THE SCENE    

Sun, sea and sangría is replaced by tanning salon, hot tub and champagne down on the south coast. The Golden Mile is adorned with a thousand golden smiles as people from all over the world have made their home on Spain’s sunshine coast.

It is a wealthy region and although Marbella has suffered a bit of a roasting in the international press recently it is undoubtedly an attractive destination. You can live it up with the jet-set in Puerto Banús or go native in the awesome white-washed villages set in the mountains. There is probably no better region in Spain if you are happy to share it with millions of other people all looking for a bit of magic. 

Home to Spanish golf, ferry trips to North Africa and Gibraltar, big theme parks and a short drive into a real Andalucian landscape – Costa del Sol is a constant adrenaline rush.

You can play the best golf courses in Europe or hire a mountain bike and free wheel down some of the most gorgeous countryside Spain has to offer. A true Marbella moment can be found in the old town area, where you can sit with a small glass of slightly chilled sherry and contemplate the beauty of the Ronda hills. 

FOOD & DRINK   

Málaga is renowned for its fried fish, some say the best you’ll find in Spain. The Alameda area of the city has the best concentration of great seafood restaurants. If you head inland to Ronda you’ll encounter some sturdy mountain grub including cocidos (stews) and conejo (rabbit).