Beyond Marbella…where to visit on the Costa del Sol

You’ve heard us boast about Marbella time and time again and hopefully we’ve managed to convince you that Marbella property has the potential to be a great investment. Yes, Marbella is the centre for all that’s wonderful on the Costa del Sol. It’s a coastal city with a rich and vibrant culture, fantastic architecture, stunning surroundings and a fabulous night life.

Today we’re going to explore little known gems, that extend inland from the Costa del Sol.  Located just a few kilometres inland, you can easily take a drive or find a great tour company to take you on an adventure.

Benahavis

Located just a few miles past San Pedro, midway (approx. 20kms) between the towns of Estepona and Marbella, and only a 7 minute drive off the motorway, you’ll find Benahavis. At its heart is a charming whitewashed hillside village, virtually bursting with colourful character.  As you head up the narrow winding road, following dramatic curves and twists, you will be captivated by the breath taking mountainous terrain.

Benahavis has its place in history, dating back to the era when the Moors controlled most of the Iberian Peninsula. That said, today it is more famous for its cornucopia of eateries – often referred to as the ‘kitchen of Andalucia’ – with restaurants and tapas bars of all shapes and sizes on every one of its tiny streets and plazas. Tourists tend to make a beeline for the stylish Amanhavis Hotel and restaurant, and art lovers can visit David Marshall’s gallery.

Besides the gastronomic delights, you can explore numerous hiking trails snaking around the edge of the village. The gorge for example is a great place to visit in the summer, but you will need to get there early. This is a great place for the entire family to enjoy; streams, cork forests, and hiking trails are just the tip of the iceberg.

There is a lovely mix of new and traditional homes for sale in and around Benahavis. The expansive area of land surrounding the village is considered to be one of the most private and luxurious residential areas in Spain – La Zagaleta.  Grand estates are protected from prying eyes, making it the number one choice for foreign dignitaries, socialites and celebrities. Exactly who owns property in La Zagaleta is a closely guarded secret….

Ronda

Ronda can be described as historical, beautiful and it is also as good as located in the clouds. The town is primarily accessed via a long and winding road that seems to get steeper every minute. However, once you arrive you will be instantly rewarded for your efforts.  Sitting above a ravine, surrounded by river valleys, Ronda is situated in an area called the Serrania de Ronda, and has a population of 35.0000. It also just happens to be one of the most beautiful and most visited towns in Spain.

If you fancy harking back to a bygone age, Ronda is definitely the place to visit, as it has retained its unique rustic olde worlde Spanish charm. You can either drive, or take one of the many organised tours leaving from the Costa del Sol.  The town’s history is extremely interesting and there are plenty of opportunities to learn more by visiting its monuments, such as the world famous Puente Nuevo bridge overhanging the insanely dramatic ravine, the bull ring museum Real Masestranza de Caballeria de Ronda or to follow in the famous footsteps of Ernest Hemmingway and Orson Welles by taking a Writer’s Tour of Ronda. Alternatively, soak up the atmosphere over a leisurely lunch in one of the many fine dining restaurants or take a tour in a horse drawn carriage.

Nerja

If you’re willing to head to the other side of Malaga, Nerja should be right at the top of your must-see list. Most tourists exit Malaga airport and head straight towards Marbella, keen to start their holiday or to simply relax in their beautiful beachfront Marbella villas. Yet, if you head in the opposite direction to the most eastern corner of the Costa del Sol, you’ll find this gem of a village.

Nerja was once a small fishing village; today it is a quaint coastal village known for its lack of high rise apartments and the world famous Nerja Caves.  The ‘Cuevas de Nerja’ was first opened to the public in the 1960s, and since then they have hosted an annual music festival, boasting names such as Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Spain’s very own Jose Carreras.

One of Nerja’s most popular attractions is the Balcon de Europa (the Balcony of Europe), an incredible promenade that stretches along the edge of a cliff! This was once the location of a Moorish castle and the platform has amazing views of the Mediterranean coastline.

What’s more, it’s only an hour and a half drive to the ski resort of the Sierra Nevada. It is considered to be one of the most popular tourist resorts on the Costa del Sol….and with good reason!