Hello, we are planning to go to MYLaga in Sept of 2000.We are staying at Barratt Leila Playa CluMijas-Costa). Any tips on the local tour companies, car rentals, and restaurants. We hope to see Rhonda, Cordoba, and Seville. Also, how long of a drive is it to Jerez? So many questions, first time traveler to Spain. Thanks for your help.

Gary, <BR> <BR>From your post I can't tell if you are looking for beaches, history or art or a combination. If you search this forum (which is what I recommend as a starting point) you will find that many of us who love Spain are not in love with the Costa del Sol...although I have heard wonderful things about the town of Mijas. How much time do you have? My recommendation would be to maximize your time in Sevilla (3 days are ideal) and plan a couple of days for Granada and one each for Ronda and Cordoba. I have lots of hotel and restaurant recommendations if you have an itinerary that you want to work with. Let me know via the forum or write me directly...sorry I have never been to Jerez so I can't help you there, Maria

Maria, <BR>Thanks for the information. You have answered my question on time spent in each area.We are maily looking for the history of these regions.We will be spending a toatl of 7 days at the Costa Del Sol area, then back to Madrid for the last 3 days of our trip. Is a car rental necessary? Or would we be better off relying on tours and public trans? We are a party of 4 Adults. Thank you again. Gary

That's a nice timeshare location...We were there last September...Take bus excursions provided by the resort and avoid the "trains in Spain" as we could tell you a few horror stories! Also, one day during the week the resort offers a wonderful jeep tour of the "real Spain" countryside which we thought was the most fun thing we did...You meet a lot of nice folks and the photo opportunities will be superb as you wind your way through picturesque villages and mountains. GO TO MARBELLA FOR SURE ALSO FOR FINE DINING...Have a great trip and let us know how you liked the jeep excursion...

Thank you Cal, <BR>We appreciate the information you have provided us. We are so pleased you liked the resort! It puts our mind at ease. We are definatly up for the JEEP tour, and Marbella is tops on the list of things to do. We WILL avoid the trains,and just soak up the resort and local ambiance. Your comments are WELCOMED! Should we rent a car or rely on public transportation? I hear car rentals can be a UNIQUE experience.Thanks..

Gary, We rented a car to travel between towns in Andalucia and really enjoyed the flexibility it provided but my advice would be to not use your car once inside cities like Sevilla and Granada especially as traffic, parking, unnavigable streets and the ease of walking in these neighborhoods makes it the better choice. Good Luck, Maria

Self, wife, brother and sister-in-law spent three weeks in Spain last March. Two weeks were in Malaga on Costa del Sol. Would be happy to send you a copy of comments I have made for friends anticipationg a trip to same area <BR>If you want it just e-mail me. <BR>Richard

A few years ago I went as a chaperone for my old high school to Spain. We began in Malaga, and I adored the area. It was my favorite part of Spain. The boardwalks along the beach had cute stores with a lot more than just touristy type gifts to offer. While in the area, I'd recommend taking a day trip to Gibraltar; the mix of English and Spanish culture there is quite interesting. Take a tour of the Lower Rock and see the wild apes (they tell u not to pet them, but they are so cute and friendly you just can't help it). You can also take a boat trip to Morocco from Gibraltar. <BR>In Cordoba, I toured the Mezquita Catedral, a mosque (?spelling) with endless columns of limestone, brick and marble. Very interesting. <BR>Be sure to stop in Granada and see L'Alhambra (the red palace). Its gardens are breathtaking. <BR>I was dissappointed with Sevilla. The Catedral de Sevilla (3rd largest in world i believe) was beautiful, but the Alcazar was a let down (i enjoyed L'Alhambra so much, I think this is what made the Alcazar seem lacking). We took a cruise on the river at night. I'm not sure the name of the company, but they had a flamenco dancing show during the tour -- great sangria! <BR>If you'll be in Madrid a couple days, I also suggested taking a day trip to Toledo. I'm a big history buff, and this town was full of it. Castles on the hills, winding cobblestone streets. We toured the famous shop where they make Spanish Great Swords and watched the handcrafters at work. Some of the swords were as large as myself and it is amazing that they can do all this by hand. <BR> <BR>Sorry this was so long, but I hope it helps. <BR> <BR>Tracy