Sightseeing

Sightseeing

Sightseeing around our amazing part of Andalucia

Hiking and Walking Trails / Paths

Alora, Malaga

Alora (2009 population: 13,395) is a lovely town, right on the river bank of the Guadalhorce river and the Córdoba-Málaga high speed rail line.

From a distance, it is a typical pueblo blanco (white village), nestled between three rocky spurs topped by the ruins of the castle.

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Caminito del Rey Caminito del Rey / King's little pathway

El Caminito del Rey

After many years of neglect the Caminito del Rey has received a full restoration, thanks to both local and regional governments that shared this project. The new and improved path will be reopening during the Easter period 2015. Here is a link to the main website, where you can get more information and purchase tickets.

Back in history this path provided access to a hydro-electric plant and took its name after an official visit by Alfonso XIII of Spain in 1921, but official access to the path was removed in 2000 due to safety concerns. The gorge runs from the end of the “Embalse del Gaitanejo” to “El Chorro”.

Caminito del Rey / El Chorro / Gorge Gaitanes – 20 min away
El Chorro or “the Spurt” is a small village located just about 20 minutes from us. It is one of the most popular rock climbing attractions and is just next to Desfiladero de los Gaitanes (“Gorge of the Gaitanes”).

El Chorro is an area not only for the Caminito del Rey, but it is very popular for rock climbing, mountain biking and regular hiking etc. Actually during the winters months it is a very busy little hamlet, because the weather is more conducive to these activities.

Ardales Lakes

Ardales Lakes
Just over twenty minutes north are three beautiful turquoise coloured lakes surrounded by pine forests. A tranquil retreat where you can swim, fish or picnic on the lake shore. Called Malaga’s “Lake District”, it is in fact three artificial lakes created by a dam built across the dramatic two hundred meter high Guadalhorce river gorge, known as the Gorge of the Gaitanes. Watch out for the eagles which continually circle around the sheer cliffs. Or if you fancy getting into the action in this area, try Quad Biking, Horse Riding, Climbing, Hiking or Mountain Biking etc.

Malaga City

Malaga City and Marina

Malaga’s history spans about 2,800 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. Malaga has a lot to offer, so do not miss out on a city full of history, that has also been the key important port and trading center in the Mediterranean. Use the hop on/off bus and see everything from exhibits, tapas bars, nightlife, beaches, shopping, the bullring and Castillo de Gibralfaro which towers behind Malaga. It is here where you can see the whole city and out to sea (see picture to the left). The Alcazaba is below the Castillo de Gibralfaro and it has a fantastic view, with many small oases in the great palace/fortress. In Malaga there is a large food market with a huge selection of fresh foods like fish, chicken, pork, beef and olives to name a few. Don’t forget about Old Town, it is very nice to walk around in.

Malaga is the birthplace of both Picasso and actor Antonio Banderas.

Torremolinos

Torremolinos
Torremolinos can be remembered as one of the first charter destinations on the Costa del Sol dating back many years. However, this is still a favourite for many and it has adapted well to the changes in the tourist industry as per today. Torremolinos can offer a lot such a nice beaches, quaint small windy streets for shopping and nice restaurants. It does also have a vibrant gay area for bar hopping and restaurant sampling etc. This picture was taken from a view point on the way down to one of our favourite restaurants here. El Gato Lounge serves great food and good times!

Teba

Teba

This is a charming, small, white, authentic Spanish village with several small narrow streets and tapas bars with just over 4,000 inhabitants. It is beautifully situated along a ridge extending to the Guadalhorce valley and at the top are the ruins of a fortress with fantastic views.

In 1330 were the Scots in battle to conquer the fortress. The Scottish nobleman, Sir James Douglas, was killed by a group of Scots while he tried to help the Castilian king to conquer the castle. The reason for his presence in Teba, was that he had been commissioned by the Liberation King of Scotland, Robert Bruce (who had attained independence from England before he died of leprosy), to bring his embalmed heart to the Holy Land. Scottish legend Sir James launched his king’s heart for Muslims as they had fallen, fulfilling the desire of the king to fight against the infidels. To commemorate this event, a monument in the town was set up and it is said that his heart is still there.

Fuengirola

Fuengirola

Fuengirola has about 60,000 inhabitants which grows to about between 200,000 and 400,000 with the tourists who visit every year. Fuengirola is located about midway between Malaga and Marbella. Fuengirola is designed for tourists and suitable for anyone who likes to be in the sun and heat. Fuengirola has one of the nicest and longest beaches on the entire Costa del Sol coast.

Fuengirola has a great nightlife with everything from discos, rock bars, Latino bars, salsa bars, blue bars that organize jam sessions, jazz cafes, flamenco bars and belly dancing, which all are reflected by all of the nationalities living here. There are many people from northern Europe who have bought vacation property here.

Torrox

Torrox
Torrox is a beautiful, quaint municipality and it is located on the Costa del Sol between the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and the foothills of the Sierra de Almijara. It is frequented especially by German and British tourists. The city itself is divided into sections: Torrox Costa on the sea and Torrox Pueblo which is approximately 4 km inland. This area of southern Spain has been given the distinction of “The Best Climate in Europe”.

El Torcal Nature Reserve

El Torcal
El Torcal Nature Reserve lies in the Antequera municipality and has fantastic limestone formations. Check out what was lying under the sea millions of years ago, such as formations of sea creatures and other fascinating objects which can now be seen at the surface. You will find numerous walks ranging from easy and short to long and more demanding. Make a picnic and enjoy the day.

Ronda

Ronda
Ronda is perhaps one of the most famous of the white villages in Andalucia. This town is especially known for its dramatic location situated on a high plateau that is divided in two by a deep ravine. The ravine separates the older Moorish district called La Ciudad from the younger district of El Mercadillo. Ronda has many small quaint streets where you can find tapas bars, restaurants, shops selling pottery, leather, wine and souvenirs etc. Americans Clean Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles spent many a summer in Ronda. Their frequent visits have also contributed to Ronda becoming a popular tourist destination. The famous German poet Rainer Maria Rilke also lived in Ronda repeatedly over long periods of time. He always stayed at the Hotel Reina Victoria, which was built in 1906. The room he used is in the same state that he left it in, a mini-museum of Rilkeana. Plaza de Toros, the famous bull ring was built in 1784. A visit to the bull ring and museum has an entrance fee.

The Caves of La Pileta

Cueva de la Pileta

The Caves of La Pileta are located just about a 20-25 minute drive from Ronda. You will see palaeolithic paintings of horses, bulls, fish, and goats dating from 20,000 to 25,000 years ago. The atmosphere is dark, most and at the same time intriguing. Just amazing!

Please see this link for directions from maps.google.com.

Marbella

Marbella
The jet set mecca on the Costa del Sol is Marbella and it offers more than just shopping and the area of Puerto Banus. Both celebrities and tourists alike can be found here along with their stately villas and groomed golf courses that make up a large part of the beautiful landscape. Even with the exclusive boutiques and extravagant life, Marbella has succeeded in retaining its Andalucían charm.

Nerja and its caves

Nerja Caves
Nerja has a long history evidenced by the primitive paintings found in its famous Nerja caves, discovered in 1959. These caves are now believed to be just one entrance to a linked series of potholes stretching many miles into the mountains between Nerja and Granada, and which may yet prove to be one of the most extensive unexplored systems in Europe. The Balcón de Europa is a viewpoint which gives stunning views across the sea, which is located in by the main square in Nerja. Its name is believed to have been coined by King Alfonso XII, who visited the area in 1885 following a disastrous earthquake and was captivated by the scenery. This part of town is a great place to have a bit to eat or just a drink, so that you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Sevilla

Sevilla
If you have not been to a Spanish city before, then Seville should meet your expectations. It is said that Seville is the birthplace of flamenco and where the country’s bullfighters face a challenging and enthusiastic audience. Despite having over 700,000 inhabitants, Seville’s historic city neighbourhoods, with their narrow cobble stone streets, squares and alleys do not seem to have that big city feel. There are lots of little tapas bars, cervecerias, gothic palaces and rows of orange trees. Over 500 years ago Seville was one of Europe’s richest cities and you can still see clear traces in the architecture and the many lavish building facades. The mild climate of this Andalucían region makes Seville a destination where you can visit it anytime year round and most visitors fall in love with Spain’s fourth largest city. A must see is the Spanish Pavillion from the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 where the world’s fair was held in Seville from the 9th of May 1929 until the 21st of June 1930.

Granada and Alhambra

Granada, an amazing city with a lot of history. Whether you choose to walk around the old town, take a guided tour on a Segway or on foot, or if you have tickets to the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is much to see and experience. Alhambra was built in the mid 1300s by the Moorish rulers and is one of the most beautiful building complexes man has made and the most visited cultural monument in Spain.

The city has a lot of beautiful architecture, narrow streets, colourful Moroccan streets, atmosphere, tapas bars, restaurants, houses with flower pots hanging up the walls, houses made into the mountains and much more. If you want to experience flamenco there are several places that organise this.

Cordoba

Cordoba
Cordoba is an old city with a lot of history that was founded by the Romans in the year 169BC. You can visit the second largest mosque in the world here, which has stunning architecture. The Roman Bridge and the synagogue are also some things you should not miss. Cordoba has a Jewish quarter consisting of narrow old streets with lots of atmosphere. There has emerged some souvenir stores, but overall the area is nevertheless very authentic. There are also many beautiful gardens you can visit. Lots of tapas bars and bodegas you can grab a snack, drinks and relax a bit. It is possible to get guided tours in Cordoba and hear about the city’s fascinating history and architecture.