JSG

Hello

We are heading to Spain in early October. We fly in to Madrid and then will take the train to Seville for a few days. From there we will rent a car and spend a few days at the coast. We're looking at Malaga and Nerja right now. From there we plan to do day trips (Ronda, Frigliana) and spend some time relaxing at the beach.

Where would be a good place to stay on the coast (where we can swim, relax, take the day trips, have nice restaurant meals and visit some cafes)?

Will the water be warm enough to swim?

Any other activities or sites in this area that would be interesting to try during a 2-3 day visit?

Thanks!

Robert2533

October really isn't beach weather, even on the Costa del Sol. I would use Málaga as a base simply because it has some of the best restaurants in the area, and is a great town to spend time in.

http://www.visitcostadelsol.com

JSG

Thanks Robert. So you'd suggest Malaga as a base to do some day trips around there. We would like to at least spend a bit of time at the beach -- have never been to the Mediterranean.

We're also undecided whether to spend 2 or 3 nights at Costa del Sol. We are coming from 3 days in Seville. Then to the coast. Then the Sierra Nevada mountains (also would love advice about where to stay here). Then to Madrid with stops likely in Jaen and Toledo.

Robert2533

Málaga does have a decent beach area, if you want to do that.

BritishCaicos

From Seville look at the Costa de la Luz. It is closer and far more local than the Costa dS. The CDS is hugely overdeveloped and generally a sprawl of villas and high rise hotels. Much of the economy is English speaking ex pat communities.

The Costa de la Luz will have slightly cooler weather, colder sea but vastly more interesting natural beauty and many Spanish towns. It is 90 minutes drive from Seville and a car allows you to access some beautiful locations.

alvamo

Costa de la Luz is not in the mediterranean, and october is really cold and windy in the area.

Go to Malaga, you might find good weather in october, anyway in Malaga you can find nice beach by La Malagueta and also good museums like Thyssen and Picasso or great Cathedral and a Casstle.

In Sierra Nevada I like the small village of Pampaneira but Orgiva is bigger and also very popular.

If you go to Jaen look for Ubeda and Baeza.

kimhe

Beaches in and around Malaga city: http://www.spain-holiday.com/Malaga-...ty-beach-guide

Some recent articles about Malaga (3000 year old Malaka). Been here around once a year the past 13 years, and can't wait to come back in a few days.
The Guardian: http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...rs-restaurants
Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/de...pt-secret.html
New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/25/ar...-hub.html?_r=1

kimhe

... and water temperatures normally some 70-72 in early October. http://www.seatemperature.org/europe...ga-october.htm

Weather statistics for Malaga first half of October says average highs 75-81F, one day with rainfall pr wekks, and average 8 hours sun/day. (wetteronline.de)

JSG

Thank you all for the helpful information!

Bedar

Go to Marbella or Benahavis, just west of Marbella in the hills. Great restaurants but may be a bit pricey. Was where Michelle O stayed a few years ago.

alvamo

Of course if they can afford it, it´s marvellous where the Obama´s stayed some years ago.

http://villapadiernapalacehotel.com/?lang=en