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ALHAMBRA A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historical palace and fortress dates back to AD889 and was built on the remains of Roman fortifications. Originally restored by the Moors in the mid-13th Century it became the Christian royal court of Ferdinand and Isabella, and in 1492 is where Christopher Columbus received his endorsement for his expedition to discover The Americas. With its breath-taking architecture, décor, gardens and vistas it is well worth a day’s visit. Tickets and day-trip excursions can be booked in the tourist office on the strip in Calahonda, as well as on-line. |
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BENAHAVIS Renowned as “The Dining Room of the Costa del Sol”, the selection of restaurants in this picturesque inland town serves every taste and budget. The beautiful white-washed historic town of Moorish history is one of the most mountainous in the western part of the region and offers remarkable views of the terrain inland of Marbella and Puerto Banus. It has the highest concentration of high class restaurants in the region and is visited annually by thousands simply to savour the cuisine as well as the vistas. |
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CAVES AT NERJA One of Spain’s major tourist attractions, this series of huge caverns stretches for almost 5kms and is home to the world’s largest stalagmite; a 32 metre high column measuring a staggering 13x7 metres at its base. Situated east of Malaga it is well worth a day out to visit. The cave experience averages 2 hours, and it is recommended that you buy tickets on-line prior to visiting to avoid queues. www.cuevadenerja.es (translation into English available on the web page) |
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DEEP SEA FISHING The Costa del Sol is considered one of the most varied fishing venues in the world owing to the influence of currents from both the Atlantic and Mediterranean. There are many varied species to be found in the waters off the shores along our stretch of the coastline, including Snappers, Groupers, Tuna and Marlin, and on rare occasions, the odd shark! There are numerous companies offering day trips. For an insight have a look at www.marbellafishing.com |
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EL CAMINO DEL REY Go for a dizzy stroll along what used to be the most dangerous trail in the world. Opened in 1921 by King Alfonso XIII this award-winning recently renovated 7.7km pathway is an exceptional way to enjoy spectacular views and for watching wildlife in the mountains behind Malaga. Advance planning and booking recommended. www.caminitodelrey.info/en |
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GIBRALTAR The British territory of Gibraltar is well worth a day’s visit. Only less than an hour’s drive from the villa it offers plenty to experience. It is home to the only wild population of Barbary Macaque monkeys on the European continent, and there are numerous tours “up the rock” to interact with these fascinatingly human-like creatures. There is also a nature reserve, botanic gardens, a museum, a network of caves and tunnels used extensively in WWII, scenic climbs and picturesque views of the city, beaches, plenty of history and a lively town centre with numerous restaurants and excellent Duty-Free shopping. You will need your passport to cross the border both on entry and exit and please note the border can get very busy in peak seasons, so it may be wise to park your car on the Spanish side of the border and walk through passport control. Organised excursions can be booked at the tourist information office located in “the Strip” of Calahonda. |
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MALAGA CITY Malaga is the capital city of the province of Andalucia, and the 6th largest city in Spain. It is also one of the oldest cities in the world, dating back around 2,800 years to 770 BC. With archaeological remains from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras it is an extremely interesting place to visit. With an international port playing host to numerous cruise ships, the fantastic cathedral, wonderful shopping, bars and restaurants, it offers a vibrant mix of history and modernity. Home to Pablo Picasso, and more recently Antonio Banderas this beautiful city is a must on your sight-seeing list. Open bus tours offering a hop on and off service run regularly, and excursions can be booked at the tourist information office in Calahonda. |
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MOTORBIKE TOURS See parts of the terrain that you wouldn’t ordinarily see by taking an off road motorbike tour through the beautiful countryside inland from the villa. With gentle dust trails, forest trails, and more challenging single tracks and climbs, these tours are suited to all abilities of rider. A full unrestricted A or A2 motorcycle license is required, as is pre-booking on-line. www.letsridespain.com |
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RONDA Home to Spain’s oldest bullring (built in 1784) this historic town spans either side of a dramatically deep gorge. Dating back to the Neolithic Age, there is a variety of sights to see including the bridge spanning the gorge, the bullring, and partially intact Arabian baths dating back to the 13th & 14th Centuries. Day trip excursions can be booked at the information centre in Calahonda. |
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SHOPPING There are two major shopping complexes each within a 15 minute drive from the villa. Both have over 100 shops, bars and restaurants, a cinema complex showing at least one film in English, and other leisure outlets. Great if it’s one of our rare rainy days! East of the villa (towards Fuengirola) is Parque Miramar www.miramarcc.com/en West of the villa (towards Marbella) is La Canada www.parquecomercial-lacanada.com/en |
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SIERRA NEVADA/SKIING Just a short drive past Granada, this is a popular destination as one of Europe’s most southerly ski resorts, and the mountain range is home to the highest point in continental Spain, and the 3rd highest in Europe. It also boasts more than 20 peaks over 3,000m. Being just over 2 hours’ drive from the villa, there is something surreal about leaving the sunny beach behind and arriving in a snowscape, looking back down at the Mediterranean. Obviously, the snow is seasonal, but Sierra Nevada is not only all about winter sports as it boasts the largest National Park in Spain and is great for walks, climbing and wildlife. |
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TARIFA Tarifa, along the coast across the Strait of Gibraltar and facing Morocco is one of the world’s most popular wind sport destinations. It is the southernmost point of continental Europe and is geographically south of the African cities of Algiers and Tunis. With its rolling sand dunes and vast sandy beaches with white topped breakers it is also beautiful to behold. Can be extremely windy, but if you are into wind sports it is a must. www.tarifawindsurfing.com |