Places to visit near the apartment
Casares - A beautiful picture postcard village with a breathtaking approach that inspires the first time visitor to slow down to absorb the stunning view. In the highest part of Casares there are three outstanding architectural elements to explore; the ruins of its Arabic fort; the cemetery, & the parish church of La Encarnación, from the 16th century.
Duquesa - The perfect place for a morning croissant & coffee, overlooking the variety of boats that jostle in the marina. The attractive promenade around the marina is home to a tempting selection of family restaurants, bars & cafés.
Castillo de Castellar - a great spot with an intersting old town overlooking the lake. You can reach the village by turning inland at Sotogrande.
Al Hambra, near Granada - one of the 'wonders of the world' (in my opinion). Absolutely worth a trip. About 3 hours from the apartment.
Gibraltar - There is plenty to do on a trip to Gibraltar, including; the walk across the airstrip, the monkeys at the top, the moorish castle & the concert hall within the rock. Also a good place to spot dolphins.
Gaucin - another white village, reached on the road further inland from Casares.
Rhonda - Famous for its dramatic escarpments & the deep El tajo gorge that carries the rio Guadalevin through its centre. Visitors make a beeline for the 18th century Puente Nuevo, which straddles the 100m chasm below for irs unparalleled views out over the Serrania de Ronda mountains. Across the bridge, where an elegant cloistered 16th century convent is now an art museum, old Ronda sidewinds off into cobbled streets hemmed by handsome town mansions.
Estepona - Estepona is well known for having kept its Spanish charm & character, with its many cafes &tapas bars serving traditional Spanish food & it's older part, with its narrow streets & cobbles. The marina at Estepona is situated at the west end of the promenade & has an excellent choice of bars & restaurants to suit all types. A market takes place here every Sunday morning.
Beaches
Estepona - El Cristo beach; situated in a lovely cove to the west of Estepona marina, with a number of beach bars. Perfect for young kids, since it is shallow for a ways out. La Rada beach; the towns most popular beach in the centre of Estepona. It is 2.6km long & has an attractive promenade alongside.
Duquesa - Plenty of decent beaches from the Port heading south. Favourite location is near the Bahia Romeo chiringuito (entrance via the Eroski roundabout). Picture on the right of family fishing.
Punta Chullera - Located a couple of miles south of the apartment. Awkward to get to though. you need to come from south & take steep exit & then head to the end (in northerly direction). The best beach around (in my opinion) with great rocks to jump into sea from. Lovely beach bar.
Torreguadiaro - a great large beach at the north side of Torreguadiaro.
Sotogrande - decent beaches on each side of Sotogrande. On the south side a good spot is near the mouth of the river, where you can hire saling boats & kayaks & watch the kite-surfers.
Tarifa - the 'place' in Europe for kite-surfing. Even if you are not kite-surfing, a great, long beach, with a dune at the western end. Tarifa is also a great town, which trendy surf/clothing stores.
Restaurant recommendations
Domingo's - A lovely fish restaurant without frills, popular with locals (best calamari in Spain!). Right besides Puerto Duquesa in the small fishing village of El Castillo.
El Refugia - A cheap, but pleasant & authentic tapas bar in El Castillo.
Dolphin cafe - In Puerto Duquesa overlooking the harbour. Lovely cafe for breakfast, light snacks & homemade cake.
Macues - A high class Spanish cuisine including whole sea bass cooked in a salt crust. Located in the marina at Pueto Duquesa.
Parapiros - Food is fantatsic, although I do have the pasta arrabbiata everytime. Two levels up in Duquesa harbour.
Arroyo Honda - The restaurant is situated prior to village of Casares (from Casares Playa direction). One of the best restaurants in the area, famous for its Sunday lunch.
The Forge - Located close to Arroyo Honda, with great food & pleasant al fresco dining.
Il Capitano - Italian Pizzeria, located in Plaza Fuerte in Duquesa, a bustling square full of al fresco dining.
Cafe Ke - Large menu including light snacks & tapas situated on the rather sophisticated Sotogrande Marina. We also like going there for breakfast or just a coffee to look at the amazing boats & people watch!
Homemakers cafe - Part of the Homemakers store in Torreguadiario. Best coffee & tosados around.