Directions - On the way to Estepona Centre, you will see a sign pointing to the Puerto Deportivo (Leisure Port) to the right, at one of the roundabouts.

There are a number of bars and restaurants here (our favourite is Le Bistro). The port is also the home of the local fishing fleet.

There is a market on a Sunday morning selling mainly clothes and crafts.

It is possible to walk along the beach from Costa Natura to the port, but note that it is a longish walk, and not advisable after any rain as a small stream which is usually dry has to be crossed.

Directions - Turn right out of the resort and turn right again at the 'Estepona' roundabout, follow the dual-carriageway all the way to the town centre. There is an underground car park in the centre of town, the entrance is on the main road, on the right, about a hundred yards after you pass the exit.

Estepona is an old town and has a well-developed centre with lots of shops, restaurants, bars, banks, post office etc. The promenade which stretches from the port to the Carrefour Hypermarket is long enough for a pleasant walk . There are a number of Chiringitos (beach bars), serving meals and tapas.

The 18th Century Church Ntra. Sra. de los Remedio (Our Lady of the Redemption) was a Franciscan monastery from 1725 until 1766.

Other points of interest include, the Clock Tower (15th Century), remains of the Castle Wall (15th Century), and the Watch Towers along the coast. These are of Phoenicio-Roman origin and were restored and enlarged under Arabic rule.

The Plaza Las Flores, with it's central fountain is a pleasant place to sit and watch the world go by.

Nearby are (supposed to be) the ruins of the Salduba aquaduct - as yet we have not been able to find them!

The Tourist information Office is on the Avendida San Lorenzo.

Our comments: Estepona has a lovely atmosphere,despite being in an enviable position on the coast, away from the seafront it is still an ordinary working town, local people doing their shopping, stopping for a chat etc and although catering for the tourist (like ourselves!) it is not over-run with them.

Selwo is a wild animal kingdom on the outskirts of Estepona. Check for special half day rates (3.00 - 6.00pm).

Distance from Costanatura: 12 miles - 12 minutes

This is where the rich people moor their boats on the Costa del Sol, a strip of designer shops, interspaced with restaurants, discos, British pubs and American steak houses.

Just behind the port is a massive El Cortes Ingles Departmental Store. It is open all day until 10.00pm and is well worth a visit.

Distance from Costa Natura: 14 miles - 14 minutes

The lovely Plaza de los Naranjos is a good place for coffee, before exploring the pedestrianized casco antiguo (old town). Or walk along the beach promenade - see how far you can walk westwards before being crippled with jealousy from all the enormous sea-front villas.

The Tourist information Offices are on Glorieta Fontanilla and on the Plaza de los Naranjos.

Mijas is generally considered to be one of the 'must see' places on the Costa del Sol. It is a very pretty white village , but is highly commercialized. The village offers a panoramic view of the coast and the opportunity to ride in a donkey taxi and buy local crafts and souvenirs.
.
Our comments: Mijas is worth a visit, just don't expect it to be a typical unspoilt Spanish village. To visit somewhere much less on the tourist trail we would suggest either Casares or Gaucin.

Mijas Water Park is a water adventure playground.
Directions: Located in Mijas Costa just off the N340.

Distance from Costa Natura: 130 miles - 2 hours

The Alhambra stands on a hill overlooking Granada, and dates mostly from the 14th Century.

The gardens of the 14th century El Generalife (Gardens of the Architect) are next to the Alhambra, these gardens are mainly formal with walkways and terraces, and were the gardens of the summer palace of the kings of Granada

Our Comments: Although it takes about 2 hours to reach we would recomend a visit here. The buildings and the gardens are really beautiful, and when we visited in February the combination of almond blossom and huge cacti against the backdrop of the snow covered Sierra Nevada made it seem truly magical.

We had lunch in the Parador and although suberb (see restaurants for a review), and gave us a rest from sightseeing it did mean that we did not have time to look around Granada.

Tip: If you want to hire an audio guide, you need to leave some form of photo id as a deposit. We have also found that as the commentaries are quite long, it is better to have one each.

Distance from Costanatura: 30 miles - 45 minutes

Sites

St Michael's Cave - One of Europe's most dramatic natural grottoes, the cave is a unique subterranean auditorium, now a special venue for concerts and other live performances.

Siege Tunnels -These were excavated during the Great Siege of 1779-83and were later extended. The Great Siege Tunnels have been brought to life with the installation of various exhibitions within its chambers re-enacting some scenes lived in these tunnels throughout their unique history

The Barbary Apes -These are one of Gibraltar's best known of attractions. They have lived on the Rock for over two centuries.

The Gibraltar Museum - The museum follows the history of Gibraltar from 200-million years ago to the present day. The basement houses the best-preserved Moorish Bath House in Europe.

The Town - The town centre is a mixture of British High Street shops, Marks and Spencers etc and shops competing to sell the cheapest tax free products, interspersed with quite a few pubs.

Our Comments - Probably best not to take the car across, if we went again we would park the car at the border and walk over. Otherwise, you will have a relatively short wait to cross the border, followed by an extremely long wait to get back to Spain as the Spanish Customs Officers search every car specifically to delay tourists who have visited Gibraltar. If you do decide to take the car, ignore anyone who demands money for crossing into Gibraltar - they are trying to con you. The other alternative would be to take a tour. The cafe at the top of the cable car route was diabolical and quite frankly made us ashamed to be British. The views from here however, were fantastic (see photo above) and the Apes highly entertaining.

Distance from Costa Natura: 37 miles - 52 minutes
Claimed to be the home of bullfights, Ronda is split by the 100m deep El Tajo gorge with beautiful views of the Serrania de Ronda mountains.

See photograph above.

Directions - 56 km east of Malaga on the N340 (or take the peaje/autopista A7)

The Caves are the main attraction to this area, and one of the most popular visitor attractions in Spain. The vast underground cavern, the size of a cathederal was first inhabited by Stone Age hunters around 15,000 BC. Opening times 10.30am to 2.00pm and 3.30 to 6.00pm

The Tourist information Office is at Puerta del Mar.

Directions: Tivoli World is located at Arroyo de la Miel, exit 222 from the N340.

The park is open all year (opening times vary with the seasons) and has rides and shows for all the family.

Directions:The road to Jerez is getting better all the time, most of the journey is now motorway. It is about 90 miles each way, though
The whole area is fascinating here, but the best thing to do first, is head for one of the Sherry Bodegas which are well sign-posted. However, the centre of the city is good for shopping and eating, and a trip to the coast is worth while