Nerja

Nerja (40’) is situated in the east of the Costa del Sol. It is a sympathetic town, not yet spoiled by mass tourism unlike other towns at the Costa. In the city centre you will find the typical white houses, narrow streets with shops offering local produce and cosy squares. No high buildings here. Nerja is known for its picturesque beaches and bays and water sport lovers find everything they can look for. The Balcón de Europa offers great views on the city and the coastal line. Plenty of small restaurants, ice cream vendors, bars and in summer, street performers will enthuse you. The caves, Cuevas de Nerja, with their remarkable stalactites is a must see and used to offer shelter to cavemen.

Pueblos Blancos

The white washed villages for which Andalusia is so known are called the Pueblos Blancos. Moorish people governed the region from the eight till the fifteenth century. When the Spanish claimed back their land in the thirteenth century ( Reconquista) many Moorish peasants fled into the mountains and built their white houses with thick walls, small windows and round chimneys, so typical still today. When the last of the Moorish people were banished many villages remained empty till Spanish farmers moved in. Cómpeta, Mijas, Frigiliana, Sayalonga, Comares … plenty of choice for an interesting drive through the hills.