Costa del Sol

[glitch]

I'm off to the Costa del Sol soon for a long weekend and I am trying to work out which area to stay (I know nothing about Spain!)
I want it to be walking distance to a town with some charm, close to sea but not too crazy touristy. I am thinking evenings of food and wine rather than nightclubs.

I think Nerja could be one area that works for a night or so but is there anywhere similar the other side of Malaga that is similar?

Thanks for any help

If you have kids with you head to Benalmadena - it's full of child friendly things to do and it's quite pretty. The old town is very charming and the beaches are lovely. There are a lot of very nice villages such as Mijas an easy bus ride away. If you are going for an adult trip I'd recomend there or Fuengirola - lots of bars, restuarants etc. We've been to Spain quite a few times now & it's all lovely really - you can't go wrong :)

Thanks angemorange, I will have a look at that now. Just 2 of us going this time so we don't need anything child friendly.

What are your thoughts on Malaga and Marbella itself? Are the places round them preferable to the towns themselves?

Anyone been to Estaponia?

Estapona even

Estepona is lovely.

We like Nerja, lots of good restaurants in the old town & many villas are walking distance to the old town.

We went recently to Malaga (old town)
Brilliant for what you want it think
Tapas to die for too

Malaga has a bit of everything - culture, shopping, restaurants and bars. Think you would enjoy it. Barcelona in North also great for a weekend - lots to see and do and fantastic shopping :)

Oooh, thank you.
Have booked one night in Nerja and was thinking 2 in Estepona but may have a look at Malaga old town instead or perhaps Mijas (Estepona seems such a long way round towards Gibralter)

Seems like there are quite a few lovely places. Too much choice!!

Yes I think Estepona would be too far for a weekend, it's a long drive from the airport.

We love Estepona and have been many times. It's an hour from Malaga airport and is totally worth the drive past the touristy hotspots of Benalmadena an Fuengirola. It's much more Spanish, has a gorgeous beach and lovely marina for evening meals. The old town is lovely for a wander and there's a fab little cove just to the west of the marina which is great for kids.
Nerja is also lovely though, good choices!