After my road trip in the French Riviera I felt the need to make one along the Costa Del Sol. I really enjoyed my trip to Marbella last July. So I wanted to discover a little more this part of Spain.

We started this road trip in Andalusia from Malaga, where the airport is located and where we rented our pretty Fiat 500. To me, it’s the perfect car for a road trip, easy to park, enough for two people and it can go everywhere! Our road trip ended in Estepona, a beautiful flowered village.

Some Andalusia cities in which I stopped:

Malaga is a beautiful city bordered by the sea but beware because city goes hand in hand with lots of tourists. There are a lot of things to see and I think it’s quite important to spend at least a day there. My favourite places are: the Botanical Garden, the Plaza de la Constitución, the Encarnación Cathedral, Alcazaba, El Mirador de Gibralfaro and El Paseo del Parque which you can see in the picture below. It’s very pleasant to walk in this well know passage in Malaga. Read my entire article about Malaga here!

Mijas is located not far from the next stop. I didn’t have time to visit the place last July. Between beautiful beaches and mountains, I would rather recommend Mijas Pueblo, anchored on a hill about nine kilometers from the coast. Small typical Andalusian white houses are nestled in a narrow street pattern as in Santorini. You can enjoy beautiful views, take a tuk-tuk ride to discover the beauties of this small village or simply lose yourself in search for the best photo-spots.

Bénalmadéna was our favourite stop. We visited only one thing and a good one at that: El Castillo Monumento Colomares. Rather considered as a monument, it’s dedicated to the life and adventures of Christopher Columbus. Its design is unique and unifies different styles that have had a huge influence on the Spanish culture: Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic and Mudejar.

Marbella is one of my European favourite! So I had to stop there imperatively to stroll along its incredible seaport. The yachts were even bigger and more incredible than the last time I came. If you want to know what to do in Marbella click HERE.

Estepona is located along the Mediterranean Sea. It looks a bit like Mijas, so it’s also one of those typical Andalusian villages. Its white flowered streets make it the ideal village to walk around for an afternoon. I’m planning on dedicating a whole article to it next weeks to share with you my favourite flower lanes. I hope you’re looking forward!

Where to sleep in Andalusia?

You’ll certainly find what you are looking for. With small hotels, big chains & apartments, you’ll certainly find what you’re looking for.

As for us, we wanted to sleep in appropriate places to avoid travelling unnecessarily miles. Here are the 2 hotels that I chose trusted for our stay in Andalusia:

Marbella Boutique is a hotel which has charmed and attracted me with its Balinese decor. How not to succumb to a place gathering two of my favourites? A real haven of peace. Everything is pleasantly furnished and imported from Ubud (Bali). A sea view, a beautiful pool, spacious rooms with a totally unique decoration and a terrace overlooking the sea. You willn’t find anywhere else in Europe a place that exudes Indonesia so much! This boutique hotel doesn’t have many rooms so their hosts have the time and patience to welcome you as they should. You feel at home as soon as you arrive. The breakfast is as flawless as the entirety of this place. The place is located on the heights of Marbella so you are close to absolutely everything and you can enjoy a breath taking view!

But also:

Kempinski is the first European luxury hotel chain that saw the light of the day. Their founders started from the bottom and I like to see that anything is possible! The decoration of the Kempinski Bahia hotel makes you travel around the world. The entrance hall welcomes you in colour, the pool makes you travel to Mexico, the palm trees line in Miami, the restaurant Baltazar in the middle of the jungle & I let your imagination speak for the black Rose bar. This 5 * hotel has nothing to be ashamed of in comparison to the others hotels! The spa has a steam room, sauna, swimming pool, relaxation room & everything you could need. Its tropical garden overlooking the sea is perfect to start the day! Whether you are by the pool or at the beach, you’ll have the choice. The breakfast is incredibly fresh and has everything that you could wish for. As for the rooms, the attentions of the staff are extremely pleasant. We had a terrace overlooking the sea, no need to say that I enjoyed myself every morning and evening thanks to the beautiful sunrise and sunset of Andalusia.

Regarding food, the breakfasts were always included and we took advantage of our meal at the Baltazar restaurant at the Kempinski hotel to taste the typical dishes of Andalusia. We didn’t really eat outside and wanted to enjoy a quiet meal at the hotel.

Obviously I recommend you to do this kind of road trip which will leave you incredible memories! No adventure is comparable to the ones you create yourself.

Love,

Sandinourhands