I am looking for suggested locations in Southern Spain for a long-stay (6 weeks) in February 2011. We are: baby, mother and grandmother looking to escape a cold Canadian winter for a little over a month. We are looking for: someplace for long daily walks (like a boardwalk), basic stores/shopping within walking distance, small cafes/restaurants for lunches (dinner will likely be at "home"). Sightseeing will be once or twice a week with a car rental, so some nearby towns of interest would be great.

I spent a month in Southern Spain about 10 years ago and was based in Mijas. This would be a bit more remote and car dependent than I would like to be on this trip. Instead, someplace similar to Fuengirola would be nice - a great boardwalk with some interesting towns nearby. Are there any other suggestions beside Fuengirola?

Also, is there a recommendation on the best website to use to look for a long-stay rental? We're looking for a basic apartment or similar, with kitchen and two bedrooms. Baby friendly, as much as possible. We'd like to be able to walk to cafes, the boardwalk, etc.

Thanks for any help or suggestions!!

It will still be rather chilly in southern Spain in February-March, so you might consider staying someplace that is at least interesting, say in the Sherry Triangle. Spain Select (www.spain-select.com/) has a few properties in the area but most are for larger groups and are on the expensive side. You might try checking Inns of Spain (www.innsofspain.com/) to see what they have to offer.

Estepona and Nerja.. cone to mind. Spanish website for rentals

www.ideaista.com
www.fotocasa.es/com

make that www.idealista.com

The more you move towards Gibraltar, the more windy it gets.
You can opt for Malaga city itself, the east part: Pedregalejo, Acacias. It that month it is quieter than in the summer, with many apt. options.