Costa del Sol: Cruise the South

Malaga

Málaga, the closest city with a large airport and the center of the Costa del Sol, will most likely be your point of entrance. But don't be in a hurry to leave town! Stay and explore this Andalusian metropolis. While in Málaga, you must visit both the Picasso Museum and his childhood home. (on Plaza de la Merced).

As you browse for mementos on the main road (Calle Marqués de Larios) and try local specialities like fritura malquena (mixed fried seafood), let Picasso's natural ingenuity inspire you. Visitors should also see the local Cathedral, which is a lovely cultural reference point.

Marbella

This is the spot on the Costa del Sol as far as some international bigwigs are concerned. You’ll find five star hotels lining the beach and a continuous string of tables that form a wonderfully communal open-air restaurant during summer months.This is representative of the lavish lifestyle and gustatory preferences of the Spanish. Though you'll enjoy the services of a private chef on board your luxury yacht, you'll be glad to be so near to real life in Spain once you step foot ashore..

Take a stroll through the orange-tree-lined Plaza de los Naranjos and breathe in the tangy, sea-salted air. Marbella has a port, but Puerto Bans, to the west of the city, is where the locals and tourists alike go to socialize. Let the captain take you there for some stargazing, palm tree lounging, and whitewashed buildings.