Costa Del Sol

There’s the Costa del Sol of the popular imagination, fuelled by 40 years of carefree summer holidays and winter breaks. Then there’s the real Costa del Sol that only locals can ever know.

With strong Islamic roots the southern part of Spain appears to be the least European part of western Europe. However, the region’s heritage is rooted in a pure Spanish catholicism that’s celebrated throughout the year.

Seville

Seville is the city of Carmen, Figaro and Don Juan but its most famous gift to the world is probably the flamenco. You can see it performed at Seville’s Spring Festival, but as a local you’ll also experience the real flamenco - danced impromptu on balmy evenings by passionate locals. You may even be inspired to take lessons.

Developments

• Los Eucaliptos
• El Bosque de la Mairena
• Las Mimosas at Estepona Golf

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Marbella

One of the best known Spanish locations surely has to be sun- drenched Marbella, with its fabulous beaches, crystal clear turquoise seas and the best of Spanish nightlife, cuisine and culture.

Escape to the mountains

A short drive inland are gentle hills and the spectacular mountains of the Sierra Nevada. Keen hikers will love to explore the 800 square miles of the Parque Natural de las Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas. Watch out for long horned goats, mountain sheep, deer and wild boar. Everywhere you go are charming little villages, Moorish castles, breathtaking scenery and opportunities for mountain biking, mountaineering, walking, cycling and horse riding.