La Carihuela, Torremolinos

More than two kilometres in length (the longest beach in Torremolinos) and dark sand as a result of its volcanic origin make La Carihuela one of the best known beaches. It also preserves the charm of the Andalusian tradition, with fishing boats as part of the landscape. Don't miss the seafood restaurants in the area!

El Cristo Beach, Estepona

Due to its location, this beach has warmer waters than others in the area, and gets more hours of sunshine. It is also close to the town centre, but it is quieter than La Rada and less crowded. It is one of the most popular beaches in the area, especially because of the beach bars with live music on summer weekends.

Maro Beach, Nerja

In 2013, Maro Beach was voted the best beach in Andalusia and the second best in Spain. Under the cliffs of Maro, a waterfall (which you can access by kayak) and the blue-green colour of the sea make this beach unique. It is more accessible than El Cañuelo, and is surrounded by vegetation, crops and reed beds, and is also ideal for spotting corals and fish. If you arrive early, the sunrise will blow your mind.

Carvajal, Benalmádena

Carvajal has the 'Q' for Quality and a Blue Flag, so you are guaranteed a good day at the beach. Its location and the services available make it ideal for the whole family, and it is one of the favourite beaches of Benalmádena residents. Jet skis, water bikes, sun loungers, parasols, showers and toilets... even massages! And the most popular thing on the beach: La Cubana, a very special beach bar, with a great atmosphere and delicious food.

Shall we go for a walk?

Málaga

Let's start with monumental Málaga. A city with more than 3,000 years of history and Phoenician origins which, in recent years, has embarked on a process of renewal, becoming one of the most interesting capitals in Spain. Pedestrianisation of the city centre, the arrival of many high-end restaurants and hotels and investment in public transport have contributed to making Málaga the capital of the Costa del Sol par excellence. Not to mention the opening of museums and art galleries of the highest level, such as the Picasso Museum in Málaga. Don't miss the Alcazaba, the Roman Theatre, the Cathedral... and take a stroll along the famous Calle Larios.

Marbella

Moving on to Marbella, do you need an introduction? Cary Grant, Ava Gardner and Audrey Hepburn put this fishing town on the map in the 1950s and it has been a destination for the upper classes ever since. Aside from its harbour (and impressive yachts) and streets lined with designer boutiques, Marbella retains its Andalusian charm, as in the old town square with its orange trees, cafés and Baroque architecture.

Mijas

And then there is Mijas, with its Moorish heritage, nestled in the foothills of the mountains. Take a stroll (be prepared for the slopes!) or, if you're lazy, take a donkey-taxi ride around town. Its old town is a Historic-Artistic Site. Don't miss the Gardens and the Mirador de la Muralla viewpoint, and the remains of the ancient fortress on which the town was built. The views of the Mediterranean Sea from the Paseo de la Muralla are breathtaking!

Frijiliana

Another popular village in Málaga, Frigiliana, is also a Historic-Artistic Site due to the exquisite preservation of its buildings. It seems as if it was built yesterday! It is very popular with foreigners, giving it a unique cosmopolitan atmosphere. Flower-filled corners, hidden squares, terraces with views, small fountains... For those with a sweet tooth: the sugar cane honey from Ingenio Nuestra Señora del Carmen (the only sugar cane honey factory in Europe) is spectacular.

Green, I love you green

Sierra de las Nieves and Sierra de Grazalema

Both have been declared Biosphere Reserves, and with good reason. The Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park is home to the largest pinsapo fir forest on the planet! Species such as the mountain goat, the otter or the golden eagle have chosen it as their home, and a whole series of lodgings and villages make the visit more comfortable. On top of that, there is a network of trails that are perfect for hiking. The Sierra de Grazalema, between Cádiz and Málaga, is known for being one of the rainiest places on the Iberian Peninsula. This makes for lush vegetation, which grows between abrupt reliefs and canyons such as the Garganta Verde (Green Gorge), 400 metres deep. You can visit it on foot, on horseback, hang-gliding, paragliding... or canoeing on the Zahara-Gastor reservoir.

The Antequera region

A visit to the Torcal de Antequera, a unique natural site, declared a World Heritage Site, is an absolute must. The shapes of its limestone rocks form a city of stone that looks almost like a stage set. Its chasms and caves are a dream for speleology lovers and it has one of the few astronomical observatories in Andalusia. Not far away is the Laguna de Fuente de Piedra Nature Reserve, the largest lagoon in Andalusia and the second most important flamingo colony in Europe. Surrounded by olive and cereal fields covering almost 1,400 hectares!

Gorge of the Gaitanes and Caminito del Rey Path

Knowledge doesn't take up space

Picasso Museum Málaga

Visiting the capital of the Costa del Sol and not visiting the Picasso Museum in Málaga should be considered a crime. There is a reason why it has become the most visited museum in Andalusia! Following the wish of the artist , who wanted his work to be displayed in his hometown, the MPM was inaugurated in 2003 at the Buenavista Palace, in the heart of Málaga. A staggering 233 works of art await you in a thematic and chronological tour that is perfect for gaining an in-depth knowledge of Picasso's artistic career.

Carmen Thyssen Museum

This art gallery opened in 2011 and houses one of the most important collections of Spanish and Andalusian paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries. The more than 250 works are part of Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza's personal collection and reflect styles such as landscapes and Costumbrismo, as well as a selection of pieces by Old Masters such as Zurbarán. The 16th-century Palacio de Villalón building was renovated to house it and is in itself a museum, with a central courtyard that resembles a large Cordovan courtyard with arabesque arches.

Centre Pompidou Málaga

Delicious

Amador Restaurant, Málaga

The exciting dishes created by its talented chef, Amador Fernández, could not be better suited to the location in the Villa Guadalupe hotel. With stunning views of Málaga and the Mediterranean Sea, plus the artwork of Irene van Vlijmen (the chef's mother) decorating the walls, this restaurant has it all. The Repsol Guide recommends the lamb shoulder, the organic artichokes and the foie gras with apple emulsion - we'll have to take them up on that!

Bardal, Ronda

With two Michelin stars, chef Benito Gómez's restaurant is a hallmark of Ronda's restaurant scene. His cuisine stands out for not deceiving, for avoiding fanfare and offering a creative cuisine, but always based on the flavours and products of the region, which are presented in the best possible way. As they say, at Bardal you can recognise everything, and the menu makes it clear that the diner is in Ronda, which is also one of the most beautiful places in Andalusia.

Skina, Marbella

With two Michelin stars behind it, Skina is the creation of chef Mario Cachinero and his creative cuisine that draws on traditional Andalusian recipes, all in one of the smallest Michelin restaurants in the world! Nestled in Marbella's old town, Skina couldn't have a better name. Wild Galician fish, premium oils from Jaén, unique meats... the ajoblanco with mackerel and coriander is a must.

Sollo, Fuengirola

Diego Gallegos clearly knows what he's talking about: aquaculture and sustainability. He is one of the new chefs who has recently joined the list of Michelin stars on the Costa del Sol. Known as the Caviar Chef (Andalusian sturgeon is his star product), he chooses freshwater fish for his creations, and around 90% of what he serves is farmed by himself! Sollo is a must if you want to enjoy a surprising experience, like an appetizer at his R&D workshop.

Shall we get moving?

Let's get wet!

The Mediterranean Sea is the best sporting area you will find. If you enjoy exploring the seabed, the coast of Nerja is renowned for scuba diving and snorkelling. Try Nerja Diving. Or you can also kayak along the impressive cliffs of the Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park. The waters of Benalmádena, Marbella and Estepona are also good places to find Nemo. For some wave action, try Guadalmar (Málaga), Río Real (Marbella) and Guadalmansa (Estepona).

A bit of adrenaline

For the brave, there are plenty of adventure sports. Canyoning is one of those activities where understanding nature is essential (and being willing to get wet)! Try it at the Sima del Diablo, in Júzcar. At Pangea Active Nature they offer everything. And don't miss the Cueva del Gato, a top speleology site with underground galleries and a river that runs underground. At the Hundidero-Gato Complex you can swim across lakes and climb over passages with ropes. A fun way to get in touch with caving. If you are more laid-back, the Conde de Guadalhorce reservoir is the place for you. You can go paddle-surfing, kayaking and canoeing.

Horse riding

A winning 'drive'

Alhaurín Golf Resort, Fuengirola

Designed by Seve Ballesteros, this 18-hole course in the mountains of Fuengirola, between Málaga and Marbella, forms a beautiful and lush landscape that makes playing golf an unforgettable experience. The views of the Sierra de Mijas mountains and the Mediterranean Sea are a plus and, in addition, each hole is different and you can use all types of clubs. Bonus: around the practice area there is a 9-hole par 3 course.

Casares Golf Club, Casares

With 9 holes, Casares Golf Club was created to serve as a garden for one of the most exclusive residential areas on the Costa del Sol. The course runs gently through the valley and is surrounded by vineyards, orange trees and other Mediterranean vegetation. Par 5 is one of the most popular among golfers because of its difficulty. Do you dare to play it? By the way, its restaurant, Brasserie de Arturo, serves Andalusian dishes that are ideal for recharging your batteries.

Cabopino, Marbella

Long life to tradition

Málaga Fair

In August, the city of Málaga dresses up for the most fun event of the year: the Málaga Fair. Nine days of flamenco, Andalusian horses, stalls, wine, folklore... The fair commemorates the taking of the city by the Catholic Monarchs in 1487, but today any excuse is a good one to dress up in typical Andalusian costume and have a good time. During the day, the historic centre, decorated with lanterns and flowers, is the perfect setting for parades, orchestras, floats... and, at night, the party moves to the Real del Cortijo de Torres, where there are stalls with music and even rides!

Holy Week in Málaga

Catholics and non-Catholics alike are moved by the beauty of Málaga's Holy Week. Because it is not only based on religion. It is culture, history, art... and there is a reason why it has been declared a celebration of International Tourist Interest. As in the rest of the country, it is celebrated after the first full moon of the spring equinox. The thrones and images impress everyone, as well as the devotion and sentiment of the people of Málaga.

Flamenco

This is for myself

Make some room

Carob tree cakes, Antequera muffins, fig bread, olives from Álora, sugar cane honey, toasted almonds... in short, we would need a huge pantry to store all the mouth-watering products from Málaga.

Made by hand

Craftwork also has its place in Málaga. For example, through the ceramics of Alfonso Rot, the pottery of Isiwax and the glass of Vidrieras Viarca, which is behind some of the most impressive stained glass windows in the cathedral of Málaga and the church of La Paloma in Madrid.

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