It’s no doubt that the city of Málaga has lots to offer. From museums to shops and monuments, there is something for everyone. However, if you decide to escape the tourists and head inland, it will be worth your while. You will find quaint towns, homes with flower-filled facades, national parks and lots of rich history. Here are some of our favorite towns in the Málaga countryside.
Antequera – Soak up the history in this town by visiting the Alcazaba, a fortress built during the Moorish occupation, or the Dolmens, an ancient burial site comprising three megalithic monuments dating from the Neolithic and the Bronze ages. They were used for funerary purposes and are today considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ronda – This mountaintop city is set on a dramatically deep gorge, and its history dates back to Moorish rule. Walk across the famous Puente Nuevo bridge, and visit the iconic Plaza de Toros, an 18th century bullring. Between the Arab baths archeological site, a Moorish palace, and stone gates, there is plenty to see in this astonishing city.
La Pileta Cave – for a really unique adventure, visit this cave just outside of Ronda. Inside you can witness extraordinary cave paintings which date back to the Paleolithic Era. When the cave was discovered in 1905, pieces of pottery and jewelry were also found. The cave is well-conserved and it’s a prime example of prehistoric art.
Caminito del Rey – Called the King’s Path in English, this famous 5-mile walk is a unique way to enjoy the landscape. Part of it is a walking trail where you pass through tunnels, gorges and dams. The path then converts into boardwalks suspended along the steep walls of a narrow gorge. You will see local flora and fauna, as well as preserved fossils from the Jurassic period.
Vega Verde – this organic citrus farm located just outside the city of Malaga specializes in growing fruits such as clementines, mandarin oranges and lemons. They focus on sustainability and grow high quality fruit that is exported around the world. For Valesa clients, they even offer a cooking class overlooking the citrus groves for a real hands-on experience.
Mijas – Mijas is a small but well-liked village, easy to visit for a day trip. Stroll through the streets lined with white-washed homes or walk in the gardens located on the remains of the ancient fortress. There are also one-of-a-kind attractions here such as a miniatures museum and the smallest chocolate factory in the world. Remember to take home some local, hand-painted ceramics as a souvenir.
White villages – in southern Spain, there is an abundance of these ‘pueblos blancos’. They are scattered throughout the mountains and are full of white-washed homes and narrow cobblestone streets. These charming towns are full of history and usually have a medieval castle on a hill above. We suggest visiting Gaucin, Casares, Vejer de la Frontra and Frigiliana to name a few.
Caviar Riofrío – if you’re a true gourmet, you can visit this ecological caviar farm near Granada. The warm climate and the natural flow of water through the pools of fish make this farm truly sustainable with zero impact on the earth. The caviar produced here is internationally recognized and truly excellent. Guided visits and tastings are available.