General Information

Indigo Estates

Guide to the Area

Malaga

Málaga is the major coastal city of Andalucia, a typical Andaluz city untouched by major commercial tourism, reflected in its individuality and architectural structures throughout the city.

There are many areas worth visiting, including a castle which was rebuilt by the moors, and is now a traditional hotel with fantastic panoramic views.

Malaga was a popular winter resort during the 19^th century and was frequented by the wealthy being famed for its elegance and sophistication. This popularity with Malaga has continued to the present day, during the winter open air concerts are regularly held on a Sunday at the park on Calle Alameda, which houses one of the best botanical collections in Europe.

Pablo Picasso is the cities famous son, with several galleries showing his work, including the 16^th Century Museum of Fine Arts with is situated next to the Cathedral. At Picasso’s birth place in Plaza Merced is now an archive of his life and works and open to the public.

The main theatre in Malaga is the Teatro Cervantes, where Antonio Banderas once performed and still visits.

Malaga is also renowned as being a fantastic place to eat out, as well as being a cultural centre. The locals of Malaga love their food and the bars and restaurants in the area are where they carryout their social life. There is an unlimited choice, from bars offering a menu of the day with bread and wine, to Tapas bars offering many small dishes. The local specialty in Malaga, and along the Costa del Sol coastline, is Pescaito Frito, an assortment of fried fish or sardines, anchovies and sometimes mixed with calamari and marinated dog fish.

Torremolinos

Torremolinos is noted for its clean sandy beaches, large choice of hotels and restaurants, and unsurpassed for its variety of entertainment, activities and nightlife available.

Torremolinos is 7km west of Malaga airport, and was the first resort on the Costa del Sol developed in the 1960’s. Originally a small village, it is now a large town, although it still houses some of the original fresh fish bars in the shopping centre, the increase and development of the tourist trade in Torremolinos during the 60’s changed the face of Torremolinos.

Torremolinos is a popular resort, at the height of summer, the resort appeals to the younger holiday maker with a reputation for its nightlife. In the winter the resort changes and the atmosphere becomes more Spanish, especially during the weekends.

The beach area of the town houses the massive hotels, apartment blocks, bars and restaurants, an area To the left, the Playa de Bajondillo gives way to the beaches of Playamar and Los Alamos. To the right, beyond the Castillo de Santa Clara, lie the beach areas of La Carihuela and Montemar.

The seafront promenade, Paseo Maritimo, extends east to Playamar and west to La Carihuela, now continuing as far as Benalmádena Marina. The walk to La Carihuela offers pleasant sea views and some dramatic rock formations, before entering the old fishing village of La Carihuela. This is the area also known for its excellent seafood restaurants and chiringuitos (beach bars).

Torremolinos has many activities including seasonal water sports including windsurfing, paragliding, water skiing and pedal boats.

Benalmadena

Situated between Torremolinos and Fuengirola, Benalmadena covers an area of almost 30km and just 19km from Malaga airport, making it a popular holiday destination which swells the population during the summer period by 3 times.

Benalmadena is split into three areas, Benalmadena Pueblo which consists of the old village and the white washed houses. Arroyo de la Miel, the busy commercial town centre which separates the village on the hill from the sea front and finally Benalmadena Costa, the coastal area with many hotels, beaches and the award winning marina.

Benalmadena Marina is host to a number of shops, restaurants and bars, offering a very popular nightlife and of course the luxurious yachts. The sealife centre is also in the vicinity of the marina, with tropical and aquatic displays.

One of the prominent buildings which is further down from the Marina is Bil Bil Castle.

Fuengriola

Famous for its five miles of sandy beaches, surrounded by hotels and residential blocks of apartments and some of the most fantastic views of the coastline. The three beaches of Fuengirola, Boliches, Gaviotas and Torreblanca each hold a European blue flag.

Fuengirola is a popular town with the Spanish, many of whom have their own holiday apartments there. With a high percentage of foreign nationals in the area, including British, there is an excellent wide choice of entertainment and restaurant choice, from typically traditional Tapas and shellfish to English Bangers and Mash, and don’t forget the popular liquid refreshment Guinness on tap.

On Tuesday mornings Fuengirola is host to one of the largest markets on the coast and then on Saturday is the popular boot sale offering numerous items for sale.

There are many things to do in Fuengirola, including the Aqua Park, the zoo, sight seeing on a horse drawn carriage, and a vast range of water sports.

The fiestas in Fuengirola include the Virgin del Carmen held in July, and the feria in October with flamenco and fun which lasts a full week.

The Marina in Fuengirola provides an vast array of boats moored there, as well as a variety of restaurants and bars.

Mijas Costa

Mijas Costa covers 12km of villages along the coastline below Mijas village and joins El Chaparral, La Cala, El Combo and Calahonda including the urbanizations of Riviera del Sol and Sitio de Calahonda. Although only 20 minutes drive from the village of Mijas, the residential and beach life of the coast shows the modern 21^st century side of the municipality.

The properties available range from studio apartments for holiday lets to villa developments with private pools and sea and mountain views. Being a coastal area, the beach life offers plenty of water sports ranging from jet skiing to windsurfing and more.

Two of the larger urbanizations, Riviera del Sol and Sitio de Calahonda are now becoming large villages in their own right with facilities such as commercial centres, supermarkets, golf courses, sports centres, bars and restaurants, everything to support every day living.

La Cala de Mijas

La Cala de Mijas is the central point of Mijas Costa and is a beautiful Andalucian village by the sea. Originally a small fishing village, its population has increased, many of whom are British. There are schools, a health centre, public library, post office, shops and cultural centre as well as many excellent bars and restaurants.

La Cala is home to popular street markets on a Wednesday and Saturday morning, with market stalls offering fresh fruit and vegetables, local crafts, ceramics and pottery, clothes, flowers, plants and lots more.

In July La Cala has an annual festival beginning on the 25^th July for a week. July the summer nights of July and August along the promenade become a festival for music and Flamenco dancing.

Marbella

Marbella is the luxurious resort town of the Costa del Sol, and is well known as the preferred location for the rich and famous and those who are happy to pay a little more for the St Tropez of Southern Spain.

Marbella is a mix or modern and traditional, with the famous Orange Square (La Plaza de Los Naranjos) just off the main street in the old part of town and home to the 16^th century town hall and tourist office where you can pick up a detailed map of the town and essential visitor information, as well as many shops, art galleries, bars and bistros.

There are many activities to do in Marbella, whether you like strolling down the Avenida del Mar, or heading to La Alameda Park to book a horse and carriage to travel in style. The Marbella coastline is some 26km of sunny beaches, full of traditional fish and seafood restaurants.

There are two large parks in Marbella providing much welcome shade, as well as the amphitheatre at Constitution Park (which used to be the garden of a private residence) which is frequently used for concerts and plays in the summer. There are many activities in Marbella, including every sporting activity imaginable under the sun, casinos and clubs and of course numerous golf courses, tennis, and not forgetting Sailing from the three harbours in Marbella.

Puerto Banus

Situated at the west of Marbella, the marina is the fantastic place to be pampered, relaxing in one of the portside open air restaurants sipping a drink, watching the fabulous luxurious yachts and watching the world go by, or perhaps window shopping at one of the several renowned fashion houses and boutiques that line the port. This idyllic setting with its impressive mountain drop and ocean views is one of the many jewels of the Costa.

Over the years the port has grown to include a casino, a shopping centre and many hotels. One of the most well known department stores, El Corte Ingles, takes prime position in the heart of the town.

Puerto Banus is renowned for its buzzing nightlife with alfresco bars, piano clubs and discos which are open from dusk till dawn.

Every Saturday morning next to the bullring is the famous Saturday morning market, perfect for those hunting for a bargain.

San Pedro

San Pedro de Alcantara is in a perfect situation, being only 10km west from the glamorous Marbella and the glitzy Puerto Banus, and only a few minutes drive from the mountains Sierra de Ronda and 20km away from the town of Estepona.

San Pedro was once a farming community, famous for its sugar cane production, the pueblo town of San Pedro still holds some of the historic charm of the area. If you like markets then the Thursday street market is the place to visit, a shoppers paradise.

San Pedro has the last summer Feria of the year for Andalucia, which is held the second week of October.

For historians, the place to visit is the Roman Baths, head down to the Guadalmina Beach Club and you will find the baths next to the Club.

Estepona

The old town is a bustling centre full of Spanish atmosphere. Estepona has managed to keep its pueblo charm and character amongst the developmental demand through tourism. The area has all the facilities including hotels, restaurants, leisure and cultural activities and of course shops.

Estepona has plenty of cafes and Tapas bars that serve up the local Spanish delicacies and the tourist favourites, there is something to suit every taste. The narrow winding and sometimes steep cobbled streets are a perfect opportunity to work of the afternoon Tapas.

Sotogrande

Located within the municipality of San Roque, Sotogrande is one of the most luxurious sports and residential developments in Europe. Sotogrande is 6,178 acres of every amenity you can imagine, including the world class Santa Maria Polo Club, but also fantastic golf courses, beaches, marina and incredible bars and restaurants.

Located just 30 minutes from Marbella, its natural surroundings and luxury make this a very sought after area.

Gibraltar is the nearest airport for Sotogrande being just 15 minutes away, and Malaga just 45 minutes away.

There are four golf courses to choose from, Valderrama famous for hosting the Volvo Masters and the Ryder Cup, Real Club de Golf de Sotogrande, La Canada and Almenara.

Sotogrande marina, with over 550 moorings, has a sailing club and two paddle tennis clubs in Sotogrande to choose from.

Sotogrande has something for everyone, whether its sailing, golf, tennis or Polo or just relaxation and enjoying the surroundings.

San Roque

San Roque is elevated on a hill looking down across the Algeciras bay towards North Africa, situated between La Linea and Los Barrios. There are 6 Golf courses within the area, and the port of Sotogrande, one of the most luxurious residential and sports developments of Europe.

The village of San Roque has typically Spanish steep narrow streets and whitewashed houses maintain the traditional Andalucian features. There are many historical monuments and points of interest, as well as museums and churches as well as many restaurants and bars.

Benahavis

Benahavis is well known for its food, with the highest concentration of high class restaurants in the region, drawing visitors far and wide to savour the cuisine.

Benahavis has a high percentage of resident expatriates who have arrived to the area and found its ambience irresistible. It has remained unspoilt, with winding narrow streets and typically Spanish characteristics. Benahavis is growing quickly, on its outskirts new urbanisations are springing up.

Inland Costa del Sol

Ojen

One of the relatively unchanged villages and just a short drive from Marbella. The name Ojen comes from an Arabic word meaning rough or bitter, which is far from accurate when you decide this tranquil and beautiful white village.

The village of Ojen is nestled beside the Almadan stream above the valley of the rio Real, surrounded by the sierras Blanca and Alpujata. To one side of the modern highway is the newer side of the town and to the other is the remains of the Moorish castle that once dominated the skyline, a number of stones that are left scattered amongst the weeds.

The old part of the town has the typical Spanish narrow cobbled streets and drinking fountains, although Ojen is famous for the anise liqueur Aguardiente, which is a traditional Spanish accompaniment with their morning coffee and is a major contributor to the town’s economy.

Close to Ojen is the Refugio de Juanar, once the hunting lodge of a wealthy Spanish family and a favoured retreat of King Alfonso XIII, which is now a hotel popular with tourists and hunters who relish the pure mountain air and the stunning views of Marbella and the coast below

Monda

Monda is situated on the main road from Marbella further than Ojen, nestling in the mountain valley. The most dominant feature of Monda is the castle which is now a hotel having been renovated some years back, which is decorated in the Moorish style and offers superb accommodation and cuisine.

Monda has a long history, and the hotel attracts visitors and tourist and makes an idyllic location for a romantic weekend.

Guaro

Situated on the main road to Coin, and further inland that Monda, Guaro is one of the inland town gaining popularity with expatriates to purchase property.

Guaro is known for its almond trees, and signs into the village state that Guaro is the Paraiso Natural de las Almendras (the Natural Almond Paradise), the village even boasts an almond college.

Mijas Pueblo

The beautiful pueblo village of Mijas is nestled in the mountainside above Fuengirola. The narrow cobbled streets attract many tourists and settlers to the area enjoying the all year round climate without the being part of the more busy commercial coastal towns below.

The Pueblo has managed to retain its traditional way of life.

Alhaurin el Grande

One of the most popular towns for due to the attention it has received in recent years by property television programs for relocation. With many British and Spanish bars and restaurants and a history that dates back to the Romans, this popular town is a close community.

With townhouses amongst the narrow streets, apartments and finca’s in the outer country areas of the town, there is something for everyone, and with views to the mountains and valleys and over the villages, who could resist this beautiful little town just 30 minutes from the coast, and yet settled away from the commercial tourism of the coastal areas.

Just visit the Plaza and look at the fantastic view of the valley and you will see why many fall in love with this town and make it their home.

Coin

Situated in the valley of the rio Grande and just 10 minutes from Alhaurin el Grande, Coin is quickly becoming a popular area to relocate. Close to the new road link direct to Marbella coin is rapidly becoming a popular place to reside. With many new developments there is a property choice to suit everyone, whether you are looking for a country retreat or a new family home Coin has something for everyone.

Cartama

Full of twisting street and close to the city of Malaga, Cartama is growing in popularity due to its closeness to the International airport of Malaga yet far enough inland to provide the peaceful and tranquil surroundings that many yearn for.

Alora

The small town of Alora is situated 40km North of Malaga. It is a typical Spanish white village (pueblo blanco). The village itself consists of a number of very steep slopes and cobbled streets. The whitewashed streets are lined with lemon trees. From the main square, it is worth while making the journey to the castle where a panoramic view of the Guadalhorce river basin can be seen.

If you enjoy markets, the Monday morning market in the village is a mass of stallholders and shoppers. For those that enjoy a good fiesta, Alora’s main Flamenco festival is held in June. Another traditional event is in the middle of September the Romeria de la Virgen de las Flores, allowing you to enjoy the traditional verdiales.

Pizarra

Pizarra is another small town some 30km upriver in the Guadalhorce valley, situated at the base of the Sierra del Hacho. Pizarra is a farming community that has managed to escape being overtaken by the spreading city of Malaga, and has in recent years seen the appearance of two settlements within commuter distance to Malaga, Zalea and Cerralba to the western side of Pizarra.

A short distance from Alora, and maximum 45 minutes from the coast, Pizarra, and Alora, are perfect areas for those wishing for a country retreat but still to be in commuting distance to the coastal areas.