Costa del Authentic

Summer season in Spain...rows of beach loving tourists by day, bars of beer loving tourists by night. It's still there, if you want it, but I highly recommend a deeper delve into life by the Costas for an authentic and more fulfilling experience of Spain.

The affluent times of Costa tourism for the Costa del Sol have long gone. Beach loungers are empty 10 months of the year, street menus have dog-eared corners and hotel offers are a sad reflection the partial occupancy levels. City life, conversely, has got it's sexy back. And it's hot. 

Málaga, now a major cruise hub, is bustling with visitors. It's grown up, learned how to appreciate word of mouth and holiday wallets, and is giving the modern holiday maker what it needs.

In a country struggling to stay above the economic recession, Málaga has cleaned up its act. 

Gone are the days of peddling gitanos and stalking guitarists. Instead, al fresco coffee shops are more chic, staff multi-lingual, eateries have accomplished a blend of rustic Andalusian tradition with minimalist design and hotels have joined the cool-set of rooftop pool bars, boutique chic and chill out music. The good old piña colada of the eighties has been replaced with Mojito mixology, no umbrella. 

My chic sleep, loyally luxurious at Molina Lario, where all the above apply. The new kid in town, five star Vincci del Posada, is also getting tremendously good feedback and still with great introductory rates.

If you need a beach over a pool, the city has this but you are only ever 20 mins to the coast, if you get the calling.

Off the beaten track, visit the Caves of Nerja and overnight in Hotel el Carabeo, for a taste of tourism without the buffet dinner for the masses.

Inland, go to Ronda, eat tapas, visit the bull ring, eat more tapas and bask in mountainside sunshine. This is a taster, you'll already be thirsty for more. And more there is, in abundance.

I could write on southern Spain forever. It won my heart many years ago. It's time to let ooh la Paloma Blanca fly, discover the modern and stylish side to authentic Spain.

'Til next time, Pandora

Photos: Pandora Skies, Molina Lario