Retiring To The Costa Del Sol – Things to Consider · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

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When considering moving to another country in search of a more sedate and laid back lifestyle to finish your remaining years, it’s important to think any move through thoroughly and to gather as much information as you can before taking the plunge.

Retiring to Costa del Sol and other parts of Spain is as popular as ever for many pensioners from northern European countries and the UK searching for warmer climes. Our pensioners guide aims to help those who are considering making that move, fully understand the pros and the con’s of such a huge transition.

One of the main reasons that many pensioners look to move to the Costa del Sol is the weather. With around 320 days of sunshine each year it has become a haven for those seeking the great health benefits that come with so much sunshine. It’s a fact, that the sunshine not only makes us happy, but also has a great holistic affect on our well being and can help to alleviate many medical conditions such as arthritis, cancer and depression to name just a few. So for pensioners especially, the warm climate of the Mediterranean acts as a natural cure for many existing ailments.

Another important aspect to moving abroad as a pensioner is the local healthcare. Healthcare in Spain is one of the best in Europe and under the EEA agreement; pensioners from other EEA countries including the UK are entitled to free health care.

It’s also worth noting that prior to moving to Spain you will need to obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) the previous requirement being the E111 which was phased out in 2005. Once you have arrived you will need to register yourself at the “Instituo Nacional de Seguridad Social” (INSS) office. Further information on form requirements can be obtained from the UK “Department of Works and Pensions” website online.

Hopefully, you will not need to visit a hospital too often but if you do, you will find that most of the major hospitals on the Costa del Sol are both well equipped and extremely clean and well run.

Most pensioners moving abroad will also need to consider the transfer of their pension to their Spanish bank account. One thing that is really important to remember when transferring money from the UK or another country into Spain, is the currency exchange rate. Currency exchange rates can fluctuate considerably, which means that you could be left out of pocket if the rate plummets. A number of foreign exchange companies provide money transfer services and can set the exchange rate for a fixed period for you.

Another aspect of moving abroad that many fail to consider thoroughly are family ties. If your close relatives are not moving to Spain with you, you may have times when you feel home sick or even lonely and this can cause a degree of stress and depression not to mention possible friction between partners.

When moving to another country you will obviously need accommodation unless you plan on living in a hotel. There are two main options that you have which are renting a property or buying a property.

Property prices have risen dramatically in recent years and more and more people are renting with the view to purchasing once the prices have fallen. This can be a smart move but looking at it another way is that there are many people being affected by the global recession and this has presented many opportunities to barter and put in much lower offers for those who do not require a mortgage and are able to move quickly, so both options are worth thinking about.

In terms of the kind of properties that you should think about living in is difficult. You have apartments or townhouses on urbanizations or fincas and villas in the country. Most pensioners will feel safer being surrounded by others who may be able to help if required, in which case a place in the rural countryside may not be the best option. Conversely, some apartments and urbanizations can be on the noisy side, especially in the summer months, so think long and hard about where you are going to live.

Travel is obviously important to all of us and the ability to drive is an obvious advantage wherever you live. If you will not be driving, you must consider where you are moving to in terms of transport and road infrastructure.

The Costa del Sol has a good motorway system and most towns along the coast are easily accessible via car and bus, mainly via the N340 motorway. The trains though are another proposition. Although the capital Malaga has excellent routes to the capital Madrid and Barcelona, there is not much in the way of a train service along the coast, so you are mainly restricted to car or bus. If you are moving slightly inland of the coast, you should also know that there are no bus services in some of the smaller towns and if you do not have a car you will be heavily dependent on taxi cabs which can really hit your bank balance hard.

Finally we come to the language. One hurdle that most people have trouble with is the Spanish language. It can be very difficult to learn a new language and it becomes harder and harder the older you get.

Relocating to a new country and not being able to communicate at a basic level can be quite traumatic, so it’s important that before you do move to Spain, you have at the very least, a fundamental understanding of the Spanish language. Although there are many courses for expats once you arrive, it will be easier to make the transition if you have even a basic understanding.

Robert Griggs writes for PGM Property World who are an established family run real estate agents on the Costa del Sol. For further information on living on the Costa del Sol or to search their property in spain listings, please visit http://www.pgmpropertyworld.com

Article Source: Retiring To The Costa Del Sol – Things to Consider · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

How to enjoy the beauty of Torremolinos · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

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If you go to Costa del Sol in the south of Spain, one of the most interesting places to visit is Torremolinos. Situated only 7 km from Malaga airport, the biggest in the region, it is extremely easy to get there no matter where you come from. Taking a look in the past, Torremolinos was nothing but a fishing village in the beginning of the 60’s. However, the big number of tourists that come from all over the world to enjoy the beauty of the region has changed its face for ever. The region developed and a lot of Torremolinos hotels were built as quickly as possible to fulfil the needs of the great number of tourists. The present shows a town with a great deal to offer and with high quality services that attract even more people to visit and stay at the hotels in Torremolinos.

Actually, the statistics show that the hotels in Torremolinos own 40% of all tourism in Costa del Sol, more than any in the other tourist towns in the region. Why? Because of the fact that the town officials have decided to enlarge the range of entertainment options offered to the tourists, except sun and beach, and a lot of new attractions have appeared. The other important aspect regarding this percentage is the fact that the number of hotels in Torremolinos has greatly increased during the past years, so it is impossible not to find what you are looking for in one of the Torremolinos hotels, no matter the taste or the budget. Actually, the number of Torremolinos hotels is greater than in any other area of Costa del Sol, so there is no way you, as a visitor, can say: “I had no place to stay”.

The beautiful sandy beaches, which are the main attraction of the region, are guarded by massive budget Torremolinos hotels that are constantly packed with tourists of all nationalities, whether it is peak season or not. Going along the seafront promenade, Paseo Maritimo, you can find yourself in the old villages which do not host any of the famous Torremolinos hotels. Some of these villages have stood still in time. Also, further away from the noise of civilization, more to the north, there are some hotels in Torremolinos that are perfect for the tourists who just want some quiet time far from the bustle of the centre.

The changes that came along with the tourists together with the great number of hotels in Torremolinos have started taking away from the natural beauty of the region. Therefore, recently, a lot of public gardens have emerged, compensating for all the concrete Torremolinos hotels. So the town has started looking like an interesting combination of nature and concrete, that caters for all tastes. Everywhere in the area, the Torremolinos hotels are guarded by parks with all sorts of different plants, from the exotic magnolias and banana trees to the beautifully coloured beds of roses and azaleas.

For the average tourists, it is vital to know the amenities that can be found in the numerous hotels in Torremolinos. Well, basically, whatever you want you can get. Because of the fact that there are so many of them and the competition tries to surpass all expectations, the facilities are more numerous and of greater quality. The result of this is to the benefit of tourists, who can get great prices and all the class services they want in order to make their stay in one of the Torremolinos hotels as pleasurable as possible.

If you’re looking for central accommodation, there are a number of hotels in Torremolinos in Calle del Peligro, which is just a walk from the Bajondillo beach. Some even have a sea view. Also, there are many Torremolinos hotels in one of the liveliest areas, Calle las Mercedes, but on a summer Saturday night people living in them might need earplugs. Moreover, there are a number of three and four star hotels in Torremolinos on the front of El Bajondillo beach, which have been on the package holiday market for years and have satisfied many customers. Most of the hotels in Torremolinos have recently been repaired and now offer even better conditions.

So, in the most developed town in Costa del Sol, which is Torremolinos, the beauty of nature is being completed by the good services offered by locals, as the Torremolinos hotels can cater for all tastes. All the 60 registered hotels in Torremolinos together with the beauty of the beaches and the Mediterranean Sea truly make the area a piece of heaven.

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Cielo extends a warm invitation to all those interested in the budget Torremolinos hotels to visit our site and search for available rooms. You can even book in advance and see what any of the cheap hotels in Costa del Sol have to offer. We can make your vacation preparation easier by giving a helping hand regarding hotels in Spain.

Article Source: How to enjoy the beauty of Torremolinos · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

Terra Sana Franchises Continue to Spread: Next Stop, Málaga and Madrid! · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

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Terra Sana (www.terrasana.net) continues to expand the successful franchise arm of the business, with the latest plans seeing them target the franchise market in Málaga and Madrid. The restaurant and catering company in Marbella (negocio de catering en Marbella) has opened a series of new franchises along the Costa del Sol, and organic growth has them setting their sights on Terra Sana franchises throughout other areas of Spain.

This year’s economic environment has seen thousands of businesses suffer, but Terra Sana saw this climate as one of opportunity, not one of limitation. Using the strong foundation of a successful existing business model that has created a string of popular restaurants on the coast and a leading catering service in Marbella (catering servicios en Marbella), Terra Sana initiated a new strategic direction for the company; one that used the economic climate as a positive springboard for an exciting new proposition: franchises for the crisis (franquicias para superar la crisis).

Franchises have been proven as one of the few business strategies to be recession-hardy, if not recession-proof. This is down to creating new businesses based on tested previous business models and established brands that enjoy an existing and loyal customer base. Terra Sana is a perfect example of an ideal franchising opportunity following a decade of running a locally iconic brand and a hugely successful business. Franchises with low investment such as Terra Sana franchises (la franquicias de Terra Sana) also inherently carry lower risk due to the far lower levels of capital investment needed than those needed to set up a new restaurant business from scratch.
Franchises that work (franquicias que funcionan) do so for two primary reasons: first, they are based on a tested business model and strategy that can easily be translated to new businesses, and second, the location chosen is perfect for such a franchise. Of course, the management of the franchise has much to do with the ongoing success, but getting these two factors right at the beginning is a key way to ensure the franchise works. The Terra Sana team provides the tested, successful business, all the way down to the design and decoration of the restaurants and full training manuals. But Terra Sana are also highly adept at identifying new locations for Terra Sana franchises that work (franquicias que funcionan), both in terms of businesses to be turned around and in terms of geographies and demographics. It is the latter that has seen the company set its sights on franchises in Madrid (franquicias en Madrid) and franchises in Málaga (Franquicias en Málaga), among other potential areas. Both cities have large populations with demographics that demand new and exciting dining experiences, from local families and university students to international ex-pats and young business people. Málaga and Madrid are also cities which actively attract and support entrepreneurs. European Franchising, the journal of European franchise opportunities, comments that “the excellent climate that currently exists within the franchising sector in Spain” is reflected annually at Madrid’s Franchising Trade Fair, and highlights the capital city as being one of the leading franchise locations in the country.
Terra Sana is currently exploring the many different franchise opportunities in Málaga and Madrid, as well as other regions of Spain. If you would like to suggest yourself or your business as a potential franchisee, whether in Málaga, Madrid, Barcelona or Gibraltar, then contact the Terra Sana franchise team at www.terrasana.net.
Editor’s Note: Terra Sana is represented by the search engine optimisation (SEO) and digital marketing specialists, Global Ad Solutions. Please direct all press queries to louise@globaladsolutions.co.uk or call 952 783 637 / +44 (0)20 3070 1959

Article Source: Terra Sana Franchises Continue to Spread: Next Stop, Málaga and Madrid! · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

Summer Holiday in Spain: Get Ready to Say “Ole!” · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

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Few places in the world are better suited to a summer holiday than Spain. It’s one of the top destinations for many Europeans and for good reason. Here are two of the hottest locations for a summer holiday in this fascinating and beautiful country, as well as some of the most inspiring attractions.

Malaga

This is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain and its location is one of the reasons why. Located on the southern coast of the country on the Costa del Sol, the warm climate is perfect for soaking up the sun while visiting one of the many beautiful castles and forts built by the Romans and the Greeks. The Spanish culture, as well as the food, is highlighted here.

For those traveling with children, there is an abundance of exciting amusement parks and water attractions. These are guaranteed to be a hit with the younger crowd, while the adults will revel in the late nights spent exploring the seaside towns, with their fabulous restaurants and shops. For those that want to mingle with the beautiful people at an exciting nightclub, consider Puerto Banas. For a more laid back, party atmosphere, consider Fuengirola. Another favored pastime here is golf and there are many championship courses to choose from.

Malaga is full of beach resorts, and you can find some terrific discount deals to make your stay a little more affordable. The Malaga Airport is expanding to handle the steady increase in air traffic from all over the world. This is also helping to make for some fantastic deals on airfare to this beautiful area of Spain.

Alicante

This region of Spain is another popular summer holiday destination. Located on the White Coast, or Costa Blanca, the view of the Mediterranean Sea is simply unmatched. You can take in a Flamenco show, followed by dinner and dancing. The Spanish culture is well known for partying until the wee hours of the morning, so make sure you’re up to the task!

There are also a number of other attractions similar to those in Malaga, such as historical castles, beautiful beaches, extraordinary shopping opportunities, and simply fantastic restaurants. Take an afternoon stroll and sip sangria as you watch the people pass by. But by nightfall, get ready to experience one of the most exciting holidays of your life!

You’ll find that accommodations are easy to locate and the savings are plentiful. Since this is such a popular location for the summer holiday, it’s very simple to locate some terrific deals on flights into the Alicante airport, car rentals, and accommodations. The roads in Alicante are very decent; however, you can expect a few toll roads on your journey.

In Closing

For your next summer holiday, Spain should be at the top of your list. This beautiful country has a lot to offer their guests. You have a wide array of attractions, activities, restaurants, hotels, and a vibrant, exciting nightlife awaiting you here. Isn’t it time you spent your holiday in just such a location?

About the Author

Yootravel.co.uk is one of the UK’s leading Holiday discounts, travel voucher codes,travel discount codes websites. Yootravel is your guide for travel voucher, travel codes, and travel voucher codes for the UK travelers.

Article Source: Summer Holiday in Spain: Get Ready to Say “Ole!” · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

Top 10 Things To See & Do In Andalucia Spain · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

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1. Sun and Sand

With a thousand kilometers of coastline there is one common factor: the Sun. Come and be captivated by Andalusia’s coast, where you will find a endless miles of unspoilt beaches, majestic cliffs, salt marshes brimming with wildlife and a little-known undersea world simply waiting to be discovered.

Andalusia’s coastal beaches are its natural heritage and each have their own distinct personality. The coastline, includes the Costa Del Sol in Malaga, the Costa de la Luz in Cadiz and the Costa de la Luz in Huelva, the Almeria Coast & the Costa Tropical in Granada, all are idyllic natural settings, with crystal clear warm waters and year round sunshine.

2. Golf

If golf is your passion, you will be in the best region in Spain for this sport. You can enjoy the sun whilst playing golf in Andalusia all year round.

From the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, Andalusia offers a generous host of courses with first class facilities and stunning surroundings that are worth visiting simply in their own right.

Whether you are an novice or a pro, you will find Andalusia the perfect place to play, thanks to its excellent weather and the quantity and quality of the courses. There is an extensive range to suit all players. The variety of the courses, their facilities and their track record with many of the major championships being held, which help guarantee golfing quality in Andalusia.


3. Entertainment & shopping

Choose from one of the many amusement parks in Andalusia; Descubre Isla Magica or El Parque de las ciencias being just two of the options available to a visitor to the region

For shopping lovers the huge El Corte Ingles shopping complex provides a superb shopping experience, or visit Puerto Banus for its exclusive brand name boutique shopping beside the delightfully quaint harbour.

Markets (or mercados in Spanish) are a common sight in the towns and villages throughout the Andalusia region, They are noisy, colorful and highly entertaining and an experience to be witnessed, whether you plan to shop or not. Markets thrive throughout the province and are the pivotal centre of life in towns and villages.


4. Nature

Get closer to nature in Andalusia by enjoying the magnificent Whale & Dolphin Watching off the straits off Andalusia. There are two national parks in Andalusia: Donana and Sierra Nevada providing a great way to spend time amongst stunning natural landscapes.

Andalusia is a bird watcher’s paradise as it lies on the Europe to Africa migratory routes.and attracts ornithologists all year round. There are in fact so many ways to connect with nature when visiting Andalusia from visiting its abundant Forests, Sampling its Salt water and Fresh water fishing or simply admiring the wonder of its numerous Olive groves and Cork trees.


5. Sports

Whether indoors or outdoors, Andalusia offers a broad range of sporting activities, and there are numerous kinds of national and international competitions held in the province.

Sporting competions held regularly at Andalusia’s different stadiums, circuits, pitches, sports halls and courts also allow spectators to enjoy watching live sporting competition at the topmost level. Famous events include Formula 1 Grand Prix or the Motorcycle Racing World Championship can be witnessed alongside international surfing and body board competitions.


6. Relaxation & Therapy

Andalusia has all the right ingredients and is the perfect setting for you to enjoy a personalized health and beauty treatment experience. It is an ideal place to combine action and pleasure.

If you are looking for that healthy holiday for both body and mind, then your senses will be satisfied by the exceptional facilities and treatments awaiting you here in Andalusia.

Thermal waters, a range of mud treatments, therapeutic baths, water jets, algae therapies, massages … these are the main components for revitalising treatments at specially designed spas and hotels.


7. Flamenco

Flamenco is a passionate and seductive art form of dancing, a mysterious and misunderstood culture that has been practised in Andalusia for nearly half a millenia, and today flamenco has numerous aficionado’s worldwide.

Many people witness flamenco in some form or another during their summer vacations in Andalusia, especially on the Costa Del Sol, where there are great flamenco Tablaos in abundance


8. Culture

Andalusia has a wealth of culture that will take you way back into history, with major archaeological sites, the legacy of the different cultures and civilizations that made their home in this rich, beautiful land in the south of Spain.

The Great Mosque of Cordoba, the Alhambra in Granada and the Giralda in Sevilla are first class World Heritage monuments, an immense artistic legacy that has been passed down across millennia of history.

The stunning Moorish, Renaissance and, especially the Baroque architecture can be seen in its most important buildings, the fortresses,the castles, and monasteries to be found throughout andalusia, which help to complete a hugely valuable array of cultural heritage.


9. Sierra Nevada

Snow & Sun, Sea & Mountains, Sport & Relaxation, Art & Gastronomy, Shopping & Therapy at a Spa, Sierra Nevada offers you the perfect combination of all of these.

Sierra Nevada is a paradise for snow lovers. It has the number-one ski resort in southern Europe, where you can enjoy the maximum number of sunny days a year, is the perfect place for all winter activities.

The quality of its services and facilities together with its lively atmosphere and nightlife make this mountain retreat a five star spot for winter sports lovers.


10. Gastronomy

The Mediterranean diet is in vogue. Basic products such as fresh vegetables and pulses, fresh fish, ripe fruit and virgin olive oil have made Andalusian cuisine a major force to reckoned with.

Andalusian cuisine centres around fresh, localy sourced ingredients, with fresh fish dishes available in all coastal areas and the finest meat dishes inland. A huge variety of sun ripened fruit is to be found throughout.

The gastronomy of Andalusia owes much of its origins to the Moorish cuisine of Al-Andalus. Its style came to transform many customs. It was the people of Al-Andalus who first created the dining room and the current order of dishes served in a traditional Andalusian meal.

Article Source: Top 10 Things To See & Do In Andalucia Spain · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

5 Great Reasons To Honeymoon In Malaga · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

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After the hectic preparation involved in planning a wedding, the honeymoon afterwards is always the most longed for part of the nuptial celebrations! If you are checking out honeymoon locations, have you thought of Malaga? You should definitely consider it. The destination is at the centre of the busy and popular Costa del Sol and is a marvellous place to base yourselves in for that romantic and fun filled honeymoon break.

We have put together 5 Great Reasons why you should choose to honeymoon in Malaga, so read on for more…

Great Location: The perfect location of Malaga makes it a great place to base yourself in for your honeymoon holiday. To spend some quality time together, there are some fantastic day trips that you both can enjoy in the Malaga Region. Choose from a drive to Granada – one of Andalusia’s gems, to Day Trips from Malaga to Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Marbella and Torremolinos.

Wonderful Beaches: If you are happy to stay local rather than head on a driving tour of the region, then what could be better than a long romantic stroll down the beaches of Malaga? Some of the best beaches near the city are El Palo, Las Acacias Beach, Playa de la Malagueta, Playa Huellín and El Candado. The beaches are long and wide with clean, golden sand. The majority of them have promenades with plenty of facilties so you can drop by a pleasant café for a coffee or an ice cream!

Note that during peak times the beaches will be busy – if you avail of a car rental you can head outside Malaga and head for Playa Torrox (located 30 miles to the north) or Playa Benajarafe in Velez (over 4km long).

Great Attractions to Visit: Why not take a peaceful stroll around the city and see the sights? If you visit the Historic Quarter you will both savour visiting the most prominent historical buildings of the city. Visit the following squares and streets to see the most important sights – Plaza de la Constitución, Plaza del Obispo, Calle Cister and Calle Alcantarilla.

Learn all about Spain’s colonial past in a visit to wonderful castles and palaces such as La Alcazaba, the Palace for the Nazarite Kings. Enjoy stunning views of the city from Gibralfaro Castle. The Palace Marques de Valdeflores, and the Bishops and Customs Palace are stunning places to discover together and take some photos! Maybe you could also head to the Malaga Bullfighting Ring that lies atop a hill, which overlooks the local area.

Malaga is also home to some stunning Cathedrals such as Malaga Cathedral whose construction originally began in 1528, and was built on top of the former Moorish Mosque. The wonderful architecture here is very impressive. Sagrario Church and Santiago Church (Christening Church of Pablo Picasso) are well worth visiting.

Birthplace of Picasso: The renowned artist Pablo Picasso was born in the city in 1881 and a great idea to spend some time together is to take the Picasso Tour of Malaga. Fit in a trip to the Picasso Foundation (Fundación Picasso), which is located in the historic quarter of the city. The artist and his family actually lived in this building, on the 2nd floor. The Museum is well worth visiting as there are regular exhibitions of his work held here. Find out more about the Picasso Tour of Malaga.

Great for Wine Tasting: Why not take in a day trip to Antigua Casa de Guardia and savour wine that is produced in Malaga! Antigua Case de Guardia is the oldest wine tavern in the Malaga region. Here you can both enjoy some great wine in the surroundings resembling the 19th century! This winery dates back to 1840 and is located at Olias village, to the north of El Palo suburb of Malaga. Check out some great restaurants in the area, and sample the delicious fish dishes that are on offer in this area.

So have we tempted you to choose Malaga as your honeymoon destination? Remember that to fully appreciate the beauty of Malaga and the Costa del Sol, your best bet is to secure a high quality, great value car rental. Visit Novacarhire.com’s Car hire Malaga page and get an instant quote which will offer you the best deals from top car rental providers.

Article Source: 5 Great Reasons To Honeymoon In Malaga · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

Top 10 cruises to the Mediterranean · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

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What better way to see what the south of Europe has to offer than to go on a Mediterranean cruise? Sit back and enjoy the varied cultural richness, stunning surroundings and natural beauty of some of the world’s most fascinating cities including Florence, Rome, Cannes, Marsilles, Barcelona and many more. Great for a family cruise holiday, a holiday with your partner or if you are travelling on your own.

The warmest months in the Mediterranean is from May to September so is the ideal time to take a cruise holidy for sun seekers. It should be noted that alot of the ports are often extremely busy during the summer, but there is certainly a lot of destinations worth checking out, including the Greek Islands, Costa del Sol, Liguria Coast and the French Riviera.

Cruise the western Mediterranean and check out France, Italy and Spain. Some itineraries take in a selection of Balearic Islands whilst others make the short journey across to North Africa. Cruise Eastern Mediterranean and you can explore the coastlines of Croatia, Greece and Turkey with magnificent beaches, ancient historical sites and fascinating cultures, a cruise to the Mediterranean has it all. Some of the more lengthly intineraries can get you to ports Israel and Egypt also. With so much history and variety to be found in a relatively small sea, the Mediterranean has holiday types for every taste and age ideal for cruise holidays.

The Mediterranean cities hold a wealth of history, such as Rome, Athens or Venice to modern trend setting towns such as Ibiza Town or Monte Carlo. There is also plenty of old historical sites to see, for example, Olympics were held in Greece. You can also visit the Turkey which is rich in history. Some cruises even allow you the opportunity to stay overnight, try Venice or maybe Istanbul? You could also become a tourist for the day in sunny Majorca, Corsica, Santorini or Rhodes, some of the Mediterranean’s favourite sunspots. With a large choice of 7 – 14 night cruises available from most of the cruise lines, there is never a shortage of itineraries on offer.

The new mini cruises that are fast becoming popular, particularly from the coastal Spanish cities of Malaga and Barcelona. You can cruise all year round in the Mediterranean, but the majority of itineraries run from April to October.

Whatever you chose to do, wherever you chose to go, a Mediterranean cruise is great value for money and particularly rewarding for the whole family!

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Article Source: Top 10 cruises to the Mediterranean · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

Costa del Sol: a great place to visit in Spain · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

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Spain is a country with a long and interesting history. As a mixture of past cultures, the present shows a country with fascinating traditions. It is also important to know that no matter what the ordinary tourist is looking for, he can find it all in this country: beautiful beaches with great weather all year round, mountains perfect for skiing, great sightseeing cities with a lot of culture. Because of all these, there are a number of about 60 million tourists every year and it is constantly growing. So, a concern for all these people coming to visit is the availability of rooms in hotels in Costa del Sol.

The Spanish tourism flourishes every year because it is one of the most affordable and easy to reach destinations in Europe offering a variety of choices regarding accommodations, travelling means and entertainment. The hotels in Costa del Sol are always full of tourists, due to the fact that the region has great potential. There is something interesting to do for everyone, from families, who want to have fun with the children, to singles looking to hang out on the beach and enjoy the nightlife. There are hotels in Costa del Sol to cater for all tastes and needs. For example, families who want to spend quality time with their children can stay in some hotels in Costa del Sol which are closer to the Selwo Wildlife Park. Depending on what you plan on doing during your holiday, the region has it all.

The region was discovered for international tourism only in the 1950 and it became renowned for its beautiful beaches. But this is not the only a reason for the hotels in Costa del Sol to always be full of visitors. Lately, another attraction has drawn tourists – golf. The vast number of high-quality golf courses in the area has contributed to the increase in tourism and to the fact that a lot of complexes have started to be built. The scenery is wonderful for those romantic persons willing to relax and spend some time admiring the area. The Mediterranean Sea, seen from the transformed sunny coast or from the window of your hotel in Costa del Sol, is undeniably wonderful. White-washed villas, high buildings and the hotels in Costa del Sol bring the region a personal light full of charm and satisfactory for all tastes. As the area is heavily urbanised, it doesn’t matter if you’ve checked in one of the hotels in Costa del Sol or if you prefer a villa, architectural styles create an unforgettable mixture ready to please anyone.

For water park amateurs, there are some hotels in Costa del Sol which are close to Torremolinos where there are 2 such parks with plenty of water slides that are great fun. Also, for those with more cultural tastes, finding a stay in Costa de Sol hotels, closer to Malaga, is very helpful because in this city you can visit the Picasso Museum. Last, but not least, if you are a plant lover, you can’t miss the chance to visit the Bonsai Museum or the Botanical Gardens. Of course, there are plenty of Costa del Sol hotels close to these areas.

Undoubtedly, most hotels in Costa del Sol are situated along the beach of the Mediterranean Sea, as the main attraction for people who come here is this – lazing on the beach, enjoying tasty drinks, getting a nice tan and forgetting all about the hardships of life. Costa del Sol hotels are the most popular because it is more comfortable for those who are looking to relax and unwind to spend as little time on the road between destinations. They can easily go to the beach and come back to the Costa del Sol hotels to rest and have launch.

The most distinguished city in the Costa del Sol region is Marbella, the place where the king of Saudi Arabia built one of his palaces. There are numerous hotels in Marbella, due to the fact that the area has a huge number of tourists every year. Its popularity is surpassed only by the quality of the offered services. Because of the competition, it is only normal for the hotels in Marbella to have become more and more customer – oriented. Therefore, no matter what you want, everything is of excellent taste and quality, especially when it comes to the few Marbella hotels situated in the harbour – Puerto Banus. They might however be more expensive than the hotels in other parts of Costa del Sol, due to the fact that Marbella hotels have only three or four stars. Staying in one of the hotels in Marbella might cost you more, but you can have it all right there, even a small kitchen. Also, there are Marbella hotels which offer suites, not simple rooms, and they are all as luxurious as you can imagine.

People who want to spend less money on housing and still spend their time in the heart of Costa del Sol can do so by staying in one of the cheaper Marbella hotels situated a little further away. It’s a fifteen minute drive from these hotels to the core of the excitement. However, due to the fact that renting a car or paying for a cab is quite expensive, in the end, one might end up paying even more than by staying in one of the hotels in Marbella to begin with.

The advantages of staying in the comfort of one of the hotels in Marbella are numerous. Besides the comfort, by visiting Marbella you can get to see some great sights like Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo, the old city centre, the Arabian Wall, the Bonsai museum (which was already mentioned) and a lot beaches like Fontanilla and Bajadilla. The beauty of this place is reflected in the fact that a lot of famous people have chosen it for a vacation destination. So, if you decide to book a room in one of the hotels in Marbella, you might get to spot someone like Antonio Banderas or Sean Connery on the beach sitting next to you. It is after all a favourite destination for wealthy tourists, who enjoy quality services in luxurious hotels in Marbella and love peace and quite away from the eye of the press.

To conclude with, the hotels in Costa del Sol and especially the expensive, distinguished hotels in Marbella, are one more reason to visit this beautiful region of Spain. No matter if you come there with the entire family or by yourself, you will be able to have a great time and find interesting things to do.

Visit Go-Cielo.com to find out which budget hotels in Costa del Sol have vacancies and book a room in advance. The same procedure is available for cheap hotels in Marbella. Our services can be very useful as the information we offer saves you a lot of time usually spent on useless searches.

Article Source: Costa del Sol: a great place to visit in Spain · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

Malaga Hotels Guide – Know Where To Locate Your Hotel · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

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Malaga is one of the top sun holiday and city break destinations in Andalucia, Spain. It has an enviable location on the Costa del Sol at the edge of the Mediterranean Sea and boasts beautiful sunny weather and miles of sandy beaches.

Are you heading to Malaga soon? Before you book your hotel, read our brief guide and find out where in the city is the best place for you to base yourself.

Malaga is a colourful and charming coastal city which is full of culture, history and heritage. It’s also a fantastic sun holiday resort with lots of hotels and accommodations lining its golden beaches. This lively Mediterranean gem is a popular destination all year round and is brimming with hotels. Here are some of the most popular hotel locations in the city;

Malaga’s Old Town

Malaga’s Old Town is beautiful with lots of charming cobbled streets. It has a 19th century feel to it with its squares, baroque features and architectures. It contains some famous attractions such as the Ayuntamiento de Malaga (Malaga Town Hall), the Museo Municipal de Malaga and La Alcazaba (a moorish fortification dating from the 8th century). You will also see the Castillo de Gibralfaro, Plaza de Toros, Malaga Cathedral, Museo Picasso and the Roman Amphitheatre.

The Paseo del Parque is a relaxing green park located at the southern edge of the Old Town and a popular place where visitors can escape the city and relax for a while.

The Old Town is full of quaint shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. You could spend hours wandering the streets and browsing stalls in the Old Town. It’s also got lots of speciality stores, high streets clothes shops and stylish boutiques. The city’s most fashionable shopping street is located in the Old Town and called Marqués de Larios

There are lots of Malaga hotels to choose from in the Old Town and the good thing about staying here is that you’re not too far away from the seafront promenade.

Los Montes District

For a quieter more relaxing holiday chose a hotel in the Los Montes district. It boasts fantastic views of Malaga’s Old Town across the bay. Los Montes is a very traditional part of the city with many traditional style taverns and restaurants serving traditional dishes and local wines.

Malaga’s Beaches

La Malagueta is the nearest beach to the city centre and is popular with locals and tourists alike. You may find it hard to believe, but this is an artificial beach with its sand imported directly from the Sahara!

The beachside promenade is lined with cafes, bars and restaurants and dotted with hotels. A great place to stay if you want easy access to the beach.

Malaga is a great place to base yourself on the Coasta Del Sol. From here, you can drive to the nearby resorts of Torremolinos and Fuengirola. Torremolinos is just 12km south of Malaga, Marbella 60km while Fuengirola is about 25km.

Hotel accommodation in Malaga is plentiful with hotels to suits all budgets weather you’re looking for cheap hotels in Malaga or luxury Malaga hotels. If you’re on a budget then choose 1 or 2 star hotels which offer self catering guestrooms. The busiest time of the year in Malaga is Easter (Semana Santa religious celebrations) and the summer season from June-September. If you avoid these times then you should be able to find cheaper hotel prices. Another way to get a good deal on hotels in Malaga is to book early. Sometimes if you book a hotel up to 3 months in advance you can make genuine savings.

About the Author

Mairead writes for top travel and accommodation website PlacesToStay.com

Visit www.placestostay.com to book a wide range of carefully selected hotels in Ireland, Europe and throughout the world at great value prices!

Heading to the Malaga? Check out our MALAGA HOTELS page, enter your dates in the search box and we’ll show you a comprehensive range of hotels in Malaga at irresistible discount prices!

Article Source: Malaga Hotels Guide – Know Where To Locate Your Hotel · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

There’s more to Malaga than just an airport · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

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Copyright 2006 Michael Hanna

Malaga is famed as one of Europe’s top locations for the more discerning tourist. With much to offer the golfer, yachtsman or shopper, Malaga is renowned as a high class sunshine spot. Although the attractions of Malaga are ample and virtuous, there is little in the Spanish resort to occupy the more inquisitive mind.

The city of Malaga offers plenty to while away the hours over the course of a weekend or short break. But venturing further into Southern Andalucia can be a rewarding experience for the free spirited traveller. Andalucia is a heady mix of Spanish and Moorish architecture – the moors having occupied the region until the mid-fifteenth century. The illustrious past of the region is exemplified just a short drive from Malaga where La Alcazba, an archaeological museum housed in a Moorish fortress provides a fascinating commentary on the hidden depths of Malaga and the surrounding area ( http://www.andalucia.com ).

Indeed Southern Andalucia offers one of the most interesting and varied self drive routes in Spain. Leaving Malaga and heading West along provides a rewarding insight into the many faces of Spain. Driving along the coast, the landscape varies as the tourist savvy Costa del Sol gives way to the more unspoilt Costa de la Luz.

Heading East into Granada and the magnificent city that gives the region its’ name is a must on a self drive tour of southern Spain. Although relatively unspoilt by tourist activity Granada is dominated by the impressive Alhambra, and offers meandering, narrow streets – a further legacy of the regions Moorish influence.

For a more cosmopolitan experience, the capital city of Andalucia, Seville, lies to the north. Although the drive from Malaga is not particularly rewarding, Spain’s fourth largest city offers the grandeur expected of a major European city. The city is characterised again by Moorish architecture, but is dominated by one of the largest cathedrals in Europe and the impressive Mudejar Palace of Alcazar.

Car hire is readily available and relatively affordable in Malaga ( http://www.easycar.com/aspx/car-hire/location/Malaga.aspx/EN ). Driving in Southern Spain has no real pitfalls, although the mountainous roads of Granada and the twisting coastal roads of the Costa de la Luz must be taken with some additional care.

After the excitement of the Andalucian adventure, it can be nice to relax and unwind back in Malaga, taking in a round of golf, a stroll around the harbour or visiting one of the many attractions afforded to the city’s most famous son, Pablo Picasso.

——

Author:
Michael Hanna
About Michael
Michael is a keen writer, and internet marketer living in Scotland:
Contact details:
E-mail: samqam@googlemail.com
Phone: 0131 561 2251
Michael’s Website: http://www.gransha-taxi.co.uk

Article Source: There’s more to Malaga than just an airport · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

Top 10 Things For Kids To Do In Malaga · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

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Malaga, on the Costa del Sol, a major port city of the Andalusia region of southern Spain, is renowned as a terrific family holiday destination. Yes, it has plenty of sun, sea and sand, but there is so much more to the area than just sitting on the beach! You can pick up a tan just as easily by enjoying some fun activities with the kids!

1. Visit Tivoli World Malaga. Tivoli World is regarded as being the most popular attraction in Malaga for children. Basically it is a theme park that includes wonderful rides and event shows that occur daily. Many of the rides are for toddlers and infants, so families with very small children can also enjoy this wonderful place. For the older kids, and the adults who are young at heart, the Wild West and Flamenco dancing shows are just what the doctor ordered when searching for some fabulous entertainment! Located a 25-minute drive south of Malaga on the A7, a visit here is well worth it!

2. Leisure Parks and Playgrounds: Malaga has plenty of leisure parks and playgrounds that the children will enjoy – for example Gonbolandia, which is located on Avenida Simon Bolivar and the Magic Park in the City Centre are two well known parks that the children can spend some fun time so you don’t even have to leave the city!

3. Visit the fabulous beaches of Malaga. Obviously, Malaga’s beaches are its premier attraction. The most popular beaches near the city are El Candado beach, El Palo Beach, Las Acacias Beach. Located close to the city centre, El Candado is a beach that is very popular with families and has plenty of family facilities and watersports to enjoy.

4. Have a Splash at a Waterpark! Take a trip to Aqualand Torremolinos which is the biggest waterpark in the Costa del Sol! Located at Calle Cuba 10, and open from May to September each year, this is a place which the kids will absolutely adore. They will be splashing from dawn to dusk here!

For the more adventurous, they can try the exciting Boomerang and Kamikaze rides. Open from Monday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm, the Aqualand is truly a wonderful and safe place for the kids to enjoy! Aqualand is a 20-minute drive south on the A7 from Malaga.

5. Visit the Maritime Museum Museo-Acuario-Aula del Mar Malaga. At this maritime museum, you will find out all there is to know about the marine life in Malaga. A fun day out for the kids and adults alike, this museum has been open since 1990. There is a rich marine life in the Costa del Sol waters, and the kids will love the exhibition displays on sailing and marine flora and fauna. There is a centre here for threatened marine life so the kids will be fascinated to see wounded sea turtles or fish being nursed back to health!

6. Go to the Zoo! Enjoy a day at Fuengirola Zoo. Located approximately 34km and just over a half-hour drive from Malaga is the wonderful Fuengirola Zoo. A visit to Fuengirola gives your family a wonderful opportunity to see all the exotic animals that live there, and entertaining them through the antics of the animals!

7. Visit the Dolphinarium. Selwo Marina Benalmadena is located approximately 20km from Malaga along the A7 and is a place well worth bringing in the kids to. It is the very first dolphin marina in the whole Costa del Sol region of Andalucia – the sights of dolphins, penguins, sea lions and other marine life will fascinate the kids! Current entrance prices are €16.50 for adults, Kids aged 3-7 years pay €12.20 and kids under 3 are free. The Selwo Marina is open daily from 10am.

8. Go Crocodile Hunting! The Crocodile Park Torremolinos is another short 20 minute drive on the A7 from Malaga, so leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and take the kids to enjoy a fascinating experience! The Crocodile Park holds around 300 of the animals, and if you are brave, you can take the chance to even hold one!

The guided tours, show and visit to the baby nursery are part of the admission price. There is a small zoo there, along with childrens playground and café area. Admission ranges from €11.00 for adults, €8.50 for kids 4-12 and kids under 4 enter for free. The Park is open from March to September, usually from 10am to 18.00pm.

9. El Refugio del Burrito – The Donkey Sanctuary. This is located around 40 minutes to the north of Malaga on the A92. Follow the Seville road signs and take the exit at junction 132, heading for the Fuenta de Piedra Lakes. This wonderful setting, located close to the Flamingo Lake, is a safe place for many donkeys and mules that were horribly treated but have been rescued and are now thriving.

10. Visit Malaga’s Museums. It is estimated that there are close to 20 museums in Malaga, and many are dedicated to the memory of esteemed artist Pablo Picasso. For the older children, a visit to the Pablo Picasso Museum which is located in the Buenavista 16th century Palace – you can see 155 works by Pablo Picasso. “La Malagueta” Bullfighting Museum which is located in the Plaza de Toros’ is dedicated to the world of bullfighting and is a fascinating visit!

Mairead writes for Novacarhire.com – an independent car hire reservation website where you can book low cost car hire at over 5000 locations worldwide.

Heading to Malaga? Visit Novacarhire.com’s Car hire Malaga page and get an instant quote which will offer you the best deals from top car rental providers.

Article Source: Top 10 Things For Kids To Do In Malaga · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

A Truly Hassle Free Buy To Let Investment · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

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Conceived in the USA back in the 1980s, the apart- or condo- hotel concept of marrying second homes with investing in property has now skipped across the Atlantic and matured to appeal to a new breed of investors. In the traditional buy-to-let role it’s the owner who has to put in the hard graft of attracting, vetting and possibly evicting tenants, not to mention collecting the rent and carrying out maintenance and ad-hoc repairs. Apart-hotels are now threatening to kick traditional buy-to-let where it hurts as one of its key selling points is that it’s managed and marketed on the investors’ behalf and therefore hassle-free.

Sometimes called ‘serviced apartments’ in the UK, Apart-hotels are springing up all over urban centres and coastal resorts at an impressive rate, in what Jones Lang La Salle describes as Europe being “in the midst of a hotel transaction boom”. Previously we had the timeshare boom, a vehicle that was great for lifestyle and regular usage but wholly ineffective for investment as owners faced low liquidity of assets, high depreciation, restrictions on resale and no actual real estate ownership. Today via the Apart-hotel model, participants own the freehold of a quality real estate asset with the added value of high rental returns. All of this is then underpinned by capital appreciation. Additionally Apart-hotels tend to give higher levels of income than traditional holiday homes but the real deal-maker for the investor is the complete absence of headaches as a branded hotel management company takes them all on.


For an Apart-hotel to work and be able to compete against traditional luxury hotel chains all the ingredients have to be right. Optimum locations, comprehensive facilities, a respected developer, strong brand awareness and of course good on-site management are just some of those ingredients. But in reality, Apart-hotels are carving their own niche in the marketplace rather than taking on traditional hotel chains head-to-head, as their offering to the holidaying public is very different.


Ian Hayes, Sales Director of Owner Invest said:


‘Although quite new in Europe, our buy to let Apart-hotel products are quite literally flying off the shelves because they are so attractive and easy to understand. The pricing is affordable for many, the rental returns attractive, capital appreciation, free usage, great locations and the investor owns the freehold. They’re also tax efficient. The hardest question that we come across time and again from potential buyers is that it sounds too good to be true. I can quite categorically say that it’s not!’


The clue is in the name, Apart-hotels are more ‘apartments’ rather than ‘rooms’ and even the largest traditional hotel suite would be hard-pushed to compete. With generous square metre sizes relaxing, entertaining, dining, working and sleeping can be done in separate areas enabling the children to sleep whilst Dad watches TV and Mum enjoys a glass of wine with friends. An equipped kitchen also allows the flexibility of eating in thus saving money and releasing guests from strict hotel meal timetables – a lazy late breakfast in bed is now a possibility. Likewise a washing machine saves on laundry costs or taking home a case full of dirty linen. 


An Apart-hotel feels like home-from-home.Marbella Royal Suites for example, has come about through a partnership between Owner Invest and hotel management team Kasamia. This resort ticks the boxes for 1) Location – Benahavis is just ten minutes from Marbella and Puerto Banus and the resort overlooks the sweeping fairways of El Paraiso golf course. And in an established tourist destination such as the Costa del Sol, passenger numbers for Málaga International Airport in 2007 are up a mammoth 43 net share of rental income on a ‘pooled’ basis – so even if their particular unit is unoccupied, others will be.


Prices start at 99,000 GBP for a fully furnished 1 bedroom apartment. 2 bedroom apartments are available from 168,000 GBP and, according to the valuation by Spanish bank Banesto, are already worth 235,000 GBP arriving with 30% capital already built in.


Buy to let Apart-Hotels could be the simplest yet most lucrative real estate investment on offer today.

Article Source: A Truly Hassle Free Buy To Let Investment · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

Welcome To Malaga ! · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

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Thousands of visitors come yearly to live on the Malaga coast ( more famously known as the Costa del Sol ) due to the hot sunny summers and spring-like winters that we residents are privileged to enjoy. This article is to share with you an insight on some of the enchanting Malaga towns where you too can come and hang your hat !

Malaga Capital, first on the list, is what you would expect from a lovely old Spanish city. It has an important university, a lively port area where international cruise ships dock daily, and is home to the beautifully restored mediaeval Alcazaba Fortress and Roman amphitheatre. Close by is the heart of the historic district, overflowing with enchanting old tapa bars, elegant pedestrian shopping streets, and superb museums (including, of course, the Buena Vista Palace, which houses the famous Picasso collection.) A very exciting place to live especially if you can afford the ´old money`areas such as El Candado, El Limonar and Cerrada de Calderón.


Further along the coast you’ll find the more English (!) Malaga towns which were, not too long ago, fishing villages and which are now hugely popular resorts for European holiday-makers or would-be residents looking for a new home. The list is long and each of these Malaga towns has their own special appeal.


Fuengirola, for example, is a traditional sort of town … as flat as your hat … and as a result attracts lots of retirees and families. The centre has undergone quite a face lift in recent years and consequently presents a more sophisticated image than that of the past. The seven kilometres of sea-side promenade, now up-dated, is illuminated at night and strolling here in the evening when the sun has gone down is such a treat!


Torremolinos, the very first Spanish resort was really fashionable in the

50´s and 60´s, yet, lost some of its popularity in later years. But, recently the town has been extensively re-modelled, has now regained some of the charm of its halcyon days and is currently very popular with the gay scene.


Puerto Banus and Marbella … Now, this area is something else again … very up-market, bumper to bumper Ferraris, designer label shopping and 5* everything ! Marbella town is stylish, has a pretty ´old quarter` and a distinctly cosmopolitan atmosphere with a nice mix of the old and new.


Estepona, on the other hand, was not too long ago a sleepy kind of fishing

village. But, in the last few years it also has developed into one of the more popular tourist destinations of the Costa del Sol. The ´new golden mile` runs along the beach and is an explosion of luxury hotels and apartment complexes. Plus, the towns’ beautifully re-vamped shoreline, three kilometres long, has recently been awarded the coveted European Blue Flag for its pristine presentation.


But, maybe you like the idea of village life ? Well, we can do that too… First up is Mijas, probably one of the more well known ´white villages` of the Costa del Sol and is just eight kilometres inland from Fuengirola. It still retains its age-old charm with its tiny houses and narrow, cobbled streets. But, with thousands of tourists a year beating a path to its door, Mijas has become one of the richest town halls on the coast. The municipality is large and stretches much further than the village itself. Mijas and Mijas Costa encompass yet even more appealing villages such as La Cala situated by the sea-side and which still has a flourishing fishing community.


Alhaurin, further inland from Mijas is not strictly a village any more as it has enjoyed continued growth since becoming so popular with British residents

searching for a quieter, country lifestyle away from the summer crowds.

The village now has many modern, new-build properties, but the charm

of this area is the rural surroundings with its scattering of ´fincas` or small

farms with their avocado and orange orchards.


Frigiliana on the eastern side of Malaga is another not-to-be-missed pretty ´white village` just inland from the resort of Nerja (famous for the caves) and although not as well-known as Mijas it is quaint in its own way. If not to live this is definitely one to visit.


So, there you have it ! Along with this mini-tour of the Costa del Sol, I wish I could have put up some ´photos for you to see just how dazzling this coast is. But, I guess you’ll just have to come and see for yourself!

Article Source: Welcome To Malaga ! · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

Car Hire Malaga: All You Need To Know · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

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Malaga is one of the most brilliant and vibrant cities of Spain. A coastline of fine, golden beaches, wonderful Mediterranean climate, several luxury costal resorts, and excellent amenities lure thousands of tourists to Malaga every holiday season. Predictably, Malaga International Airport is the busiest airport in Spain. The airport serves as a gateway to the Costa Del Sol and is very well connected to the other popular resort towns such as Torremolinos, Marbella and Benalmadena. Several local and international car hire and car rental companies also have a large presence at the airport. The intense competition ensures you get nothing but the best in terms of service and facilities. Car hire has become a trend amongst tourists arriving in Malaga because it’s extremely efficient- affording you to get the most out of your time and money. There are personalised packages to suit your budget and travel plans. It is the best way to enjoy a comfortable holiday. In a setting like Malaga, a having a flawless, shining car at your disposal opens up countless possibilities to enjoy your holiday.

Malaga Airport Situated 8 kilometers away from the city, Malaga airport is one of the most efficient in Spain. Its ultra modern facilities and services have made it the preferred destination for all major airlines in the world. Currently, the airport is connected to 90 international destinations. Several budget airlines also provide regular flights to the airport.

There is just so much to do and see in this “Paradise City” that your itinerary will be full before you realize it. Grand monuments, more than 20 interesting and unique museums and a spirited cultural agenda with the “Feria de Malaga” at its center, Malaga has a lot to offer to its visitors. After the days of sightseeing, enjoy Malaga nights in its chic nightclubs, pubs and discos. If you are here looking for a quiet and invigorating break, there are the quaint villages and towns where you can soak in the typical Andalucian atmosphere. This is one of the places where you will get a taste of the “real Spain”.

Are you a golf enthusiast? The Costa del Sol is today the dream golf destination for every golfer. There are some car rental companies which also offer tee time bookings along with your Malaga car hire. They will help you to organise your golf holiday in Malaga and book tee times for you on some of the best golf courses in and around Malaga and the Costa del Golf.

You will need to have your own vehicle to dash between so many locations and sights. Malaga by car is the best way to explore the several sights and beaches spread in and around Malaga. Malaga. It is also convenient as you don’t need to depend on the public transfers to get around.

About car hire in Malaga:

Malaga Airport Car Hire is available through many companies which have their desks at the airport arrivals. The services are prompt and include most basic services like “meet and greet” at the airport. Book your car for Malaga online before you arrive, however. The summer months in Malaga are particularly busy and you don’t want to arrive at the airport without a car!! Advance rental car reservation ensures that a car of your preference and make is waiting for you at the airport before you arrive. It also helps you get the best deal in terms of cost efficiency and personalised facilities Car hire in Malaga is your best choice to enjoy a low cost and cheap car hire service with all facilities in place for your comfort. Car hire service providers who do not have a set up at the airport provide free pick up and drop off facilities.

Save by booking early as the prices are low during off-season. Also early reservation will give you the freedom to choose from many available cars. If you wait on until the season picks up, your options start getting very limited. If you are traveling with children, book a child seat in advance as they are charged extra and can be in short supply during peak season. It will well be advisable to do some research while you reserve a car. Almost all the companies on the internet advertise lowest rates, but watch out for hidden costs or extra charges. Go for companies which have all their services and corresponding charges clearly spelled out on the website. Your car hire should cover breakdown assistance and insurance cover at no extra charges… Some companies have extra charges for an additional driver.

There is a range of cars available for hiring a car in Malaga. The categories of cars will be usually family cars, soft-top cars, automatic cars, luxury cars, and small cars. If you are a large party, there are people carriers, mini buses available with most Car hire providers. Reserving early and online helps you in deciding on a car as all the car models and car hire rates are on display on websites.

Article Source: Car Hire Malaga: All You Need To Know · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

Top Things To Do In Spain · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

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Visit the Wonders of Granada

If you are interested in the heritage and history of Spain, then a visit to Granada is a must. Make sure to visit The Alhambra – it is a fortified palace, created by the Moors, and the views and architecture is an absolute delight. It is a UNESCO World Heritage listed place along with the city of Toledo, which is to the south of the Spanish capital, Madrid. Overlooking the River Tagus, the architecture is a merging of the Christian, Jewish and Moorish cultures and is a must visit.

Enjoy the festivities of a Fiesta

In Spain, the fiestas are mostly religious in origin, but that does not mean that they will be without fun. The striking processions are well worth seeing and the partying goes on until dawn! Cities such as Alicante and Malaga are home to some of the top festivals in Spain throughout the summer, such as the St Johns Bonfires Festival, and the La Féria de Malaga (Malaga’s Annual Fair). For culture and fun, check out one of these festivals!


Experience Spanish Architecture

Spain and its islands are home to some of the most astounding architecture – you could spend some time enjoying the architecture of Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona, in particular the Parc Guell, which has many buildings and wonderful sculpture designs. Well worth visiting is the architecture of Frank Gehry, which can be viewed all over Spain, from the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao to the Malaga Conference and Convention Centre. Elsewhere, check out the designs of César Manrique on Lanzarote. The surrealistic work of Salvador Dali is magnificent and you can also see this in the town of Figueres.


Sun and Beaches

Obviously, some of the main reasons people go to Spain are for sun and sand. With so many beaches to choose from, any region along the coast that you visit will be blessed with the most impressive beaches. Everyone knows the most popular areas, from Malaga and Alicante, to the Canaries, Ibiza, Lanzarote and Tenerife. Beaches are plentiful and there is enough for everyone!


Skiing in Spain

You might not be aware that you can ski in Spain, well you can! For example, a holiday in Andalucia will enable you to indulge in some skiing in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. What makes it more amazing is that during the period of later Spring, you should be able to go skiing in the morning and then sunbathe on the beach in the afternoon – if that’s not tourism diversity – I don’t know what is!


Dine Out in Spain

Spain is home to some of the most wonderful cuisine in the world, from paella and meat dishes to tapas! One of the most “Spanish” things you can do on holiday in Spain is to visit a tapas bar where you can eat tapas while having a drink. But did you know that the origins of the bars started out in Alicante? The villages, towns and cities of Spain all have plenty of cafés where you can sit and relax outside and watch the world go by!


Discover Amazing Artwork

Spain was the birthplace of some of the most celebrated artists in the world – from Pablo Picasso at the Picasso Foundation in Malaga, the work of Goya in Madrid or the Foundation de Miró in Barcelona. A visit to the Prado Gallery in Madrid will enable you to engage in the work of Diego Valazquez, a masterful talent in the art world.


Enjoy The Flamenco

If you are in Andalucia and the south of Spain you will soon be stomping your heels to the sounds of flamenco dancing, a popular tourist attraction in the region. If you are travelling in the region of the Andalucia Mountains, ensure to visit Ronda. The town is positioned on the top of a massive cliff. There is a wonderful bridge, which crosses the gorge between the new and old towns. The oldest bullring in Spain is located there, along with Roman ruins.


See the Best Football in Europe

Not only is the National team the current European Champions, Spain is also home to the two of the most famous and decorated clubs in the football world: Real Madrid and Barcelona. The Catalan giants Barcelona are the reigning World and European Champions, and have a wonderful attacking style of play featuring giants of the game such as Messi, Iniesta, Xavi and Ibrahimovich. Real Madrid are trying to counter the dominance of “Barca” by recently enrolling world stars Christiano Ronaldo, Benzema and Kaka. If you are on holiday in these two cities, try and get to a match at the Camp Nou or Bernabéu Stadium for both the atmosphere and football!


Take A Driving Tour of Spain

One of the best ways to explore Spain is to take a driving tour of the country. On mainland Spain, some of the best driving tours are located in Andalucia, in the Catalonia region, and the Costa Del Sol to Madrid. The islands off the coast of Spain are well worth exploring by car, including Ibiza, Lanzarote and the Balearic Islands.

Article Source: Top Things To Do In Spain · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

3 Interesting Restaurants to Try in Malaga, Spain · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

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Malaga, on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain is a great vacation spot. The city has a fascinating history, a wonderful climate, and plenty of memorable sites to see. One of the more important and interesting parts of any vacation experience is trying out some exotic cuisine. In this piece, we’ll list a few of the better known restaurants in Malaga, and describe the kind of food you can find there.


La Posada de Antonio

Address: Calle Granada, 33,

29015 Málaga, Spain

Phone: 34 95 2602123

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This is a well known restaurant which is actually owned by the famous actor Antonio Banderas, who’s originally from the city of Malaga. It’s famous for delicious and spicy grilled meat dishes, especially lamb, and they also have a reputation for delivering enormous portions. The interior is quite large, but despite this, the place is so popular that they usually keep it near capacity. La Posada de Antonio is not just a place for tourists. The local people actually love it. This is one of those restaurants that has both delicious food and reasonable prices.


Clandestino Restaurante

Address: Calle Niño de Guevara, 3

29008 Malaga, Spain

Phone: 952 219390

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This place is a little more expensive, and known for a fantastic atmosphere, along with great service. The food is top notch, and well worth the additional price. The design of Clandestino is similar in style to a French Bistro, and some of their better dishes include several delicious duck recipes, tasty salads, and sinful desserts, including a fantastic cheesecake.


Café de Chinitas

Address: Calle de Moreno Monroy, 4

29015 Malaga, Spain

Phone: 952 210 972

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This is a very traditional place to dine for Spanish Cuisine, and one of the most famous restaurants in the city of Malaga. The price is a little higher than some other places, but they deliver a great overall dining experience. Chinitas is well known for their seafood, and the style of the décor is very classy and traditional for the area. They also have a fantastic selection of wines.


Finding delicious Spanish cuisine is a breeze, just hop in a taxi or hire a car in Malaga and go. There are several other wonderful places to dine in town, including many little known haunts that you may discover with a bit of exploration. As a general rule, it’s not difficult to find wonderful food in the coastal parts of Spain, and any one of the restaurants listed above will prove that readily.

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Rent Luxury Villa In Spain ‘is It Possible To Snow Ski In Granada?’ · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

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This article is about snow skiing in sunny Costa Tropical, where it is possible to rent luxury villa in Spain and in particular answers the question: ‘Is it possible to be skiing in the morning and sunbathing in the afternoon?’ Or for the totally active, golfing one day and skiing in the sun the following day. The answer to both is an emphatic yes!! ‘But where?’ I hear you say. Well, the answer is very close to the Costa del Sol in southern Spain; specifically the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Granada where there are many villa Spain rent properties available. This Skiing mountain range is one of the best kept secrets in the world.
Most people are aware of the fact that Spain is extremely popular in Europe for villa Spain rent properties: it has lots of sun, beaches, architecture, golf, horse riding, flamenco, wine, the list is long and varied. Nevertheless snow skiing in southern part of Spain hardly makes any sense, does it? Prior to giving you the low-down on this wonderful area, I would love to share with you the way in which to rent luxury villa in Spain without having to shell out an exorbitant price. The solution is on the Internet. The trick is to make a booking direct with private owners of villa Spain rent properties, by browsing the internet with phrases such as holiday villa select; holiday rentals of villas houses in Spain or even rent luxury villa in Spain etc. When you come across a promising rental web site on the Internet you must check to see if you can email the owner direct and not go through the web site administrator or a travel agent, since they will all demand a commission which unluckily you have to pay for. So make sure you can, in fact, converse with the owner and book holiday rentals of villas houses in Spain.
Turning to this unusual phenomenon of being able to ski in southern Spain, the place in question is the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This area has features not usually associated with a skiing resort. It can be found quite close to the Mediterranean coast, just over half an hour by car from Malaga Airport; 11/2 hours drive from the lovely seaside resorts of Marbella and Puerto Banus on the Costa del Sol or under three quarter’s of an hour by car from Almunecar on the Costa Tropical to the east of Malaga Airport (see map of Granada Spain). If you are considering holiday rentals of villas houses in Spain in Granada then you are perfectly situated for visiting the popular Alhambra Palace which is well worth a look. This town has great tourist facilities, with ample opportunities to rent luxury villa in Spain.
Skiing in the sun in Granada gives you almost guaranteed sunshine, but also a great spring snow setting. Tourists who visit the Sierra Nevada mountain range are frequently surprised at how the snow lasts during this usually blue-skied and sun soaked skiing season. This ski resort offers holidaymakers many places to rent luxury villa in Spain as well as a skiing environment to suit skiers and boarders of all abilities. Equipment can be hired from the shop and knowledgeable English speaking staff can help you to choose suitable equipment according to your ability.

Finally while we always recommend booking direct with the owner for your rent luxury villa in Spain holiday, likewise with your flights, we do suggest, you consider the use of a good travel insurance broker to ensure you get expert advice and insurance at the most competitive price.

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Car Hire Malaga – Best Places To Visit In Malaga By Hire Car · Costa Del Sol Malaga EU

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Malaga Is a busy seaport and holiday resort on the Southern coast of Spain, Located on a beautiful sweeping cove of the Mediterranean coast, Malaga is the center of the Costa del Sol. Thousands of tourists visit the Costa del Sol every year but here are a few ideas for day trips in a hire car which might help you avoid the crowds and help you to catch a glimpse of the hidden gems.

Birth place of Picasso Malaga is an attractive cosmopolitan city these days. Wide shopping boulevards, networks of winding lanes around the port, 24 hour party bars, culture and history spanning back through the ages and year round great weather means Malaga is a top destination to visit. However if you stayed solely in the city you would be missing out on the magical aspects that make this region of Spain so interesting. The following destinations are all within easy reach for a day trip in your hire car.


If you head south following the twisting scenic coastal road to Marbella and Puerto Banus you will be transported to the world of the super wealthy. Home to the Spanish elite and celebrities Marbella is a destination to see and be seen in. However when you look a little closer under it’s designer jewel encrusted exterior you find a wealth of history and a relaxed holiday destination perfect for a day of pampering, shopping and eating out. Make your way to Orange square to enjoy every bit of the glamour that Marbella has to offer.


Puerto Banus is where everyone keeps their yachts moored, Luxurious and extravagant the white super yachts sit contently in the marina whilst their owners enjoy a little retail therapy, Puerto Banus is a great location for a evening meal. Find a restaurant on the edge of the marina, or the exquisite white beaches, enjoy the fresh sea food and do a little people watching. A great location for a couple on holiday and using a hire car, but it isn’t overly child friendly. Be warned though choose your restaurant wisely or you could end up paying a bill the size of a celebrity super yacht.


The Guadalhorce lakes near to Alora make a perfect escape for the whole family. Formed when the Guadalhorce reservoir was built they are the lake district of Spain. This area is a popular weekend escape for residents of Malaga so try to visit the lakes during the week and you will escape the crowds.


The lakes here are outstandingly beautiful and a perfect place to spend a day in the seclusion of a natural setting away from the busy hustle of Malaga city center. Watersports are plentiful, why not try your hand at sailing or wind surfing, or just enjoy a cooler moment taking a swim. Driving in your hire car to this area is part of the beauty of this road trip. The road winds through the Spanish desert which resembles something out of a clichéd western. When you reach the lakes they look completely unexpected and alien to their surroundings. Essentially a giant artificial oasis the land surrounding them is fertile and filled with lush green woodland. Spend a day enjoying the safe turquoise waters and exploring the area on a quad bike.


For the slightly more adventurous Ronda is a fantastic destination and a real sight to behold it shouldn’t take you much longer than an hour and half to reach and is well worth the added effort, the drive will also take you through some of Spain’s most astonishing landscapes.


The moors ruled in this area of Spain until the middle of 15th Century, Malaga grew to become the most important trading port in the Iberian peninsular, Hence to Moors defended this part of Spain to the bitter end. Ronda was one of their last strongholds to fall into Christian hands at the end of the 15th Century.


Ronda’s famous Puente Nuevo is a bridge which spans the dramatic plunging Tajo gorge it’s worth a stop for the breath taking views of the surrounding country side and Serranía de Ronda mountain range. Ronda also plays home to the Plaza de Toros it’s one of the oldest bullrings in Spain.


Follow the rambling cobbled streets, meander through the white washed city, and spend a moment breathing in the history; before you know it you’ll be sure to find yourself at the Plaza Duquesa de Parcent. The heart of the old town it is surrounded by a convent two churches a beautiful bell tower and a scattering of quaint restaurants.

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