Estepona (5 mins)

Estepona has some of the best beaches (EU Blue Flag status) and facilities in the area. The old Andalucian town centre is preserved with pretty white-washed buildings and little streets full of shops, cafes and tapas bars. Dining out is a pleasure – enjoy fresh fish and seafood especially. It has one of the most beautiful marinas on the coast – a favourite nightspot of the town. There is a regular market on Sundays selling leather goods, Moroccan carpets and jewellery.

Gibraltar (30 mins)

Enjoy tax free shopping (note – use sterling or euros). There is lots to see too – the famous Barbary apes, the Moorish castle, St Michael’s Cathedral cave, the great siege tunnels, the Military Heritage Centre, dolphins and whales in their natural habitat and spectacular views of the mountains of Morocco.

Puerto Banūs (15 mins)

The millionaire’s marina – with superb restaurants and cafes, fabulous designer shopping and a buzzing nightlife.

Marbella (20 mins)

A spectacular city with narrow streets, bright, white washed houses and lovely ornamented squares with colourful tropical gardens. It has a “snazzy” upscale, cosmopolitan lifestyle. Relax in La Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Square) in the older district surrounded by stately buildings, small shops, bistros and art galleries. There are concerts and plays at the amphitheatre in summer. Pleasure craft sail from the harbour.

Benahavis (30 mins)

One of the most mountainous villages in the area, with great views of the Spanish and African coastlines. Famous for its cuisine, Benahavis has a wide selection of restaurants – some of the best in Andalusia.

Ronda (1hour)

This old Moorish town is split by a spectacular 100m deep gorge. The bullring is one of the oldest and most beautiful in Spain. There are wonderful gardens and squares, churches and amazing views. Visit the Bandit Museum, the 13 th century Arab baths or wander through streets of craft and antique shops.

Granada (2 hours)

The beautiful Alhambra palace-fortress is the jewel of Moorish Spain. It is also a city full of music with the Festival of Music and Dance, Jazz and Tango festivals and flamenco events. The Science Park is one of Andalusia’s most frequently visited museums.

Seville (2 hours)

The pretty capital of Andalusia. Wander round the old picturesque quarter of Santa Cruz or the promenades along the river with lovely cafes and tapas bars. Hop into a horse cab (agree the price first!) or travel by water bus up the river. The Museo de Bellas Arteses has one of the best art collections in Spain.

For the energetic...

Golf

40 golf courses within a 30 minute drive! The climate and long hours of sunshine provide the perfect opportunity to perfect your game. Nearby you will find –

• Club Estepona Golf – a flat course requiring a great deal of technical skill.
• Golf El Paraíso – a pretty course with streams, lakes and trees – and killer bunkers.
• Club de Golf Los Almendros – a 9-hole course with spectacular views of the sea.
• Atalaya Golf & Country Club – wide fairways and magnificent views of the Rock of Gibraltar and North Africa.

Big game fishing – for giant tuna, white marlin, shark and sea bass by luxury yacht fitted with the latest electronic devices. www.lunapesca.com

Tennis – at the Club de Tennis de Estepona.

Horse riding – there are numerous places to hire horses. Estepona has one of the best equestrian centres in Spain at Escuela de Arte Ecuestre Costa del Sol.

Wind surfing – spectacular waves off the tip of Spain at Tarifa.