We are thinking of staying in Elviria (near Marbella). Any comments on the beach? Can you walk to any other towns ?
thanks for your help.

The beach at Elviria is nice - but it's quite narrow (the tide comes in quite far) and it gets very busy in the summer months. It stretches for miles and miles though.

Elviria is a nice area but it's pretty quiet. There are a few shops, supermarkets & restaurants, but there aren't really any other towns within walking distance. Taxis are cheap though and are easy to come by (buses are frequent too on the main road into Marbella).

There are some nice restaurants in the area - I'd highly recommend The Beach House. It's slightly more expensive than most, but the food is fantastic and the setting is really beautiful.

You can check out more information on the area at: http://www.visitcostadelsol.com/indexeng.htm

Hello Harry, Turn left at the beach in Elviria and walk along the beach for about 40 mins to reach the little port of Cabopino which is very pretty and lined with restaurants etc, along the way you pass by the nudist section of the beach but as this includes families it's not a problem. Also check out Restaurant Chez Micheal just off the square in Los Chapas. Depending on when you are travelling also try out Nikki Beach Club at the Hotel Don Carlos for serious 'Marbella posing'. Any questions feel free to post as we have a second home in Elviria and love it!.

As someone who seems to really know the area is it possible to stay at the Westin and take a day trip from there in the am and drive from there over to Cadiz to Arco de la Frontera to Ronda and back to the Westin? Would a car with a driver help as far as information as to the visiting cities or would it be possible to do it on our own. We are renting a car. Leave 3/3/05 thanks

jlsayre, Yes you could...but non-stop driving so why?. The Westin Marbella is just off the Ronda rd. Why not start the day, drive yourselves so that you can stop at will, go straight up the very winding narrow road to Ronda. Stop along the way to see if you can spot a golden eagle soaring below you! visit the bullring and the bridge over the gorge, have a coffee and a pastry in one of the traditional coffee shops in the town and then drive towards Arcos de la Frontera, you can keep going until the light begins to fade at which stage I know I prefer to be off those mountain roads!

Thank you lindadot I had forgot about the mountain roads. We were in the area a few years ago but another couple will be with us and we wanted them to see it. But we haven't been to Arcos de la Frontera and we want to see it. That way we can see how much time is left and we can go back to Gibraltar if time is short. Have you been to the market at Nueva Andalucia on Saturday morning would it be worth it to go? Thanks for all your help

The Market in San Pedro is on a Thursday morning!. Saturday morning is around the bull ring in Nueva Andalucia, just up from Puerto Banus. Saturday is better lots of designer rip off bags, sunglasses, watches, beware the 'antiques' all repro but pretty and cheap after haggling. If you are looking for 'good' copies of designer bags there is one stall.Know your european sizes in shoes and underwear (ladies!) before you go!. Enjoy.

I really appreciate all the help you have giving me. Do you know the hours of the market in Nueva Andalucia and how far is it from the Westin (can't find it on the map)? We land on a friday so sounds like a great time while the boys are playing golf. One other question is there any good restaurants around the Westin or Puerto Banus. Is the westin out in the middle of know where. I remember having a drink at Byblos Andaluz but it was a bit out there. Also any good shopping tips I found a leather good shop in Torremolinos that said he gets his purses from the same place that makes them for Barneys in NY. Don't know if he was telling the truth? Is there a great leather store that has good prices and quality? Thanks again

The markets all open from 9.30 to 1.30 (ish). The Westin is a 5 min taxi ride or walk instead, don't take the car you'll have park miles away. Loads of Great restaurants in Puerto Banus depends on your preference and age group. Some favourites are Pravda, Suko Thai or The Thai Gallery, The Marbella Club Grill for a special night ( or just go there for a drink and eat somewhere else!) Tangos in the port for good steaks, Artuzzo ( sp!) good modern italian. Part of the fun is strolling and deciding. Anywhere front line is going to be more expensive and somewhat more 'mass market' but sometimes worth it for atmosphere. Have fun.

If you want Leather goods I suggest the town of UBRIQUE which is about an hour from Marbella. The town is flush with leather factories and outlets.

Conquistador, Please help! You mentioned a town Ubrique Spain for outlets and leather factories. Any address or how to find these places.
Which ones might be there. Thanks

IMO the market in Marbella (Mondays) was a bit better than the one in San Pedro, but they were both fun. It may even be that they're the same merchants and I remember it incorrectly, but you might like that one as well.

I forgot to mention that we leave thursday so please let me know as soon as you can thank you. I'm talking about the about the village north of Marbella (Ubrique).

I saw this post and happened to open it; good thing I did! We'll be at the Westin from 29 March to 1 April. I first thought it was close to Malaga but have just found out that its really closer to Marbella. So, here are the questions: what are a couple of nice restaurants- we have adventurous teenaged eaters with us; how far to Granada for the Alhambra day I have planned for 30 May and since we're driving from Sevilla to the Westin - should we stop in Ronda on the way? I have an open day on the 31st and was wondering if we should just hang out at the resort or wander into Marbella? Thoughts??

I think the old town and promenade down to the beach and the pier in Marbella are fun, and think teenagers would enjoy it. There are some nice (though rather expensive) restaurants in the old center of town in Marbella. The fish cooked in salt is incredible (Dorada a la sal).

The drive to Alhambra is about 1 1/2 hours each way. There's a parking lot outside of Alhambra

Not sure about stopping in Ronda from Seville--we took the train, but highly recommend the flamenco show at Los Gallos.

Have a great trip.

Just back from 5 days in Elviria and ate in Chez Michel - as has been recommended by lindadot. I would second that recommendation - it's really a beautiful restaurant - excellent service and food, and not much more expensive than most restaurants in the area. Well worth a visit!