Our Holiday Tour!

The Ultimate Southern Coast Adventure of Spain (Gibraltar to Nerja)

Gibraltar: Starting Point

The adventure begins at the gateway between Europe and Africa, Gibraltar - a British overseas territory rich in history, culture, and stunning views.

• Rock of Gibraltar: Ride the cable car to the top and take in panoramic views of Spain and Morocco.

• St. Michael's Cave: A natural auditorium used for concerts and events.

• Barbary Macaques: These famous monkeys roam freely around the rock. Be cautious, but enjoy their antics!

• The Great Siege Tunnels: A vast network of tunnels carved during Gibraltar’s many sieges.

• Main Street: A paradise for duty-free shopping.

• Food: End your visit with fish and chips at The Clipper or a traditional English breakfast at The Angry Friar.

Sotogrande: Exclusive Elegance

Just 30 minutes from Gibraltar lies Sotogrande, Spain’s answer to Monaco, known for its elite clientele and luxurious surroundings.

• Sotogrande Marina: A picture-perfect port filled with luxury yachts. Wander the promenades, or rent a boat to explore the coastline.

• Real Club Valderrama: One of the world’s top golf courses, home to many international championships.

• Santa María Polo Club: Witness a polo match, especially in summer when the town fills with elite visitors.

• El Cucurucho Beach Club: An exclusive beach club offering infinity pools, fine dining, and stunning views.

• Dining: Ke Bar for cocktails and seafood, or the upscale Trocadero Sotogrande for Mediterranean cuisine with a view.

Estepona: Andalusian Charm

A short drive further takes you to Estepona, a town known for its picturesque streets and authentic Andalusian atmosphere.

• Selwo Aventura Safari Park: An exciting African safari experience where you can see zebras, lions, and giraffes.

• Plaza de las Flores: The town’s heart, with beautiful flower displays and classic Spanish architecture.

• Estepona Orchidarium: A unique botanical garden with over 1,300 species of orchids.

• Playa del Cristo: A family-friendly beach with calm waters and beachside restaurants.

• Restaurant: For a budget-friendly option, try La Escollera, famous for its fresh, local seafood right on the beachfront.

Marbella: Glamour and Tradition

Arriving in Marbella, you’re immediately surrounded by the town’s unique mix of luxury and tradition. It’s a city of contrasts, where ancient Moorish walls meet chic boutiques and world-renowned clubs.

• Old Town: Wander the cobbled streets of Casco Antiguo, explore Plaza de los Naranjos, and sip coffee in one of the many outdoor cafés.

• Paseo Marítimo: A palm-lined promenade stretching along the coast. Stop at La Venus Beach for a swim.

• Ralli Museum: A hidden gem showcasing Latin American art, tucked away from the tourist crowds.

• Puerto Banús: The epitome of luxury, filled with super yachts, high-end shopping, and celebrity sightings.

• El Corte Inglés: A famous shopping centre where you can find designer brands and luxury goods.

Activities on a budget

Alameda Park: Grab a casual lunch at El Mercado Central.

Beach: Enjoy a beach day at Playa de la Fontanilla.

Puerto Banús: A calming stroll along the area at sunset.

La Taberna del Pintxo: Affordable and authentic tapas.

For everyone

Playa Nagüeles: Lazy afternoons at the beach.

Starlite Festival: A summer concert series in a stunning outdoor amphitheatre.

Indulge in luxury

Nikki Beach Marbella: a world-famous beach club known for its champagne parties, gourmet cuisine, and live DJ sets.

Olivia Valere: Book a VIP table at this legendary venue frequented by celebrities, where world-class DJs keep the party going all night long.

Out of Season

Breathe or La Milla: Enjoy cozy dinners in the winter months by the fire.

Jazz bars: Much more intimate in winter.

Tapas restaurants: Not bustling with locals or excessive amounts of tourists.

Málaga: A Fusion of History and Modernity

The next stop on this journey is Málaga, a city that perfectly balances historic charm with a contemporary edge.

Cultural hotspots…

• Alcazaba: A stunning Moorish fortress with lush gardens and magnificent views over the city and harbour.

• Picasso Museum: Discover the works of Málaga’s most famous son, Pablo Picasso, in this modern museum housed in a 16th-century palace.

• Calle Larios: The city's main shopping street, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a bit of retail therapy.

• Málaga Cathedral: Known as "La Manquita" (the one-armed lady), due to its unfinished second tower, it’s a stunning architectural marvel.

Sporting Activities:

• La Rosaleda Stadium: Catch a Málaga CF football match and experience the passion of Spanish football.

• Cycling Routes: Rent a bike and explore the coast or head inland for scenic mountain routes.

Dining & Nightlife:

• Casa Aranda: Traditional churros and chocolate for an affordable bite.

• El Pimpi: Enjoy wine and tapas at this iconic location adjacent to the 1st century A.D. Roman Theatre.

• Trocadero Arena: For a luxury beachfront restaurant experience.

• AC Hotel: The rooftop bar for a low-key experience drinks and stunning views of Málaga's skyline.

• Soho Málaga: Offers a vibrant nightlife scene filled with trendy art galleries, cocktail bars, and hip cafés.

Nerja: Coastal Tranquility

The final destination is Nerja, a picturesque town famous for its stunning views and laid-back vibe and many must-visit attractions.

• Balcony of Europe: A clifftop promenade with breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

• Nerja Caves: One of the most spectacular cave systems in Europe, complete with prehistoric paintings and towering stalactites.

• Frigiliana: A short drive from Nerja, this whitewashed village is known for its maze of narrow streets and Moorish charm.

• Kayaking: Explore the hidden coves and caves along the coastline.

• Burriana Beach: A beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, or simply relaxing.

• Ayo’s: For a local experience at a rustic beachfront restaurant, famous for its delicious paella cooked over an open fire!

• La Parra de Burriana: For an upscale option enjoying a sunset restaurant meal on their terrace with incredible views of the sea.

Seasonal Highlights

Spring: Attend the Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions, one of the most colourful and emotional events in Spain, with religious parades through the streets.

Summer: Ferias in various areas mentioned are big festivals celebrated in August here, with flamenco dancing, street fairs, and bullfights.

Winter: Wander through the stunning Christmas lights display, Manga has one of the best in Europe, while enjoying festive treats at the Christmas markets.

An Emotional Journey: And the Ultimate Gift of Travel

As we reach the end of this journey, standing on the Balcony of Europe with the Mediterranean stretching out before us, a deep sense of contentment washes over you. From the historical sites we saw in Gibraltar to the glittering beaches of Marbella, you realise how fortunate you’ve been to experience such an adventure.

This trip wasn’t just about seeing beautiful places… It was about feeling the essence of Spain. The warmth of its people, the vibrant mix of cultures, and the joy of exploring its hidden gems have left an imprint on our hearts. The cutting edge technology at the 3,700 m2 Victoria brewery and the sampling at various amazing wineries along the way were our personal favourites, but hey.

Perhaps the most special part of this journey was actually the knowledge that none of this would have been possible without help from our now dear friends at NearMarbella. They didn’t just give us a free list of tourist spots - they gave us an invaluable insider’s view of these regions so we could choose for ourselves what suited us best. Thanks to their guidance, we experienced both the high life and the authentic heart of southern Andalucia.

With the sun now setting over Nerja, we know that this was more than just a holiday for us. It was a transformative experience, one that will stay with us for years to come. We leave with a full heart and a promise to return, grateful for the ultimate gift NearMarbella has given us: the gift of discovering the magic of this part of Spain's south coast.

Thank you for all your help NearMarbella, we are very grateful for your assistance over the years.

The Foster Family xxx