The Costa del Sol in southern Spain has been a popular holiday destination for many years, boasting over 320 days of sunshine each year. The mild climate on the Costa del Sol makes it possible to enjoy the long stretches of sandy beaches, and partake in a wide variety of outdoor activities, all year round. The world renowned resorts of Marbella and Puerto Banus are right on the doorstep with their famous nightlife and impressive harbours. Other popular local destinations within Andalucia include Mijas and Ronda, which are traditional Spanish towns in the surrounding mountainside. To the east is Fuengirola, with its superb beach, water park, zoo, and the Myramar shopping mall. Benalmadena has its own marina, sea-life centre, and the famous Tivoli World theme park (pictured left). Gibraltar is only a half hour's drive away(don't forget to take your passports), or why not visit the historic Alhambra Palace in Granada; well worth the two hour drive. Some excellent skiing is available in the Sierra Nevada resort (near Granada) in the winter months. The area is also known as the "Costa de Golf" and, for golfers, there is an abundance of courses and facilities nearby to choose from. Within a five minute drive of Casa Cristal is "golf valley", with several golf courses to choose from, and world-famous championship courses such as Valderrama are within easy driving distance.

Extensive sea sports and activities are also available locally, including water skiing, windsurfing, and of course, dolphin watching!

Other attractions include the Parque Aquatico Mijas, a superb water park for adults and children of all ages, and Fuengirola Zoo; Tivoli World, the largest amusement park on the Costa del Sol with over 40 rides plus musical shows, exhibitions and restaurants (30 minutes away by car). The Selwo Safari Park can be found in Estepona (about 15 minutes' drive away).

An excellent Saturday night out can be had in the summer months at Mijas Race Course. You can watch the racing, have a bet on the tote, and dine under the stars whilst waiting to collect your winnings! Only a 25 minute drive.

One of the jewels of the Costa del Sol, and just 30 minutes' drive from the villa, is the beautiful little village of Mijas, which nestles comfortably in the mountainside at 428 meters above sea level. Many artists and writers have made it their home, enjoying the benefits of an excellent all year round climate, without being part of the busier, more commercial coastal towns just 7 kilometres down the mountain side. Despite its huge popularity with tourists, Mijas Pueblo has somehow managed to retain much of its traditional Andalucian way of life; the locals displaying their unabashed passion for all things festive and an unmistakable relaxed "manana" outlook on anything that can be put off for another day. The craft shops have some wonderful hand made pottery and often affordable paintings and prints by acclaimed local artists, such as Don Clarke and Michele Lehmann. A holiday memento could turn out to be a sound investment.

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