A Touch of Spanish perfection

No less than a hop skip and a jump from the hustle and bustle of busy London life, well two hours by plane from the capitol, lies the picturesque Spanish city of Malaga. Situated in the heart of the region known around the world as "Costa Del Sol" lies the stunning resort town of Marbella, a tourist Mecca, moulded for the discerning traveller or the part time golf enthusiast.

The area around Marbella, according to the local residents has officially been re-named "Costa Del Golf", and the signs around the place seem to be in agreement. A 200 square Kilometre piece of ground should never be able to accommodate 30 golf courses, never mind the 84 which are currently available to play.

Designed by the likes of Spanish greats Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal, these courses make life competitive for the above average player and a living hell for the less accomplished golfers like myself. The venues, for the most part are affordable and very pleasant on the eye, but for those who choose to play the likes of Valderama (site for the European Tour Championship every year), expect to pay an arm and half of your right leg.

For those who do not like the wonderful game, or the allure of sun drenched beaches or pools, there is always the Fuengirola market, which takes place every Tuesday. Wonder through the huge array of stalls, selling anything from a variety of reasonable branded clothing and shoes, to exotic foodstuffs and flags. A must for any shopahollic, but make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen. If markets are not to your liking, you are welcome to take a fascinating visit to the Cortija Bacardi. Yes the name may sound familiar, for they are the second biggest producer of the delicious white rum in Europe. A free Breezer and a sample of the magnificent eight year old rum is an experience not to be missed.

The next step of the tour is to the Columbus Diamond Corporation, the biggest seller of fine cut diamonds on the continent. An interesting tour, and for the ladies a diamond and precious stone selling centre which offers up to 25% off on selected jewellery. Gentlemen, hide your credit cards.

Casinos, water parks, HUGE shopping centres and enough small towns and castles to satisfy the most enthusiastic historical buff, makes this the ideal vacation venue, or heaven on earth if you wish to retire abroad. South African visitors to Spain do unfortunately need to apply for a visa, but these are easily available from your nearest consulate.

With a guaranteed 350 days of sunshine a year and 14 hours of light during the Summer, what more could holiday-makers want?

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