With over 30 years’ experience of holidaying in the Costa del Sol, Katie gives us her insider knowledge and then some for getting the most out of your time here. So, here goes...

1. Where’s the best place to see the sunset?

“Oh, that’s an easy one – it has to be the Balcon de Europa! This captivating, cliff-top viewing platform in the beating heart of Nerja is always a hub of activity, with painters, dancers and crafters entertaining the crowds while the sun sinks down. My top tip? Keep your eyes peeled for the brightly coloured parakeets that swoop in and out of the palm trees lining the promenade – they're quite the sight!”

2. Where’s the best place to drink in the views?

“Not only is the whitewashed village of Frigiliana breathtakingly beautiful, it also has an impressive hilltop postcode, so the views down to the coastline are out of this world. Hire a car or hop on a bus and make the journey to this unmissable sliver of Spain. Want to sit and soak up the scenery? Frigiliana’s got plenty of sip and snack spots. And it’d be rude not to visit the artisan chocolate shop – I've been known to pop in and try the free samples once or twice... It’s on the left-hand side as you head up through the winding cobbled streets – and if you don’t see it, follow your nose towards the sweet scent of cocoa!”

3. Where’s the best place to take a stroll?

“I find there’s no nicer walk than through the cobbled, whitewashed towns themselves. You’ll soon clock up the steps exploring the time-trodden alleyways in spots like Torrox and Torremolinos, and all this wandering means a pastry pit-stop will most likely be in order... don’t mind if we do.”

4. What’s the most Instagrammable experience?

“Your followers will already be blown away by the white sandy beach snaps and impressive paella pics, but if you really want something with the wow-factor, a daytrip to Granada is a must. Alhambra Palace with its breathtaking gardens and showstopping silhouette is the most iconic landmark here, but that really is just the start...”

5. Where’s the best place for cocktails?

“Paradise Cocktail Bar, just across the road from Nerja’s Burriana Beach, does a fab happy hour, with old-school glasses and large slabs of fruit like orange and watermelon balanced on top – delicious!”

6. Where’s the best place to go shopping?

“I love having a nosy around the local markets. If you’re staying in the Costa del Sol for longer, they’re a great place to pick up your fresh fruit and veg. They also have this really cool brand in Spain called ALE-HOP (there’s always a huge model cow outside the shops – so you won’t miss it!). Here, you can grab everything from stationary to beach accessories – perfect for picking up those sunshine souvenirs!”

7. Where’s the best place to dine in Nerja?

“There are more tapas spots than you can shake a breadstick at in Nerja. But, if you fancy a night off from the patatas bravas (said nobody ever), there’s an absolute must-visit pizza spot on Carabeo street called La Dama. Margherita for €3.50, anyone? Glass of house wine for €1.60? Unbeatable prices, amazing food, case closed!”

8. Where can you find something quirky to do?

“Who fancies Flamenco? This elaborate and enchanting dance originated in the Andalusia region so there’s no better place to see it (or even try it for yourself!). The heel tapping, skirt swishing traditional has become a symbol of the area, so not only will you find shows in all the local towns, but sometimes you don’t even have to leave your hotel to catch a performance!”

9. Where’s the best place to grab a souvenir?

“You can bag knick-knacks in any of the touristy shops that dot the towns and villages, but there’s something a lot more satisfying about hunting down a special keepsake at one of the little local markets. Check out the Monday one in Torrox – the locals love it and you will too.”

10. Where’s the best place for traditional Spanish food?

“One word: Ayo! I’ve been coming to this charming chiringuito in Nerja since I was just a toddler, so it’s no wonder my family have got friendly with the owners! Ayo himself, AKA the man behind the paella pan, sizzles up super-sized rice dishes by the dozen, with passers-by often stopping to watch him in action (and then being drawn in for a plateful themselves!). As well as paellas, there are other traditional dishes on offer like sardines and fresh seafood. And the setting? You’ll be seated under grapevines with a view of the sand... does it get any better?”

11. Any cool photo spots?

“There are SO many places for an amazing photo – caster sugar sands, white-washed houses with their blossoming bougainvillea trails... the list goes on. But for an amazing family snap you can recreate year after year, head to the rainbow-painted steps just off Playa Torrecilla in Nerja – you won’t regret it!”

12. What are the best sights to tick off?

“Pay Nerja Caves a visit if you’re intrigued by nature and history! These cool caves lie just above the town of Maro and are home to the largest stalagmite in the world! Take a guided tour and see this magnificent marvel for yourself.”

13. What are the best sports and activities to try?

“While not a golfer myself, the Costa del Sol’s nickname, Costa del Golf, tells us all we need to know about the area’s putting prowess! Aloha Golf Course in Puerto Banus and Benalmadena Golf are two to try, but you really will be spoilt for choice by the options on offer across this region!”

14. Where’s the best place to try the local wine?

“Just about anywhere, really! Not only are the house wines that you find in many of the local bars and chiringuitos cheap and deliciously cheerful, but they often come with a small free tapas dish as well!”

15. Where’s the best place for a day trip?

“Malaga is an adventurer’s paradise, from the Picasso Museum and fortresses to the quirky street art and charming churches, you’ll find a tapestry of culture at every turn. Depending on where you’re based, there might even be a direct bus here, or, seen as this is the city you fly into and out of on a visit to the Costa del Sol, why not spend a morning or afternoon here as part of your journey?”