Shopping
If you fancy some serious shopping, La Canada - a huge air conditioned shopping mall housing a wide of stores and dining facilities
is only 5-10 minutes away. It even has its own Hypermarket (Alcampo) within the complex. Another well-established
quality department store certainly worth some time is El Corte Ingles which is located alongside the N340 in the heart of Puerto Banus. This also has it's own Hypercor
within. More recently a new El Corte Ingles has opened 20 minutes down the road in Fuengirola. Fuengirola also
has a Dunnes store which is next to another high quality shopping mall, Myramar and the Eroski hypermart within.
If you fancy something a little more exclusive, the Quaysides of Banus or the main drag
in Marbella offer the ultimate in designer shopping.
Alternatively, you can pick up bargains at the popular markets up and down the coast. Popular
buys are ceramics, leather goods and linen, and of course locally-grown produce and fresh fish for a healthy meal on the terrace
that evening. You should be able to find a market, no matter what day it is.
Dining out
There are plenty of fine local restaurants: a few minutes walk away, you will find Chinese, Asian,
Italian, Indian and Spanish restaurants, as well more traditional tapas bar/restaurants. Hop in the car (taxi)
for a couple of minutes and you can be dining in "El Rancho" at Las Chapas, or "Da Brunos" (enjoyed by David and
Victoria Beckham) at the Cabopino turn, the popular restaurants down at Cabopino Marina (Alberts, Harbour Lights,
La Despensa etc.), any of the restaurants in Marbella, numerous beach restaurants and little hideaways, to suit all tastes
and budgets.
A few more minutes down to Puerto Banus and you could be enjoying an appertif in "Sinatras" followed
by a meal in one of the marina restaurants along with the rich and famous (you don't necessarily need their budgets).
For a comprehensive listing of beach bars check out BeachBars, for other restaurants click Restaurants
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Bars / Nightlife
If you enjoy the Spanish wines, beers and Sangria, you are spoilt for choice. Within walking distance,
you’ll find the cosy bars of Elviria and once again a short taxi ride takes you to Cabopino, Marbella
or the town that hardly sleeps ..... Puerto Banus! If your feeling lucky - then why not spend an hour or two in the
Casino Marbella in (Puerto Banus). Tip - remember to have your passport with you!
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| Cabopino beach |
The Beaches
The beaches in the area are renown for their beauty and cleanliness. The local beach is one of
the best in the district. Spend a day chilling out on the beach, enjoying a long leisurely lunch at one of
the local beach restaurants. Plenty of beach activities are available if desired, or just take your latest
book and find a parasol... Top of Page
Sports and Activities
The apartment is located beside the Santa Maria Golf and Country Club, one of the finest courses along
the Costa del Golf.
If you don't play golf but would like to try, there is a multi-tiered driving range, next
to Greenlife Golf, a spectacular par 3 course, just a few minutes drive away. Find out more about the Golfing opportunities in the area.
Santa Maria Golf and Country Club also has a bowls club, tennis courts and swimming pools.
Other local activities include walking, horse riding, snorkeling , sailing, mountaineering, diving, water skiing,
fishing, and many more.
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| Selwo Aventura |
Family days out
Selwo Aventura A unique nature park,
just off the N340 highway, close to Estepona which provides a unique and fantastic experience for the whole family. The
park is based on the African safari park idea and houses 2,000 animals in semi-wild conditions.
It is easy to get to, with ample parking outside the front gate,
and plenty of places to eat and drink and although some of the park is by all-terrain vehicle, be prepared for a good long
walk.
Selwo Marina Located
in Benalmadena, Selwo Marina complements Selwo Aventura and is devoted
to the exotic sea life and birds of South America.
You can see dolphins, sea lions as well as visit Ice
Island, a glass-enclosed area and the home of the penguins. Shops and food services are also available.
Aqua Park Said
to be the largest aqua park in Europe, the Aqua Park in Torremolinos covers more than 70,000 square metres, with
rides including the hair-raising kamikaze twister and several near vertical slides, together with a tiny tots area, waves swimming
pool and even a Jacuzzi. This aqua park has all the attractions you would expect from a park of this size, with plenty of
space within the park for sunbathing as well as many restaurants and a golf zone. Special prices for groups and
children under three free.
Mijas Aqua Park is the other main water park on the coast and is located along
the main road
heading towards Fuengirola. Open from 10:30 hrs. to 18:00 hrs. Facilities include self-service restaurant, changing
rooms, safety deposit boxes, gift shop, floats and a picnic area.
Sea Life Centre
View the wonders of the marine world in more than 30 displays. Sea Life Centre, located in Puerto Deportivo in
Benalmadena, offers you the biggest collection of sharks in
Europe, as well as moray eels, rays and turtles, not to mention the wide range of tropical fish,
anemones, jellyfish, octopuses and crabs.
Tivoli World is an amusement park located
in Arroyo de la Miel, just 2 km from the Benalmádena Costa. There are various rides as well as a tiny tots
section, restaurants, bars and a professional calibre programme of concerts mainly by Spanish performers, as well as
some 'lookalike' stars.
Telerifico is a cable car ride from the coast at Benalmadena,
just outside Tivoli World to the peak of Monte Calamorro at 725 metres. Fantastic views over the Mediterranean,
Africa & Gibraltar. The duration each way is 12 minutes with the first ride leaving at 10.30h and the last return at 19.00h.
Funny Beach. Have fun on the go-karts, trampolines, mini golf
- and it's only a few minutes from Elviria, along the N340 towards Marbella - by the big Coke can!
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| Puerto Banus Marina |
Short / Half-day trips
Take a short drive/taxi to one of the most prestigious marinas in the world - Puerto Banus. Once you’ve
enjoyed viewing the millionaire yachts, celebrity spotting and wandering around the designer boutiques, why not relax
and watch the world go by in one of the quay side café bars or top up your tan on the beach.
A lot of people booking holidays on the coast will enter Spain at Malaga's airport and never visit
the city. From historic castles to urban green parks, this Mediterranean port is pleasing to all interests. Take
a look at the city that influenced the works of Picasso. You can visit his birthplace and museum. It has excellent beaches,
shopping and a fabulous cathedral, and only half an hour away. Why not get tickets to see some football and watch
Malaga CF. Only last season they were taking on the likes of Beckham, Ronaldo in La Liga.
So remember Malaga isn't just where the airport is.
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| The Alhambra |
Further Afield
Within easy reach are the renowned cities of Granada, Cordoba and Seville. Granada
is home to La Alhambra, Spain’s most visited tourist site. See www.alhambra.org for more information.
Top of Page
Venture a little inland and explore the many pueblos blancos (white
villages) such as Casares, Gaucin, Mijas and Benahavis or visit Ronda with its ancient Bull Ring, Arab Baths and the
breathtaking gorge.
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| Casares |
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| Ronda |
If you are feeling homesick, take a day trip down to Gibraltar,
shop in Marks & Spencer, see the Barbary Apes, go on a Dolphin Safari, explore the Rock, pick up duty free bargains. Don’t forget to take your pounds!
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| Image Copyright Triotours.com |
Did you know that Africa is a mere 70 minutes from Spain? Why
not combine your stay with a day trip to Morocco, taking in the souks and kasbahs of another world. An experience
not to be missed! Ferries run from Gibraltar, Algeciras and Tarifa to the Moroccan port of Tangiers.
Ferrys Rapidos del Sur offer a highspeed catamaran service - see their website for online timetables, fares, reservations
and information about excursions. Click on the Route Map to link to the Triotours web site which give a great deal more information. Top of Page
Take it easy
If you prefer a quieter experience, the idyllic marina and beaches of Cabopino are a few minutes drive
away. If even that is too much effort, you can start the day by taking a leisurely stroll from your apartment,
through the shady pine trees to the local shops, buy your newspaper and fresh bread / croissants and simply enjoy breakfast
on your terrace.
At Los Jardines, you have the use of four pools, all within a stones throw, and one directly infront
of you, literally a few metres away below the terrace, ideal for cooling off. Top of Page
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| Marina at Cabopino |
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