DON'T LEAVE THE COSTA DEL SOL WITHOUT...
Text by Faye Marchant

If you're off to the Costa del Sol this July or August, expect a scorching summer teeming with high energy fun and excitement. There's heaps to do apart from sipping sangria on the beach. Historical monuments aplenty, museums and culture, fun-filled festivities plus loads of nightspots and restaurants to enjoy...

FIRST TIMERS

Nerja - caves and cliffs
This quaint town still retains its charm without being blighted by the tourist boom of concrete high-rise jungles. The old quarter remains virtually unchanged with a patchwork of narrow, winding streets, walkways and whitewashed houses with wrought iron terraces overflowing with brightly coloured flowers. The pièce de résistance has to be its spectacular Balcón de Europa, the 'Balcony of Europe', a magnificent promenade beside a towering cliff, once the site of the great Moorish castle, with sweeping panoramic views of the Mediterranean. The town's monuments include the 17th century Church of El Salvador and the stunning Gardens of Capistrano Playa. Don't miss out on Nerja's fascinating caves, with paintings over 20,000 years old. One of the gargantuan natural caverns has been transformed into a concert hall, where many performances are staged during the summer months. With all this, and 16 kilometres of powdery- white beaches, Nerja is a must for first-timers.

Málaga - art, history and culture
Málaga is the major coastal city of Andalucía and is pregnant with raw individualism untouched by tourism and, to an extent, the passage of time. Its illustrious Moorish past has left its imprint on the historic centre, particularly around La Alcazaba, a fortress dating back to 1065 and now a fascinating archaeological museum. The castle, rebuilt by the Moors, is a traditional parador (state hotel) with first-rate panoramic views. Bond Street's equivalent, Calle Larios, is a good place to start exploring the city. It's surrounded by attractive side streets and plazas, as well as the magnificent Renaissance cathedral. Pablo Picasso is the city's most famous son, and there are several galleries showing his work, including the 16th-century Museum of Fine Arts, adjacent to the Cathedral. His birthplace in Plaza Merced is an archive of his life and works. Málaga's main theatre is the Teatro Cervantes, which offers nightly performances and is where Antonio Banderas once trod the boards and still visits. Just outside the city you can find the extensive and impressive gardens: Jardines de la Concepción for that peaceful evening stroll.

Mijas - donkeys and crafts
Since this village was first discovered in the 1960s, many different nationalities have set up house and home in Mijas. As a consequence, you can experience a fusion of international cuisine, cosmopolitan bars and the influence of foreign culture and art. Notwithstanding, the village has managed to retain some of its old- world traditions, one of the most unusual being the donkey-taxis, which line the central plaza. There is a thriving traditional arts and crafts movement in Mijas, particularly linen and wicker items. One of the most interesting buildings in Mijas is the hermitage of El Puerto which can be seen from just about everywhere in the village. Keep looking and you may just catch a glimpse of a hang-glider cruising over the peak. Also look out for the mineral water spring at the entrance to the village and the museum of the world's smallest objects which brings a smile or two to the face.

Ronda - bridges and bullrings
Not far from the coast is Ronda, one of Andalucía's most exquisite towns, steeped in rich history. It is famous throughout Spain for the plunging river gorge, and many visitors flock to witness this marvel. This gorge is known as El Tajo - The Cliff - and is spanned by a stone bridge. Ronda is also famous for its bullring and although the sport is unpopular with some, this is Spain's oldest and its most beautiful. When there are no fights, the bullring is open to visitors, and has a fascinating museum with many mementos of Spain's most renowned bullfighters.

Sotogrande - world-class polo
Sotogrande is the luxury resort estate on the Mediterranean coast just 20 minutes from Gibraltar and an hour and a half from Málaga. Roughly 5,000 acres in size, it has three golf courses, including Sotogrande and the world-famous Valderrama. There are facilities for horse riding, polo, tennis and sailing. The Marina is the first important leisure harbour on entering the Med. Sotogrande is one of the world's top polo venues and the only place in Europe where the sport is played throughout the year. In summer months there are tournaments, mostly at weekends.

BEEN THERE, SEEN IT, DONE IT

Marbella - the California of Europe
This ever-popular resort town seems to have it all, and is a favourite location of the nouveaux riches as well as of ordinary folk who are willing to pay that little bit extra to experience southern Spain's answer to California. But Marbella also has a traditional side, best appreciated by exploring back streets in the old part of town. The fabled 'Orange Square' is located just off the main street in the old district, and is also home to the 16th century town hall and tourist office. Discover stately buildings here, small shops, art galleries, bars and bistros peppered with fragrant orange trees. Back towards the coast is La Alameda Park where you can travel in style with your own personal horse and carriage or, if you prefer, amble towards the sea along the Avenida del Mar. One of the most delightful promenades on the coast, it is lined with thriving restaurants and bars. A must is a visit to the beach huts or 'chiringuitos', where you can enjoy traditional fresh fish and seafood favourites such as grilled sardines on a spit, fried squid and the unrivalled paella. Casinos, clubs and just about every sporting activity under the sun: few places can match Marbella for world-class tennis, sailing and golf.

Puerto Banús - yachts and shopping
Nicknamed 'the playground of the rich and famous' Puerto Banús is the über spot to be pampered yacht-side and people-watch, or window-shop at one of the world-renowned fashion houses and boutiques. The port has grown considerably over the years, and now includes a casino and commercial shopping centre; it is full of designer stores and sumptuous restaurants. You will also find the 'Marks and Sparks' equivalent, El Corte Inglés department store, and a multi cinema with films shown in their original language. The nightlife is buzzing here, with al fresco bars, piano clubs and discos, which are open from dusk 'til dawn.

Tarifa - surf and sightsee
Ten kilometres of sun-baked, dune-fringed beaches, unspoilt countryside and some of the best windsurfing conditions in Europe have established Tarifa as a surfers' paradise. Attracting nature- lovers alike, it is just as famous for bird-watching as for watersports, and there are endless opportunities to explore the tumbling hills. Horse riding, hang-gliding, kite-surfing, rock climbing and diving to name but a few are some of the sports activities to enjoy. On the hills behind Tarifa stand hundreds of wind turbines marking one of the largest wind farms in Europe. The narrow cobbled streets, fragrant jasmine and beautiful wrought-iron rejas make Tarifa Old Town a charming place to wander. The Arab Castle of Guzmán the Bueno is worth a peek. It was built in 960 AD on the orders of Caliph Abderraman III, whose irregular oblong architecture has Roman influences, giving rise to the theory that it was built on the remains of a Roman fort. And there is the magnificent church of San Mateo in the centre and, nearby, in Calle de Los Azogues, the buildings date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.

Celebrity spotting
If you fancy catching a few celebs on your visit, don't miss out on some of the hip clubs and venues in Puerto Banús and Marbella. Try the Moroccan-inspired restaurant-club Suite located inside Hotel Puente Romano, whose cool laidback ambience has attracted several British Soap stars; Pangea along the front line of Puerto Banús, which has some great views of the port and luxurious yachts to admire; the older but all-pervading omnipresent Olivia Valere's on the road to Istán; and Nicky's Beach, recently opened along Torre Real's beach. Nicky's is run by the same management as Nicky's Beach in Miami, where you can expect to see A-listers such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone,
P. Diddy et al hanging out. For 'beautiful' people busting with enhanced assets, enjoy sangria and barbequed lobster at Mistral Beach in Puerto Banús. Celebrity restaurants include Aretusa along the port (Tel. +34 952 812 898), La Cuisine in Marbella Old Town (Tel. +34 952 823 332) and MC Café in Marbella Club Hotel (Tel. +34 952 822 211), where stars such as Bruce Willis, Kylie Minogue and Emma Bunton have dined.

Bargain hunting
Head to one of the many markets the Costa has to offer. They are fun, colourful and great for those who are familiar with the area already. On Mondays in Marbella Recinto Ferial, east side of town, from 8am-2pm and in Fuengirola in the fairground site from 8am-2pm. On Wednesdays in Estepona from 8am-2pm, in Istán from 8am-2pm and in Alhaurín de la Torre from 10am- 2pm. On Thursdays in San Pedro by the Sports Pavilion from 8am-2pm, in Torremolinos El Calvario near the Town Hall from 8am-2pm and in Alhaurín de la Grande by the police station from 10am-2pm. On Fridays there's a market in Benalmádena Tivoli World and Plaza Pedro Aguacil in the village from 8am- 2pm. On Saturdays there are markets in Nueva Andalucía near the bullring from 8am-2pm, in Mijas Costa in Las Lagunas near Euromarket from 8am-2pm, in Fuengirola in the fairground from 9am-2pm and in Coin along C/Urbano from 9am-2pm.

Pueblos Blancos
Why not visit some of the charming off-the-beaten-track whitewashed villages of the coast? Casares, for example, boasts sugar cube-like homes piled precariously high and just nudging the battlements of an Arab castle. Here you can find an old fortress and a derelict church. Watch out for peregrine falcons and kestrels! On a clear day, you will be able to spy the African coast with the Rock of Gibraltar looming in the foreground. Close by you can find Gaucín, a spectacularly beautiful mountain village commanding sweeping views to Gibraltar and the Rif mountains of North Africa. Like so much of Andalucía, it has had a fascinating history. Derived from the Arab word, guazan (strong rock), the village is perched on the crest of the Sierra del Hacho, and owing to its key strategic position was once a major Roman settlement. Its magnificent castle, Castillo del Aguila (Eagle's Castle), dates from this era and was later expanded by the Moors into a fortress. Gourmets will love Benahavís. To many Andalusians, Benahavís is synonymous with food. It has the highest concentration of restaurants in the region and draws visitors by the thousand who come simply to savour the cuisine. In spite of this, it has remained remarkably unspoiled, with intricate narrow streets. Its Moorish heritage is emphasised by the existence nearby of the ruined 11th century castle of Montemayor, which squats on top of the highest mountain. Anyone wishing to climb up to the ruins for truly sensational views should prepare for a strenuous but rewarding effort.

Get adventurous
Try your hand at paragliding at Ronda la Vieja or Valle de Abdalajis, potholing in the Cueva del Gato, water parascending in Puerto Banús, diving, windsurfing, and off-road adventures on the trails through the mountains. Find out more from the International Centre of Tourism on Tel. +34 902 200 037.

Entertain the kids and the kid in you
Why not try Cable Ski Marbella, an amazing water ski cable system, pool, restaurant etc. Tel. +34 952 785 579. Visit 300 crocodiles, a fascinating museum and small zoo. Tel. +34 639 169 347. Handle crabs, starfish, over 100 species of sea life plus a glass tunnel with two metre long sharks swimming above at The Sea Life Centre. Tel. +34 952 560 150. Immerse yourself in the mysterious Madagascar and the African continent at Fuengirola Zoo. Tel. +34 952 666 301. Swim with the dolphins at Dolphin Safari. Tel. +34 607 290 400. Go carting at this Go-cart circuit with karts for kids at the Karting Club Málaga. Tel. +34 952 581 704. Take your children diving with a qualified PADI instructor in Marbella at Diving Marbella. Tel. +34 952 902 304 or glam it up in Puerto Banús with a 45 minute ferry trip (children are free). Tel. +34 659 757 480.

Events not to miss
Throughout the summer months you can enjoy the Ferias throughout various towns along the coast. The Feria is a much coveted annual event which includes a night-time fair with modern fairground rides accompanied by a daytime fair with plenty of fino (sherry), tortilla (omelette), jamón Serrano (ham) and an abundance of street dancing!

• Parties galore inside the famous 'Spiegel Tent' (Moulin Rouge style) at Mundo studios in Estepona. Ring Daniele on Tel. +34 629 566 046 or Louis de Vries on Tel. +34 629 176 256.
• Polo at Sotogrande, where you might even get to brush shoulders with Prince Harry & co. Spectators are welcome and can contact the Santa Maria Club of Sotogrande Tel. +34 956 61 00 12.
• George Benson and the Gypsy Kings perform at Hotel Puente Romano, Marbella throughout July and August. For further information Tel. +34 902 400 222.
• July Cervantes Festival, Marbella. An annual event which attracts a whole host of famous names.
• The Ethnifestival on the beach in Málaga.
• The 38th International Cave Festival in Nerja with the participation of many top international entertainers.

For further information on the above contact the Central Tourist Office Tel. +34 952 838 785.