OTHER
DESTINATIONS
Incredible places, slightly further afield
The City
OF MALAGA
To many visitors, Malaga is simply the gateway to other places, being the location of the airport. But to miss out on Spain’s 6th largest city would be a shame and it makes a great day out.
The old town offers excellent shopping, a range of traditional and modern tapas bars and restaurants, and some fabulous archtecture. Be sure not to miss Malaga Cathedral, the Alcazaba Citadel, the Roman Theatre, the port area and the modern art at the only Pompidou Centre outside of Paris.
Malaga is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and the Museo Picasso holds more than 400 works by the celebrated artist. If art isn’t your thing, the recently redeveloped port area has lots of shops and restaurants, including a Hard Rock Cafe.
THE SEASIDE
TOWN OF NERJA
A short drive down to the coast brings you to Nerja, a lively seaside town that somehow still manages to keep its Andalusian charm. With its palm-fringed beaches, cliffside views and whitewashed streets, Nerja is a perfect place to soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere.
The town’s most famous attraction is the Balcón de Europa, a viewpoint perched on a rocky promontory, offering panoramic views of the coastline. Just outside the centre, the Nerja Caves are also well worth a visit. Vast caverns with prehistoric paintings and one of the world’s largest stalagmites.
From beachside tapas bars to gentle coastal walks, Nerja offers a little bit of everything. The sea, the sun, and that unmistakable Costa del Sol sparkle.
THE VILLAGE
OF FRIGILIANA
Another of the region’s fantastic white villages is that of Frigiliana, which can be found about 10 minutes inland from Nerja. Frigiliana has been a member of the official Los Pueblos mas Bonitos de Espana (most beautiful villages in Spain) since 2015, and is a treasure of winding streets and white-washed buildings.
During the last weekend of August, Frigiliana is transformed by the four-day festival of the three cultures, which celebrates the history and harmony of the Islamic, Jewish and Catholic cultures that have made the village what it is today.
Be warned though as, during the summer, Frigiliana is a very busy village, attracting coaches from other parts of Spain, and the cruise ships that dock in Malaga. We’d suggest a morning visit.
The Glitz
Of Marbella
For a taste of Mediterranean glamour, Marbella is the place to go. This stylish coastal city is known for its palm-lined boulevards, luxury yachts, and designer boutiques — all set against the backdrop of the Sierra Blanca mountains.
Take a stroll through the Golden Mile or the polished streets of Puerto Banús, where high-end fashion and supercars line a marina full of amazing yachts. You’ll find everything from Chanel and Gucci to local artisan treasures, with elegant cafés, restaurants and champagne bars in between.
But beyond the sparkle, Marbella also offers charm — a beautifully preserved old town, fragrant orange trees in sunny plazas, and long, golden beaches just minutes from it all.
THE CITY
OF GRANADA
The city of Granada was the site of the final capitulation of the Moors to the Catholics in 1492, ending more than 800 years of Moorish rule in the Iberian peninsula. Today, Granada has some of the best-preserved Moorish and medieval architecture anywhere in the world.
The Alhambra is an incredible spectacle. Part palace, part citadel, it was built between the 8th & 15th centuries by the Moorish Emirs. The Generalife grounds of the Alhambra are filled with colourful flowerbeds, neatly trimmed hedges, topiaries, pools and fountains. You can visit the palace, gardens or both. Tickets are purchased online.
The Albaicín is the old Arabic quarter of Granada. The narrow cobbled streets lead to hidden plazas and tapas bars – and Granada still maintains the tradition of giving a free tapa with every drink.
THE MOUNTAINS
OF THE SIERRA NEVADA
Just 32km from Granada, the Sierra Nevada is Spain’s highest and most southerly ski resort. Due to the altitude, the ski season normally lasts from November through to the beginning of May.
At the foot of the slopes, the quaint resort village of Pradollano stretches up a hill to the north of the pistes. Pradollano is home to a large number of shops, including many that sell or rent ski equipment. There are also a variety of ski schools, restaurants, cafés, bars and nightclubs to choose from.
The Sierra Nevada is not just about skiing though. Summer activities include walking, cycling, horse-riding, and climbing. One of the cable cars and one chairlift are kept open in July and August, making it relatively easy for hikers to reach the summit.