beaches
Competa is just 20 minutes from the coast where you can find beaches at Torre del Mar, Alogorrobo and Torrox, making a day at the beach a great option for a day out.
Our favourite though has to be Nerja, just another 15 minutes drive east. Nerja has some of the best beaches on the Costa del Sol, and many are easily accessible on foot from the central old town.
We’d certainly recommend Playa Calahonda, Playa del Salon and Playa Burriana to name just a few. Golden sands, sheltered coves and all within easy reach of beachside Chiringuitos and restaurants – these have the best of both worlds for sure.
malaga
To many tourists, 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 excellent tapas bars and restaurants and some great sights. Be sure not to miss Malaga Cathedral, the Alcazaba Citadel, the Roman Theatre 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.
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.
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.
nerja caves
Discovered in 1959 by five local boys, the Cueva de Nerja has become one of Spain’s most popular tourist attractions. Located in Maro, five minutes from Nerja, the caves stretch for almost 5km.
Inside the caves’ public gallery you will discover a numerous amount of beautifully lit speleothems on the ceiling, floor, and walls. These include the largest stalactite in the world. Incredibly, cave paintings more than 42,000 years old have been discovered in the caves.
The caves are open 363 days a year. In the summer months, a number of special events are organised, including night visits by torchlight with a guided tour, and concerts that take advantage of the awesome acoustics.
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.
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.
marbella
The cosmopolitan ‘capital’ of the Costa del Sol is much more than its glitzy reputation might suggest. Take a day out to Marbella and you’ll discover a city with great historical roots and small town charm.
Walking through the winding cobbled streets of the old town feels like you’re still in the small fishing village that Marbella once was. Eventually, all the streets seem to lead to the delightful Plaza de los Naranjos, with its lovely cafes situated under the shade of the orange trees that give this square its name.
If it’s glamour you’re after, head to one of Europe’s most impressive marinas, Puerto Banus. You’ll find superyachts, supercars and super expensive stores, and maybe a celebrity or two.
local villages
Legend has it that the village of Canillas de Albaida was at one time surrounded by wild white flowers, hence the name ‘Albaida’ meaning white in Arabic. The quaint village square, flanked by the church is a great spot for a drink or tapas.
Located just a few kilometres from Competa. the village of Archez, known as “the Crown Jewel of the 17th Century”, is one of the smallest and prettiest villages in the Axarquia. The 16th-century church is a beautiful example of Mudejar architecture.
In 1948 the inhabitants of El Acebuchal were forced to flee the village by the Guardia Civil. It was left in ruins and became known locally as ‘the lost village’. Fifty years later, the son of one of the inhabitants returned to restore the homes. Today, the village is back to how it once was.
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 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.
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.
caminito del rey
For the adventurous types with a head for heights, the Caminito del Rey is a 1m wide 7.7km long walkway through the gorge in El Chorro. Formerly known as ‘the most dangerous walk in the world’, it is now a safe and exciting experience following a renovation in 2015.
The Caminito is easily accessible by car and there are parking facilities and a museum on site. Tickets are €10 or €18 with a guide. The most popular route is the 2.9km aerial footbridge walk. This is linear but a shuttle bus can bring you back to your starting point.
Tickets for the Caminito must be purchased in advance and taken with you. You should arrive around 30 minutes before your designated time. Note, under 8s and pets are not allowed.
beaches
Competa is just 20 minutes from the coast where you can find beaches at Torre del Mar, Alogorrobo and Torrox, making a day at the beach a great option for a day out.
Our favourite though has to be Nerja, just another 15 minutes drive east. Nerja has some of the best beaches on the Costa del Sol, and many are easily accessible on foot from the central old town.
We’d certainly recommend Playa Calahonda, Playa del Salon and Playa Burriana to name just a few. Golden sands, sheltered coves and all within easy reach of beachside Chiringuitos and restaurants – these have the best of both worlds for sure.
malaga
To many tourists, 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 excellent tapas bars and restaurants and some great sights. Be sure not to miss Malaga Cathedral, the Alcazaba Citadel, the Roman Theatre 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.
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.
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.
nerja caves
Discovered in 1959 by five local boys, the Cueva de Nerja has become one of Spain’s most popular tourist attractions. Located in Maro, five minutes from Nerja, the caves stretch for almost 5km.
Inside the caves’ public gallery you will discover a numerous amount of beautifully lit speleothems on the ceiling, floor, and walls. These include the largest stalactite in the world. Incredibly, cave paintings more than 42,000 years old have been discovered in the caves.
The caves are open 363 days a year. In the summer months, a number of special events are organised, including night visits by torchlight with a guided tour, and concerts that take advantage of the awesome acoustics.
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.
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.
marbella
The cosmopolitan ‘capital’ of the Costa del Sol is much more than its glitzy reputation might suggest. Take a day out to Marbella and you’ll discover a city with great historical roots and small town charm.
Walking through the winding cobbled streets of the old town feels like you’re still in the small fishing village that Marbella once was. Eventually, all the streets seem to lead to the delightful Plaza de los Naranjos, with its lovely cafes situated under the shade of the orange trees that give this square its name.
If it’s glamour you’re after, head to one of Europe’s most impressive marinas, Puerto Banus. You’ll find superyachts, supercars and super expensive stores, and maybe a celebrity or two.
local villages
Legend has it that the village of Canillas de Albaida was at one time surrounded by wild white flowers, hence the name ‘Albaida’ meaning white in Arabic. The quaint village square, flanked by the church is a great spot for a drink or tapas.
Located just a few kilometres from Competa. the village of Archez, known as “the Crown Jewel of the 17th Century”, is one of the smallest and prettiest villages in the Axarquia. The 16th-century church is a beautiful example of Mudejar architecture.
In 1948 the inhabitants of El Acebuchal were forced to flee the village by the Guardia Civil. It was left in ruins and became known locally as ‘the lost village’. Fifty years later, the son of one of the inhabitants returned to restore the homes. Today, the village is back to how it once was.
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 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.
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.
caminito del rey
For the adventurous types with a head for heights, the Caminito del Rey is a 1m wide 7.7km long walkway through the gorge in El Chorro. Formerly known as ‘the most dangerous walk in the world’, it is now a safe and exciting experience following a renovation in 2015.
The Caminito is easily accessible by car and there are parking facilities and a museum on site. Tickets are €10 or €18 with a guide. The most popular route is the 2.9km aerial footbridge walk. This is linear but a shuttle bus can bring you back to your starting point.
Tickets for the Caminito must be purchased in advance and taken with you. You should arrive around 30 minutes before your designated time. Note, under 8s and pets are not allowed.