DIVERSITY

The Costa del Sol is famous for its beaches, good weather... and pescaíto frito (fried fish). Whether on the outdoor terrace of a restaurant or a beach bar by the sea, having a fried fish or sardine skewer is something of a ritual in coastal Málaga.

The old fishing village of La Carihuela, adjacent to the seafront promenade, is home to some of the area's most popular fried fish restaurants. Torremolinos pays tribute to this speciality of Malagasy cuisine every June with a large festival.

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If you prefer inland landscapes and flavours, then Benalmádena and Mijas are your towns. Streets lined with whitewashed houses, cosy tucked-away squares and viewpoints with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea make these two towns a unique visit. Traditional dishes - sopa cachorreña, gazpachuelo, paella and so on - are part of the local cuisine.

Casares and Benahavís lie between the coast and the Sierras. Typical dishes here include zarzuela de marisco (a traditional seafood stew), rabbit stew and suckling pig. The area is very popular with golfers and sports enthusiasts.

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PESCADO-FRITO

Fish and seafood are the most popular dishes at the chiringuitos (beach bars) on the Costa del Sol, but the star dishes are the sardine skewers. Benalmádena, Fuengirola and Estepona are dotted with fishing boats on the sand, where sardines are skewered and grilled.

In Manilva, you can sample several fish dishes made according to old recipes, such as cuttlefish stew, potatoes with skate or mussels with noodles. To wash them down, drink one of the delicious wines made directly from the vineyards surrounding this white village.

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Marbella is a gourmet destination on the Costa del Sol. It has several exclusive Michelin-starred restaurants. The variety of dishes on their menus is sure to attract you too.

But there is more to Marbella than luxury and glamour. In this sophisticated city, you can also have a pescaíto, ajoblanco or gazpacho. The old town is the perfect place to sample tapas while strolling through the picturesque streets.

The culinary richness of the Costa Del Sol cities is immense. Most dishes include Mediterranean fare, which you'll love for its simplicity of ingredients, variety and flavours.

tapas