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The first major resort on this coast is an excellent quieter choice, with 19 km (12 miles) of beach . In the casco antiguo (old town), Plaza Las Flores retains considerable charm.

The 15th-century Plaza de los Naranjos is the heart of the old town of Marbella, Spain’s most expensive resort. Nearby Puerto Banús is the town’s glittering marina , where you can admire the fabulous yachts and breathe the same air as the super-rich.

Come here for the views of the coast, as well as the maze of old Moorish streets filled with charming shops in the numerous tiny squares.

This large resort is the most family-orientated, with a good beach and a recently remodelled seafront promenade. There is a restored 10th-century Moorish castle overlooking the town.

This resort comes in three parts: the old town inland; the beach and port area ; and Arroyo de la Miel, a lively suburb.

Torre de los Molinos (Tower of the Windmills) refers to a Moorish watchtower that was at one time surrounded by 19 flourmills. The ancient Torre Vigia is still here, but surrounding it now is a big, brash and trashily modern resort that is the quintessence of inexpensive fun .

Málaga is mostly a transit point for the average visitor and thus remains very Spanish in character. Andalucía’s second largest city has an interesting historic district dominated by a vast 8th-century fortress and the ruins of the 14th-century Castillo de Gibralfaro.

This resort is favoured by Spanish families, so is less tawdry than others to the west. The tree-lined seafront promenade is part of a recent attempt to prettify facilities.

The old quarter of this market town has beautiful Mudéjar features. An annual flamenco guitar competition is held here every July.

No high-rises here; Nerja is all white-washed good taste, surmounting attractive, verdant cliffs with quiet sandy beach coves below.