After a somewhat gruelling 10/11 days touring the cites and towns of Andalucia, what better way to unwind and prepare for the return to 'real' life than a few days at the beach. With this in mind, we chose to stay in NERJA, a more sedate resort than some of the brasher options on the Costa del Sol, further to the west.

Nerja is, by Spanish costa standards, relatively unspoilt and under-developed. No huge monolithic temples to the concrete God here - not yet, at least. It still has the feel of a real Spanish town...so much for first impressions. The trouble is, it's very popular with Brits and therefore most of the bars and restaurants etc cater for that market. This is great if you're hankering for the full English breakfast, or perhaps a Sunday Roast washed down with a pint of Tetleys, but that's not my idea of Spanish living.

The Balcon de Europa is the heart of the town. It's a palm and plane tree-lined promenade that leads from the 17th century Church of El Salvador to a semi-circular viewpoint on the cliff-top. There are hotels and bars on one side, but any building on the other side is limited to some decorative arches - there are some spectacular sunsets from here and it can get quite busy around that time of day. Up until 1812 there used to be a fort here and that is evidenced by some ancient cannons standing sentinel over the seaward approaches to the town. This is where everyone gathers for the evening promenade, but as it's only a couple of hundred metres long, it's not much of a stroll. Still, the view's nice.

Similarly, eating and drinking opportunites weren't brilliant either. There were far too many English pubs (not to mention a bogfull of 'Irish' pubs - you know the type, paint it green, serve Guinness and begorrah, you're in business). I was on the look-out for Spanish 'themed' bars, but they were about as rare as good taste in Blackpool. There were some, but this is definitely a town that has it's fair share of ex-pat pubs.
I suppose that's what some people want, a little slice of 'wherever' in the sun, but not me.

A few miles inland, is the village of Frigliana, which we did visit. Frigliana has been voted the 'most beautiful village in Andalucia' several times. it's not hard to see why. Dazzlingly-white buildings crowd around steep and narrow streets. Floribunda in abundance only adds to the beauty. The village is perched on the side of a mountain and has fantastic views down over the valley towards the sea.
There's not an awful lot to do here, but a few hours wandering the narrow streets followed by some tapas and a drink makes a welcome change from supping ale and chomping pies at the Rose & Crown.

In its favour, it's not brash, there are plenty of excellent beaches, the setting and the scenery is pretty good, and it felt fairly safe and friendly. It's probably a good place for families and those who like a less lively resort. And those who can't bear to leave dear old Blighty back home.