Marbella has around 27 kms of beaches. Some of the most popular are in Guadalmina, Linda Vista, Rio Verdi and Puerto Banus. There a variety of water sports on most of the beaches in Marbella, including water skiing, jet skiing, parasailing and pedalos. The beaches are of different sizes, but they are all made up of the thick golden sand so typical of the Mediterranean. The sea water is notoriously clean along the Costa del Sol, which contributes to making these shores some of Europe's most beautiful. The Marbella coastline is a 15-minute drive from El Cortijo. 

Golf is hugely popular in the region, hence the area is spoiled with great courses. You will find many of these occupied by serious golfers taking golf package holidays, but this should not put you off experiencing these sublime courses yourself. Some clubs cater for the less-serious golfer wanting an afternoon round, and they include the Rio Real (pictured) and Marbella Golf Club, which will cost 60 to 100 euros for 18 holes.

Tarifa is a town on the Spanish mainland to the West of Gibraltar, which looks out across the Strait of Gibraltar to the North coast of Morocco. The Strait is renowned as being a fantastic place to spot whales and dolphins, so much so that The Blue Planet TV series was filmed at this location. Tarifa is also famous as a world championship wind surfing course, and is also very popular for parasailing. 

If you fancy something a bit different, you can always have a go at clay pigeon shooting. This shooting club is one of the best in Europe and provides one of the most stunning backdrops to a shooting range you will ever see. Other activites on offer here are air pistol and crossbow ranges, quadbiking and horseriding. The restaurant has regular BBQ's and a carvery on Sundays. Accommodation on-site. 

5 minutes from Picassso's birthplace, this magnificent art gallery showcases much of the art from his illustrious career. Situated within the Palacio de Buenavista, there are roughly 200 works across the museum's 12 halls. The Palacio is situated in Malaga's historic town centre. 

Gibralfaro Castle is one of the oldest sites in the area and dates from the 8th century when it was originally built by the Moors. It was rebuilt in the 14th and 15th centuries and was importantly used in the Spanish Civil War. Today there is a museum within the castle explaining the history of Malaga. A wall connects the castle with the Arabic fortress, Alcazaba. 

Built in 1057, the Alcazaba is one of the prominent features of Malaga left by its Arabic rulers of the time. It sits on the lower part of the ridge to the Gibralfaro Castle and is connected to it by a long rampart providing stunning views across Malaga. One of the most popular features of the fortress is the garden. 

The Alhambra palace and fortress is one of the most famous buildings in Andalucia. Located in the city of Granada, its first historical references arose during the war between the Arabs and Muladies in the 800s, and it has been occupied by Moors, Arabs and Christian rulers during its time. It has been developed into a complex over the centuries which incorporates a Renaissance palace, Muslim court and Moorish fortress. Today it is a museum exhibiting exquisite Islamic architecture thought to be hugely influential due to many 19th and 20th century interpretations of the building. 

Trader Vics has become a hugely popular bar and restaurant in Puerto Banus. The diverse food menu includes a wide selection of wok dishes and wood fired oven meals, and the venue has one of the most famous cocktail menus around. Located within the Alcazaba complex, the venue is surrounded by tropical gardens, pools and rivers. 

The Beach House is in the Elviria Hills part of Marbella and sits on its own sheltered part of the beach. It serves a wide selection of Spanish and International food, with the various fish dishes apparently a firm favourite. Many guests tend to use this venue as a place to spend the day - a sports club gives customers the option to do water sports around the bay, and the restaurant provides sun-recliners for just a few euros per day. 

One of many trendy hangouts in and around Puerto Banus, Terra Sana (literally translated to 'Healthy Earth'), is set out across two floors and features an outdoor terrace. Dedicated to serving the freshest food from the best ingredients in the area, Terra Sana leaves clients feeling as healthy as can be. Look out for their 'Catch of the Day' fish dishes and shots of Vitamin C. 

Start your evening at the Marbella Club Grill in the beautiful cocktail garden, and then move to your table to indulge in the excellent and innovative grill menu boasting both Spanish and International dishes. First-class waiters are on hand to guide you through the encyclopedic wine menu, and when the spectacular terrace opens in the summer months, you can see why this is one of the true gems of the Marbella restaurant scene. 

La Meridiana serves quality Spanish cuisine from an extensive menu. The atmosphere of this restaurant is truly unique - the decorations have a very colonial feel, and the dining areas span out into some beautiful Roman gardens. Another endearing element to this place is that most of the staff have worked there since the restaurant was opened over twenty years ago, hence the service is of the highest standard. From 11pm the clientele begin to move next door to the elegant La Notte nightclub.

This is regarded as one of the best Thai restaurants in town, and is famed for its incredibly flavoursome food. Serving a selection of oriental curries, dryer dishes and seafood, customers are spoiled for choice with what to order. The restaurant is fairly small but hugely popular, so you might want to book a table to avoid queuing.