Hi all,

My husband and I are looking to go to southern Spain for 2 weeks at the end of July (I know its going to be hot!).

We are Andalucian virgins. So all help is needed......!

Friends have recommended Nerja and Mijas, but are there any other fabulous villages along the coast in Andalucia that anyone else can recommend? Also suggestions of what Nerja and Mijas are like anyway.

We want a base for two weeks near a sandy beach, a village or little town of some sort, as we will have a hire car to travel about.

Thanks,
Clauds

Hello Clauds. I assume you mean Mijas Costa. We spend two weeks in Nerja every year and add an additional week at another destination. A few years ago we chose Mijas Costa. We were ready to leave after the first day but stuck it out. It is a town of timeshares and has no character.

Nerja is a pretty little (but not so little anymore) white village with nice beaches. It has many restaurants and an interesting Balcon where there is always something going on. I recommend that you stay on the east side as it is prettier.

If you do a search on this board you will find more information about Nerja from me and from others.

Happy travels!

Hi, I wouldn't call Nerja a village. Its more of a town atmosphere. Although very popular with visitors, it retains a local and authentic feel. The beaches are good but will get very busy in summer. I have great memories of fabulous piella which is served from enormous pans at the beach cafes. If you have a hire car I would recommend heading towards Granada. Also the small village of Frigiliana (about 5 mins drive up the mountains from Nerja) is a lovely place for a stroll, coffee or to visit the market. You will have to leave your car at the bottom of the village though as it is pedestrian access only! I have not heard good reports about Mijas I'm afraid. Hope this is useful. Enjoy your trip and make sure your car has air conditioning! L

We have spent many summer holidays in Nerja,and I still never tire of it. I love Frigiliana,its so quaint, its beautiful in the evening to drive up to one of the little restaurants and sit outside having your meal, watching life go by. I personally dont find anything attractive about Mijas Costa, and wouldnt recommend it for a holiday. As the previous poster mentioned, make sure you have AC in your car! It gets very hot.

Hi all,
thanks for the info, it has been very helpfull. I shall definately forget about Mijas for now.
Thanks,
Clauds

Southern Spain is going to be hot and crowded in July. However, it should be pointed out that Mijas and Nerja are two different things. The town of Mijas is located in the hills directly north of Fuengirola. It is pretty but touristy with lots of shops and restaurants. It is not on the sea. Nerja, is east of Malaga, is also a tourist center but is located on the sea. The advantages to staying west of the city of Malaga is that it would be easier to get to Ronda,
Seville, Gibraltar etc... Granada is easily accessible as well. I know that many posters delight in knocking the Costa del Sol because it is so touristy but I think the area can be lots of fun and is a good base for seeing Andalucia. There really are no non touristy villages left near sandy beaches.