Page 395 - Lonely Planet Europe’s Best Trips (Travel Guide)

Puerto Deportivo de
Benalmádena, striking
for its Gaudí-cum-Asian- TOP TIP:
cum-Mr Whippy–style TOLL ROAD AP7
architecture, and large
choice of bars, restau- If you are travelling in July and August, consider
rants and shops overlook- taking the AP7 toll road, at least between Fuengirola
ing the boats (one of and Marbella as the A7 can become dangerously
which reputedly belongs congested. This particular A7 stretch (formerly part of
to actor celeb and native the N340) used to be notorious for accidents; however,
malagueño Antonio the situation has improved since the introduction of a
Banderes). 80km/h speed limit in former trouble spots.
5 p397
The Drive » Continue on the very well, with no cages cobbled streets, dipping
N340, which hugs the coast and or bars, but, rather, spa- into the tapas bars and
passes through the busy coastal cious enclosures and con- shopping for souvenirs.
resort of Benalmádena Costa. servation and breeding Be sure to walk up to the
Note that there is a 50km speed programs. Plaza de Toros (museum €3; SPAIN 28 COSTA DEL SOL BEYOND THE BEACHES
limit on this scenic stretch. h10am-8pm); an unusual
5 p397 square-shaped bullring
The Drive » From Fuengirola’s at the top of the village,
4 Fuengirola central Renfe train station, take surrounded by lush
The appeal of Fuengirola Avenida Alcalde Clemente Díaz ornamental gardens with
lies in the fact that it is a Ruiz inland. Cross the autovia A7 spectacular views of the
genuine Spanish working and continue on the Carretera coast. Mijas also has a
town, as well as a popular de Mijas. In Mijas follow signs large foreign resident
to the underground carpark (€1
resort. There is a large for 24 hours). This 7km journey population and a vigor-
foreign resident popula- should take around 10 minutes. ous calendar of events,
tion here as well, many including live flamenco
of whom arrived here in shows in the main
the ’60s and stayed after 5 Mijas plaza every Wednesday
their ponytails went grey. The pueblo blanco at noon, an annual blues
Grab a (bar) chair in (white village) of Mijas festival in July and
pretty flower-festooned has retained its sugar- regular concerts in the
Plaza de la Constitucíon, cube cuteness despite auditorium.
which is overlooked by being on the coach-tour
the baroque facade of the circuit. Art buffs should The Drive » Return to the A7
autovia. This double carriageway
church, then explore the check out the Centro passes through the most
surrounding narrow pe- de Arte Contemporá- densely built span of the entire
destrian streets flanked neo de Mijas (CAC; www. Costa, with urbanisations such
by idiosyncratic small cacmijas.info; Calle Málaga 28; as Calahonda and Miraflores
shops and tapas bars. The admission €3; h10am-7pm that date from the 1980s,
excellent Bioparc (%952 Tue-Sun) contemporary when the Costa was at its peak
66 63 01; www.bioparcfuengiro- art museum, with its of popularity and expansion.
la.es; Avenida Camilo José Cela; second-largest collec- Continue west along here until
you reach the exit for Marbella;
adult/child €18/13; h10am- tion of Picasso ceramics a total drive of 33km or 25
sunset; p), northwest of in the world. Otherwise minutes.
here, is the Costa’s best this village is all about
zoo and treats its animals
strolling the narrow

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