Next winter, we are thinking of 3 weeks in the Costa del Sol. Considering the fact that we will not rent a car, what would be the best location for us? We would like to take day trips, but we would also like to spend time walking along a beach (or boardwalk by a beach)

Thanks.

It really depends on what type of place you are looking for. Fuengirola is a reasonably priced resort and very central. It is about 20 minutes from Malaga airport and can easily be reached by train or taxi. You could use this as a base and visit places from there on day trips. I am going there for a few days at the end of March and staying at the Confortel in the Los Boliches area. Marbella is another option although not quite as well connected for transportation. Torremolinos is big, busy and a centre for nightlife. Benalmadena is also big with lots of clubs etc. but is more up market and newer than Torremolinos and has a good marina.
Carolena

Just so you're aware March is not beach weather in the Costa del Sol. You can certainly walk on a beach if you want - but both the air and the water are distinctly too cool for swimming.

(We were in Marbella at end of April and high temps were high 70s and went up to low 80s. People were using the pool and even dipping in the sea - but only had been for the last week or so.

We stayed near Puerto Banus - more upscale and not so mobbed as Marbella itself - and a good spot for day trips by car.

I'd agree with Carolina's suggestion of Fuengirola. It's smack in the middle of the Malaga-to-Marbella stretch and at one end of the efficient train line that will take you to Arroyo de la Miel to Torremolinos to the airport and on to Malaga. The Fuengirola bus station is central with frequent trips up the mountain to the village of Mijas. There are also connections to Marbella, Algeciras, Ronda, Granada, etc, so lots of day trips are available. (Although Ronda and Granada are definitely worth a night or two).
As mentioned, the weather can be iffy for beaches, but there are usually nice days in which to walk along the Paseo Maritimo, or sea walk, and stop at a chiringuito (beach bar) for a drink or snack.
On the other hand, if you're looking for night life, Torremolinos, Benalmadena Coast and Marbella (Puerto Banus) may suit you better.

FUENGIROLA - ideal spot. Massive English community means you can eat almost any style of cuisine for next to nothing. Good connections everywhere. Make this your base and take day trips to the other (dearer) places.

If you want something more authentic , avoid the condo glut of the Costa del Sol ( that could be any where) and stay in a nearby white hill village.

People have been swimming in sea and pools during this very warm early March, but it is not hot hot hot beach weather. There should be lots of sun as that is almost a constant in southern Spain.

There are a few beautiful villages that are only a short bus ride to the sea ( Mijas and Frigiliana come to mind and Casares and vejar de la Frontier might work).

Get a recently remodeled OLD and authentic rental village house in the OLD part of the village. You should have endless pick at that time of year and be able to negotiate a good price for more than one week.

They are set for tourism all year, so you can get busses or bus/train to some great day trips.You will probably be able to the ocean on your private terrace and have great meals and shops just a short walk away.

That way you will experience Spain.

Fuengirola is one of the ugliest towns in Costa del Sol. A concrete jungle with no charm whatsoever. If your goal is to stay close to public transport AND have a place on a nicer setting then Marbella, Malaga, and Puerto Banus are far better options. Another dreadful town?-- Torremolinos. I could not go by then fast enough.

Agree that March weather is iffy for sunbathing; you may get lucky w/70's weather some days, but do not go with the expectations of a sunbathing vacation.

I would rent an apartment/place. Check vrbo.com, vacation rentals by owners. I would also be open to the idea of a rental car; get there and try a day rental. There are hilltowns and routes in Andalucia that are some of the prettiest vistas in Europe. A shame not to enjoy it properly, specially when having the unique opportunity of plenty time.

I would split the time; Seville is a nice town. Stay 2-3 days in Barrio de Santa Cruz and you will not regret it. Also, explore the possibility of staying by Cadiz; that coastal side has plenty to offer as well.

Another nice outing option is the Grazalema National Park; March is when it blossoms and birds star returning to their park habitats; great time to visit this park (guided visits obviously). Have fun!

Fuengirola has a very pleasant seafront and promenade.

Carolena

It's almost a year later, and I want to thank you all for your replies.

We have decided to postpone the trip to Feb (worse than March!) 2009.

Having read as much as I could, I think we will start off in Malaga, itself, for a week or so. From there we can easily take day trips.

Then, I would like to go to a hotel with an indoor pool, so that I could get in a morning swim. Any suggestions?

My husband would like to rent a car, but he is crazy when it comes to directions. I am going to look into a GPA (or whatever the correct initials are!)

Viajero2 - can you tell me more about guided visits to Grazalema Park?\\Thanks

I agree---the entire Costa del Sole is not my cup of tea. I would much prefer Ft Lauderdale in March and save some $$$. Now, with a car may be a different story.

Grazalema National Park arranges guided visits for groups and individual tours. E-mail them at [email protected]
for more info.

Bobthenavigator, why do you prefer Fort Lauderdale?

My point is that the Costa del Sole is like that--why go all the way to Spain for endless high rises on a beach.

bobthenav-- coincidentially, I have spent extended amounts of time at both locations (Ft. Laud and Torremolinos), and I TOTALLY get you and agree wholeheartedly.