LARGE GROUND FLOOR APARTMENT WITH STUNNING VIEWS, WALK TO SUPERB BEACHES.

Beaches.: The Costa Del Sol is known for its fabulous white sandy beaches and its superb temperature throughout the year makes this a desirable holiday at any time. From the terraces of the apartment the coast of Africa can frequently be seen. The Cabopino beaches are glorious, they are Blue Flag Beaches, clean and with a lifeguard throughout the summer season. Either side of the marina the beaches have sun beds available for hire at a nominal rate. Each beach has a good chirringuito which serves good food including excellent fish, light meals or a cool drink. Cabopino beaches are designated as areas of natural beauty and protected. If you want total tranquility, walk from Cabopino towards Marbella. The beaches and dunes are totally natural and unspoilt often glorious with their wild flowers. A serene morning walk at low tide is from Cabopino to Marbella. In summer best in the morning before the heat of the day but a winter walk is delightful at any time. Binoculars in the apartment. It is delightful to watch the sun go down as a golden globe from the terraces or from one of the many beach restaurants dotted along the coast. Laminated maps are kept in the apartment for speedy access to favourites.

Shopping: This is known as an area of 'haute couture' and stylish clothes are everywhere. Easy shopping outlets are 'La Canada', a large modern shopping complex. Marbella and Puerto Banus are truly fashionable places. The Corte Inglez at Puerto Banus, Marbella, Fuengerola have each a good car park. and make parking easy. Public transport will take you to all of these areas. They also have excellent supermarkets called Hypercor. For really good (and cheap food) and clothing shopping, the local markets are fantastic. A list of the markets open on every day is in the apartment. The markets are excellent for all fruit and vegetables and much cheaper than supermarkets. Most sellers have grown their produce and it is truly 'organic'. Be prepared for larger quantities than maybe normal although they will serve 'cuaranto' (quarter) and 'medio' (half) kilo. The fish markets are an experience you should enjoy. Sardines are lovely or experiment with Lubina or Dorado. Marbella and Fuengerola both have excellent indoor markets, the nearest local market is La Cala. Food guide books in the apartment.

Eating Out: There are too many great eating places to attempt to give names but as a good first night, Da Bruno a very quick walk from the apartment, has great Italian food but with a Spanish seafood emphasis. However, book - the telephone number is listed in the apartment. Restaurants (ventas) catering for the Spanish workmen are always good and normally cheap. There is one on the A7 a short walk from the apartment. The Spanish share meals & restaurants willingly supply additional plates. Spanish custom is to eat late and a family think nothing of going to a restaurant for a meal at mid-night. The Germans eat early, so by aiming at around 7 - 8pm, seats are available. The Marina has very many good eating places from cheap to expensive but all along the coast you can eat cheaply and well. In Marbella Old Town, the Orange Square is delightful. Maps in the apartment. The churros & chocolate are sumptuous. Open every day but great for 'people watching' on a Sunday morning. Sundays, late lunch is a busy time with large groups of Spanish families. All restaurants in the marina are open throughout the year, some close for holiday periods in the early part of the year. It is interesting to try other areas and other restaurant up and down the coast. Eating outdoors throughout the year is normal but you may need a jacket in winter.

Supermarket shopping is easy to find. The nearest food shop to the apartment are in the small shopping complex opposite. The prices are not the cheapest but for things you run out of or convenience, it can't be beaten at three minutes walk away. The local garage also has large stocks and bakes fresh bread on the premises. For a main shop try the shopping areas at Calahonda and use Spanish goods where possible, they are much cheaper than the UK put there for the tourist. The Spanish supermarkets are well stocked and generally easy to use. Before paying check that they take credit/debit cards. Often you can be asked for your passport to verify your country of origin.

The fish counters in supermarkets are amazing to the deprived British and the fish markets in major towns such as Fuengerola and Marbella are a sight to be seen. Argentinian beef is better than Spanish and readily available. Pork is of a good quality but lamb not up to UK standard.