Spain’s Costa del Sol’s got the lot – Sun, Sea, Surf and Sangria. And if there’s one more Big S that should be added, it’s got to be savings. Recently, across Europe the Euro exchange rate hasn’t been doing those who get paid in sterling many favours and what with new income levys in Ireland the pinch is really on. The good news is that it’s still possible to enjoy an affordable Spanish holiday without it breaking the bank.

The trick is to swap a resort hotel for a self-catering apartment. Good restaurants and cafes are plentiful in this part of Spain and there are many cheap but charming no-frills option, too. So if you don’t want to cook you don’t have to. If you do, there are lots of good supermarkets around. Either way, self-catering in Spain will make your holiday Euro go a lot further.Head for Manilva or Estepona or even Marbella, and you can’t go wrong. In addition to great self-catering apartments by the sea, they offer all that’s best abut a fun-filled, sun soaked Spanish holiday for the whole family.  

Manilva

The charming village of Manilva combines a backdrop of mountains and vineyards. Within half-an-hour you can be shopping in Marbella or Puerto Banus, walking in beautiful mountain scenery in the Sierra Bermeja or visiting the wildlife park at Selwo. But with nearly five miles of golden sands, most people come for the beach.

Beach activities include swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kite surfing and fishing, and it’s a super playground where young children can paddle and build those all-important castles of sand.Away from the beach, there are picturesque fishing harbours, including the exceptionally beautiful one at Castilo. Here, you can eat the day's catch fresh from the nets and get a real taste of Spanish cuisine.And further inland you can play golf on some spectacular courses, or explore the wild natural beauty of the Andalusian landscape, either on foot or horseback.

Estepona

With more than 20 kilometres of beaches, the area around Estepona is another hit with families and couples alike. The most popular is La Rada, which sprawls to the east of the marina. You’ll also find tiny, tucked-away coves and – if you dare to bare – a nudist beach. And when you need a little refreshment, there are plenty of lively watering holes and restaurants right on the sand.

Marbella

You don’t have to be a millionaire to enjoy Spain’s answer to Monte Carlo. It costs nothing to walk the Paseo Maritimo, a spectacular 6km- long boardwalk that hugs the coast.
Or explore the quiet streets of the old town. They’re far too narrow for the Ferraris and Porsches. Stop at a pavement café and, for the price of an iced coffee, watch the world go by. You may even spot a celeb or two. And if you fancy a little flamenco – at Flamenco Ana Maria in the Old Town the price of a ticket includes a free drink.

Old friends

Round and about you’ll see many a sign of the region's old and rich history. In its time, it has been invaded by the Phoenicians, the Romans and the Moors who have all left their marks on the landscape with interesting buildings and monuments. 

Where to eat

In Manilva, The Parapiros is an Italian family-run restaurant in the plaza de La Fuente. It serves Italian cuisine and pizzas with great service and even greater prices.
For something special in Estepona, there’s La Menorah restaurant, situated in Ctra. de Cádiz, where Chef Paco specializes in Basque and Spanish dishes. In addittion the lively town centre is packed with pubs and bars.For dinner with a free show, head to El Tintero restaurant In Cartama, near Marbella, Here, waiters don’t take your order; they shout out asking if there are any takers for the dishes they have on offer instead.

A feast of festivals

The Spanish love to party and with over 3,000 festivals happening every year throughout the Costa del Sol you’re sure not to miss out. Women wear mantillas and high combs, while the men sport cropped jackets and ride strutting horses, and music plays and the wine flows. Visitors are welcome to join in and best of all the festivals are free.

Getting there

Many low-cost airlines fly from the Ireland and UK to Malaga throughout the summer. Prices depend on when you book, the earlier the cheaper. Ryanair fares can start from as little as £50 return.

Where to stay

Self-catering holiday specialist, PV-Holidays.com, has some greta offers for Spain. The Pierre & Vacances Terrazas Costa del Sol Holiday Village in Manilva features fully equipped self-catering apartments with panoramic views of the Costa del Sol and the rock of Gibraltar. Developed around a main square with patios, fountains and palm trees, the village offers many leisure activities including a swimming pool and kids clubs for 3-18 year olds. Located less than an hour’s drive from Malaga airport, the property features a large infinity pool, private beach area with tapas bar, fitness clubs, kids playground and bike rental.

The Pierre & Vacances Caledonia Golf Resort residence in Estepona is a new holiday destination for summer 2009, located just 25km from Marbella on the Costa del Sol. All 301 apartments are spacious, comfortable and equipped with air-conditioning, a balcony and a fully fitted kitchen area. The property is set around a large swimming pool and is close to ‘Los Flamingos’ golf course, as well as the luxurious marinas of Puerto Banus, just 12km away. Free recreational activities are provided for adults and children throughout the day and the beach is only 1.5km away. Prices start from 420 Euros for seven nights in a studio apartment sleeping two people.