Looking for anyone's advice about if you had to pick one place to stay and relax in First Class style on the coast in Spain in mid-October..only have 3 days and then we are on to cold and damp Scotland for 6 days.Where would you go? Anyone have any ideas ??

Chuck and Cathy,<BR>The coast of Spain is hundreds of miles long. I suggest you be more specific. Your choices range from the south (Costa del Sol) west of Malaga to the Costa Brava nearer to Barcelona.<BR><BR>Given you're going in mid-October I would suggest the Costa del Sol. The big summer crowds are gone and the weather should be rather good.<BR><BR>Getting from the Spanish coast to Scotland will likely involve a connecting flight as few direct services would be available. That should factor into your choice as well.

The Costa de la Sol is the most breathtakingly hideous stretch of coast I have ever had the misfortune to see in my life. I wouldn't send my worst enemy to any inch of that aethetic abomination. The beaches on the Costa de la Luz, however, are magnificent - perhaps the most gorgeous I've seen, but I don't know about any "First Class" style accomodations off hand. GOOD LUCK & enjoy your trip!

In Spain- go to Marbella or Mallorca for 1st class luxury. If you are not totally set on Spain, I also recommend relaxing in Porto cervo, on the Costa Smerelda in Sardenia- Italian Isle in Med. Sea.

Gotta agree with you, melissa. We ran screaming from the Costa del Sol. Hideous architecture, dirty beaches, honky tonk towns - who in hell goes there?<BR><BR>The Costa Brava is positively idyllic by comparison, though it's far from perfect. <BR><BR>And there's a whole other coast of Spain south of Biarritz we haven't seen yet.<BR><BR>If I were looking for a First Class-style beach trip, Costa del Sol would be the last place in Europe I'd head for.

We stayed in Marbella, which is in Costa del Sol, and found it simply charming and delightful. Our beach was clean and beautiful. I guess it depends where you stay.

Chuck and Cathy-<BR><BR> I just returned from Spain yesterday (i guess that is why i am wide awake at 4 AM!) But if you are looking for a great town with an awesome beach and tons to do, seriously consider a town called Alicante. It is right on the Costa Blanca. If you are into nightlife its great also. Even if you are not, it has so much to offer for everyone. Look into it!<BR><BR> Joey

Melissa and Costa, you sound like the type of tourist that gets stuck with Torremolinos in Costa del Sol (correct reference for Melissa). If that is the case, I would had walked away with that same impression. Next time do a bit more research and learn of the hundreds of coast miles that are Costa del Sol and that ARE gorgeous.

Agree with Barb. Costa del Sol is much more than crowded Torremolinos. Marbella (Puerto Banus area) has some of the finest hotels in the world: Meridien Los Monteros, Marbella Club, Puente Romano, Westin La Quinta Golf, ... All have beautiful pool and beach areas. No problem to relax there in first class style.