Costa del Sol- Gibraltar – Cape Verde

Culture in Málaga

A stroll through Málaga’s old town takes you past colourful facades, wine and tapas bars and orange trees that adorn the squares and streets. A highlight is the Museo Picasso with over 200 works by the artist not far from his birthplace. The Alcazaba fortress and the Castillo de Gibralfaro tower high above the city, offering marvellous panoramic views. Both are among the most important historical sights in the Spanish provincial capital on the Costa del Sol. If you want to relax afterwards, treat yourself to some time out in the Hammam Al Ándalus, the city’s Arab-Andalusian baths.

Village idyll and spectacular nature

Day trips lead to the mountain village of Ronda, which lies high above a deep gorge – the famous stone bridge offers a fantastic view. In Setenil de las Bodegas, white houses have been spectacularly built into the rock. The more adventurous can hike the Caminito del Rey along steep walls – a breathtaking path of almost eight kilometres. The stalactite caves of Nerja and the white village of Frigiliana also impress with their natural and architectural beauty.

Dolce Vita on the coast

Puerto Banús and Marbella are synonymous with stylish beach life, elegant boutiques and a celebrity atmosphere. You can relax at one of the many chiringuitos right by the sea – with sun, sea views and a sea breeze. You can watch dolphins on a catamaran trip along the coast. Those who prefer to stay on land can visit the white alleyways of Benalmádena Pueblo or stroll through the lively marina Puerto Marina in Benalmádena with its restaurants, bars and Mediterranean flair.

Experience architecture and design

The Moorish splendour of the Alhambra near Granada is one of the most impressive buildings in Spain – ornate palaces, gardens and views included. Back in Málaga, the Málaga Automobile and Fashion Museum in an old tobacco factory impresses with a stylish combination of historic luxury cars and haute couture.

Fantastic golf courses

The Costa del Sol is a paradise for golfers – with over 70 first-class courses, it is one of the top golf regions in Europe and is often referred to as the “Costa del Golf”. Many courses offer sea views, palm tree backdrops and perfect conditions. The luxury resorts Finca Cortesin, La Zambra Resort and the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace are particularly popular with golf enthusiasts. Whether a relaxed tee-off or a sporting challenge – every round is an experience here.

Culinary delights

Andalusian cuisine spoils you with seafood, tapas and flavoursome meat dishes. Classics include zarzuela de marisco (fish soup), rabbit stew and suckling pig. Recommended gourmet addresses include the Michelin-starred restaurant Sollo in Fuengirola, the elegant Restaurante El Lago in Marbella or José Carlos García in Málaga – a stylish, modern restaurant at the Muelle Uno marina with a view of luxury yachts.

Spend the night in style

Whether stylish in Marbella or charming in Estepona – the choice is huge. We particularly recommend the first-class METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella or the Vincci Selección Posada del Patio in the centre of Málaga. Those looking for trendy accommodation will find what they are looking for at the Only YOU Hotel in the centre of Málaga. The traditional Marbella Club Hotel and the stylish Nobu Hotel – with Japanese elegance and top gastronomy – offer luxurious breaks.

Around the Rock

The cable car ride up the famous Rock of Gibraltar is a must. Once at the top, a spectacular view of Gibraltar, Spain and Morocco awaits. If you’re feeling active, hike to the summit on the steep Mediterranean Steps Trail. If you’re lucky, you might encounter the famous Barbary macaques on the way. The brave can cross the 70 metre Windsor Suspension Bridge over a deep gorge.

Deep under the rock

Gibraltar’s eventful history becomes visible in the underground tunnels. The Great Siege Tunnels date back to the 18th century and were excavated from the solid limestone by the British during the Great Siege of Gibraltar. During the Second World War, Churchill and Eisenhower used the World War II Tunnels as a command centre. They served as a warehouse, workshop and shelter for soldiers. Another highlight is St Michael’s Cave with its impressive stalactite formations – the cave even becomes a concert stage during special events.

Parks, panorama and sea

Botany fans are drawn to the Alameda Botanic Gardens with exotic and native plants, historic cannons and an open-air theatre. For breathtaking views, head to Europa Point, the southern end of the Gibraltar headland with views as far as Africa. The Skywalk – opened by “Luke Skywalker” aka Mark Hamill – offers 360° panoramic views and connects highlights such as the Windsor Suspension Bridge and the Apes’ Den, where Barbary apes can be admired at close quarters. Those looking to relax can unwind on Gibraltar’s beaches or play a round of golf on one of the courses in the nearby Spanish countryside.

A touch of Las Vegas

The Admiral Casino at Ocean Village offers gambling and live entertainment in an elegant setting right by the water. The promenade with its bars, cafés and shops also invites you to take a stroll – ideal for a relaxing evening by the sea. Main Street, Gibraltar’s central shopping and promenade area, is lined with shops, restaurants and historic buildings. It runs from Casemates Square to Southport Gate – a must for all visitors.

Freshly caught fish

Thanks to its location between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Gibraltar is a paradise for fish lovers. The Aquaterra, The Little Rock Restaurant & Bar and Fern’s Curry Sushi & Indo Chinese Wok with Indian-Chinese fusion cuisine are particularly popular. Many restaurants offer wonderful views of the harbour or bay. Whether Mediterranean specialities or British classics such as fish & chips – Gibraltar’s culinary scene combines influences from Spain, Great Britain and the rest of the world.

Hotels with character

One highlight is the Sunborn Hotel – the world’s first floating luxury yacht hotel. It offers 5-star comfort, a rooftop bar and harbour views. For a more classic experience, stay at the elegant The Rock Hotel with its fantastic panoramic views over the bay and historic ambience. Other accommodation can be found around the old town or directly at Ocean Village.

From salt lakes to volcanoes

A special experience is a swim in the salt pans on Sal: you can float weightlessly in the salt lakes. The white sandy beaches include the long, crescent-shaped beach of Santa Maria on the lively south coast. Those looking for more adventure can visit the active volcano Pico do Fogo on the island of the same name or hike through green valleys, river gorges and spectacular mountain landscapes on Santo Antão – a contrast to the otherwise rather dry surroundings.

Kite hotspot Boa Vista

Boa Vista impresses with its kilometres of beaches and turquoise waters. The island is a hotspot for kitesurfers, but also perfect for relaxed family holidays. Ideal for a day trip: Praia de Atalanta, where the wreck of the freighter Cabo Santa Maria has been lying in the sand since 1968. Quad bike or jeep tours through the dune landscapes are also popular – with a bit of luck, you might even spot some turtles.

Islands full of music and culture

Cape Verde has a unique cultural heritage: colonial architecture, fishing villages and music await visitors to São Vicente. The famous singer Cesária Évora lived here and her melancholic morna sound – a popular and widespread Cabo Verde music style that probably originated on Boavista – is played in many places. Cidade Velha on Santiago, the oldest town in the country, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and tells the story of the archipelago’s eventful history.

Discoveries on and off the beaches

Nature lovers will get their money’s worth on Santa Luzia: the uninhabited island is a nature reserve with an impressive landscape. On Sal, you can enjoy a swim in the Buracona Blue Eye – a grotto in which the sunlight conjures up a bright blue “eye”. Or fly a kite on Ponta Sino beach, where the wind is always blowing. Travelling between the islands is easy by ferry or domestic flight – perfect for discovering the diversity of the archipelago.

Savour Creole cuisine

Cachupa Rica is typical of Cape Verde – a savoury stew with corn, beans, vegetables and meat. Freshly caught fish and grilled langoustines are a must and tropical fruits such as papaya or guava sweeten the dessert. Larger hotels offer stylish restaurants, often with live music. If you prefer authenticity, head to small restaurants – with a warm atmosphere, Creole charm and home-made specialities.

Beach hotels with a feel-good factor

The luxurious Riu Palace Boavista with its all-inclusive offer is located directly on the beach of Boa Vista. On the island of Sal, the exclusive Buddha Beach Hotel awaits with a cosy atmosphere and fantastic fusion restaurant Mediterràneo Fusión. The adults-only Hotel Riu Cabo Verde on Sal also promises relaxing holidays on a paradisiacal sandy beach. Business travellers can stay at the Hotel Morabeza on Sal, which is not far from a number of sights and has five restaurants of its own.