First Timers to Costa Del Sol
 

We will be spending 1 week CDS and 1 week in the Algarve mid April. Would love to hear from those experienced in the areas. Weather to expect - to economize on packing .. restaurants.. side trips. Almost any advice would be welcome.

We visited the Costa del Sol in September a couple of years ago. There are several ways to see the surrounding area-by organized bus tour, by driving and probably by train or bus which we did not attempt. <BR> <BR>We rented a car for several days and drove up to Ronda, beautiful scenery on the drive up, you don't want to drive after dark as it is a steep, winding road. We also drove to Gibraltar. We parked on the Spanish side in La Linea and walked over, the car line to get into Gibraltar went on forever! I enjoyed Gibraltar, you can take a cable car up to the top of the rock for a beautiful view and to see the barbary apes. <BR> <BR>We took bus tours to Tangier, Morocco and to Granada. I would not recommend the day trip to Morocco and if I had it to do over again I would drive or find public transportation to Granada as we had to leave before we had seen everything. I believe there is a way to get tickets in advance for the Alhambra (which I think you should do), we took the bus tour because we thought we wouldn't be able to get in. <BR> <BR>I can't remember how long the train ride from Seville was but if it's a reasonable amount of time, I would recommend trying to spend a day in Seville and visit the Alcazar and cathedral. Check and make sure about opening times, I believe the Alcazar is closed early on Sunday and all day Monday.

We were considering a day trip to Tangier/Morocco and would like to hear more of the pros and cons. Also would like to hear from anyone who has info re: the time involved in a land transfer Torremolinos to Albufeira.

Tangiers is a great day trip it is like a ride in Disney world you are escorted by 4 guides through the back and side streets of the casba it reminds me of mexico the way the street merchants try to sell you everthing the boat ride over is nice and great view of gibralter also Marbella and the Puerto Banus is a must see

We found a day trip to Tangier (Tanger) an absolute waste of time. Boat ride only nice thing. Rest of day is hyper commercial waste. They want to sell you rugs and worthless trinkets. Better to spend day in Gibraltar. We spent more than 3 weeks in Spain --- mostly southern from Granada and Costa del Sol--- and would be happy to send you a copy of my "report" if you want. <BR>Richard

Would definitely like to read your report. It's fascinating to read the wide disparity in opinions concerning a day trip to Tangier. We'd like as much info as possible ... a lot of $$ if it turns out to be one of those "Hostage Tours".

I thought that the day trip from Torremolinos to Tangier was a big waste of time, especially considering all of the other wonderful places to see in Spain. The bus trips left very early (5 am from Torremolinos), spent most of the day either on the bus picking up other people or on the ferry going over. Once we arrived in Tangier, they told us to stick together, led us single file through the streets of Tangier, stopping along with all of the other tourist groups to see a snake charmer, a very high pressure carpet sales pitch, a mediocre lunch and then back on the bus for the photo op with a camel. I don't think that the guides let us out of their sight the entire day. <BR> <BR>I can usually find something positive about any place we visit, but I was incredibly disappointed in that trip. Since you only have a week, I would highly recommend skipping this day trip. I really wish we had!

Richard, we are all waiting for your report. Please share it with us here in this forum. Thanks.

Hi Richard! We're still anxiously awaiting your report. I know, nag, nag, nag .

Richard, Would love a copy of your "report". My wife and I are 1st timers for CDS this Oct. <BR>Thanks

Richard, <BR> <BR>I too would love a copy of your report. Thanks. <BR> <BR>john

Don't hold your breath waiting for this report .. we've been and returned and still no report. Had a great time anyway! Lots of other people have excellent advice to offer if you do a search.