Andalucia

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With so many glorious beaches, lapped by sparkling Mediterranean waters, it's hardly surprising that Andalucìa is a favourite destination for a wonderful family holiday.

This southern-most (and often sunniest) region of Spain, however, has so much more to offer than the attractions of Malaga, Marbella, the Costa del Sol and its many other famous resorts.

Quite simply, Andalucìa is a destination with plenty to be discovered. Head just a short distance away from the bustling Costas and you will find blissfully peaceful picture-postcard beaches that are just ideal for windsurfing, snorkelling or simply sunbathing.

Travel inland a little and discover rolling plains, spectacular sierras, fields of golden sunflowers, ancient villages, magnificent cities and awe-inspiring national parks.

During a holiday in Andalucìa, it would also be a great shame not to spend a day or two on the rock of Gibraltar. After all, this famous British outcrop will, quite literally, be a stone's throw away.

And, because this is Spain, also be prepared to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of countless colourful summer festivals - not to mention all those tempting tapas bars offering so many mouth-watering treats.

Oh, and one last thing, if you play golf, you'll probably already know that Andalucìa is one of Europe's top spots for superb courses. In fact, whatever the level of your game, you'll be spoilt for choice.

Manilva Village
Located just a short drive from the Keycamp Manilva resort and a few kilometres inland from the quaint fishing village of San Luis de Sabinillas, this pretty whitewashed hillside settlement is surrounded by vineyards which are used to produce local wines.

Casares
A trip to Casares is a must for your camera, so make sure the battery is charged and there's space on the memory card! The drive to this picturesque settlement is simply breathtaking - as is the way the houses in the village seem to balance precariously above a vast rocky outcrop.

Estepona
Smart and stylish, the resort of Estepona boasts a delightful and particularly wide beach called the Playa Rada. There is also a trendy yachting centre, as well as lots of lovely shops, cafés and restaurants. The town's port is home to one of Spain's largest fishing fleets - arrive early and you may even see the morning's catch being brought ashore.

Sotogrande Resort
This luxury resort is a real haven for golfers and the home of some of Europe's finest golf courses - including the famous Real Club de Golf Sotogrande. However if golf's not your thing, why not browse the luxury shops and just soak up the atmosphere instead?

Gibraltar 
Approximately five kilometres long, two kilometres wide and protruding for more than 400 metres out of the Mediterranean, this little piece of Britain is a must-see during your Andalucìan holiday. For spectacular views towards Morocco and over the Strait of Gibraltar take a cable car to the top of the rock! But do leave enough time to stop off and explore the Upper Rock Nature Reserve and the Apes' Den. If you've time, the Alameda Botanical Gardens and the Gibraltar Museum are also worth visiting, especially as the latter provides a potted history of this amazing limestone outcrop. Finally, after all that high excitement why not relax and watch the world go by outside a very English teashop in Gibraltar Town?

Marbella 
Nestling at the heart of the western Costa del Sol, between the Sierra Blanca mountains and the Mediterranean, glamorous Marbella is the perfect place for an afternoon spent celebrity spotting, or simply lazing on the beach. With glitzy shops and boutiques, a trip to Marbella also provides the perfect excuse for some retail therapy. Marbella's pretty old town (Casco Antiguo) is a must-see and, if visiting in early June, the incredible Feria de San Barnabé (Patron Saint Festival) - when the resort comes alive with colour - is simply too good to miss.

Gaucin 
With whitewashed houses and tiny streets, Gaucin is the quintessential Andalucìan village. For the best views of the surrounding landscape, head over towards the ruined castle.

Castillo de la Duquesa 
Built in the eighteenth century, this imposing castle stands at the entrance to the fishing village of the same name. In Roman times, salted fish was prepared here and the remains of a Roman settlement, complete with bathhouse, can still be seen.

Getting active 
Hiking, biking, horse riding, sailing, windsurfing, river fishing, scuba-diving... The wonderful diversity of Andalucìa's landscape and coastline makes this the perfect destination for anybody who enjoys the great outdoors.

Well above par!

A great choice of local golf courses... 
Holidaying in the Manilva area puts you in an ideal spot to take advantage of some great golf links and courses. Here are just a few suggestions for starters. Most are just a short drive away.

• La Duquesa Golf and Country Club: 18 holes, Par 72, Length: 6,054m. Situated in the municipality of Manilva, in Malaga province, Duquesa is a very varied and pleasant golf links for golfers of all levels.
• La Reserva de Sotogrande: 18 holes, Par 72, Length: 6,448m. An 18-hole golf course in a beautiful setting on the heights of Sotogrande.
• La Cañada Golf: 18 holes, Par 70, Length: 5,746m. The first municipal golf course in the Costa del Sol, located on the heights of Guadiaro.
• Sotogrande Golf Academy: 18 holes, Par 72, Length: 6,298m. Located in the province of Cadiz, and classified amongst the 100 better worldwide courses.
• Almenara Golf: Three 9-hole golf course, Par 72.

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