Spain’s Costa del Sol 2019-2020

The Costa del Sol area in the south of Spain was a beautiful area to spend the holiday season with Meredith, Elliot, Isla and Freya. 

We stayed near Malaga (Torremolinos and Nerja). It’s a long way from California, but only a 2 1/2 hour flight from Amsterdam (with no time change). 

The weather was reasonably good (mid-60’s) with lots of good beach time for the kids. Definitely a good way to end 2019 and to start off the new year.

Diane and I arrived in Malaga a few days earlier. One evening, we took the opportunity to visit Calle Molino Lario (downtown Malaga) and the festival of lights. It was quite a scene with hundreds of people - lots of families with young kids dazzled by the light show.

Our Airbnb flat in Torremolinos was a few feet from the sand. The weather was warm - just what Amsterdammers are longing for at the Costa del Sol.

Freya enjoyed the sand more than the water but was always ready for some beach time.

Torremolinos has many quaint, narrow, tiled passages lined with cafes, restaurants, bars and shops. This scene was just outside the door of our flat.

Isla, who's been taking swimming lessons, was comfortable playing in the waves and running around the edges of the water.

After nearly a week in Torremolinos, we moved to Nerja, a hilly, beachfront town an hour east of Malaga. Below is a vista from our Airbnb overlooking the town. Looking left, we had a decent ocean view. The beach was about a five minute walk.

Only about a ten minute drive, the Cueva de Nerja (Nerja Cave) was a fascinating place to visit. The limestone cave's most striking feature is a nearly one hundred foot long stalactite. Also of interest is that they hold concerts in the cave (which undoubtedly would be an incredible experience).

We visited Playa de Maro, a quaint little beach near Nerja. Nearby, apparently there are waterfalls. We didn't see them.

Nerja's beach was very picturesque - and best, it was just a few minute walk from our place.

Oma, Freya and Isla on the walk from our flat to the beach in Nerja. Isla effortlessly floats along the tiled walkway.

We visited the hill town of Frigiliana, a beautiful little white village with a Moorish influence. Lots of orange trees everywhere.

Steep and narrow passages must keep these people pretty healthy.

Our last day, Diane and I moved closer to Malaga Airport to catch an early morning flight. I took the opportunity to walk up to the Castillo de Gibralfaro, a Moorish castle, dating back to the 17th century. It has panoramic views of the Malaga harbor and the city.
  

In Nerja, I coerced another tourist to take a family photo at the Balcon de Europa. However, Freya obviously felt that she needed a nap more than to pose for a silly family photo.

We flew back to California (to weather much like Malaga's). Later in the afternoon, Meredith, Elliot and kids flew back to Amsterdam, a bit colder and damper than we had enjoyed in Malaga. And so ended another adventure.