If you are going to stay in one of our Panoramic properties in Florida, the Bodrum Peninsula, or the Costa del Sol in Spain then you may want to know what to expect at the airports in these popular destinations. Here is our guide to Malaga, Bodrum and Orlando airports.
Malaga Airport
Location: Malaga Airport is located on the Costa del Sol and is 65kms West of Nerja and 25km East of Fuengirola. The airport is located just 8kms outside of the impressive city of Malaga that is well worth a visit. The airport is the gateway to all the major tourist destinations on the Costa del Sol including Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Mijas, La Cala de Mijas, Calahonda, Puerto Banus and Marbella.
Facilities: Malaga airport has been undergoing some huge changes over the last 5 years that has seen it rapidly expand to increase the number of flights it can handle and passengers it can process. There is plenty of space for parking although drop off space is limited directly outside of the airport. Internally the check in area is modern and bright although in Peak season the security area needs to be bigger to prevent heavy queuing. The Security personnel are still stringent but take a much more common sense approach to checking guests with children when compared to UK airports. As of 2014 you now have to go through Duty Free to get through to the main bars, restaurants and shops. The duty free area is huge so if you are looking for some last minute presents you will be spoilt for choice. There are plenty of places to eat including, Burger King and the not very Spanish Four Arrows Pub. Snacks, sandwiches and drinks can be picked up at Upper Crust, Starbucks and the Coffee Co. For those with a sweet tooth there are cakes and ice creams at the Haagen Dazs counter. If you have some money to spend then the Ferrari and Hugo Boss shops are worth a visit. The large pick and mix sweet store is one for the children along with the Hello Kitty car rides at 1 Euro a go or 2 Euros if you want a picture. If you are travelling with children and are caught short then nappies and wipes can be bought from the vending machines.
Best For: It is pointless just saying alcohol as every airport in the world is loaded with it. Malaga airport, however, specialises in and stocks large amounts of quality wines and Sherries. The staff on hand are very knowledgeable and keen to assist. There is also plenty of tasting opportunities at the stands around the aisles so you can try before you buy.
Avoid If: You don’t want to pay 8.5 Euros for your Burger Meal or 9.5 Euros for your Chicken Burger meal at Burger King. These are crazy prices. Also avoid if you want to eat healthily, there really isn’t much to offer even the sandwiches are laden with mayonnaise. Your best bet is Upper Crust.
Transport: The best ways to get from Malaga airport to your Holiday Villa are the train or transfer company. The train from Malaga airport runs a fantastic service that is cheap, reliable and runs regularly so you are not stood around waiting hours for a suitable train. The train line runs right along the coast passing through all the major holiday destinations on the Cost del Sol. All you then need is a quick taxi up to your villa. This saves you time, money and the fact that you are getting a local taxi from the train station means they are more likely to know your Villas location when compared to a taxi driver sat at the airport. For the best transfer services on the coast in terms of value for money and getting you to your villa safely and on time use Transfers del Sol
For details of our fantastic range of Villas and Apartments within easy reach of Malaga Airport visit Panoramic Villas Costa del Sol Rentals today.
Bodrum Milas Airport
Location: Bodrum Milas Airport is located 36km northeast of Bodrum. It is about 40 minutes’ drive from Bodrum centre and around an hour’s drive to resorts such as Yalikavak, Tuzla and Gumusluk on the Aegean coast.
Facilities: A brand new international terminal opened in 2012 and the old international terminal that had very little facilities was turned into the domestic terminal. The new international terminal is large and modern with a large duty free shop, new security systems, restaurants, bars and cafes and lots of seating in the departure lounge. You can find lots of different types of cuisine on offer from tasty burgers to pizza, Chinese noodles and a salad bar. There is even a Victoria’s Secret store selling cosmetics and perfume and a high-class jewellery shop selling quality watches.
Best For: Duty free. There is a large duty free shop in both arrivals and departures so if you cannot be bothered to carry your alcohol, perfume or tobacco on the plane you can pick it up when you land in Bodrum. The prices are even a little cheaper than those in the UK duty free so it may be worth waiting to purchase your goods there. There are self-scanning machines in the duty free shops so you can view the price of what you want to purchase in Turkish Lira, Euros, Sterling or USD so you know exactly what you are spending.
Avoid if: You haven’t booked you E-Visa online before travelling. Changes to the immigration laws in Turkey from April 2014 mean that you must book your E-Visa online before you travel. The old system was to pay £10 for your visa when you arrived but this slowed down the arrival process so this is a positive step and it should speed up things when you hit the tarmac. Read more about this in our blog New Visa System for Turkey
Transport: As it is quite a drive from the airport to the resorts on the Aegean coast it is most cost effective to hire a car or arrange airport transfers prior to your arrival. Taxis can be hailed from outside the airport terminal but there are no public transport links so booking ahead is best. We recommend Heaven Tours for airport transfers or car hire. If you book your holiday on the Bodrum Peninsula with Panoramic Villas you will receive the most competitive rates from this company.
For details of our fantastic range of Villas and Apartments within easy reach of Bodrum Milas Airport visit Panoramic Villas Bodrum Peninsula Rentals today.
Orlando Airport
Location: Orlando International Airport MCO is positioned just 6 miles southeast of Orlando. Serving the mid region of Florida, it is the second busiest airport in the state. The popular cities of Kissimmee and Davenport are about 25 minutes drive from Orlando International Airport.
Facilities: Orlando International Airport MCO has 2 terminals and boasts 129 gates. There are 2 security checkpoints, one to the East and the other on the West. Parking is easy with North and South Parking available outside the airport, while inside you can park in Terminal A or B.
There are 3 main levels to the airport. The first level is for claiming baggage and for catching buses, taxis, shuttles and airport car rental agencies. Level 2 has another area for claiming baggage and a pet relief area, Terminal 2 also offers currency exchange on this level. The main area on Level 3 has the ticketing and gates for both terminals with the food courts positioned between the 2 terminals. Here you will find a wide choice of places to eat including Burger King, Pizza Hut, Big Apple Bagels, Shipyard Brewery & Brew Pub, Starbucks Coffee, Chili’s Too Lounge and much more. If you desire some retail therapy then you can’t go far wrong here such a large choice with Bunch-A-Books, Planters & The Grove, Sunglass International, Tie Rack, Bow Wow Meow, WHSmith Books, Electronics Boutique, Perfumania, Gem Collection, Altitunes, GNC Nutrition, Team Sports USA, Times Square Watches, Dapy Gifts, Bon Voyage Luggage, Runway Funway, The Museum Company, The Body Shop, Wilsons Leather, Speedo Authentic Fitness, Discovery Channel Store and as you might expect Theme Park related shops with the likes of The Magic of Disney, Sea World, Universal Studios of Florida and Disney’s Flight Fantastic. If you need some extra cash then ATM machines can be found on this level along with other services including currency exchange, a hair salon, postal services and even freshly cut flowers! Duty free is available for international departing passengers and there are 2 information centres should you struggle to find what you’re looking for! There are four groups of gates which branch off this main area on level 3 serving Terminals A and B. Each of these offers more shops and a variety of eateries to sample. Level 3 also has a fountain to one side which also leads up to the Hyatt Airport Hotel on Level 4 if you’re planning a stay over. In short, there is plenty to keep you amused for a short or longer stay.
Best For: Visiting the popular sunshine state of Florida. The airport is well placed for visiting many of the popular attractions. So a short 25 minutes drive to your accommodation puts you in the prime location for visiting some of the best theme parks in the world. Perfect for kids old and young!
Avoid If: Travelling in high season and you can’t be doing with crowds. Orlando International Airport is the 13th busiest airport in the United States. You might want to try the smaller Orlando Sanford Airport as an alternative, the flights might be less flexible but the prices are more competitive and the compact size makes boarding and going through security a breeze.
Transport: Getting into and out of the Orlando International Airport MCO is easy as there are lots clearly placed signposts. If you are driving we recommend booking your car hire before you arrive. Arranging airport transfer can also be arranged easily and allows you to enjoy a drink on your flight. After a long tiring flight the last thing you need is a long drive to get to your destination.
If you are looking to visit Florida for your next holidays then be sure to check out our fantastic selection of Great Value Florida Villas with pools just 15/20 minutes drive from the attractions of Disney, Universal and SeaWorld.
