Andalucia at it´s finest
For our guest at Villa Magnolia we have composed a small guide of useful tips and recommendations of what to see in the local area when visiting us, please enjoy:
Golf courses
Costa del Sol has a perfect climate for playing golf! It is sometimes even called Costa del Golf. Costa del Sol itself has more than 100 golf resorts and courses. The closest courses to our house are Mijas Golf (designed by Robert Trent Jones) and El Chaparall Golf Club (Pepe Gancedo). Other prestigious golf courses in the vicinity are Valderrama, Sotogrande, San Roque, Los Naranjos, Rio Real, Las Brisas, Miraflores Golf Club, Calanova Golf Club and Peraleja Golf Course (designed by Severiano Ballesteros).
City of Marbella
Marbella is easy accessed from Fuengirola, either by bus or car, only 20 km away. Marbella is the center of the Association of Municipalities of Andalucia and has around 140 000 inhabitants. It is one of the most popular cities for tourists in Costa del Sol and it’s famous for celebrities and wealthy people, and holds many museums, a colorful performance calendar and great shopping. The old town is a not to be missed, especially the charming Plaza de los Naranjos!
City of Malaga
Malaga is the 5th biggest city in Spain with its’ 600 000 inhabitants. It is the capital of the Malaga Province in Andalucia. The city is built in a typical Morish style with many beautiful buildings, fountains and squares.Malaga is the birthplace of, among others, Pablo Picasso and Antonio Banderas.
We recommend the following places of interest in Malaga:
- The Picasso museum
Picasso is the most famoust person born in Malaga and the local museum is one of Spains´most popular attractions. It shows of plenty of his paintings and tells the story of this interesting man. The link to the website is: www.museopicassomalaga.org.
- Malaga city tour
There are many operators who offer guided tours of Malaga. It´s a great way to experience the city and learn more about the history and beauty of this city. We personally enjoyed the Malaga bike tour (www.malagabiketours.eu) and warmly recomend it to all our guests.
- Visit the Alcazaba
Overlooking the modern city of Malaga is this old Moorish castle, well worth a vist for it´s beautiful gardens and the view of the city below. Link in Spanish only: www.malagaturismo.com/es/recursos-turisticos/detalle/alcazaba/6.
- Enjoy the Hammam arabic baths
In the middle of Malaga Old Town is this charming house with a classic Arabic bath inside. It´s a very relaxed and beautiful interior and they also offers various massage treatments. Here is the link: malaga.hammamalandalus.com
Also, take a drink or have some food in the newly built harbour district and enjoy the Malaga night life in general.
City of Puerto Banus
The real name of the marina is Puerto José Banús. It was named after José Banús, a local propery developer. It was built in 1970 as a luxurous marina and shopping complex and has since developed into one of the largest enertainment centers in Costa del Sol. It is very popular among international celebreties. Just stroll down the harbour boulevard and look at people!
The city of Grenada
The ciy of Granada is located at the foot of the mountains Sierra Nevada. It is very popular among students due to one of the most famous universities of Spain. Granada has a very colorfull history, and is most famous for the Moorish casle and citadel Alhambra (http://www.alhambradegranada.org/en/). It is the most renowned Islamic building in Andalucia and must visit.
Mijas Pueblo
Known as the White Village because all houses are white, this quaint little town in the mountains outside Fuengirola is a popular tourist destinations. Don´t forget to check out the Chocolate factory (www.mayanmonkey.es) where you can make your own chocolate and enjoy a large selection of tasty homemade delights.
Fuengirola
The closest city to Villa Magnolia is of course Fuengirola. The ocean front has plenty of beaches to offer and lots of restaurants and bars. On the western side of town lies the old Sohail Castle (www.andalucia.com/fuengirola/monumentsmuseum.htm).
Ronda
About 1,5h drive from Villa Magnolia is the old city of Ronda. It is famous for it´s beautiful ancient bridges connecting the parts of town. It also has Spain´s oldest bull fighting arena. Lots of charming little restaurants and a midevil flavour to this place.
Benalmadena
This town has a gondola ride going high up into the mountains and from the look-out points up there you have a splendid overview of the whole region, including Malaga city.
Sierra Nevada
Sierra Nevada is a mountain range in Andalucia. Here you can find Spain’s highest mountain; Mulhacén 3 478 meters above sea level. Its’ high peaks makes skiing possible in the most southern mountain range in Europe. Part of the mountain range is included in the Sierra Nevada National Park.
Gibraltar
The British colony of Gibraltar is only 1.5h drive away. The most famous inhabitants of Gibraltar are the monkeys and they can be found all over! In town there is also a nice museum for those who want to know more about the history of this place. Alcohol and tobacco are known to be cheap in Gibraltar and in great demand. If you bring the car, there is a large parking garage just before the border crossing where you can park (most rental companies don´t allow you to drive outside of Spain) and walk the rest of the way to town. You actually walk over the main runway of Gibraltar airport. We recommend a guided tour with any of the mini van operators, they will take you around the whole peninsula and show the highlights.
