Mijas Pueblo - the famous "white town" is 2 minutes walking Away from all hurly-burly lies this "white town" in an unrivalled balcony-type setting, with spectacular views at the sea, hills and green valleys, and centrally located between Malaga and Marbella.   "Mijas Pueblo" You will reach this picturesque town in two minutes walking. It is one of the tree "white towns" in Andalusia and a popular destination for day-tourist s; famous for its historic pedestrian area, the panoramic botanic park, the church of 1630 and the only oval bullfighting-ring in Spain.   The "white town"   This is the ideal surrounding for holidays, golf, sports, excursions and wellness! Mijas, this small, white-painted town is situated close to the sea, below the mountains, overlooking the city of  Fuengirola, and is a truly Spanish town, not a " holiday urbanisation". It is beautifully maintained, almost like a museum, with many shall sh ops, restaurants, bars and noteworthy cultural activities. Three museums, many exhibitions of paintings, and original arts and handicrafts of the region make a visit worthwile. The botanic garden on the cliff and on the remains of an old fortress, has been designed to bloom year-around and is believed to be on of the nicest at the Costa del Sol. Costa del Sol Nowhere in Europe the sun shines longer in a year than at the Costa del Sol. But it is also a microcosm of the ubiquitous seas, well-known cities such as Malaga, Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella and Estepona, large mountainous natural parks such as the "Sierra de la Nieves" or the "Montes de Malaga", many Moorish or Roman monuments, beautiful varied landscapes, and - last but not least- 36 beautiful golf courses.
		Costa del Sol The sun is ever-present, and outdoor life in the fresh, unpolluted air is healthy and enjoyable year-around: More than 310 sunny days per year, and 10 hours of sun per day (6 in winter). weather-info
		Mijas Costa  / Fuengirola Work and leisure in this busy town are always close together: Fishermen and beachcombers at the beach (picture taken in December).
		Mijas Costa  / Fuengirola The close-by harbour town Fuengirola may not be historically important, but has its nice spots and the amenties of Spanish every-day life, year around.The bustling town on the Costa del Sol between Malaga and Marbella, famous for its harbor, the new beach promenade and its many shops This is Thomas working at the beach in Fuengirola, testing fresh fish (Dec.2, 2002)
		La Cala de Mijas This pittoresqe coastal town is part of Mijas, and only 10 minutes away. Here you will still find the typical traditional beach life of a small town.
Costa del Sol and Andalusia Andalusia has in fact only three seasons: Spring, Summer and Autumn. Therefore the whole year is a good time to travel here, not just the busy summer months (May to September). Even in December you can sit in the sun at the beach, wíthout sweater, and enjoy fresh fish (see above).If you want to discover the country for yourself, come in Spring or Autumn (October to April), see weather-information. The great exception is the mighty Sierra Nevada: If you want Winter, this is the place to go from early December to the end of April, and to enjoy all kinds of well-prepared ski-slopes, from red to black FIS-slopes, in great scenery. From Mijas it takes 90 minutes to get there. There is so much to see in Andalusia, the great Mediterranean microcosm. Four large natural parks with mountains, lakes, rivers and of course the Mediterranean sea as well as the Atlantic are a standing invitation to discover more. Not only a paradise for golfers and beachcombers, this region preserves the historical and cultural preserves the great historical and cultural heritage of the Phoenicians, Romans, Moors and Christians. Famous cities like Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada and Malaga today still show their origin as multi-cultural crossroads.
		Málaga "Málaga la bonita" (the Beautiful), a vibrant port city with plenty of history and a lively atmosphere
The city of Málaga was founded in the 8th century BC by the seafaring Phoenicians, at first named "Malaka" (for "malak "= salting fish). Carthaginians, Romans, Moors and Wisigoths (711 - 1487 AD.), as well as the subsequent Catholic "Reconquista" (reconquest) have left their stil l visible traces. Today Málaga is the second largest city in Andalusia, the capital of the province of Malaga and the sixth largest city in Spain. The city has one of the main Spanish airports, a trading port, the second largest cruise port in Spain, and an important university. Because of its climate is one of the most important tourist destinations of the Iberian Peninsula. Malaga is in culinary terms known for raisins, tapas and wine. Castillo de Gibralfaro or "La Alcazaba": Palace high above the city, built in the 11th Century for the Moorish kings of Granada on the ruins of a palace of the Phoenicians, and further expanded in the 14th Century. La Catedral: Cathedral in the center, built by the Christian invaders from 1528 on top of a mosque. It is also called "The Single" / "La Manquita", because the second tower for lack of money was never completed. Birthplace of Pablo Picasso and "Museo Picasso": The Museum contains 204 works by the painter from a legacy gift. It was integrated into two old city villas, and is an attraction also by its architecture. Jardín Botánico-Histórico La Concepción: Situated in the park north of the city, and containing 3000 native plants and palm trees. The Old Town: Largely lovingly restored, the old town center today offers a beautiful large pedestrian area with dozens of tapas bars, shops and restaurants. The Feria de Agosto: This is actually a celebration to honor the patron saint, but now mostly a grand festival with 6-8 million visitors in 9 days. Free concerts, for example, MTV "Summer in Málaga", many street parades and artistic displays (eg Flamenco) give the festival its own style. The fair usually takes place from 2nd Saturday until the 3rd Sunday in August. A great opening fireworks over the harbor with concerts start Saturday night at 24:00. Over a million people line the streets and beaches and celebrate in a warm August night. In a nutshell, Malaga is a lovely city with a beautiful restored old town, and it is also the capital of the popular tapas.
		Ronda The ancient town of Ronda is known primarily for its exceptional location
Ronda: The Moorish influenced old town, La Ciudad, is built on top of a steep cliff. Its younger neighborhood, El Mercadillo, is separated by a nearly 100 m deep river gorge formed by Guadalevín River gorge, called "El Tajo". Three bridges span the gap, the "Puente Arabe" (Arab Bridge), the lower" Puente Viejo"(Old Bridge) and the most visible "Puente Nuevo" (New Bridge), built in the 18th Century. The majority of historically significant buildings are located in the old city, the "Ciudad Vieja" (usually briefly called "La Ciudad"), which, with its mixture of North African and Spanish traditions as a whole, is a beautiful example of architecture and urban development for many Andalusian cities. Most buildings of the period of Moorish rule have been destroyed after the conquest by Catholic Spaniards. Still be seen today are the ruins of the "Baños Arabes" (Arab Baths), the bridge "Puente Viejo" (Old Bridge), and two palaces, the "Casa del Gigante" and the "Palacio de Mondragón". There is also the local museum, the fascinating "Museo Municipal", with beautifully preserved interior courtyards and a garden in Moorish style. In the "Casa del Rey Moro", the House of Moorish King, stairs have been carved into the rock, all the way down to "El Tajo" level to provide safe access to water in wartime - "La Mina" - , which can also be visited..
		Granada Great history, and even today a model of peacefulness.
Granada - for many an almost magical word, a synonym for the "Golden Age of Moorish rule", and a symbol for Andalusia. This is the Al Hambra, the wonderfully cool gardens and the splendor of Moorish architecture. But the symbol also stands for the great historical period in which the Arabian Muslims had created a small peaceful paradise, particularly in Granada. All religions lived in peace and good order side by side, Christians, Jews and Muslims, governed by wise Moorish rulers. Arts, science and culture flourished in a climate of tolerance. In today´s world, this seems almost unbelievable, but is historical fact, and makes Granada all the more "magic". .
		Alhambra The most famous building from the times of the Moors is undoubtably Al Hambra, the beautiful palace. Typical for the far advanced art of the Moors are the rich mosaics, which decorate the walls. The water-basin in the foreground provides coolness and fresh air, even in the summer, when temperatures are very high. The large, beautiful garden "Generalife" is of classic-Moorish architecture and another highlight of Al Hambra.
2 million people visit Al Hambra every year; therefore you should in any case book your tickets online beforehand, and pay with your credit card: Alhambra Tickets You can also book the Granada City Pass  (on the caja granada site, go to "otros accesos / bono touristico" left hand side) which in addition to the Alhambra includes visits to the museums, guided city tours and the use ot the municipal transport system. The climate in July and August is rather hot and dry (35°-40°C), so that visitors need to take special care.
		Sevilla   From Columbus to Carmen, from impressive historical buildings to pictoresque spots: Sevilla has it all
Sevilla is often called the essence of Andalusian life and culture, to be experienced best while exploring the different suburbs, each of which seem to be a different village, with special customs and distinct ambiente. In many tapas-bars, local specialties are served with wine and beer, giving you a tast of the regions. Life is mostly ouside, due to the mild mediterranean climate, and people love to go out and meet friends. Or, they enjoy the many cultural treasures and events which this second-largest city in Andalusia has to offer. Even in winter, many hours of sun provide mild temperatures. In spring the city is blessed with millions of orange blossoms, and the sweet fragrance of oranges changes Sevilla into a blooming garden. In the summer, however, temperatures often exceed 40°C, and life changes from day to night.
		Cordoba Cordoba in the 11th century was one of the largest capitals in Europe. Peoples of many different cultures and religions - Jews, Muslims, Christians - worked and lived peacefully side by side, and important philosophers, scientists and artists came from this city. This unusual historical background adds to the impressions of an old city and its museums, and monuments, most important the world-famous Mezquita, the beautiful moorish mosque turned into a christian church.
Today Cordoba is also a lively and merry city in the best of andalusian tradition. It is the city of Flamenco and bull-fighting, and surely one of the most attractive travel destinations in southern Spain. In July and August, however, temperatures do exceed 40°C, and tourists should allow more time to explore.
		Gibraltar One of the famous landmarks of the region, still under British rule, and just 90 kms away
		Tarifa A short trip to the Atlantic is worthwile in any case. It has a different climate, great landscapes, the best beaches, and the best tuna in Europe. Using the new motorway AP7 the trip takes approx. 1:10 hrs to Tarifa, bypassing Gibraltar, and 2 hrs to Cadiz. There are some paradises to explore in between.
		Costa de la Luz The special climate of this region, its breezes, winds and storms at the coasts between Tarifa, Cadiz and Africa, have made this a center of watersports. Windsurfing in particular is very popular here, and Tarifa has been chosen as one of the sites for the windsurfing world championships.
		Costa de la Luz Africa is never far away, and excursions by car and ferry, to Ceuta (span.) or Tanger in Morocco are not expensive and very popular.