Our 1999 Christmas Trip to the COSTA DEL SOL - Fuengirola, Ronda, Malaga

        In and Around the Resort - Fuengirola, Spain

        (There are links at the bottom of the page to related sites. Please bookmark this page so you can return to our site after you jump off to explore elsewhere ...)


        View from our condo at Sierra Marina at Club La Costa - Fuengirola/Mijas, Spain. We could see the Med on one side and mountains on the other! Renee brought her friend Danielle.

        The girls spent a lot of time in the hot tub. The weather was a little cool. Resort staff told us that the temperatures during our visit of high 50s, low 60s was unseasonably chilly. Still, I would recommend visiting the Costa del Sol during off-peak seasons as most areas of this coast are overrun with tourists in the summer.
        The kids also took advantage of the nearby horseback riding. Establo El Castillo (Ph: 952 47 27 80 / English, Deutsche, French spoken) is on the right off A340 about 17 miles west of Malaga, near Fuengirola. Cost was 2500 pesetas about $15) for a 1 hr. ride. You can also rent horses for the day. The girls took a trip up the mountain "next door" to our resort.
        		 Castillo Sohail was also within walking distance of our condo. This castle was begun about 956 and used by Romans, Arabs, Christians through the centuries. Jeff captured this gorgeous picture of the moon on Dec. 21st, the shortest day of the year.

        NOTE: There is a Tuesday morning market in Fuengirola. It is worth a trip, but be aware that there is a lot of duplication of wares. Loads of lingerie, ceramics, souvenier schtuff, textiles. Walk up and down a row or two of the market, and then hit one of the nearby cafes for some food, drink, and to plan the rest of your day.

        And - nearby Mijas (lovely historic old-town, bull ring) ritzy Marbella, and Puerto Banus (lovely marina, expensive yachts, large harbor-side shopping district and restaurants) are definitely worth a look. Costa del Sol is also = Costal del GOLF. There are courses all over the coast. (See links at the bottom of the page).

        Try "tapas" while visiting. They are appetizers, local specialties. You can find them in bars, and there will be a different variety in each, depending on the season, and what the chef's specialties are ... This area is also well known for its excellent quality of Flamenco dancing. If you go, check with your resort for locations. We were quite impressed with the show put on at our resort.

        There is an amusement park in close-in Benalmadena. We didn't go, but you can get info HERE. Supposed to be a Spanish folklore and Flamenco theme park.


        Malaga, Spain

        We flew into Malaga, which is about 17 km from our resort. (See links to more sites at the bottom of the page). The airport is modern, and accessible. Car rental is a breeze, with many vendors on the lower level of the airport. We used Niza Cars (95 2236179) - about 35000 pstas ($210/wk). Best to call and book ahead. We did a little sight-seeing there, too. Despite the fact that Malaga is a large, commercial city with airport and shipping port, there are many interesting things to see.


        One of the more noteworthy is the Alcazaba, a huge Moorish fortress. Unfortunately, we went there on Christmas Eve Day and it was closed. It's been there since about the 1100s so I guess it will be there next time we visit.


        Ronda, Spain

        Totally awesome city about 70 km away from the coast. Very chilly here and windy. This place sits 100m above the Guadelevin river. It was a Moorish King's home in the years before its recapture by the Christians in 1485. You can still see some original Moorish parts, including baths, and portions of the Mondragon Palace. It offers unbelievable views of the New Bridge (shown, built in 1785), the first bullfighting ring in Spain built in 1700s (still used), and we just loved it! I would put this on the "must do" list. We plan to go back on motorcycle. The road from Marbella (on the coast) North to Ronda is twisty, curvy, but very smooth and wide. Great ride!


        A view of the New Bridge. Prisoners used to be kept in the small room marked by the window in the upper middle section. Revolutionary War (Spanish Revol.) prisoners were often thrown off the bridge to their deaths. The building to the left is a Parador (luxury hotel). Once the town hall, it is now owned by the State.


        Another view of the bridge.


        This is just ONE of the altars in the cathedral of Santa Maria la Mayor. This is made of carved wood and gold!


        Another of the older Catholic churches. Believe this is typical architecture for Spain.

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        Rock of Gibraltar
        Tanger, Morocco, Africa

        Here are links to other sites about Andalucia, Spain, and/or the Costa del Sol:

        MORE COMING - PLEASE BOOKMARK THIS PAGE AND COME BACK A LITTLE LATER. We have these links for you so far:

        • Fuengirola

        • Malaga

        • Mijas

        • Puerto Banus and Marbella (Absolute Marbella Online Magazine)

        • Ronda

        • Motorcycle travel in Andalucia
        • Bull Fighting