Torremolinos.

While sunbathing on the beach in Torremolinos in about 30c you can look towards the Sierra mountains in the background and see the snow covered peaks !
(click on the photo to enlarge for a clearer view)

Fuengirola - Buddhist Monument

If you are travelling along the road between Benalmadena and Fuengirola, and look up to the mountains at the back of the resorts you will see what is the biggest and most stunning monument for miles around. This is the Buddhist Stuppa and is quite a relatively new sight in this area, only built in 2004. Local buses run up to the monument, and once there you can take a look inside at all the treasures housed in the base. You can also see amazing views of the country side and coast.

VIEWS FROM INSIDE THE MONUMENT.

Sierra Nevada Mountain Range

Flying to the Cost de Sol from the UK, you will cross over the Sierra Nevada mountains which is the backdrop to Granada as seen on many postcards covered in snow. The highest peak is 'Mulhacen' at nearly 3,500mts and is covered in snow most of the year.

With the resort of Sol y Nieve (sun and snow) at a slightly lower 2,500 mts, skiers are still able to ski well into June.

Along the route of the Sierras is the highest road in Europe from where you can see panoramic views of the whole coast on a clear day

The white washed village of Frigiliana

To the east of Malaga near the coastal resort of Nerja on the Costa del Sol is one of the prettiest villages in Andalucia. The white washed village of Frigiliana was so voted in 1997. Situated near the Almijara Moutain 5kms inland from Nerja and 1,000 feet above sea level Frigiliana has a small population of just 2,000 people many of which are from the UK.

Although Frigiliana is a small village there is no shortage of shops selling the local produce, and small grocery stores, but the locals have to travel out of town in order to find a large supermarket for their weekly shopping. Many of the shops are aimed at the tourists trade and sell their local handicrafts such as ceramics and basket wear.

On the outskirts of the village there is quite a lot of building in progress, but the new buildings must be kept to the same style of the village.
This will then hopefully keep the character of this award winning village!

Mediterranean Views

From the mountain side at the back of the resorts of Marbella and Puerto Banus you can look out towards the Mediterranean and see fantastic views of the coast and surrounding country side. Villas in this area cost an absolute fortune owing to the location.
The photo below is taken from a little higher up the mountain. Looking closely out to sea at the centre of the picture is the rock of Gibraltar, then in the distance over to the left is the North African coast.

Benalmadena - Castle Bil Bil.

Castle Bil Bil is an Arab style building on the sea front at Benalmadena.
It was built in 1934 as a private home, but is now used for art exibitions, conferences and also weddings!
From the outside looks quite plain and not very interesting...

...but as these photos show is very richly decorated. So if you are nearby any time its well worth a detour to have a look around on the inside, and another good reason to visit is...its free!

Costa del Sol - Mijas Pueblo

Mijas is a pretty little Spanish pueblo situated more than 400mts above sea level in the mountains at the back of Fuengirola. With its narrow streets and white washed buildings, this makes Mijas just about one of the most picturesque places to visit!
From the large walkway and terrace behind the tourist information centre you can look out towards the sea and see the excellent views of the coast.

FLOWERS ON SALE IN THE SQUARE.

MIJAS, ON NOT SUCH A NICE DAY!

As there is little or no means of industry in Mijas tourism is the main source of income. Many of the small house's have now been turned into little business's such as cafes, restaurants, bars or shops where many of the residents sell all kinds of souvenirs - many of which are hand made. Such as knitwear, jewellery and home made jams and cakes which are onsale in the cafes.

The most unusual fact about Mijas is that it has the only oval bullring in Spain! (sad to say is still in use.)
To reach Mijas there is no need to book an organised excursion as there is a local bus service which runs from Benalmadena Costa, the fare only being about 1.20euro. On Wednesday at 12 o' clock there is a free Flamenco show in the town square along with wine and tapas. This is the day when the buses get really busy, and the drivers pack on as many as possible, I have never seen them leave any one behind yet!