Ten Tips to get the best value from your Spanish Holiday
How to get the best value from your Spanish holiday here in the Axarquia, Andalucia and have a great holiday without breaking the bank
With its sun, sea, stunning landscapes and historic cities, Andalucía is one of the best places in Europe to enjoy a fantastic holiday while spending very little.
What’s more, getting here needn’t cost a lot if you know where to look - and it’s one of the cheapest destinations for car hire and fuel prices
one get the cheapest flights Málaga airport is now seved by many airlines from most parts of the world - including many low cost options. Low cost airlines are often cheaper mid-week. Fortunately we have no fixed arrival and departure days, so you can take advantage of the cheapest flights available. For detailed advice see http://www.vivasiesta.com/flying-to-malaga.html
two eat like the Spaniards do Spaniards tend to eat their main meal at around 2pm (followed by a long siesta) and this is when prices are cheapest - you can have a slap-up, 3 course lunch for around 7.50 euros including drinks. And of course homemade meals can be a pleasure too - dine in style on your own sundrenched terrace on excellent local produce such as Serrano ham, delicious cheeses, fresh fruit and vegetables and locally caught fish and seafood – not forgetting a wide choice of good quality inexpensive wines. We’ll recommend some of the best local bars, restaurants, shops and markets – and a copy of our own book on eating and drinking in the Axarquia is available in all our properties.
three explore the stunning local countryside “East of Malaga lies a spectacular area of mountainous country sprinkled with ancient sunbleached villages where 21st Century hustle still seems a long way away. This wedge of Malaga province is known as the Axarquia”. This is how David Baird describes our local area in his book “Back Roads of Southern Spain”. Whether you fancy an easy stroll, a bird-watching trip or a hike to the top of Mount Maroma - borrow our guide books, maps and in-house information sheets and plan your own itinerary.
four join in the fiestas There are fiestas of one sort or another in our villages and local area throughout much of the year. Depending on the location and time of year, you can see genuine flamenco and verdiales (local folk music groups), feast on paella, taste local delicacies, view artisan crafts and exhibitions, watch horse races, processions and fireworks – all absolutely free. Ask us what might be on at the time of your visit.
five enjoy a barbeque in the mountains Take a break from the heat of the sun and spend a day in the pine and cork oak forests of the Sierra Tejeda. Collect your own firewood and cook up a feast on one of the specially built barbeques. Then go for a stroll among the wild rosemary and rock roses and take in some of the most amazing views in Andalucia.
six have a great day out in Málaga Málaga is a wonderful town, still largely undiscovered by tourists. Currently hoping to become European City of culture in 2016, there’s lots to see and do – much of it for free. For example, visit to the Contemporary Art Galley (CAC) which has rolling exhibitions of world-class artists, explore the historic old town, walk in the tropical gardens or take a stroll by the sea. The Picasso Museum is free to under 19’s and over 65’s - and free to all on the last Sunday of the month.
seven days by the sea There are beautiful beaches within an easy drive. The delightful coves edging the national park are completely unspoilt and more or less deserted for much of the year, while the long sandy beaches at Nerja are perfect for a family day out and lovers of water sports.
eight spend time in the villages One of the things our guests enjoy most is spending time in the peace and tranquillity of a real Spanish village, getting to know the local people while still being within easy strike of the sea and the mountains. There are many walks in the stunning landscape that surrounds the villages and inexpensive open-air swimming pools during the summer months.
nine take a trip on a train Spanish trains are clean, comfortable and surprisingly cheap compared with many other European countries. For example, you could treat yourself to day trip to the historic city of Cordoba, with its breathtaking Mezquita, world-famous patio festival and much more besides. At 20 euros one way (13.50 euros for kids) it’s not free, but it’s definitely a bargain!
ten spend day at the Alhambra Granada is only an hour and a half’s drive away. Spend a whole day at the Alhambra Palace for 12 euros (under 8s, over 65s and people with disabilities free).
We advise people to book ahead online to be sure of getting in – ask us for info on how to do this.