Just got back from our week holiday in sunny Spain! We stayed in the southern coastal region (Costa Tropical) in a working village where the locals couldnt speak a word of english but were incredibly friendly. We rented this great little self-catering cottage – Casa Jandee – in Velez de Benaudalla which Id highly recommend to couples on their own or with kids. Very comfy main bed, a second twin bedroom with a balcony, German satellite TV (odd but entertaining), fans in every room, a rooftop terrace to tan or have sundowners, overlooking spectacular 360 degree views of the village and mountains. There was even food and champagne for us in the fridge which was really unexpected. 
The local stray cats spotted us softies a mile off and arrived at our windows begging for everything they could see. We couldnt help feeding these tiny scrawny little things, and soon we had 7 or 8 regular visitors througout the day every day. At first we thought they were kittens until we noticed all the cats were that size. Moeder!
We drove around lots but especially enjoyed Nerja‘s big sandy beaches. Warm clear water and lots of pretty little things tanning (mostly topless). All the gorgeous young singles cruise around on motorbikes, mopeds and dirt bikes so there are no congestion or parking problems. Alcohol and cigarettes are rediculously cheap. People cook and fry chips with olive oil, not sunflower or rape-seed oil!! Such luxury. The mangos and fruit are fresh and taste divine. 
It was weird driving on the right, traffic circles where all the rules you know have been inverted, and tiny traffic lights that you suddenly notice when youve driven through them. The country is so laid back and relaxed about everything and I didnt spot a single parking fine, even though people parked anywhere they wanted.
If you want to see real Spain I suggest staying in a working village away from the tourist traps. But you will definitely need a phrase book. We used this one
We’ll be posting photos soon.
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