Estepona

Its location between sea and mountains makes it possible to enjoy a very wide appeal, counting among them, magnificent beaches along its 21 km of coastline.

The oldest remains found date back to prehistory, although it is noted influences and traces of Roman, Phoenician, Moorish and medieval, including leaving as a token of their cultures, major landmarks like the Clock Tower, numerous towers beacons The San Luis Castillo and the Iglesia de los Remedios. Obligatory visit to the municipal museums, located in the original Plaza de Toros de Estepona. Also highlights its excellent cuisine, folklore and festivals

Things to do on the Costa del Sol
Andalucía is so much more than just sun soaked tourist destination, steeped in history and culture. This popular part of Spain has brought the world the stunning art of Flamenco dance, fiestas and fairs which last for days on end, the majestic Andalucian Horse, the Alambra Palace in Granada, the famous Easter processions in Seville, Malaga is the birth place of Picasso and Marbella was transformed from a sleepy fishing village to one of the world’s most well known jet set destinations in the 1960’s by Prince Alfonso Von Hohenlohe, relative of the AGH Estepona Hotel & Spa’s Managing Director, Hereditary Prince Carlos Von  Hohenlohe.
There are a million different things to do in Andalucía, from playing golf to sailing; as well as experiencing history and culture.

Sightseeing
Choose from Marbella Cadiz, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Ronda, Malaga, Jerez, Gibraltar or even Morocco! Visits to these different cities and cultural destinations can be organized by the AGH Estepona Hotel & Spa.

Marbella -
Meaning ‘beautiful sea’, once a tiny fishing village, began to transform into the play ground of the Jet set in the 1960’s, much of this change was spearheaded by Prince Alfonso Von Hohenlohe who saw the possibilities of Marbella and opened the Marbella Club Hotel as a retreat for the rich and famous. To this day the Hohenlohe family still holds strong roots within Marbella and its most important industry, tourism.
One of Marbella’s greatest charms is the Old Town (Casco Antiguo), narrow streets and pretty plazas such as The Orange Square, filled with tiny shops and cafes serving tapas and other local delights, it is the ideal place to spend a morning over a coffee and ‘churros’ (deep fried pastry snacks), or have a romantic dinner while watching the world pass by.
While visiting Marbella’s old town you will more than likely come across the ‘Murallas del Castillo’ which are ancient castle walls dating back to the Arab era.

Other popular landmarks include the Basilica Vega del Mar and the Iglesia Mayor de la Encarnación, two charming churches which are home to many local religious treasures. A truly ancient landmark and unusual attraction in Marbella is the Villa Romana de Rio Verde which features Roman remains dating back 2,000 years.
Las Bóvedas are the remains of Roman baths which were once an important part of local life in Marbella. Once an opulent building, these are some of the best Roman remains in the San Pedro area. Guided tours of the old Roman Baths are available.

Cadiz 
With its glittering wealthy past, which began long before Christopher Columbus’s famous voyages to the Americas, Cadiz offers the visitor a chance to step back in time and see Spain through the eyes of its adventurous ancestors.

Cordoba
When the Moors conquered Spain in 711 they made Cordoba their capital, don’t miss out on the Mosque which is considered to be one of the most beautiful in all of Europe. Around May time sees the launch of the Patios de Cordoba Competition ideal for those who have an interest in horticulture. Privately owned town houses open their doors to their beautiful patios where they grow a variety of Mediterranean plants and flowers. The festival varies in dates, year to year, so it is  important to check with the Town Hall in advance.   

Seville
The modern day capital of Andalucía, and home to some of the richest flamenco song and dance, is also well known for its Easter processions and annual feria. The cathedral is a must and one of the nicest ways to see the city is by horse and carriage where you can enjoy the architecture and city life at a slower more traditional pace.

Granada
The Alhambra Palace, once one of the most spectacular residences of the Muslim Rulers of Granada and their court, the Alhambra is now one of Spain's major tourist attractions exhibiting the country's most famous Islamic Architecture, together with Christian 16th century and later interventions within the buildings and gardens. A must see for anyone visiting the Costa del Sol. But be warned, entries to the palace must be purchased in advance!
Be sure to pay a visit to the ancient Arab-Jewish quarter, the Albaicin, which sits astride the hill top opposite the Alhambra.
Skiing is not a sport commonly associated with the Costa del Sol, but located just outside Granada we find the Sierra Navada which has some wonderful slopes open each winter. It is possible to leave the coast in the morning, ski all afternoon and be home that evening.

Ronda
This is a fantastic day out, and to make it even more unusual why not take the train from Algeciras to Ronda, a perfect way to see more of the Andalucian countryside. Ronda is home to one of the oldest bullrings in Spain and considered to be the birthplace of bullfighting. September is the ideal time to visit as this is when the local fair takes place and the whole town is alive with Goyescas style colourful dresses, horse drawn carriages, and bull fighters in full traditional dress.
Also not to be missed is the stunning gorge and the bridge which straddles it. The local food and wine is excellent, the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting; Ronda is a very special place indeed.

Malaga
Founded by the Phoenicians it has also been inhabited by the Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans and Moors. Various monuments and historic buildings in and around the city are reminders of its rich past, including the 16th century renaissance and baroque style cathedral, the Roman theatre and the Alcazaba Moorish castle and Gibralfaro fortress which both have amazing views of the city and the Mediterranean coastline. Not to be missed is the Picasso museum in the heart of the city. Picasso is considered Malaga’s most famous son, and following closely behind is Hollywood heart throb Antonio Banderas.

Gibraltar
A rather different day out. Don’t forget your passport! Tucked away at the tip of La Linea de la Concepcion, lies Gibraltar otherwise known as The Rock. Steeped in military history, Gibraltar is much more than just a place to buy duty free drinks and goods. Visit the siege tunnels within the rock and the Barbary Apes who live at the top of the Rock. St Michael’s caves are located on the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. The largest of the chambers is called the Cathedral Cave which currently serves as an auditorium; operas and philharmonic concerts are often held here. There are also numerous Dolphin and Whale tours which set off from Gibraltar.

Morocco
Day trips to Tangiers can be booked at the hotel and you will be met at either Tarifa or Algeciras port by a recommended guide. Spend the day on another continent and discover the souk, Moorish traditional architecture, as well as local food, and get the feel of Morocco. Don’t forget your passport!   

Jerez
Famous for its sherry producing bodegas, annual feria which celebrates the horse, and the Royal Andalucían School of Dressage, Jerez de la Frontera is worth a visit. The Jerez Horse Shows are stunning displays of horsemanship and can be viewed on a daily basis (except August), apart from watching the show you can also visit the museum, the Palace rooms and see the horses in training.
It is also possible to visit some of the famous bodegas in Jerez, many people will recognize the name Tio Pepe as it is one of the most popular on the market. The Cathedral in Jerez was only given its classification in 1980! Built on the remains of a Mosque, it is said to have been the last Gothic styled Cathedral to have been built in Spain.