0:00:02 > 0:00:04Hello and welcome to Getaways. We're on a mission to discover
0:00:04 > 0:00:07the best holidays directly from Ireland, and this week,
0:00:07 > 0:00:09we're in one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11We are here on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain
0:00:11 > 0:00:15and to find out why it attracts huge numbers of holiday-makers
0:00:15 > 0:00:17from the UK and Ireland every year.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22We're going to be looking at what is on offer here that
0:00:22 > 0:00:25entices people back year after year.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28Is it just sun, sea and sangria?
0:00:28 > 0:00:32We want to find out if there is more to do than just top up your tan.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35Coming up - we find out how Malaga
0:00:35 > 0:00:37is reinventing itself as a cultural hub.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42I visit Ronda to find out why it is an ideal place for a day trip.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46And I take a short getaway to Kinsale, County Cork,
0:00:46 > 0:00:49where I get creative with painting and cookery classes.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54We flew from Belfast International to Malaga,
0:00:54 > 0:00:56but there are direct flights from Dublin, Cork
0:00:56 > 0:01:00and other Irish airports, and the flight takes around three hours.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05Where better to start our Costa del Sol trip but on the beach?
0:01:05 > 0:01:06This is Marbella's Golden Mile,
0:01:06 > 0:01:09and millions of you come here every year.
0:01:09 > 0:01:10Can't say I blame you.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18Spain is the number one destination for UK and Irish tourists,
0:01:18 > 0:01:22with over 1.3 million visiting from Ireland alone every year.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27The Costa del Sol is one of Spain's main holiday hotspots,
0:01:27 > 0:01:30and it is the beaches and good weather that bring us here.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34There's almost 100 miles of beach, stretching all the way
0:01:34 > 0:01:38along the coastline, with every imaginable type of accommodation.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41There is something for old-timers and honeymooners,
0:01:41 > 0:01:43for teenagers and toddlers.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48There's a range of resorts sprawled along the coast,
0:01:48 > 0:01:49including Marbella, Fuengirola,
0:01:49 > 0:01:51and for those of us who like a bit of bling,
0:01:51 > 0:01:53there is always Puerto Banus,
0:01:53 > 0:01:57known for its designer shops, luxury yachts and new money.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03We are basing ourselves in the glamorous resort town of Marbella.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06Two things Marbella is famous for are its beaches and shopping.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09The handy thing is, right here is the beach,
0:02:09 > 0:02:1130 seconds that way are the shops.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16It is a really long season here. You will get sun from Easter
0:02:16 > 0:02:17to the end of October.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21We visited in September, when it was an ideal 25 degrees.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24I know it's hard to believe, but you can work out a hunger when you
0:02:24 > 0:02:27are just lying around on the beach, maybe having a wee pal and all that.
0:02:27 > 0:02:28If you had a choice,
0:02:28 > 0:02:31would you go for some limpid excuse of a burger,
0:02:31 > 0:02:34with overcooked, greasy chips,
0:02:34 > 0:02:36or would you go for something like this?
0:02:36 > 0:02:40Round these parts, these little fellas here, sardines...
0:02:40 > 0:02:43HE SMACKS HIS LIPS Delicious.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46Cooked on the fire, look at that. Oh, no mucking around.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48HE LAUGHS GLEEFULLY
0:02:56 > 0:03:00Another big draw for tourists around Marbella are beach clubs,
0:03:00 > 0:03:03where you get a taste of luxury, five-star living.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07What you will get here is a fabulous pool setting,
0:03:07 > 0:03:12VIP service to your sunbed and a little bit of pampering.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15There's no rushing to get your towel down, no warm bottled water
0:03:15 > 0:03:18and no sand in awkward places.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21No, this is sunbathing for those who like a little bit of luxury.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28During the summer, the beach clubs open from 11 in the morning
0:03:28 > 0:03:31until seven at night, every day of the week.
0:03:31 > 0:03:32If you want to splash out,
0:03:32 > 0:03:35the VIP treatment costs 160 euro for two people.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39That gets you this enormous bed with a sea view, champagne,
0:03:39 > 0:03:41fruit and a little goody bag.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44You've got a mirror, a hairbrush, lip balm,
0:03:44 > 0:03:48some earphones and a spritzer to keep you cool.
0:03:48 > 0:03:49SHE SPRAYS
0:03:49 > 0:03:51Not bad.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53Beach clubs are dotted all along the coast here,
0:03:53 > 0:03:56and make a really special holiday treat,
0:03:56 > 0:03:59but don't just take my word for it.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02I would definitely recommend to go to a beach club during the day.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04It is much more enjoyable than
0:04:04 > 0:04:06actually just lying on the beach. You have drinks on hand,
0:04:06 > 0:04:09you have waiters there to take your order, and it is brilliant,
0:04:09 > 0:04:10you really don't have to move off
0:04:10 > 0:04:12your big sunbed if you don't want to.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16Lovely food, the food was fantastic, and the beds were great.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19Just a little bit expensive for the drinks.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24Sometimes you recommend that we walk up steep hills or plough through
0:04:24 > 0:04:26snowy mountains, but I love it when
0:04:26 > 0:04:29you guys recommend somewhere like this.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32You know we deserve the Kim and Kanye treatment.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34You lovely people.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50Marbella isn't all about bling and luxury living.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53There is a quieter, gentler side to Marbs too.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58It wasn't until the 1940s that Marbella became
0:04:58 > 0:05:00a playground for the rich and famous,
0:05:00 > 0:05:04and behind the high rises, there's still a reminder of
0:05:04 > 0:05:05the quiet Andalusian village
0:05:05 > 0:05:08with its narrow streets and whitewashed buildings.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11The old town, Marbella.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13This is a nice place to come to escape the beaches,
0:05:13 > 0:05:16orange trees, old historic buildings - it's beautiful.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19Yeah, and when you come to a resort that is so popular as this is,
0:05:19 > 0:05:22you have to expect the concrete, the built-up, the hotels,
0:05:22 > 0:05:26the very commercial beaches, but you can escape it, you can
0:05:26 > 0:05:30- come and get yourself a traditional taste of Marbella.- Absolutely.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33But if you are holidaying with kids,
0:05:33 > 0:05:36chances are you're going to visit somewhere like this.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38SCREAMING
0:05:41 > 0:05:43Tivoli World is one of the largest
0:05:43 > 0:05:45and most popular theme parks in the Costa del Sol.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48With over 40 attractions, it has stuff like Ferris wheels,
0:05:48 > 0:05:51roller coasters and a 60-metre vertical drop,
0:05:51 > 0:05:53so it has got something for everyone.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55Little 'uns and indeed big 'uns like me. Let's go.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03And you've got to do the Ferris wheel.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06I mean, just check out the view you get over the park. Beautiful.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30Tivoli World is already known for being
0:06:30 > 0:06:32one of the best value theme parks in Spain.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35But if you want to save you a few extra quid,
0:06:35 > 0:06:38book your tickets online before you come here and it's a 20% discount.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41That's more yield for less euro.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45Word to the wise - if you're going to venture on this
0:06:45 > 0:06:48harmless-looking log ride, be prepared for the drop.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50Going up.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52'And for getting wet.'
0:06:52 > 0:06:54Whoa-a!
0:06:55 > 0:06:57'And I mean soaked.'
0:06:57 > 0:06:59Ohh!
0:06:59 > 0:07:00HE LAUGHS
0:07:05 > 0:07:09A 20-minute drive into the hills west of Tivoli World
0:07:09 > 0:07:11is the Andalusian village of Mijas.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15BIRDSONG
0:07:15 > 0:07:18Mijas is known as Villa Blanca, or "White Town",
0:07:18 > 0:07:19and you can see why,
0:07:19 > 0:07:23with the picture-perfect whitewashed houses and shops.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29There is a totally different vibe up here,
0:07:29 > 0:07:32and even if you don't fancy exploring the area,
0:07:32 > 0:07:36it is worth trekking up here just for the views along the coastline.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43One of the main attractions in the village is
0:07:43 > 0:07:46the 17th-century shrine to the Virgen de la Pena,
0:07:46 > 0:07:48the patron saint of Mijas.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50The shrine is carved out of solid rock
0:07:50 > 0:07:53and it attracts visitors from all over the world.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57Legend has it that an image of the virgin was discovered
0:07:57 > 0:08:00when the two children of a local shepherd followed
0:08:00 > 0:08:02a white dove that led them to this spot.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07You can go inside the little chapel to see
0:08:07 > 0:08:08the image of the virgin.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14The village is small and easy to explore,
0:08:14 > 0:08:18but it's famous for its donkey taxis, known as burros.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20But this is one taxi rank we think we'll avoid,
0:08:20 > 0:08:22and give the beasts of burden a break.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26Mijas may be a small village,
0:08:26 > 0:08:29but there is a lot going on and plenty to see.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31SHE SINGS IN SPANISH
0:08:31 > 0:08:35When we visited, we found a flamenco display going on in the main square.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42Local festivals take place throughout the summer,
0:08:42 > 0:08:45so keep an eye out for traditional music and dancing.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48This little number made me want to dust off my dancing shoes.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57And if all that isn't enough,
0:08:57 > 0:09:00of course you can also get in a bit of souvenir shopping.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08This region is famous for its leather goods, both for pricing
0:09:08 > 0:09:11and indeed quality - belts, bags, jackets, all very popular,
0:09:11 > 0:09:13as are sort of cowhide rugs.
0:09:13 > 0:09:14Let's look at this one, for example.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17They have gone for more of the patchwork motif,
0:09:17 > 0:09:20and if we look closely, someone has obviously skinned a Minion,
0:09:20 > 0:09:22which, on the surface, I know sounds cruel,
0:09:22 > 0:09:25but there is obviously a market for it.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28This little item here will set you back a cool 110 euro.
0:09:28 > 0:09:29Yes, really.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40How cute is this?
0:09:40 > 0:09:42I know, look at that, it's a sea of colour, isn't it?
0:09:42 > 0:09:43ANGELA LAUGHS
0:09:43 > 0:09:46You see the kind of Moorish influence with their stuff,
0:09:46 > 0:09:48it is very Moroccan. Morocco is basically just over there.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50The thing is with these,
0:09:50 > 0:09:52I always go a bit wild when I'm on holiday, and then I go home...
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- That surprises me(!)- Yeah.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57But out of context, in the grey, rainy Ireland,
0:09:57 > 0:10:01these fabulous coloured terracotta pots don't quite work.
0:10:01 > 0:10:02No, they don't sit well.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05Also, things like these, which are very popular -
0:10:05 > 0:10:07a gateway kind of ornament.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09Next stop, you're getting, like, dreamcatchers,
0:10:09 > 0:10:11and you and I can't be friends any more.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- SHE LAUGHS - I do not like dreamcatchers.- No.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27Here on Getaways, we always try and bring you a little taste of
0:10:27 > 0:10:29the left of centre, the unusual,
0:10:29 > 0:10:31and I think today I have outdone myself.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33This is the Castillo Colomares.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36It was built by a doctor who was fascinated with Columbus
0:10:36 > 0:10:37and his discovery of America.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40Now, it's quite a jumble of architectural styles,
0:10:40 > 0:10:43it shouldn't really work, but do you know the reason why it does?
0:10:43 > 0:10:45Because he just went so far with it.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53The doctor who built this modern folly was an American,
0:10:53 > 0:10:56who poured his own money and all his spare time into the project.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03He built this himself with the help of two stonemasons.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07It took them seven years to build and opened in 1984.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13It must have cost millions to build,
0:11:13 > 0:11:15but you can get in for a couple of euro.
0:11:19 > 0:11:20This place is class.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23See when you walk around, you notice the little details
0:11:23 > 0:11:26on the walls, the carvings and all the ornamental stuff.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29To use the parlance of our time, it's pretty far out, man.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34The monument itself is set in the hills overlooking
0:11:34 > 0:11:37the coastline of Benalmadena.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40Another notable monument nearby is the Buddhist Enlightenment Stupa,
0:11:40 > 0:11:42the biggest in Europe.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48Of course, you don't have to fly abroad to get away from it all.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51Joe took a short getaway to Kinsale in sunny West Cork.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57Kinsale is a popular holiday resort known for sailing, art,
0:11:57 > 0:11:59culture, history and its food.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02And I'm here to sample a little bit of what it has to offer.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04It's just the sort of place that
0:12:04 > 0:12:06invites you to take a wee dander around.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09You could spend the whole afternoon just taking it in,
0:12:09 > 0:12:12looking in the windows, checking out all the quirky wee shops.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15Oh, wait, bookshop, back in a second.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21I think the pretty streets with colourful shops,
0:12:21 > 0:12:24bars and galleries give Kinsale a continental feel,
0:12:24 > 0:12:26a bit like northern France or even parts of Spain.
0:12:30 > 0:12:31SEAGULLS CALL
0:12:31 > 0:12:34In the past decade, Kinsale has really revived
0:12:34 > 0:12:35its arts and crafts scene.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38Here you will find everything from pottery through glasswork,
0:12:38 > 0:12:41jewellery of gold and silver and quite a few galleries.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46Feeling inspired, I have booked
0:12:46 > 0:12:47myself into an art class that takes
0:12:47 > 0:12:50an unconventional approach to learning how to paint.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02(What's going on back there?) What are they doing?
0:13:02 > 0:13:04Well, it's quite strange really, because, as you can see,
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- they're blindfolded.- Yeah.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09And it is all designed really to get rid of the fear factor,
0:13:09 > 0:13:12and that is the idea, to get them
0:13:12 > 0:13:15to put marks on not knowing what colour,
0:13:15 > 0:13:19and then once they have done that, they take the blindfold off
0:13:19 > 0:13:24and they try and interpret what they have done blindfolded.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28Time to put the technique to the test.
0:13:38 > 0:13:39Time for the reveal.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45Wow. There is a certain charm though, a naivety, I feel.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51Just outside Kinsale Harbour is Charles Fort,
0:13:51 > 0:13:53a 17th-century fortress that has
0:13:53 > 0:13:55been restored as a national monument.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01It makes a fine walk if you are interested in history
0:14:01 > 0:14:03or just want to get some fresh air and admire the scenery.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11Kinsale is regarded by many as the gourmet capital of Ireland.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14The restaurants here can rely on a plentiful supply
0:14:14 > 0:14:16of freshly-caught seafood.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20And the farmers' market held here every Wednesday
0:14:20 > 0:14:22is attracting foodie tourists.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27'I am paying a visit to Ballinacurra House
0:14:27 > 0:14:30'for a cookery lesson at the new Kinsale Gourmet Academy,
0:14:30 > 0:14:33'run by award-winning chef David Rice.'
0:14:33 > 0:14:35All right, we are ready to rock, what are we doing?
0:14:35 > 0:14:38OK, so we are going to do pan-fried scallops,
0:14:38 > 0:14:40roasted black pudding, some pea puree and crispy bacon.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- Excellent.- We put a little bit of oil on the scallops.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45Curry powder seems an unusual choice for scallops.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48It gives it a nice colour when you are cooking them.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52- Beautiful.- And when they hit the pan, you just leave them.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55Then get your black pudding and just drop it in as well.
0:14:55 > 0:14:56We blitz this up.
0:14:58 > 0:14:59Toss them in the butter now.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04Just do a swoosh like that. Perfect. Natural.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10So how I can do that? Just like a suggestion of it.
0:15:12 > 0:15:18OK, now time for the tasting. My favourite scallop.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21Ten out of ten, well done.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- Oh, my word. - If your TV career doesn't work out,
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- I'll give you a job in the kitchen. - Would you, yeah?- Yeah.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32After you have exhausted your artistic energy by eating
0:15:32 > 0:15:35all of the seafood in sight, like I did, you can stay at this
0:15:35 > 0:15:38secluded rental apartment right on the water's edge.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40And if you really want to get away from it all,
0:15:40 > 0:15:43at the end of the garden, there is a Mongolian yurt,
0:15:43 > 0:15:47where there is no TV, no phone and no internet - just a fantastic view.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55Two nights in the yurt costs from 260 euro.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00We are in the Costa del Sol,
0:16:00 > 0:16:04one of Spain's most popular holiday destinations.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07So far, we've explored the beautiful village of Mijas.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09I made a splash at Tivoli World.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13And we've been spoiling ourselves at a Beach club in Marbella.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17Here on Getaways, we always recommend that you
0:16:17 > 0:16:18drag yourself off the sun lounger
0:16:18 > 0:16:20and head a little bit further afield.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23Catherine from Belfast suggested that we take
0:16:23 > 0:16:26a day trip to the historic town of Ronda.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30Ronda is just over an hour from Marbella.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33If you are not brave enough to drive on the windy roads, you can
0:16:33 > 0:16:38book an excursion, as public transport to Ronda isn't great.
0:16:38 > 0:16:39What you can't possibly miss
0:16:39 > 0:16:42and what attracts thousands of tourists here
0:16:42 > 0:16:44every year is the massive bridge
0:16:44 > 0:16:46which dominates the centre of the town.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51The bridge crosses the El Tajo gorge and splits the town in two,
0:16:51 > 0:16:56separating the old Moorish area from the new Mercadillo quarter.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00This is Ronda's famous Puente Nuevo, or "the new bridge",
0:17:00 > 0:17:02although that's not technically true since it was
0:17:02 > 0:17:04built in the 18th century.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06Now, as if that is not impressive enough,
0:17:06 > 0:17:09the views out this way are absolutely incredible.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13The bridge was completed in 1793 after taking
0:17:13 > 0:17:15around 40 years to construct.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17It's almost 100 metres of
0:17:17 > 0:17:21pure, drop-dead-gorgeous civil engineering.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24It's said to be one of the most photographed sites in the world.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28True or not, it certainly makes a perfect place for holiday snaps.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30- Hey! - CAMERA CLICKS
0:17:37 > 0:17:41The bridge here in Ronda can get pretty hectic with tourists
0:17:41 > 0:17:44in the summer months, but if you duck off the main streets,
0:17:44 > 0:17:48you will find plenty of tranquil little spots just like this.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50This is the courtyard of the Casa de Don Bosco
0:17:50 > 0:17:53in the heart of Ronda's old town.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57This is actually the garden of a retirement home for priests,
0:17:57 > 0:17:58but it's also open to the public.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03As well as admiring the beautiful Arab-style mosaics,
0:18:03 > 0:18:07it's also a prime spot for another fabulous view over the valley.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11Ronda's cobbled alleys
0:18:11 > 0:18:13and streets are perfect for wandering around, and you
0:18:13 > 0:18:17will come across little plazas with excellent bars and restaurants.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21People always rave about French and Italian food, but for me,
0:18:21 > 0:18:22Spanish is up there with the best.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25Here are some specialties from this region.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29Gazpacho, which is essentially chilled tomato soup blended
0:18:29 > 0:18:32with bread and garlic, spices - it's delicious and really refreshing.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35Then pimiento, which are green peppers,
0:18:35 > 0:18:38there's always a spicy one hiding in there, so be careful.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42And this one, which is specific to Ronda, it's really fresh,
0:18:42 > 0:18:45locally grown tomatoes, drenched in olive oil, salt
0:18:45 > 0:18:46and topped with tuna.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50So sweet and so tasty.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56Ronda is known as the birthplace of modern bullfighting,
0:18:56 > 0:19:01and the Plaza de Toros is famed for its history and architecture.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06Bullfighting was first found in ancient Rome,
0:19:06 > 0:19:09but it was the Moors who invaded from North Africa
0:19:09 > 0:19:12who developed bullfighting in this region.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14Its roots lie in rituals associated with feast days
0:19:14 > 0:19:16and ceremonial events,
0:19:16 > 0:19:20and the bullfights originally took place on horseback.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23Regardless of your opinions on the sport of bullfighting,
0:19:23 > 0:19:27it is undeniably part of the culture and history of Spain, and this
0:19:27 > 0:19:31beautiful bullring in Ronda is the oldest one in the country.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33'I caught up with a local expert to find out
0:19:33 > 0:19:36'more about the bullring's history.'
0:19:36 > 0:19:39When we go back to the 18th century,
0:19:39 > 0:19:44we see that a population like Ronda, no more than 10,000 people,
0:19:44 > 0:19:49built this bullring for 7,000 people,
0:19:49 > 0:19:52then you understand that this building has to do more
0:19:52 > 0:19:56with the history of Spain than with the history
0:19:56 > 0:19:58of the bullfighting itself.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01There is a lot of controversy now around bullfighting,
0:20:01 > 0:20:03has that affected its popularity?
0:20:03 > 0:20:06I would say it's becoming more popular for foreigners
0:20:06 > 0:20:08than for Spaniards.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12Many people in Spain don't like bullfighting, so it is...
0:20:12 > 0:20:16When you say don't like it, it doesn't mean you're going to
0:20:16 > 0:20:20go against it, it's just that you don't practise.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25But if you're interested in catching an actual bullfight,
0:20:25 > 0:20:28they do take place here once a year, during a festival every September.
0:20:30 > 0:20:31Whoo!
0:20:34 > 0:20:37If you're more about slides than sand, there are several
0:20:37 > 0:20:40water parks in the area, so grab your togs and get amongst it!
0:20:45 > 0:20:50The Parque Acuatico Mijas water park in Fuengirola has enough attractions
0:20:50 > 0:20:53to warrant tearing yourself away from the beach for a while.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03Are we having fun or what, people?
0:21:03 > 0:21:04I think today has been the best bit,
0:21:04 > 0:21:07because we've had so much fun here, haven't we?
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- Yeah.- We've gone down on every slide, she's been very brave.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13And it's just lovely, it's just a lovely family day out.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15We've just had an absolute blast so far.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19It's not the biggest water park, but it is easy to navigate
0:21:19 > 0:21:22and has small slides and big slides, so it's good for all ages.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26The daily family tickets for two adults
0:21:26 > 0:21:29and two children costs just over 50 euros.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32Yeah, it's great value, we got a family pass in,
0:21:32 > 0:21:35so all of us together, it worked out cheaper.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37It's fantastic. Yeah, great price.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43Next, we're hitting Malaga,
0:21:43 > 0:21:47which you may not consider a holiday hotspot, but think again.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52Most people fly directly into Malaga, but use it as a stopgap
0:21:52 > 0:21:55en route to Ronda, Mijas, Puerto Banus and Marbella.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59But more and more, Malaga has become a destination in its own right.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06There's been a lot of investment in Malaga tourism,
0:22:06 > 0:22:08particularly in the area of culture.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11And Malaga also has everything else a holiday-maker may want -
0:22:11 > 0:22:14history, architecture, gardens and great food,
0:22:14 > 0:22:17and you're not even going to miss out on the beaches.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21'Wandering around the old town,
0:22:21 > 0:22:24'I bumped into a couple of holiday-makers from back home.'
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- How do you find it so far? - Absolutely brilliant.
0:22:27 > 0:22:28It has got everything.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32Lovely cafes and lovely little streets to wander about,
0:22:32 > 0:22:33and it's got the sea,
0:22:33 > 0:22:38it's got historical museums, art, it's got everything.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40And I see you're out doing a bit of a bike tour,
0:22:40 > 0:22:43which is amazing, you think it's a great way to see the place?
0:22:43 > 0:22:47Yes, we decided this morning to go on a city bike tour,
0:22:47 > 0:22:49and we've got a guide, and he's telling us
0:22:49 > 0:22:52all about the history of the place. It's great.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57Malaga really is on a mission to rejuvenate itself,
0:22:57 > 0:23:00and this docklands area is at the heart of it.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03It is the perfect place to spend the day checking out the shops
0:23:03 > 0:23:04and checking out the yachts.
0:23:07 > 0:23:08Until fairly recently,
0:23:08 > 0:23:12Malaga's port was off limits to members of the public,
0:23:12 > 0:23:14but recent developments to both the docks
0:23:14 > 0:23:16and the city have changed this.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18Huge cruise liners arrive with hundreds of thousands
0:23:18 > 0:23:20of passengers each year,
0:23:20 > 0:23:23and Malaga Port is now one of the most important in Spain.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30Two quays have opened up in the city port, situated side by side -
0:23:30 > 0:23:34great for a bit of people-watching and to pick up a souvenir of two.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38Also to be found in the port is
0:23:38 > 0:23:41Malaga's newest cultural addition, the Pompidou Centre,
0:23:41 > 0:23:44a smaller scale version of Paris' great contemporary arts venue.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48They've really put their money where their mouth is
0:23:48 > 0:23:50when it comes to the arts here in Malaga.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52There has been a 100 million euro investment,
0:23:52 > 0:23:54which includes this, the Pompidou Centre,
0:23:54 > 0:23:57the only one outside Paris, and it has seen exhibitions
0:23:57 > 0:24:01from Pablo Picasso himself, but also Frida Kahlo and Francis Bacon.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09The Pompidou Centre is housed in a striking
0:24:09 > 0:24:12contemporary cuboid glass structure nicknamed -
0:24:12 > 0:24:15can you guess? - that's right, "the Cube".
0:24:15 > 0:24:18And there is one more arts centre I want to steer you towards.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22Art is very important in Malaga, as it is the birthplace
0:24:22 > 0:24:25of Pablo Picasso, a giant of contemporary art.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29So if you're here, you really should get along to the Picasso Museum.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34Picasso was born in Malaga in 1881
0:24:34 > 0:24:37and was a pioneer of the cubist art movement.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39He was not only one of the most influential artists
0:24:39 > 0:24:42of the 20th century, but also one of the most prolific,
0:24:42 > 0:24:44creating thousands of artistic works.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49There are 12 halls in the museum that showcase over 200
0:24:49 > 0:24:52art pieces, which cover the whole range of his portfolio,
0:24:52 > 0:24:55from paintings to sketches and ceramics.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59All of my favourite painters, I have at some point in my life
0:24:59 > 0:25:04seen their pieces, their work, in the flesh, as it were,
0:25:04 > 0:25:05not just in books.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08But I have never seen a Picasso outside of a book,
0:25:08 > 0:25:13so to be in a room full of Picassos, in a building full of Picassos...
0:25:13 > 0:25:16it's really quite something.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22The Picasso Museum is in the heart of the old town,
0:25:22 > 0:25:25just a few minutes away from the house where he was born.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31Well, can't stay around here chatting all day.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41For our holiday in the Costa del Sol we stayed
0:25:41 > 0:25:43in the Melia Marbella Banus.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45We particularly liked the range of swimming pools,
0:25:45 > 0:25:49including the waterfall one set in a subtropical garden.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56In keeping with the Marbella theme, the hotel has
0:25:56 > 0:25:59an upmarket beach club vibe, and there are VIP beds by the pool.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05'The hotel also does a mean buffet, and the resident chef Jose gave me
0:26:05 > 0:26:09'a taste of the local delicacy - pata negra.'
0:26:09 > 0:26:12So, Jose, tell me a little bit about this.
0:26:12 > 0:26:13OK, this one is pata negra ham.
0:26:15 > 0:26:20- Typical from Spain. And this is fed by corn.- Corn-fed, OK.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22And it is wild in the country.
0:26:22 > 0:26:27- So the pigs are running free, it's organic, they eat acorns.- Yeah.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29Pata negra means "black pig".
0:26:29 > 0:26:31- Yep.- Can I have a taste?
0:26:33 > 0:26:36Mm. Oily and... Oh, yeah.
0:26:38 > 0:26:43A week here in May or June costs from £779 per person
0:26:43 > 0:26:46for two adults sharing, including flights and transfers.
0:26:48 > 0:26:49If you're looking for a cheaper alternative,
0:26:49 > 0:26:53then the Hotel PYR Marbella is a good value three-star option.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58The PYR is centrally located and quite traditional in style.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01There are catering facilities in the rooms,
0:27:01 > 0:27:03so you can save on eating out.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18And who doesn't love a hotel with an aqua park thrown in for free?
0:27:18 > 0:27:21The Holiday Hydros is one of the four hotels at
0:27:21 > 0:27:25the massive Holiday World resort in Benalmadena.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28The complex includes everything from themed family hotels
0:27:28 > 0:27:29to boutique hotel options.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34The Holiday Hydros is quite exclusive,
0:27:34 > 0:27:38with only 28 suites here, so you won't be fighting for a sun lounger.
0:27:40 > 0:27:45The suites all have balconies and hot tubs, ideal for a sundowner.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59We booked our hotels and flights with Jet2Holidays.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03There are flights to Malaga from all the main Irish airports.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05If you would like any more information on any of our holidays,
0:28:05 > 0:28:06please visit...
0:28:11 > 0:28:13- So, Joe, what was the highlight? - You know what? Malaga.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16I think a very underrated place generally. See the Picasso Museum?
0:28:16 > 0:28:18Massive highlight. What about you?
0:28:18 > 0:28:20Well, this place is so known for beaches,
0:28:20 > 0:28:25but actually, I enjoyed escaping up the mountains to Ronda.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27Quiet, peaceful, and the food was unbelievable.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31Yeah, that looked good. See you next time on Getaways.