Hi all -

I have been reading your posts on this topic with great interest.

We are looking for a laid back beach experience on a "budget" if that can be done by Americans in Europe right now!

The towns that have piqued my curiosity are Nerja, Marbella, and Tarifa. Perhaps a visit to Malaga, but it seems very busy (like a city).

If my impressions are off, please let me know. If I have missed a place, I'd be interested in suggestions - but Nerja and Tarifa are the geographic outermost points that we're looking at on the coast.

Thanks and happy travels to you all!

We have stayed near Marbella - actually towards or at Puerto Banus - with direct beach access - and have loved it. But I'm not sure there's anything budget in the area. We found the town of Marbellas way too built up - and too much of city - with lots of highrises - for a beach vacation.

Thanks. I am currently looking into Peurto Banus. We maye steer clear of Marbella if it is really built up.

We're also zeroing in on Tarifa.

Thanks for your advice!

marbella and pierto banus are the most expensive spots in the costa del sol btw.

driving from puerto banus towards gibraltar you find lots of nice hotels in the range from 3* to 5*. but i have no idea regarding rates/names/season.

google for costa del sol tourism office. they can provide you with email addresses for dmc's who will be happy to help.

but be prepared to pay quite a lot for drinks and meals besides the room!

just one example:
i went to a health deli in marbella and bought some tiny portions of salads and a stuffed baguett (approx. 25 cm with egg, salad, olives, onions). was for 2 regular women for take away and i paid almost 25€!

between malaga and marbella you will find more mid range hotels.

div

ps
what time are you focusing on?

Newlywed
If you go down to Tarifa and turn onto the Atlantic coast, you might find some very good bargains. It will be more Spanish, to some manner and there's a lot of wind near Tarifa (wind surfing) but you're going to find a lot of very nice beaches heading towards Cadiz.

You won't see the concrete villages on that side. The prices are cheaper, the food is "real" Spanish food, and the beaches are lovely.

Check it out.

Blackduff

Thanks so much!

We're looking to travel at the end of August.

I have taken all your suggestions into consideration and am trying to map out the trip with this new information while I compile more research.

We don't mind budget accomodations like hostels.

Thanks again!

newlywed

happy travels - and maybe you can post here with what you came up and how it worked out!

have a great time!

div