Punta de la Chullera, in the Manilva
municipality is part farmland, part coastline. Only half an hour drive
from Marbella, this area
is a favourite for weekenders seeking to get away from the busier
beaches to the east as well as those coming from Gibraltar and Algeciras
in search of a nice place to spend the day.
Punta
de la Chullera's beaches sport low cliffs and rugged areas in contrast
to the flatter sandy beaches stretching up and down the Coast on
either side. And these are comfortably warm, Mediterranean waters,
thanks to the fact that we haven't yet rounded the Punto de Europa
and headed west towards Atlantic temperatures. Diving is popular
here and if the old sea dogs' tales are to be believed, fishing
is excellent and more than one prize size tuna has been taken from
these waters.
Spectacular views of Gibraltar,
often shrouded in a bit of cloud, are one of Punta Chullera's outstanding
characteristics, creating the backdrop for an unforgettable day
at the beach or idyllic country living.
Just minutes west of Punta de la Chullera, is Puerto
de la Duquesa with its recreational port and accompanying
18 hole golf facilities. And continuing right around the corner
Sotogrande offers a luxury
marina, world class golf, polo, private international schools, numerous
eateries and an eclectic, outdoor weekend market bartering away
everything from antiques and fine arts to African imports and homespun
arts and crafts.
Approximately 20 minutes to the east is Estepona
with its sunny fishing port packed with eateries to suit every taste,
a bustling, historic centre and the super-size supermarkets necessary
to stock the pantries the province around. Also close by are Puerto
Banus and Marbella.
Punta de la Chullera's closest pueblos begin, of
course, with Manilva, an attractive
town that has maintained its Spanish charm even as it has begun
to become a popular item on visitors' agendas. Neighbouring Manilva
are Pedraza and San Luis de Sabinillas, with nice beaches and a
campground. Inland from Sotogrande are Guadiaro and finally San
Enrique, which is in the Guadiaro River basin and known for its
delightful orange groves.
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