Discover the best of Costa del Sol with insider tips, local guides, and expert advice for making the most of your stay in Benahavís and beyond.
A hiking guide for guests at El Paraíso: easy Guadalmina river paths and the Montemayor castle in Benahavís, La Concha from Juanar or Istán, the Juanar viewpoint walk above Ojén, the Río Verde pools of Istán, the Torrecilla in the Sierra de las Nieves National Park and the Sierra Bermeja pinsapos, with official distances, times and drive times.
Our Caminito del Rey guide from the apartment in El Paraíso: official ticket prices and booking, opening days and age limit, the drive, parking and the shuttle bus, tours, what to bring and a simple day plan.
A day by day Marbella market guide for guests at El Paraíso: the Puerto Banús Saturday market in Nueva Andalucía, Marbella on Monday, San Pedro on Thursday, Estepona on Wednesday and Sunday, and the Benahavís Sunday rastro, with official days and hours, rough drive times and tips for a market morning.
The best beach clubs in Marbella, Puerto Banús and Estepona for guests at El Paraíso: Ocean Club, La Sala by the Sea, Nikki Beach, Playa Padre, Trocadero, Sublim, Beso Beach and Macaao, with rough drive times, published prices, seasons and when a simple chiringuito is the better choice.
How the Costa del Sol compares with the Canaries, the Algarve, Madeira, Cyprus and Malta for winter sun, using real January climate data. Plus what December to February actually feels like, things to do in winter near El Paraíso, and practical tips for wintering in Spain.
A practical Benahavís River Walk guide from our apartment in El Paraíso: what the Guadalmina gorge walk is like, guided vs independent, kit list, who it suits, tips and how to pair it with the village.
A practical guide to Mijas Pueblo from our apartment in Benahavís: the 50-minute drive east, where to park, Plaza de la Constitución, the ermita and coastal viewpoints, pottery streets, where to eat, and how to add La Cala de Mijas as a beach stop on the same loop.
A practical guide to the white villages of Andalucía you can reach from our apartment in Benahavís: Casares, Gaucín and the Genal Valley, blue Júzcar and Setenil de las Bodegas with its houses built under the rock, plus drive times, parking tips, food and three easy loops.
A month-by-month guide to Costa del Sol weather from our apartment in Benahavís: average air and sea temperatures, rain and sunshine, crowds, what's open, golf conditions, what to pack and the best time to visit Marbella for beaches, golf, hiking or winter sun.
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