Costa del Sol
Rincón de la Victoria
Rincón de la Victoria is sometimes described by local residents as a "dormitory town". Situated just 12km east of Málaga, it makes a convenient base for those who work in the city but prefer sea breezes and beaches, and the relative tranquillity of an overgrown fishing village.
It is also a popular place for the Spanish to spend the summer months and many families have their second home here. The municipality of Rincón includes the the neighbouring fishing village of La Cala and the pretty inland village of Benagalbón.
Rapid expansion in the last 5 years or so, however, with apartment blocks springing up literally overnight, has meant that services are overstretched in July and August. The winter population of 26,600 inhabitants almost triples during this period. Those of us who live here breathe a sigh of relief when the vacationers go back to the city and leave us the best month of the year, September, all to ourselves.
Rincón de la Victoria's greatest asset is its lively urban seafront and beach. From the western most cliff top, marked by a Moorish watchtower, the view sweeps down the length of the sandy beach, past the clutter of blue and white fishing boats, chiringuitos (fish restaurants on the beach), palm trees, the occasional cluster of thatched sunshades and the endless promenades.