My trip to Costa del Sol, pt. 1.
 

First of all, Torremolinos where I stayed was a pleasant surprise. Sure, the city is a tourist trap with its towering hotels and overdeveloped beaches, but it does have its charm and is remarkably clean considering the hordes of tourists, cats and small dogs milling about everywhere. The winding streets with their quaint haciendas, flower pots, swaying palms, fountains and citrus trees in the center of town reminded me always that I was indeed in Spain. One bizarre and interesting fact about Torremolinos that lends it much of its ecclectic character is that it has become the home and livelihood of so many Scandinavians, Finns, Brits and Germans who have moved from their colder climes to set up restaurants, pubs and shops everywhere. This may detract from its "Spanishness", but it lent it a character of its own, which I found quite charming in an odd sort of way. <BR><BR>I also loved the beach area with its volcanic rock cliffs where the cats made their homes in its crevices. Then there was the multitude of fish restaurants and tourist shops along the boardwalk. My only regret was that the ocean was a bit too cold to swim in and that it rained for many of the days I was there. I was also surprised to see how comparatively affordable condos and apartments near the beach were. So all in all, T-Town was fun. And I even had some great Finnish (!) food there!

What were the dates of your trip? How warm was it? Could you swim in the ocean or at least sunbathe by it? What is Finnish food?

Topping in hope of getting answers to my questions above.

Julie, <BR><BR>Finnish food is food from Finland, which, like other countries, has its own cuisine. Finnish food is hearty and basic; a lot of fish, soups, hearty whole grain breads, casseroles and such. I had a Finnish salmon soup in T-Town that was divine!<BR><BR>I was on the Costa March 29-April 12. It was colder and rainier than I expected, but on sunny days many people were sunbathing by the hotel pools.

<BR>Rebecka -<BR> Is it possible to take day trips from Torremolinos either by bus or by some local touring company?

Not only possible but very easy to take trips from Torremolinos. You can easily visit Granada with the Alhambra, Ronda (Spanish hill town) and many other places.<BR>Carolina

Rebecka<BR><BR>I'm reading your report anxiously as I'm leaving for Portugal and Spain next week. When you were in Torremolinos, did you notice if there were tours available to Seville? I know it's a long way to go for a day trip, but it's the best I can hope for. I think on a tour I would have a better chance to see the most for my time. <BR><BR>Thanks, Sue

ttt

Sue, <BR><BR>My mother had booked the trip via a Scandinavian charter company called "Always" (there are many others!), so we booked optional day trips through this company only. I am sure, however, that you can go to any of a number of travel agencies in Torremolinos and book a daytrip if you want a guided tour. While there I saw several travel agencies with window ads of daytrips to Portugal, Granada, etc. We did get to Malaga easily on our own via bus; there was a bus stop that sold tickets near the center of town. I am sure there must be trips to Seville as well! <BR><BR>Have a great time, Sue, and good luck!

Rebecka,<BR><BR>Thanks so much for your response. I leave in 3 more days, first stop Lisbon, then the Algarve and on to Torremolinos. We'll get to Seville, one way or another! <BR><BR>3 weeks of new places to see! I am soooo excited!!!<BR><BR>Sue

Just wondering if you can go topless on the beaches there and if thong bikinis are acceptable...I'm leaving for the Coste Del Sol on June 27 for 2 weeks and can't wait.......

<BR>yes, topless and thong bikinis are not only acceptable in costa del Sol, but very common! Specially on weekends when there are more Spaniards around.

Loved Marbella especially "Puerto Banus"<BR>Try the "Sinatra's" bar on the boardwalk. Never had to buy my own drinks. Ended up coming home with one of the bartender's t-shirt.

Hi I am going to marbella in a few weeks? Staying at the Los monteros? Any comments?