Weather

This year (2004), from January to April, the weather averaged 70d. The weather was warmer in February than in April. Overall, the weather was cooler than in previous years. When the sun goes down or you are in the shade, there can be quite a change in temperature.

Currency
The winter is off season in Spain so the crowd is older and the cost of everything is lower. The exchange rate this winter was very poor for the dollar. On average, .80C to the dollar. Merchants do still tend to 'round up' from the old Peseta. The Euro is much easier for Americans as the coins and bills are very similar to Dollars.

Getting around
I would not recommend renting a car unless walking is not possible. Plazas and non-car areas abound in Torremolinos and other Spanish cities. We would walk around for 3 or 4 hours before returning to our apartment for lunch. Travel to other towns along the Costa del Sol is possible by bus and train. The busses are usually crowded but run on time. The trains run on time, are clean, but no longer play classical music. Train stops are announced in Spanish and English.

Getting there
We now book our own flight, and have an apartment we rent through a local agent. Many of the bars and resturant owners act as agents for condo owners and rates during the winter can be very attractive. If you are looking for a true Spanish experience, check out Casa Suecia at the foot of the steps in the Bajondillo section. For several years, we used a travel group called Grand Circle Travel. While we have absolutely no connection to Grand Circle, we feel confident in recommending them especially for a short visit. Grand Circle offers excellent packages to Spain. The toll free # is 1- 800-248-3737