and I learned a lot in the four months I did work for them.
My final piece was reporting on some of the top accommodation, events, beaches and nightlife within the Costa del Sol in Spain. The summer months of June, July, August and September are included in this article, with links to the other months of the year on the Holiday Weather website.
Situated on
the southern Mediterranean coast of Spain, the Costa del Sol
has become a prime invasion for British holidaymakers to go away throughout the
calendar year.
With
extensive sunshine hours, and the amount of rainfall rarely a factor in proceedings, the hotter and milder temperatures attract plenty of tourists in the
summer months, but also for a more settled climate compared to UK shores.
For all types
of individual, there is a host of attractions to come, see and indulge in. Year
in, year out, the Costa del Sol is also a prime background for some
annual fiestas and one-off events.
Nightlife
brings its own style and entertainment, the choice of eating establishments
across the region is endless and there are many sandy beaches for travellers to
come and soak up the views of the sea and the sunshine rays.
The capital
of the Costa del Sol is Malaga, and the towns of
Benalmadena, Marbella, Torremolinos and Fuengirola have become very popular
spots to set-up camp for a holiday to remember in recent times. Smaller
destinations include Nerja, Estepona, Mijas and Velez-Malaga.
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| The capital of the Costa del Sol is Malaga, and the beaches are among the best |
Malaga is the most recommended place to come
and find a cherished piece of previous Costa del Sol history, whilst Marbella has bucked the trend of other venues
who have suffered in tourism figures since the start of the global economic recession
in 2008.
Torremolinos is the largest area of the Costa del Sol,
and has the largest two beaches, and Benalmadena
is the most common place to stay on holiday. Also, this is where some of the
best nightlife can be found.
Whenever the
time is preferred to go, the Costa del Sol
has so much going on throughout a calendar year.
June
Weather: In June, average temperatures on the island reach a mild 22 degrees
Celsius, with low temperatures staying at a modest 17 degrees
Celsius. 11 hours of sunshine per day are anticipated in June, as Costa del Sol
locals expect to see over 300 hours per year of the bright yellow object in the
sky. High temperatures peak at 27 degrees Celsius.
Attractions: Water parks are always bound to give a
whale of a time, and their peak times for visitors come in the summer months.
The best
water park is Aqualand in Torremolinos,
which opens from late May until mid-September. The park is one of the largest
of its kind in Europe, and is a great day out for the entire family. Rides
within the park include the speedy Twister slide, and the Super Slalom, which
is a combination of three winding slides, each with different thrills and
spills. There are also lots of green grass for sunbathing opportunities, and an
area for small children to go and make a real splash.
On a smaller
scale, Parque Acuatico Mijas in Fuengirola
is a compact water park, but is neatly designed and will certainly appeal to
children aged 6-14. Anyone older will prefer the Aqualand attractions. The
younger generation of the family will enjoy rides such as the Waves Pool which
provides some spectacular waves, and the Adventure River. This attraction is an
excellent reserve choice when thinking about water parks in the summer months.
Events: One of Costa del Sol’s
most popular fairs arrives in June, when the Marbella Fair arrives. The actual
date of when the fair begins is worked out by San Bernabe Day, which is June 11th.
This is a local holiday, and the fair will take place on one of the first two
weeks in June, depending on the Town Hall’s discretion. The Marbella Fair
covers all the customary elements of a typical Andalusian fair, with plenty of
food, drink and entertainment.
On the night
of 24th June, Andalucía’s beaches will celebrate the Saint John’s
Feast. The tradition for good luck is said to be for people to dip their feet
into the sea just after midnight. Malaga would be the ideal setting to
experience the feast at its best party atmosphere, but the majority of the Costa del Sol
will hold celebrations of one kind with fireworks and bonfires.
A business
approach is taken towards Euroal 2013
and the eighth staging of the International Travel Market. Torremolinos
has been selected as the venue for the 2013 event. The purpose of this event
sees experts, students and institutions from the tourism sector promote
holidays and commercial relations with other local and international
businesses. Holidays to conferences could be won as part of the activities, and
is likely to draw an interesting crowd, particularly those who are going on a
non-stop worldwide tour and are stopping on the Costa del Sol
as part of their journey.
Accommodation: Ideal for its central location, the Oasis Backpackers’ Hostel
in Malaga is less than 10 minutes away from
some historic attractions such as the Alcazaba and Malaga Cathedral. The hostel
features free breakfast, and a rooftop terrace with a bar that is bound to get
immensely popular in the hotter climes of June. The staff are there to help,
and to ensure that backpackers or sole travellers get the absolute most out of
their Costa del Sol experience.
The Gardenia Park Hotel in Fuengirola
is a great family stay, and unless you go in August when prices are at their
highest, the money value stays stable all year round. There are plenty of
leisure activities on the complex including pool tables, a regular
entertainment programme, badminton and the highly intense team game of water
polo. The environment is also a short walk to the Caravajal beach, with some
beautifully spaced out gardens completing a great surrounding. Half-board and
all inclusive options are available.
A more modern
feel is the Hotel Don Paquito in Torremolinos.
Perfect for half-board consumers, the facilities are fantastic, with recent
changes made to the reception, hotel bar and restaurant to take this
accommodation into the 21st century. The building from the outside
does look slightly outdated, but inside, the rooms offer plenty of comfort. The
food service is exceptional, with a buffet dinner option in the restaurant, and
a tough choice between English and continental breakfast in the mornings. One
tip when it comes to booking, the rooms overlooking the swimming pool will get
the afternoon sun.
It might lack
some of the class and quality of its counterparts, but the Hotel Puerta del Mar in Nerja still offers a popular pull for many
holidaymakers. This two-star hotel provides a free continental breakfast, a
clean swimming pool and an excellent 24-hour room service for drinks from a
limited menu. Close to the town square, the location and money value put this
stay near the top of the accommodation recommendation list.
Wanting to
stay in a campsite over the summer, Camping Cabopino in Marbella is the place to be. The area offers a
variety of bungalow models that can house between two and eight people. They
also have a vast entertainment programme that operates with different
activities throughout the year. Some of the summer activities might include
kayaking, aerobics and archery, along with a mini club for the kids and two large
swimming pools. All bungalows have an en-suite feel to them, with air
conditioning and a kitchen. This is another excellent budget alternative.
Beaches: The expansive stretch of fine sand
will tempt holidaymakers along to the La Rada
beach in Estepona. It has European Blue Flag
recognition for swimming conditions, and the attractive promenade of
restaurants and bars serving local food will get everyone licking their lips in
anticipation. The beach is located in the centre of Estepona.
British
travellers should enjoy heading to Playa de Burriana in Nerja, especially as the bars and
restaurants in this beach area are more accustomed to British visitors rather
than Spanish locals. Staying nearby means it is a must to visit, and it is very
quiet out of the summer season. This is an ideal beach to come and sunbathe,
although the beach can be difficult to walk on, as it isn’t as sandy as other
equivalents within the Costa del Sol.
Restaurants: For a great Mediterranean dinner, the
place to come in the summer is La Meridiana del Alabardero Restaurant. Situated in Marbella, the food is delicious and regularly
will tempt tourists to keep coming back during their holiday. Recommended
dishes include suckling lamb chops, and glazed cod and tripe with garlic, with
the restaurant surrounded by a breathtaking garden.
For those
holidaymakers who want to try out some European dishes, the town of Nerja does some of the best when it comes
to selection choice. The German restaurant Stephans provide good quality meals at
reasonable prices. The steak options are brilliant, and the taste is even
better. Plus, the portions are generous and the staff will serve with a smile.
Nightlife: One of Marbella’s popular nightclubs
all-year round is Sleek. Former TOWIE star Mark Wright made a
recent guest appearance, so it shows celebrities like this club too. With the
football season in its hibernation, visitors might get lucky receiving a snap with
a Premier League superstar. The club itself offers a wide variety of music
genres including soul and R&B, pop and hip-hop, and regular theme nights.
Should a visitor not feel like partying when in Sleek, it is going to be
difficult to find motivation to do the same anywhere in the Costa del Sol.
A popular
city club in the summer is the Sala Wenge setting in Malaga. Situated in the
historical part of the city, the club plays mainly music of a house style, with
guest DJ’s keeping the tunes rocking until the early hours. This club attracts
many music fans throughout the Costa del Sol, but is only open during the year
on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
July
Weather: July is the hottest month in the
Costa del Sol. High temperatures come perilously close to breaking the
30s, with 29 degrees Celsius the hottest at peak times. Average temperatures hover around the 24 degrees Celsius
mark. Sea temperatures are now at 22 degrees, making it the
best time of year to undertake watersports, or to go swimming.
Attractions: Looking for fun in the sun in July?
Well, the Tivoli World theme park in Benalmadena promises to provide
this, unless you are a teenager. The park is ideal for kids under the age of
13, with an area called Tivolandia which is specifically created for the
youngsters. This is the only permanent theme park in the Costa del Sol, and is
targeted at a younger audience. However, the adults will enjoy the flamenco
shows among the entertainment programme, and the chance to explore the beauty
of the gardens, surrounded by illuminating fountains.
Something
more enjoyable for the whole family is a visit to Crocodile Park in Torremolinos.
Kids under 12 must be accompanied by an adult in the park at all times, but a
lot of knowledge can be gained from visiting a park that has 300 different
species of reptiles, and crocodiles of all ages, sizes and backgrounds. This is
a unique attraction.
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| The Nerja Caves are among the best attractions |
Eight days
earlier on the 16th July, the main parts of the Costa del Sol such
as Nerja, Marbella and Torremolinos will celebrate the annual La Virgen del Carmen day. This fiesta sees the patron
saint of the fisherman being paraded through the streets, followed by music and
dancing on the various beaches. Estepona is an excellent place to see this
event, where the Virgen del Carmen is one of the town’s highly celebrated
saints.
Accommodation: Hotel Cabello in
Torremolinos is a great summer choice for British holidaymakers sticking to a
budget. It might look as basic as an overnight Premier Inn in the UK, but the
room for the cheap price includes the standard amenities, plus an en-suite
bathroom. This is a great venue to stay for those who have primarily come to
the Costa del Sol to just relax.
Another
excellent budget alternative is the Hostal Andalucía in Nerja. This hostel is not in the main part
in town, so the noise levels outdoors are severely limited. The staff on-site
will cater for the needs of the average tourist, and by being close to the
Balcon de Europa, isn’t far away from refreshment areas. This is a comfortable
and safe, but secure choice with many travellers.
Of a more
luxurious kind is El Oceano Beach Hotel in the quaint town of Mijas. Perfect
for romantic duos, there are 40 well-maintained rooms, with many having the
same idea for coming. Privately owned and operated, there are thrilling views
of the spectacular coastline, and the Polynesian Pool area should be enjoyed,
with a bar in moderation by day, and the famous Waterfront terrace restaurant
for a blissful meal in the evenings.
Malaga’s Hidden Valley Glamping
destination is a good choice for camping accommodation, but also is a caravan
park. 40 minutes away by transport from Malaga airport, this is a terrific base
to do some active activities such as climbing or hang-gliding, or relax by
taking in some bird watching. The privacy of the guests’ is also respected by
the tents being well-spaced out, and the views aren’t bad either. Hidden Valley
is a nice and surprising alternative from the norm in the Costa del Sol.
The bed and
breakfast in Marbella, Elements Bed and Breakfast is
the place to be for total privacy. Two rooms are only available to rent, one is
calls Fire and the other named Air. Both rooms have views to the shared garden
and access to the kitchen. The only difference is Fire has two single beds and
a sofa, and is slightly bigger than Air which has a double bed room. This
accommodation is seven kilometres away from the main Marbella town, so
transport might be heavily required to get to the heart of the action.
Beaches: Torremolinos’ main beach is
Bajondillo, situated right in the middle of the prominent heartland of the
town. The area is lively, particularly with the wide accommodation choice
moments away. It is safe to swim in the sea, and the beach itself is in perfect
condition to just walk on the golden sand, or to sunbathe. With these
accessories, along with a host of beach bars, it is understandable why Bajondillo would get busy in July.
The beaches
in central Malaga aren’t quite up to the standard of selections in
Torremolinos, but Playa Palo Beach is a viable option at this time of
year. It can get quite busy, but the atmosphere is cool. After all, most
holidaymakers are here at this time of year for the same reason. Located next
to the El Candado marina, this beach offers good conditions to sail out to the
sea, along with areas to dive and swim in.
Restaurants: For an exotic dining experience, The Kathmandu Nepali Indian Restaurant ticks all the required boxes. The
service is attentive, and the dining experience of Indian and Nepali cuisine is
what would be expected.
The Vine restaurant in Benalmadena
serves good old British grub, including a lovely Sunday roast dinner for those
who miss the tradition so much whilst on holiday. The prices are very good,
with the chicken curry an excellent option away from the standard roast. The
kids will enjoy both their meals and the park next to the restaurant which will
keep them entertained when finished with the ravenous taste that is likely to
be acquired.
Nightlife: Many British and European tourists
will choose spending their evening listening and grooving out to the modern
dance tracks at Heaven’s Gate in Fuengirola. The venue gets busy in
July, but that only adds to the rocking atmosphere. A starry light and sound
system completes a superb summer clubbing experience.
Students
might prefer trying out ZZ Pub in Malaga. As the night continues, live bands
take centre stage on Mondays and Thursdays. Other nights, it is a more relaxed
pub for the family to enjoy a drink and watch the sun set for the day.
August
Weather: July might be the hottest month, but
the highest amount of sunshine hours per day comes in August. Bright sunshine will cover the Costa del Sol
skies for almost half of a normal day at 11 hours. At 23 degrees Celsius, sea temperatures are also at their highest in August.
The amount of rainfall has fallen dramatically by the summer
months, with only three days of rain estimated, with a total of 5mm.
Attractions: There are a host of animal related
attractions across the Costa del Sol.
Two of the most popular with holidaymakers are based in Fuengirola
and Benalmadena.
Zoo Fuengirola is a spectacular, if compact modern
zoo with all the animals you would expect. Located in downtown Fuengirola, the
architecture stands out from other zoos in Spain, and the layout of the
attraction is akin to an island due to the use of nature’s finest plants and
trees. A handy accessory is the public can see the animals better through the thick
glass separators, which replace the 20th century style bars that
often look clumsy. This is a very handy attraction to learn, enjoy and get
closer to the natural species on display.
So too is the
Sea Life Benalmadena attraction. Whilst there are no
whales or dolphins on display that is a good thing, as Sea Life’s commitment is
to display creatures that will be happy in the environment of being seen by
tourists. Presentations and feeding displays take place on the tours of the
attraction, and sometimes, visitors might be privileged enough to help with the
feeding of certain creatures. Sea Life Benalmadena contains a sea snake
enclosure and a shark reef, and is similar to Zoo Fuengirola’s aims, but of the
underwater kind.
Events: The calendar events in August
throughout the Costa del Sol are quiet, but Europe’s second most
significant fair does take place, and that is the Malaga Fair. Officially, the fair lasts for a
month, although some celebrations can run for the majority of August. The main
exhibits of this festival include daily flamenco shows, live music and street
processions.
Accommodation: For the holidaymakers who don’t have
to worry so much about the cost of a holiday, the Gran Melia Don Pepe Hotel in Marbella offers world class comfort. This is a
highly recommended resort, and if you want the highest level of treatment, it
is offered here. Located on Marbella’s famous Golden Mile,
it is ideal to be near the many bars and clubs. On-site are 184 double rooms,
all with sea or mountain views and different suites at the preference of the
tourist. The facilities themselves include a health club, one heated indoor
swimming pool, and two outdoor pools, with one specifically for children. The
rooms themselves come with mini-bar, a 24-hour room service guarantee and an
electronic safe to keep those valuables stored when heading out to experience
the Marbella nightlife.
The modern
family that has more of a younger approach should enjoy staying at the Sunset Beach Club in
Benalmadena. It is a four-star resort featuring two spectacular pools, bars,
shops and even a bakery. Climate control belongs to the individual in each of
the rooms, with private balcony and there is a useful entertainment programme
for all to enjoy. The Sunset Beach Club is a great setting to stay at,
especially at this time of year.
Meanwhile, Hostal Marbella
in Fuengirola is far cosier and smaller than the
previous two choices, but that by no means makes this boring accommodation. A 24-hour
reception is combined with a reading corner in the lounge area, where guests
can borrow book material to read wherever they want in the hostel. Currently
managed by a Swedish couple, it gives a comforting feel to staying on holiday.
Another
comfortable accommodation setting is Escuelala Crujia in Velez-Malaga.
This bed and breakfast service is sited within some of Andalucía’s glorious
countryside. The complex itself provides three guestrooms for travellers, two
of them lucky enough to have individual kitchens. All rooms are en-suite
standard. It still is close to some of the picturesque mountains, but away from
the heaving tourist industry at this time of year is a major positive.
A small
establishment is the eight double/twin rooms within the family-run hotel in Torrox called Hotel La Casa. This gives
good access to the packed beaches, restaurants and bars, and again is another
good spot for pictorial lovers. Whilst staying here on a weekend, give the
Bistro restaurant a go, as it serves fine continental food.
Beaches: Playa La Carihuela in Torremolinos is a great beach to
take in the sunshine at its hottest period of the year, and for taking long and
thoughtful walks in the winter months. With no steep hills or climbs nearby,
this makes the flat beach even more attractive to holidaymakers. There are lot
of cafes in the vicinity that serve snacks throughout the day, and even into
the evening.
With a length
of 1200 metres, and 40 metres wide, El Cenicero
beach in Torrox is up there with the longest beaches
for size in the Costa del Sol. The beach can get busy during the
summer months, but is easy to access for nearby accommodation sites, and the
green areas on the beach provide an aspect of colour. A parking lot for
approximately 50 cars is also at the beach, but without security surveillance.
Restaurants: Located in-between the Museo Picasso
and the Malaga Cathedral, the Pitta Bar is the place to go for those with an
Asian taste to an evening meal or lunchtime snack, but can’t decide what to
have. A host of Middle East treats will be dished up, including falafel, and
the familiar kebabs. Fussy eaters will be taken care of at the Pitta Bar.
Local tapas
is the main cuisine served at the family-run Restaurante Altamirano over in Marbella. The excellent service from an
experienced waiter’s team is a plus in this restaurant. They have worked in the
kitchen and the restaurant for years, so know the ins and outs of the menu and
the specials of the day. This restaurant does get quite busy at weekends, so be
patient before getting a table.
Nightlife: Clubbers will be in for a cracking
time at the Karbon Club
in Fuengirola. An electric energy and beating sound
system is likely to attract lots of dancing, perhaps even on tables. The DJ’s
are of excellent standard, and great VIP table service if booked in advance
complete the package. However, it isn’t cheap to dance the night away.
The El Elefante in Benalmadena
provides one of the best cabaret clubs on the Costa del Sol.
It is open every night, with drinks at standard bar prices. The family will
enjoy the entertainment at El Elefante, which ranges from UK comedians and live
music, to renditions of the popular ex-TV show Stars in their Eyes. Children
under 16 do have access, but will need to be accompanied by an adult. El
Elefante is probably the best place nowadays to say the famous catchphrase;
‘Tonight Matthew, I’m going to be …..’
September – 1,128 WORDS
Weather: Despite the summer season winding down
towards its conclusion, the weather is still bright, sunny and warm in
September. Average temperature is expected to still be at 22 degrees
Celsius for most days, with high temperatures of 26 degrees Celsius, 79 in
Fahrenheit. The notable difference is the amount of sunshine hours in a day. Having been at 11 hours in
August, it drops to an average of eight hours in September.
Attractions: It might lack the atmosphere of
Barcelona’s Nou Camp, or have the staggering capacity inside the Bernabeu in
Madrid, but the La Rosaleda stadium is one of Spain’s growing football
arenas. Home to La Liga side Malaga, the small ground offers an
intimidating atmosphere to visiting teams who come and play. The location of
the stadium is in a busy environment within the Costa del Sol capital, and it
will be worth getting some decent shots of the ground whilst on holiday.
Tourists can get closer than ever to a global sporting cauldron, especially as
the start of September often is the beginning point for a new domestic
campaign. It is sport and landscape captured into one attraction.
Of an active
kind, the Kelipe Centre de Arte Flamenco is open to anyone who wants to try
out a creative hobby. Also based within Malaga, the objective of the venue is to
promote the traditional values of flamenco through songs, performances and
dances. A trip to this attraction will promote a deep understanding of the
local culture, and how they like to push the element of fun.
Events: The Pedro Romero Fiestas in Ronda celebrates the bullfighter
with Goya-style bullfights. A regular pastime with the Spanish people,
bullfighting season takes place from April to October, and draws large, excited
crowds. This is the pick of the bullfight events, as it sees top matadors dress
in costume from the iconic 18th century engravings of Goya.
At the end of
September, more bullfighting takes place, but of a secondary nature during the Feria de San Miguel. Celebrations with a typical
Andalusian backdrop take place during the day in town centres, and at night
through local fairgrounds. Other events within this fiesta include a
traditional carts and carriages demonstration, and singing from local choirs.
It is an overwhelming event experience if privileged enough to see the action.
Accommodation: Located on the main Torremolinos
promenade, the reformed Hotel Isabel stands out in the accommodation stakes for
being a friendly place to stay. The staff will take care of every minute
detail, and offers 70 bright rooms that have been decorated with great care and
attention. Hotel Isabel is so well-liked; it recently
obtained the Q of quality certificate from the ICTE (Institute of Spanish
Tourism Quality).
Isabel gives
quality a big seal of approval. Meanwhile, the Los Amigos Beach Club
focuses more on the family aspect. While the accommodation itself is of good,
but modest standard, the activities within the complex keep many active and
occupied. There are stylish indoor and outdoor pools. The indoor segment has a
sauna and a Jacuzzi, while the attractive gardens give a sense of pure
greenness. The line-up is complete with tennis courts and a bowling green. This
is a fresh and welcoming environment, but don’t book here if you still want to
use the internet. Use of the beach club’s Wi-Fi costs an excessive six euros a
day.
Better equipped
is the Pierre & Vacances Residence Benalmadena Principe
in Benalmadena. The staff are very helpful to all
those who stay, and the apartments are spaciously laid out. Self-catering is
the ideal choice of package to go for, and not many accommodation choices will
have all the facilities to self-cater. It is handy the majority of the rooms
have a toaster, microwave, coffee maker, large fridge/freezer and even a
washing machine. However, the indoor swimming pool is not accessible for
children and the main pool is only open at limited stages during the year.
September is probably the last chance to do some swimming at this residence
before it shuts for the autumn and winter months.
Another
apartment selection is Debambu in Malaga. These new apartments have been
designed to top standard, and provide plenty of comfort. They include a small
kitchen which is perfect for making continental breakfasts. The location of the
venue is quiet, but it means the capital city of the Costa del Sol can be
explored at greater detail.
Or do a bit
of steep walking and head for the bed and breakfast resort in Velez-Malaga
called El Patio Andaluz. The B&B is large, and gives an
enchanting feeling to its guests. The three-storey mansion reflects the history
of the times in the area, and with a patio, swimming pool and sizeable living
room, it gives plenty back to the traveller staying at this accommodation.
Beaches: Playa de Fuengirola beach sits in
delightfully between Santa Amalia and Los Boliches beaches. Near the historic
Fuengirola castle, it attracts visitors throughout the year, mainly for the
tremendous views around it.
The Caravajal Beach
in Benalmadena is located at the quiet end of a town
that always seems to be about the hustle and bustle. There are some good
restaurants within walking distance, and it is a good, clean beach for the kids
who will find plenty of activities to do.
Restaurants: Situated in Plaza Ole, Erase Una Vez restaurant is
only 50 metres away from the nearby Benalmadena
beaches. It serves local Spanish food, and Mediterranean dishes at a reasonable
price for all walks and ages of life. The selection of Spanish wines also can’t
be faulted.
Another
excellent restaurant is the American themed Yanx Marbella restaurant. However, this is a better
lunchtime alternative than an evening restaurant. The homemade burgers lead the
way for tasty afternoon fillers, and the excellent service from the staff
ensures for a quick and pain-free stop. The one piece of advice offered is Yanx
Marbella gets very busy on Saturday mornings due to its location near Marbella market. It is highly unlikely you’ll
get a table, let alone be served in this period due to the big crowds.
Nightlife: Shamrock Irish Pub in Benalmadena
is within walking distance to the Las Arenas hotel. Leading brands of beer,
wine and spirits are only sold, with Guinness and Murphy’s Red available on
tap. Major sports like football, golf and rugby union are always shown live on
the big TV screens.
One of the
best atmospheric areas for nightlife comes in the form of Velvet Club in Malaga. The prices are amazingly low for
drinks, and Wednesday night sees an electronic music takeover by a top DJ. The
locals will enjoy the Spanish music often played after midnight, but it does
give an eccentric feel to the place in comparison to other clubs within Malaga.
LINKS TO THE OTHER MONTHS ON THE HOLIDAY WEATHER WEBSITE
