Coin (pronounced Co-een) is a big, full-service, country town with a long and varied history, just 30 minutes from Marbella and a similar distance from Malaga airport. It is in a convenient location and attractive countryside and views have made it a prime place for foreigners from all over the world to settle, but their arrival hasn’t changed the local way of life. The town has an unmistakable Andalusian feel about it.
Despite recent development, the town has plenty of old buildings and beautiful architecture and these are generally in a good state of repair. I’d like to suggest you get information from the local tourist office but I suspect that the “back in 15 minutes” notice is probably still in the doorway. Years ago I wanted a town map and visited frequently always to be met by the same message. One day in exasperation I got there early, before opening and waited for the funcionario (civil servant) to arrive. He was clearly extremely put out to find me on his doorstep and almost threw the map at me as he firmly pushed me out of the door before putting the notice in the window and locking up. He then presumably headed off to his other job!
That aside, places to see include the wonderful big plaza fronting the old Town Hall, the Church of San Andres (known as the Caridad) which is part of the hospital and the huge Church of San Juan whose steps are the heart of Coin’s amazing new year revels. Whilst New Year in many Spanish towns is quite a subdued affair, Coin is a huge fancy dress street party with music, dancing, incredible amounts of drinking and the most wonderful carnival atmosphere. Early (and fit) arrivals mass on the Church steps where they dance and sing non-stop – almost like the football terraces of old but with less bad language and not a hint of violence. The rest of us stay in the square in front where it is still pretty exciting!
Just outside the town at the Hotel Cine you can see the set for the failed BBC soap, Eldorado. Very interesting and well worth a visit. Just walk in and wander around.
For shopping, the town is full of little family-run enterprises with new chain supermarkets opening on the road Alhaurin el Grande and Cartama. Further on that road is the La Trocha shopping centre, scene of the enormous Sunday carboot sale and which also has cinemas (which sometimes show English language films), a sports center etc. The carboot sale is a must-see for expats – whilst we never bought much there it was where you went so see everyone you know. That’s the way Andalusia works, not a lot of spending but an awful lot of socialising!
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