Spain2008

Spain

December 2008

Benalmádena is a small resort situated close to Torremolinos in the heart of Spain’s Costa Del Sol. The two photos shown (Benalmadena 1 Benalmadena 2) are of Benalmádena’s busy marina. Along the coast is Marbella and at this time of year (December) the only birds enjoying the beach are of the feathered variety. Next door to Marbella is Puerto Banus. The focal point is the marina which has berths for around 1000 boats.

During our week away in mid-December the weather was very sunny, although at the start of the week coats were required but as the week went by it did turn warmer Plenty of room on the beach as a plane comes in to land at nearby Malaga airport Torremolinos 2 with the snow capped mountain in the distance.

To the east of Malaga is the resort of Nerja. The Balcón de Europa viewpoint Nerja 2 gives stunning views across the sea Nerja 3 and overlooks some of the quiet coves Nerja 1 and beaches Nerja 4 which run along the coast.

For me, the highlight of our holiday was a day trip to Gibraltar. Access to “The Rock”, after clearing passport control, is straight across the runway of the small airport Gibraltar 1 . The main square has a number of bars and cafes and is an ideal spot to stop for the many daytrippers Gibraltar 2. Along with tourism Gibraltar is also a commercial centre with a busy port. Gibraltar 3 Gibraltar 5

Living on the upper part of the Rock are the famous “Barbary Apes” Gibraltar 4 or Barbary Macaques. Popular belief holds that as long as Barbary Macaques exist on Gibraltar, the terriory will remain under British rule. In the Rock itself there are series of tunnels which have been excavated during various conflicts which act as a strategic garrison overlooking the land and sea Gilbraltar 6.

There are constant reminders of “all things British” - 1970’s GPO telephone box Gilbraltar 7.

Number 6, Convent Place – The Chief Minister's Office Gibraltar 8