The best shopping in the area is beyond doubt at El Ingenio Shopping Complex - just 20 minutes from Villa Alba. The main hypermarket in the complex is called Eroski and it sells everything from beds to barbeques and a wide choice of excellent foods, clothes and soft-furnishings. This is the place to do the 'big shop' and stock up the freezer with food for the barbe!!!

The El Ingenio shopping complex is fully air-conditioned and offers a choice of restaurants and coffee shops, all set in a beautiful setting with fountains, full glass lifts and multiplex cinema. There are many designer clothing outlets, Dunnes (Marks & Spencer copy), jewellers, cash machines and gift shops.
Open from 10 am - 10 p.m. Not open Sundays.

Around the Lake, there are small local grocery shops at the village of Los Romanes - approx 2kms from the villa and at Alcaucin, Puente Don Manuel and Vinuela (on the other side of the lake - all approx. 4kms from the villa). There is also a new delicatescent shop opened at the side of the Lake, again about 2kms away.

Velez Malaga - The old capital of Velez Malaga (about 15 minutes from the villa) is still the traditional market town providing every type of shopping imaginable. Together with several Banks, Post Offices and Cafes, this is a treasure trove of traditional Spanish culture.

Torre Del Mar - although this is the coastal resort catering for the tourists needs, it has retained its traditional atmosphere and purpose, providing traditional shopping and services, together with a local market every Thursday.

Nerja - despite being a major tourist destination, like so many resorts on the Eastern Costa Del Sol, it has retained its character and not yielded to the temptation to enlarge to quickly. It has small cobbled streets with local and touristic shopping and plentiful cafes and bars. Take the N340 (costa) - costal road from Torre Del Mar and stop in at Herradura for more sightseeing! (30 mins from villa).

Here's a tip for those late-arrivals - The Petrol Station (Repsol), at Velez Malaga exit from main Malaga-Motril motorway is particularly well stocked and open till 10 p.m. Good for last minute or convenience foods if travelling from the airport late in the evening.