DK Travel : Andalucía and Costa del Sol

The diverse and politically semi-autonomous region of Andalucía has a population of some 7 million and embodies what is thought of as typically Spanish – an accurate portrait of the place and its people must include the bullfight, flamenco, gypsies, remote white villages, high sierras and mass tourism on endless stretches of beach. The memories you take with you after a visit here will be colourful, joyous, intense and deeply stirring.

Málaga

Málaga’s famous sweet wines are made from the Moscatel and Pedro Ximénez grape varieties.
Málaga Wines

The Bodega El Pimpi in Málaga’s old town is decorated like a traditional Andalucían house, together with wine barrels and pots of geraniums in the windows, while the walls display photos of all the celebrities who have been here. Choose from among the sweet wines of the Málaga area, based on the Moscatel and Pedro Ximénez grapes.
Mammals

Wild creatures include wolves, lynxes, boar, genets, civets, mongoose, monk seal, dolphins, whales and the Barbary macaques of Gibraltar.
Mango

For the latest in younger women’s fashion trends, this is the place to come.
Mango, Benalmadena

Popular with the younger crowds, this club has an electric atmosphere. Most of its bars have a small dance floor and throbbing music.
Manuel de Falla

Andalucían de Falla (1876–1946) was Spain’s finest classical composer. One of his major works,The Three-Cornered Hat , has its roots deep in flamenco.
Manuel Machado

The works of Machado (1874–1947), such as Cante Jondo , evoke a poetic passion for Andalucía.
Manuel Morillo Castillo, Granada

Arab-style furniture and taracea (marquetry) boxes are made and sold here (see Granada Taracea).
Manzanilla

The fino sherry made in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. It is dry, pale and slightly salty.
Marbella

The Costa del Sol’s smartest town naturally has several fine beaches to recommend. To the east there are Cabo Pino, a nudist beach, and Las Dunas, sand dunes beside a modern marina. To the west you’ll find a string of party beaches, good for barbecues and dancing, including Victor’s Beach and Don Carlos, perhaps Marbella’s best.