Your taste-buds will never be bored in one of Europes most cosmopolitan culinary centres. Choices for eating out are in abundance, and the options are extremely varied.

If you're looking for McDonalds, full breakfast, or traditional Sunday Lunch, you won't be disappointed. But there is so much more on offer that it would be a crime not to expand your experiences - you'll find a superb selection - and all at very reasonable prices.

The main specialty of the area is fish, and all along the seafront you'll find 'Chiringuitos' - little fish restaurants - every couple of hundred yards. Here the catch of the day will be freshly prepared, often over charcoal on an outdoor barbecue, so you can enjoy it at its very best. Gazing out over the sunset, with a crisp glass of white wine while your meal is prepared before your eyes is a lovely way to end the day. Although specialising in seafood, all restaurants offer a very varied menu.

Tapas Bars are also very popular, especially for light snacks. A great way to try Tapas is to go out in a group and order a big selection, so everyone can have just a little taste of  what's on offer. Each portion is very inexpensive - normally less than the equivalent of £1 each - so if there's something you're not keen on, you haven't wasted much money. If four of you are going out for lunch, order about eight-ten different portions. For  less than £2 per person, you'll experience some delicious food, and have an entertaining meal at the same time. It feels like quite an event with all those dishes being delivered to your table.

For an international selection, why not venture into the heart of Fuengirola, or into beautiful Benalmadena Marina, where side by side you'll find cuisine such as American, Chinese, Italian, Argentinian, French, Indian and of course Spanish. You'll be spoilt for choice.

A particular personal favourite is the 'Spanish Garden' - a locally owned restaurant just behind the Hotel Sol Aloha Puerto beside Benalmadena Marina. Great value daily 'specials' that really live up to their billing. Superb quality and friendly service.

Also highly rated by us is 'Kudamm', right by the boats in the centre of Fuengirola Marina. Superb meat selection and sauteed potatoes 'to die for'.

Chinese food can be a very high standard, and extremely reasonable. We recommend the excellent 'Well Food Garden' Chinese Restaurant, upstairs in Benalmadena Marina, or the beautifully furnished, delicious and very reasonable 'Restaurant Chino Asia', just a pleasant stroll along the promenade from Casa Santiago, towards Fuengirola, in the Plaza de San Rafael.