Activities

Manilva Villa is ideally situated for a whole host of activities or days out.

For the keen golfer we are located at the heart of the Costa del Golf with several top flight courses within a half hours drive including Valderrama, one of the world's top five courses; Alcaidesa's golf links with its views of Gibraltar and the African coast; and our nearest course the long established Robert Trent Jones classic - Golf La Duquesa.

We are also strategically located as a base for exploring the area. Here are some suggestions for a good day out:

Marbella & Puerto Banus

The 'playground of the rich and famous' Marbella is famous throughout the world for its jetset lifestyle and its luxury image, with many stars and celebrities, such as Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffiths, making it their home

But apart from that Marbella still retains its old Spanish style in its famous 'Old Town' and you can still enjoy a meal out for a pleasantly reasonable price.

Take a stroll along Marbella's miles of promenade and just soak up the atmosphere or grab a plate of freshly grilled sardines from one of the beachside bars and restaurants.

One of the best places in the world to 'people watch', Puerto Banus is the place to see and be seen in.

Just a short step from the town of Marbella and with its luxury cars and even more luxurious yachts Banus is a glimpse of a completely different world.

Banus is also famous for its nightlife, its not unusual to see people still partying in the clubs at 6 in the morning, it is true that Banus never sleeps.

Gibraltar

One of the most unusual places you can visit is Gibraltar. An historical oddity, Gibraltar is a little piece of Britain in the southernmost tip of Europe.

Just a 25 minute drive from Puerto de la Duquesa you can be crossing the border into the Colony of Gibraltar (make sure you take your passport) and strolling up Main Street taking advantage of the tax free prices on tobacco and alcohol! (see here for allowances on returning to Spain).

Gibraltar is not just about cheap booze and cigarettes though, join one of the organised tours and you can visit the Upper Rock with its stunning views and the famous Rock Apes, visit St Michaels Cave and marvel at the stalactites, or jump on the cable car and stroll through the nature reserve.

After all that you will have earnt yourself something to eat and drink, which Gibraltar can cater for from its many bars and restaurants, ranging from British pubs to Mediterranean or Moroccan restaurants.

So whether it's some retail therapy you are after or a trip back in history Gibraltar makes a great day out.

Ronda

Nestled in the hillside just 80km from Duquesa and 116km from Malaga within Andalucia is the wonderful town of Ronda. The town which is steeped in history is dominated by the fact that the town is split in two sections by a 100m deep gorge. This spectacular gorge is bridged by the New Bridge (Puente Nuevo) built in 1751 and taking 42 years to build. This magnificent structure is one of the most photographed in Spain. On one side of the bridge is the old Moorish town with many historic buildings including the House of the Moorish King, worth a visit. On the other side is El Mercadillo, a more recent urban development. There is evidence of prehistoric man living near Ronda and the town has been influenced by every generation since. To the East of the town are the well preserved Arab Baths which were accidentally discovered when the house above them collapsed. The town is one of the most visited places in Andalucia and attracts thousands of visitors each week.

One of the best ways to visit Ronda is by an organised excursion, or take the train from San Roque.

Ronda is very compact and packed with things to see such as the Alameda Gardens and the Convent of la Merced, The famous bullring, one of the oldest in Spain, built in 1785 and now housing a museum, also still stages bullfights, the most famous are the traditional Goyesque Festival in September.

Ronda also offers a sprinkling of museums and galleries. Other places of interest include, the Gates of El Amocabar and Carlos V, the Town Hall and several churches. There are excellent shopping facilities and a wide range of bars and restaurants. Ronda is well known for it's pottery, leatherwork and wrought-iron products. The town is accessed by a reasonably good mountain road from San Pedro and Marbella and a smaller road from Gaucin and Manilva. Both routes very scenic but frightening at times. Ronda is best avoided in the rain. It can be hot on the coast but quite cool here so be prepared and bring a jacket with you.

The White Towns

The white towns or pueblos blancos of Andalucia are famous the world over, and are every visitors picture of the traditional Spain.

The nearest, and probably most famous, of these is Casares, visible from Manilva and a mere 15 minutes drive from Duquesa. The 'hanging village' as it is known, is built onto the hillside just below its ruined fortress and dates back to the Roman era.

With its narrow winding streets and multi-level houses, leading you up to the Castle where vultures soar and the views across to Gibraltar and Africa are stunning, Casares is a must for the visitor.

Other pueblos blancos within easy drive are Gaucin, Jimena de la Frontera and the fortified town of Castillar de la Frontera.

For more information about the area check out the following websites:

Manilva Life - Information and news for residedents and visitors to Sabinillas, Puerto de la Duquesa, Punta Chullera, Castillo and Manilva.

Property in the Sun - Life in Benarraba, one of Spain's white villages.

The Resident - English language newspaper serving Estepona, Manilva, Casares, San Roque and La Linea.

Andalucia.com - Comprehensive information about Andalucia.