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Arroyo de la Miel (photos)
Meaning in English, 'River of honey', the Arroyo de la Miel is a populated
area between the mountains and the coast that serves as the main town area of
Benalmádena. Businesses are located in this area together with a wide range
of shops, café bars, restaurants, supermarkets, banks, a superb clinic with
free health facilities, a bilingual library, sports complex and the world-famous
theme park Tivoli World. It is only 15 minutes by train (150 ptas) from Málaga's
Puablo Picasso international airport, or a ten minute journey by taxi (2500
ptas). Fuengirola is seven minutes by train and Torrelominos
only 5 minutes. There are regular bus services throughout the area to Mijas,
Fuengirola, Torrelominos, Marbella,
and Málaga.
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Baenalmádena Pueblo is a small mountain village about four miles inland from
the coast, nestling in the foothills of the mountains of Mijas. It is a little
village which has not changed much over time with narrow winding streets lined
with typical white Spanish style houses, displaying the traditional charm of
the Andalucia region. From the village there are spectacular views of the coast
and a chance to really relax and enjoy the peace and tranquillity the village
has to offer. There are many small, friendly bars in which one is able to enjoy
the local food and wine.
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As the name implies, this is the area of Benalmádena that lies on the coast.
The area's history dates back to the Phoenicians and has since be inhabited
by Greeks, Romans, and Moors. The ruins of a Moorish watch tower guards the
entrance to the extensive marina which provides every possible facility for
the yachtsman. Close by is the castle BilBil, built in 1932 but now converted
into a culture centre and exhibition hall, including the area tourist office.
The Costa has its own casino and night-club as well as a garden of over 200,000
square metres.
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This attractive resort is situated nine miles from Benalmadena. It has many
hotels, apartment blocks, shops, cafes and restaurants as well as one or two
delightful little squares. The Salon Varieties Theatre provides continuous entertainment
in English and Tuesdays large open-air market offers the chance of a bargain.
Adjoining Fuengirola is the quiet resort of Los Boliches.
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The first and oldest coastal resort to the west of Malaga. Formally Malaga's
fishing quarter, it is now an independent municipality consisting of high-rise
blocks, countless bars, cafes, shops etc to suit all tastes. There are four
miles of excellent beaches, the most famous and popular being La Carehuela.
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Generally regarded as the most up-market of all the resorts along the Costa
Del Sol, Marbella lies at the foot of Sierra Blancas, Between green pine forests
and the azure blue sea. The area has something to interest everyone, from hotels,
restaurants, and a delightful sea front to outstanding golf courses, well equipped
marinas, fishing boats for hire and quite a few individual beaches. A short
walk from the beautiful shops and hotels is the old town with it's spotlessly
clean alleys, squares, courtyards and smart restaurants. One of the great delights
of Marbella is eating outside in Plaza de los Naranjos, the main square, shaded
by orange trees. Three miles away, the Puerto Banus marina, with it's expensive
yachts, boutiques, restaurants and bars is full of atmosphere.
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A short drive into the mountains above Marbella is one of the most spectacularly
located cities in Spain. Ronda's magnificent roman bridge spans a vast gorge
with a classic Moorish 'Pueblo Blanco' on one side and the newer town of El
Mercadillo on the other. Take the train from Malaga to Ronda and you will see
the breathtaking scenery which includes the El Chorro canyon where Von Ryan's
Express was filmed.
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Malaga is the capital of the Costa Del Sol and has rail and bus services serving
all the major cities and tourist attractions of Andalusia as well as a new international
airport. It is a city rich in history and is filled with splendid monuments
and soulful vibrancy of Andalusia. The old town, at the heart of Malaga, radiates
from the cathedral and includes such splendours as the Museo de Bellas Artes,
Casa Natal de Picasso and the Castillo de Giralfaro. In the newer centre you
will find a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and the famous El Corte
Ingles store.
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Granada is best known for it's splendid Alhambra Palace which dominates the
old part of the city. It was constructed to represent paradise on Earth and
this feeling is reflected in it's buildings, courtyards and fountains. The gardens
of the Generalife were the country estate of the Nasrid Kings. Here they could
enjoy tranquility high above the city, a little closer to heaven. Granada's
cathedral and other buildings of interest can be found in the streets of the
ancient town below the palace. The Albaicin quarter reflects the city's Moorish
ancestry. There were once over thirty mosques here, some of which can still
be traced.
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The capital of Andalusia, Seville is a truly beautiful city with a rich, cultural
heritage. The city centre is a maze of old, narrow streets with the most sights
within easy walking distance. There are many magnificent buildings to be seen
here: the massive cathedral and the Moorish Alcazar Palace, one of the finest
art museums in Spain, the Mueso de Bellas Artes, and the exquisite Renaissance
Palace of Casa de Pilatos. There is also the fascinating Barrio de Santa Cruz
with it's winding streets, hidden patios and numerous tapas bars, as well as
the famous old Jewish quarter of Santa de Cruz. Seville in the summer can be
extremely hot so it is wise to make an early start to your sightseeing before
the afternoon sun is at it's highest.
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Although Gibraltar is not part of Andalusia, it is neverless of interest historically
and visually. Some places worth visiting are the House of Assembly, Gibraltar
Museum, Trafalgar Cemetery, St Michaels Cave and the Tower of Homage. To appreciate
the history of Gibraltar, a guided tour is recommended. Gibraltar offers some
bargains for shoppers, particularly for whisky, cigarettes and perfume. Don't
forget to take your passport when you visit.
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