Silvie is a wonderful and most helpful host, and offers a great apartment which is just a stone’s throw from the beach/seafront in Guadalmar, which a very accurate description, although the photo’s don’t do it justice – it’s much better than the photo’s portray.

That it’s just 5 mins from the airport and 10 mins into Malaga town by taxi, or a little longer on the No.5 bus into Malaga (which stops just around the corner).

And there is a fabulous, natural, uncrowded beach which is much favoured by locals, with safe swimming/clean water, so about the best you could ask for in this region. There are also a couple of great chiringuitos (beach bars/restaurants) on the beach (Victoria and La Traviata), and a small shop (Tienda Anna) just around the corner too.

The apartment itself felt like a real home from home, with wonderful books, objet d’art and antiques in the lounge, a modern clean kitchen with all mod cons and washing machine too – and a sunny south facing terrace to sit out on any time of day or in the evening. The apartment is on the first floor of a modern residential block with pool and nice gardens, so you truly feel like you are living within and among a friendly Spanish community.

There’s a large shopping/retial/leisure complex (Plaza Major) nearby, with a large supermarket (clothing/shopping/leisure/bars/restaurants etc. Car hire is recommended but not essential if you just want to stop/relax and chill and not do anything much. There is a secure and private parking space provided – but I parked on the street outside which was completely safe and secure. I got a great deal with Auto Lido, and it’s an easy drive to Tarifa, Cadiz and Seville in the south (using the Auto Pista) and just as easy to get to Grenada, Almunecar, Murcia etc northbound - in easy day trips if you set off early enough (pack a picnic too, as there are some wonderful scenic lookout points/rest stops along the way too).

All in all, this is a fantastic find, and having visited Malaga and the region many times, I can highly recommend Silvie’s apartment to singles, couples and families (at great rates), who want to experience a little bit of genuine Spanish independent living, versus the sterile and overpriced hotels, or as an alternative to a packaged holiday.

In the spirit of ‘Nike’ – just do it! You will not be disappointed.

Big thanks Silvie - you and your apartment are fabulous and I will see you once again very soon - and great to have a new local Spanish friend ☺