COSTA DEL SOL

The Costa del sol is one of the most famous coastal areas in the world, from the jet set Puerto Banus to the traditional Mijas.

The Costa del Sol has Spains mildest winter climate which explains why it is so popular.  Children will love holidaying in the area as there is lots to do and see:  Tivoli world, Teleferico Benalmadena: Cable car, doney ride, falconary display and horse riding exhibition.  Selwo Marina, Benalmadena: Dolphinarium and Penguinarium where you can bathe amongst sea lions, dolphin, sea lion and exotic bird shows.

Peacock roaming free in Benalmadena park           Large cactus garden Benalmadena park

Selwo Aventura, Estepona: Elephants, giraffes, white rhino and bengal tigers.  There are more than 2,000 animals and 1000 birds living in semi-freedom covering a million square metres.  You can either walk or go in a four wheel drive truck.  Don't miss the flying fox, camel rides, overhead walk-ways and archery.

If you buy tickets for all 3 you save 40% of the overall cost and pay just 31 Euros per person (priced August 2007).

GIBRALTER

A 20 minute drive from Casares del Sol.  It is best to park in car park before the frontier gates, walk through into Gibralter.  Catch a bus into the main town .  See the Barbary apes at the top, from there you can see Africa, visit the caves, the fortification tunnels and much more.  Of course don't forget to go VAT tax free shopping as well.

MARBELLA

If there is any single place in the world synonymous with style, that has to be Marbella. The city manages to maintain its past while continuing to grow and become one of the most important tourism destinations of Europe. The reason for its enourmous success can be seen by wandering around its streets, a mixture of modern and old architecture and above all by enjoying its beautiful beaches.

Its very special landscape is the result of its location along the shores of the Mediterranean protected from northern winds by the Sierra Blanca mountain range.  The name, meaning the White Mountain Range, is not due to any snow that might be found on its peaks, but to the quantity of the marble found there, with its distinctively white colour.  this privileged location forms a micro-climate, and Marbellacan boast of almost 320 days of sunshine every year and an average temperature of 19 degrees.

ESTEPONA AND OTHER AREAS

Fishermen still trawl the waters off Estepona, a small town with cobbled squares, an easy pace and friendly air.  The seafront promenade is lined with palms and well-tended gardens.  Rhonda, with its spectacular gorge, historic church, patrician homes and 16th century bullring is but an hours scenic drive.  Seville, city of the conquisadors and distillation of all that is Spanish, can be reached through simple villabes and stunning countryside.  Or take the Costa del Luz route via Tarifa and Jerez renowned for its sherry bodegas and riding schools.  There is a motorway going to Granada, in the high Sierras.  Morrocco is within easy access and can be visited on a day trip via the ferry crossing at the port in Algeciras. 

Finally not to mention the simple pleasures of walks in the natural countryside around Casares itself.

COSTA ALMERIA - AL ANDALUS THALASSA

The costa de Almeria region is on the south east of Spain and is one of the warmest and driest areas of the country with an average of 320 days of sunshine a year.  This area has a large number of beautiful sandy beaches and large areas which have been designated as national parks.  It is about half hour drive to the Cabo de Gata Natural Park which extends 30km along the coast and two hours to the sierra Nevada mountains and Granada.  The Sierra Nevada mountains are very popular for skiing in the winter months.

GARRUCHA

Garrucha is a traditional seaside town with a commercial harbour and excellent fish restaurants and nice sandy beaches.  On the road between Garrucha and Mojacar Playa there are several enclosed basketball/football courts on or near the beach which are completely free to use when available.

Basketball/Football court along beachfront

MOJACAR

Mojacar Playa has a very nice beach with large numbers of bars, restaurants and shops.  It has a very good night life consisting of clubs and bars which stay open to the early hours with free entertainment.  These clubs  are very attractive to the young people in the area and visitors.

Mojacar Playa

Mojacar Pueblo is a short drive up the mountain and is a traditional spanish village with panoramic views over the surrounding countrysdie.  There is a natural spring at the base of the Pueblo where the locals and the visitors collect their free drinking water. 

In the opposite direction to Garrucha is Villaricros which is a pretty Spanish fishing village, with some good restaurants.  It has cystal clear water and a diving school.  Every August they have a world renowned music festival (Green Fields) which attracts international artists and visitors.

TABERNAS

Tabernas desert has two theme parks one called Mini Hollywood which has a full sized western town, where western gunfights are re enacted for the visitors.  There is another western town nearby.  These were used as film sets for the spaghetti westerns such as the Good, the Bad and the Ugly.  The sesert area was also used to film Lawrence of Arabia.  Mini Hollywood has also got a Zoo/Safari park connected to the town.  This attraction makes a superb day our for the family.

Tabernas Mini Hollywood

DESERT SPRING GOLF COURSE

Desert spring golf course is a beautiful oasis high up in the desert, where you can enjoy a game of golf.  Even if you don't play golf you can enjoy a swim in the luxurious pool and have a meal and a drink in the restaurant.

Desert Spring Golf Course

Desert Spring swimming pool by the restaurant