I thought I'd share with you some highlights from our mini adventure to Spain in July. The glorious Costa Del Sol has long been avoided by me for fear of Brits abroad and when I got an email from RyanAir telling me there was no alcohol allowed on the flight - I felt like we'd made a terrible mistake!!!

But alas there has been no other holiday where I've actually been so surprised in the best possible way. We stayed in Fuengirola courtesy of Ben's boss who rents his apartment out to staff. It's about 30 minutes from Malaga airport by train and so so pretty.

The first thing that struck me were the colours - I'd forgotten how lush Spain is. I wish we had these flowers back in England and especially in my garden! Anyways onto to Malaga...

We spent a day in Malaga, walked our little socks off and still didn't scratch the surface so we will definitely be returning! Here are my top tips....

View from the cafe at Alcazaba Castle Gardens.

WANDER ROUND the Alcazaba Castle gardens. It is stunning and is so big that you can easily escape the crowds and be wandering round on your own. The Moorish architecture was built in the 11th century and it's like stepping into Kings Landing (cheesy Games of Thrones reference there!)

GRAB SOME Sangria on the cutest rooftop right in the heart of Malaga - Dulces & Dreams Hostel. This place was so secret we were the only ones up there! And the rooms and bathrooms looked like the best hostel ever so I would even consider staying here!

STOP OFF at Bodega El Pimpi for a spot of lunch. This place is a labyrinth of rooms with seating that goes on and on forever. Find a spot, order your tapas and just enjoy the atmosphere as you wonder how on earth the waiters keep track of their tables!

TASTE A SHERRY at Antigua Casa de Guardia. This bar has been around since 1840 and you just pull up by the bar, order straight from the barrels and the waiter writes your bill in chalk on the counter!

Sherry at Antigua Casa del Guardia, Malaga.

TAKE FIVE with Picasso. You can't escape Picasso in this city, they are so proud to be the birthplace of this great artist. We didn't have time to wander in the many museums but we did catch a seat in the square outside the home where he was born!

Malaga you were a delight and I will certainly be back soon!