Day 1: Arrival in Malaga

Arrival: Arrive at Malaga Airport and transfer to your hotel.

Evening: Spend the evening exploring Malaga's historic center, including the Alcazaba fortress and the Picasso Museum.

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Day 2: Beach Day in Torremolinos

Morning: Head to Torremolinos, just a short drive from Malaga, and spend the day relaxing on its sandy beaches.

Afternoon: Explore the town's lively promenade and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a beachfront restaurant.

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Day 3: Discovering Marbella

Morning: Drive to Marbella, known for its upscale resorts and charming old town.

Daytime: Spend the day exploring Marbella's historic center, shopping in its boutiques, and strolling along the famous Golden Mile.

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Day 4: Excursion to Ronda

Day Trip: Take a day trip to Ronda, a picturesque town perched atop a gorge.

Highlights: Explore Ronda's historic bullring, Puente Nuevo bridge, and charming old town.

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Day 5: Relaxation in Estepona

Visit: Visit Estepona, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant floral displays.

Activities: Spend the day relaxing on Estepona's beaches or exploring its old town.

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Day 6: Adventure in Nerja

Explore: Drive to Nerja and explore its famous caves, home to stunning rock formations and prehistoric paintings.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon relaxing on Nerja's beaches or exploring its charming streets.

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Day 7: Cultural Experience in Malaga

Return: Return to Malaga and spend the day exploring its cultural attractions, including the Cathedral and the Roman Theater.

Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Spanish restaurant.

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Day 8: Departure

Departure: Transfer to Malaga Airport for your departure flight, taking with you memories of a wonderful week on the Costa del Sol.

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Most Popular Beaches:

• Playa de la Malagueta (Malaga): A bustling beach close to Malaga's city center, offering a range of facilities and water sports.
• Playa de la Carihuela (Torremolinos): A lively beach with a promenade lined with restaurants and bars.
• Playa de la Fontanilla (Marbella): A popular beach in Marbella with golden sands and clear waters.
• Playa del Cristo (Estepona): A sheltered beach with calm waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
• Playa de Burriana (Nerja): A large beach with a variety of water sports and beachfront restaurants.

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Most Popular Activities:

• Water Sports: Enjoy a range of water sports, including jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding.
• Golf: Costa del Sol is known as the "Costa del Golf" due to its numerous golf courses, offering stunning views and challenging play.
• Cultural Visits: Explore the region's rich history with visits to historic sites such as the Alcazaba fortress and Ronda's bullring.
• Shopping: Shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs in the region's charming towns and markets.
• Gastronomy: Indulge in delicious Spanish cuisine, including fresh seafood, tapas, and paella, at the region's many restaurants and beach bars.

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Savoring the Flavors of Costa del Sol: A Culinary Journey

The Costa del Sol not only offers stunning beaches and vibrant culture but also a rich culinary tradition that reflects the region's history and diverse influences. Here's a guide to the most popular Spanish foods to try, along with a recipe you can try at home, and a list of restaurants where you can sample authentic dishes.

Popular Spanish Foods:

• Paella: A traditional Spanish dish made with rice, saffron, and a variety of seafood or meat. It's a must-try when visiting the Costa del Sol.
• Gazpacho: A refreshing cold soup made with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and onions, perfect for hot summer days.
• Pulpo a la Gallega: Galician-style octopus, cooked with paprika, olive oil, and potatoes, for a flavorful seafood experience.
• Tapas: A variety of small dishes that can include anything from olives and cheese to more elaborate dishes like Spanish omelet (tortilla española) and grilled shrimp (gambas al ajillo).
• Churros con Chocolate: A popular Spanish breakfast or snack, churros are deep-fried dough pastry served with a thick hot chocolate dipping sauce.

Recipe: Paella Ingredients:

• 300g bomba or paella rice
• 600ml fish or chicken stock
• 200g peeled prawns
• 200g mussels
• 200g chicken breast, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 pinch saffron threads
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a paella pan and sauté the onion, pepper, and garlic until soft.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned. Add the paprika and saffron and stir to combine.
3. Add the rice and stir to coat in the oil. Pour in the stock and bring to a simmer.
4. Add the prawns and mussels, nestling them into the rice. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Popular Restaurants:

• El Pimpi (Malaga): A historic restaurant known for its traditional Andalusian cuisine and lively atmosphere.
• Restaurante Miguel (Marbella): Offers a range of Spanish dishes, including paella and fresh seafood, in a beautiful beachfront setting.
• La Carihuela (Torremolinos): Known for its seafood restaurants, offering fresh fish and shellfish dishes.
• Restaurante Casa Juan (Estepona): A family-run restaurant serving authentic Spanish dishes, including tapas and grilled meats.
• Ayo's (Nerja): Famous for its paella, this beachfront restaurant offers stunning views and delicious food.

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10 popular accommodation options in Costa del Sol:

1. Marriott's Marbella Beach Resort - Located in Marbella, this resort offers luxurious accommodations and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

2. Puente Romano Beach Resort - Situated in Marbella, this resort features elegant rooms, a spa, and several restaurants offering gourmet dining options.

3. Hotel Fuerte Marbella - A beachfront hotel in Marbella with a spa, outdoor pool, and stunning views of the sea.

4. Gran Hotel Miramar - Located in Malaga, this hotel offers luxurious rooms, a spa, and a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city and the sea.

5. Hotel Molina Lario - Situated in Malaga's historic center, this hotel offers stylish rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a popular restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine.

6. Hotel IPV Palace & Spa - Located in Fuengirola, this hotel offers modern rooms, a spa, and direct access to the beach.

7. Hotel Vincci Selección Aleysa - Situated in Benalmádena, this boutique hotel offers luxurious accommodations, a spa, and a beachfront location.

8. Amàre Beach Hotel Marbella - A chic adults-only hotel in Marbella with stylish rooms, several restaurants, and a beach club.

9. Don Carlos Leisure Resort & Spa - Located in Marbella, this resort offers elegant rooms, several pools, and a spa.

10. Hotel Ritual Torremolinos - An LGBTQ-friendly hotel in Torremolinos with modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and a lively atmosphere.

Whether you're seeking relaxation on the beach, cultural exploration, or thrilling adventures, the Costa del Sol has something for everyone.

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