Where to go for beach time?
 

DH, DD8 and I will be spending about 10-13 days in the Andalucia Spain in May and would really enjoy some R&R at the beach at the end. But where should we go - Marbella, Malaga, over to Algarve in Portugal, etc...?. We would want to stay at a resort and not too isolated - although we would have a car so a short drive to activities or restaurants would be fine.

Is the ocean warm enough to swim in May?
Do any resorts on the Costa del Sol heat their pools?
Is there any place to sail?

For this portion of the trip we really don't want to focus on historic sights only cultural or outdoor activities. Thanks.

If you're already in Andalucia, you might as well use the many beaches along the coast. It's unlikely that you will be able to swim in the sea at that time and certainly not on the Algarve. The Atlantic ther is not too warm in August.

There are a number of resorts around the Marbella area and you need to do abit of research to find if the pools are heated. You might try the Marriott Resort in Marbella, but I think that the indoor pools only are heated.

There are places to sail in the area, out of Puerto Banus or Puerto de la Duquesa.

No problem to swim in the sea along Costa del Sol in May. Has been quite cold this spring, but now the heat is coming and the water temperature is now some 65-68F and rapidly increasing.

I think you should take a look at the luxcurious and tranquile Parador in Nerja (pop 20 000). Huge gardens with large and heated swimming pool, and elevator down to the wide Burriana beach with lots of water sports, several good quality beachfront restaurants etc.
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/nerj...-nerja.en.html

Nine beaches in all sizes and shapes in Nerja, several small hideaways in between the cliffs: http://www.spainaway.com/nerja-beach-guide.html

Lots of things to do, and spectacular inland landscapes: http://www.nerjatoday.com/thingstodo/

From the parador, you are five mins walking away from central Nerja with a huge selection of tapas bars/restaurants in all categories. Some nice, local places just up the street from the Parador, but also several gourmet oriented restaurants just a short walk away.

The Parador would be on the cliff to the right in this photo:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/...de6a8146_o.jpg

Thanks for the info. I am convinced to scratch Algarve now and I think it simplifies our trip. Thanks for the suggestions too.

We have been in Marbella in late April and both the sea and pools were plenty warm enough to swim (but we're used to the north atlantic). Reco you do not stay in the city but in one of the self-contained resorts on the coast road to the west - several of which are very pleasant. Expect the temps to be in the high 80s if not higher.