Squeezed between hills and sea.... and airport

 We are at the bottom of Malaga airport.  Where do you build an airport? Near a swampy barren gap in all the hills.  What do you then build.  Well, we have an array of houses that don’t mind engine noise and municipal buildings.  Other sorts are slowly encroaching as the demand for space and the growth of car ownership changes things.  There is an Ikea.  We won’t be going.

 The Paraje natural del Guadalhorce is the delta which we will cross. 121 people have reviewed it.  An hour ago JuanMa wrote ‘A very beautiful walk, with native birds and animals…!!’.  Three months ago Caimare wrote ‘Guadalhorce Park is a delightful surprise if you love nature and need a break from the city. Located at the mouth of the Guadalhorce River, very close to the airport, it's a protected natural area that serves as a bird sanctuary. The best thing about the park is its tranquility. You can stroll along the paths through lagoons and vegetation, spot a variety of birds if you're into birdwatching, or simply enjoy a pleasant walk. There are several bird observatories if you want to stop and observe at your leisure. It's ideal for families, taking photos, or even going for a run.

The surroundings are beautiful, with lagoons, reed beds, and the beach nearby. Spring and autumn are when you'll find the greatest variety of birds because it's a migratory route. Binoculars are a plus, although not essential to fully appreciate the park. The only thing to keep in mind is that it can get quite hot in the summer because there isn't much shade in some areas, so it's best to go early in the morning or at dusk. And be aware, it's close to the airport, so planes do fly by occasionally, but it's not too bothersome. It's a different kind of plan in Malaga, perfect for disconnecting without going far. If you like nature and peaceful spaces, you'll love it. A green oasis that many locals don't know about.

Malaga airport memories. Two short ones.  Remember the journey back from Tenerife.  The Sunday Flight became the late Tuesday flight which, once we were on the plane, we were told was only going to Malaga as the pilot didn’t have enough hours to get home. We landed at Malaga airport around two in the morning. Nothing is quite like walking through  a dimly lit airport, bereft of people other than those pointing ‘that way! We were taken away and put up in a hotel. 

Next day we are back in Malaga airport, waiting for the penultimate flight home.  Desperate for a souvenir to prove we were here. I buy a Malaga Football Club mug.  The handle is going so now it sits as a holder of other things.  It is treasured but not doing well. Much the same can be said about the football team, who, through bad luck and bad management have gone from European football in the first bit of this century to hanging around the bottom end of the Segunda since 2018 - with a brief visit to the third level in 2023-24.

At the edge of the sea is the Playa nudista Guadalmar and the Campo de Golf.  It’s April.  Let us bare all in the name of nature.  473 people have given the nudist beach 3.9 stars.  Xeres gave the place 4 stars - in December. ‘Nothing on site, except a golf hotel but far from curios eyes. Could use some public toilet or bar for beverages’  In November Francisco wrote Right above it is an overpass where people not only look, they take pictures from the overpass. I hope I don't have to go back.’ About the same time Salvador was happier.  ‘Beauty, not just form, but light that the soul sees, is the peace that shapes us and the grace of a reason why.

The  Real Club de Campo gets 4.2 stars.  Google says the most relevant review is this. Two months ago Bart said ‘I finished a truly exceptional walk at the Parador de Málaga Golf Club, and I'm already eager to return. This is not just a golf club; it's a unique and stunning experience right on the Costa del Sol. The course itself is in immaculate condition and offers a beautiful, classic links-style challenge right next to the sea. The layout is fantastic, blending natural beauty with challenging holes. However, what makes this course truly spectacular and one-of-a-kind is its proximity to Málaga Airport.’ 

We are now heading south.  The land is squeezed between hills and sea. Business and hotels are joined by suburbs and housing.  We are scurrying around the very busy N-340a. It has a McDonald’s. 2132 people have thought to review it.  They did. 3.7 stars is what they thought it was worth.  Six days ago Ali said ‘Knowing you're going to a fast-food place and eating something less healthy... I think it's ideal! It has a playground for children. There are also high tables outside. Birthday parties there are fun, easy, and inexpensive for parents.

A week ago Melisa reckoned ‘I decided to have my son's birthday party at this McDonald's because it felt like home. Carmen, who organizes the parties, did it for me and my brother when we were little, and it's always nice to maintain that connection after so many years. As always, she was attentive, caring, and made sure we had everything we needed. We'll definitely be back, just like we did when we were kids! We have absolutely no complaints, and the little ones had a blast!’

We end. Tomorrow we will begin again.