Inland
Casarabonela
With the historical role as a source of wine export for the Roman Empire, Casarabonela lies between the shadows of the Sierra de las Nieves in the inland grounds of Andalusia. Embedded in lands of fruitful olive farms, orange trees, almond trees, and avocados, Casarabonela is an authentic village only 30min away from Málaga and its airport, and only 50min away from Marbella and Ronda. Amongst its people, nicknamed “moriscos”, the true Andalusian lifestyle comes to life with the sparks of inland sunshine, and declivitous streets structuring the old houses portraying the original corners of Andalusian history.
Living in the area of Casarabonela means combining the peace and quiet of the beautiful countryside and mountains with the proximity of the international facilities on the coast. Around Casarabonela you will find a variety of country houses. You will see the authentically restored farmhouses, fincas and cortijos, but you will also find luxury villas on large plots of land. The owners have one important characteristic in common: They love the Andalusian countryside, they love to be inland Andalusia, in the middle of nature, close to an authentic village, yet they do not want to live isolated. To have the city of Málaga at easy reach has been vital in their decision to purchase a house in Casarabonela.
Facilities and services in Casarabonela
Despite being inhabited by a relatively small number of 2.600 people, Casarabonela provides all the basic services needed on a first-hand basis. It hosts a public school for children up to the age of 14. From this point onwards, neighbouring towns and cities offer full secondary educations, including bilingual and international schooling. Moreover, medical services, the municipality’s swimming pool, local shops, and supermarkets are spread over the intertwining Moorish streets of the village. Through snakelike curves, one can wander around the streets, and be charmed by local goods and services.
Wining & Dining in Casarabonela
Themed by home cooking, Casarabonela surprises your appetite with the most delicious bites and local secrecy in its dishes. On the road twigging its way to Casarabonela town, Restaurante Cortijo Antigua Venta San Antonio is one of the exemplary places to go in order to for a typical Spanish atmosphere that serves you with “Grandma’s best dish”! There are plenty of other restaurants serving the most delicious local dishes within the village itself. Delight yourself with dishes topped off with the best local olive oils, honey, almonds, and meats.
What to do in Casarabonela?
Be impressed by the Botanical Garden of Cacti, located at the seaside entrance of Casarabonela. With views on the seaside, and on the Natural Park of Sierra de las Nieves, this museum hosts over 2.200 species in an area of 8.000m2. Moreover, Casarabonela benefits from a microclimate, which enables hiking routes through the mountains, horse riding through the valleys, and drinking a fresh soda, or a Spanish coffee on a terrace. On the other hand, one can also lust after the local architecture and monuments by visiting the Santiago Apóstol Church, the “Molino de los Mizos” (the old village windmill), or the old Moorish castle preserved at the centre of the village. To live the tranquil, peaceful, Andalusian airs, Casarabonela hosts you with a homecoming traditional atmosphere in the middle of nature.
Cartama
Cartama is a pretty inland town, due east of Malaga, in Andalusia. A partly whitewashed town, it is situated at the feet of two peaks; Espartales and Llana, which together make up the Sierra de Cartama. It is at the frontier between the Guadalhorce valley and La Hoya in the Montes de Malaga. The area is a fantastic agricultural location and is green and verdant. Produce from the area include, but are not limited to, olives, almonds and citrus fruits. The town overlooks scenic farmland, which blankets the rolling hills of the valley. The city of Malaga is approximately 20 kilometres away, a journey time of 25 minutes. It is also equidistant from the towns of Coin, Alhaurin el Grande and Alhaurin del la Torre. Its nearest coastal resort is Torremolinos, 20 kilometres and 25 minutes drive to the south.
Cartama offers its visitors a unique southern Spanish experience, far removed from the traditional package holiday; with its sumptuous views and fascinating history you will experience real Andalucía; however it remains close enough to the coastline to offer the opportunity to explore the resort side of life too.
History
There are various locations of historical importance in and around Cartama, having been occupied by almost every invading and occupying force that came to the Iberian Peninsula. The area was sought-after for the regions fertility. Possibly founded by the merchant Phoenicians and named Cartha it was later used as an important defensive location for the Romans who renamed it Cartima; during that time it was one of the main towns in the province of Málaga. Where the chapel of Remedios is on the peak of a hilltop there are the ruins of the castle of Cartama; this site had also once been home to a mosque, built by the Moorish settlers, which is probably why, due to the religious politics of the reoccupation that the chapel was built there. The parish church of San Pedro is situated in the town square. Its inscription on the façade dates it to 1502.
Beaches
The nearest beaches are those of Torremolinos, a 25 minute drive away. However if these busy resort beaches are not to your liking there are various locations up and down the coast where you can find more secluded spots.
Golf
The nearest golf course is Lauro Golf, a course of 27 holes designed by Falco Nardi. It is one of the most reasonably priced golf courses on the Costa del Golf, and offers its player some of the most sumptuous scenery possible; you will be hard pressed to keep your head down whilst taking your swing.
Cuisine
Cartama's cuisine is typical of the area, with lots of seafood and rice on the menu. There are numerous tapas bars, restaurants and cáfes in Cartama and a diverse choice of what to eat. Some more traditional bars will often give you a small amount of tapas for free with a caña (small beer).
Estacion de Cartama
While the sprawling white town of Cártama undoubtedly impresses the visitor now, with its ruined hilltop fortress, how much more impressive it must have been in its Roman heyday, with a formidable castle protecting both the town and the river valley - Cartama stands at the head of the Rio Guadalhorce. A spectacular restored iron bridge spanning the river, known as the Puente Verde or Puente de Hierro (Green or Iron Bridge), connects the main town with Estacion de Cartama. The town is a short drive from the Costa del Sol.
The municipality of Cartama, which extends over 105km2, is made up of 11 districts, namely: Cartama Pueblo, Estacion de Cartama, Doña Ana, El Sexmo, Sierra de Gibralgalia, Loma de Cuenca, Nueva Aljaima, Estación de Aljaima, Cortijo Paco Perez, Las Tres Leguas, Los Mondeños, and El Pilarejo. The whole area is nestled in, and overlooked by, two mountains: Espartales and Llana, which are know collectively as the Sierra de Cartama.
FESTIVALS
- Carnival - during February.
- Virgin de los Remedios - Virgin taken from the sanctuary above the town to the Iglesia Parroquia de San Pedro on 22 April and is paraded around the town on 23 April. The feria is followed by a cattle fair.
- San Isidro - Patron Saint of Estacion de Cartama, 15 May
- Verdiales - First Sunday in May at Ermita de las Cruces
- Return of the Virgin to the Ermita - early June
- San Juan- night of 24 June
- Dia de los Canastitos - St Anne's day baskets of food taken to the banks of the Rio Grande - 26 July
- Feria de Ganado (Cattle Fair) - 24 September
- El Sexmo Fiestas - four days in the second week of September.
MAIN SIGHTS
Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios - the town's patron saint - is still a focus of reverent pilgrimage for devout locals, and is perched high above Cártama's twisting streets. The shrine is well worth the visit and can be reached by climbing the vertiginous zig-zag path from the main square near the Pilar Alto Fountain. If it is a hot day, take some water along for the climb. Read more>
Other things to see in Cartama are:
Fuente de Pilar Alto is dated 1872.
Iglesia Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol bears the date 1502.
Castillo (Castle) - a further climb from the shrine leads up to the 10th century Moorish castle
Estacion de Cartama which was originally a railway station built in 1865.
Cruz de Humilladero is named after the forged iron cross attached to the top of a 2nd Century AD marble column
Ermita de Casapalma, dating from around the same time as the San Pedro Chruch
Museo de Ntra Sra de los Remedios was inaugurated in 2007.
Capilla de Sierra Gibralgalia is a lesser-known sanctuary on Sierra Gibralgalia.
Puente de Hierro is an iron-girder truss bridge over the River Guadalhorce, built between 1927 and 1931.
GETTING THERE
From Malaga take the A-357 Cartama is located after 20km just off the end of this dual carriageway road. From Malaga Airport follow the ring road for 6km to the A-357.
CHURRIANA - MALAGA CITY
Churriana is one of the 11 districts of Malaga, in the south-western part of the city. It includes the airport, the beach and coastal area of Guadalmar, and the Sierra de Churriana hills.
The Phoenicians called Churriana, Siryana. Until the beginning of the 20th century, this area was a separate town, but today it forms part of the city.
Situated next to the Guadalhorce valley, Churriana's main industry is agriculture: citrus, subtropical fruit and olive groves. The 18th-century aqueduct Arcos de Zapata was built to carry water from Fuente del Rey spring in Churriana to Malaga city, but it was never used.
La Consula mansion, which dates from the early 19th century, has beautiful grounds which are open to the public. You can also find the Jardin del Retiro botanical/ornithological garden, built in the 17th century.
The Anglo-Irish writer Gerald Brenan, of South From Granada and The Face of Spain fame, used to live in Churriana, where he was visited by the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Orson Welles and Laurence Olivier. His house has been turned into the museum and research centre Casa de Gerald Brenan (opened in November 2014). Here you can find out about the hispanist and his writings, and also there are Anglo-Spanish cultural and literary events. (Brenan previously lived in the village of Yegen, in the Alpujarra.)
Churriana is also home to the Malaga Golf Parador, the only golf hotel in this chain of state-run hotels.
Important days in Churriana include Viernes Dolores (Good Friday) of Holy Week, when statues of Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno del Paso and María Santísima de los Dolores are carried in processions. The Fiesta of the town's patron saint, San Isidro, is on 15 May. On 16 July in Guadalmar, the coastal area of Churriana, the Virgen del Carmen is celebrated.
Other celebrations are San Antón in January, Virgen del Rosario in October and Día de Andalucía in February.
ALOZAINA
In 1977, Alozaina was recognized as one of the most beautiful towns in Spain with its enticing rural countryside and decorative streets. The mountains and the natural scenery of the great outdoors, provide a calm and relaxing environment, ideal for a rural getaway or a tranquil family home!
Alozaina is set in the foothills of the spectacular Sierra de las Nieves. A beautiful mountain range that forms part of the Serranía de Ronda ranges, located near Ronda inland from the Costa del Sol. The Sierra de las Nieves offers mesmerizing views of a unique landscape full of impressive shafts and caves, full of oak and fir tree. On the Sierra Pietra slopes, one of the most outstanding places is the “Ventanilla” window. This has been recognized and valued for its beauty. Alozaina is one of the eight “pueblos blancos” that “guard the Sierra de las Nieves”.
Alozaina has just under 3000 inhabitants. It is known for its 1950’s arch at the entrance of the town and the Santa Ana church. The most outstanding part of this is the front, where you can see an inscription in tiles that recalls the conquest of the town in 1484. In addition, the María Sagredo Castle, dated from the 15th century, has a beautiful lookout over the mountains. The name Alozaina comes from Arabic, and comes from the original “Alhosaina” or “Altazaina”, which means small castle. Other studies divide the word in “Alto” or “Alho”, which is translated in to Small Mountain. And “Zaina”, which means airy, healthy for the body. Which is not surprising gathering that the whole of the countryside is covered with olive groves, avocados, mangos, and lots of other citrus trees and crop.
To take advantage of the immense countryside, there are hiking trails through the Sierra de las Nieves mountains and country walks. Also Neolithic settlements and roman ruins. Sports, biological reserve, and much more. Maybe even plan the perfect day out for everyone, at under an hour away from Alozaina is the Caminito del Rey!
LOCATION AND GASTRONOMY OF ALOZAINA
Customers can do their shopping at the local butchers and bakeries in Alozaina. There are also little supermarkets for the neccesities. It is only 20-30 minutes away from the surrounding villages. Much as only 55 minutes to Málaga and an hour to Ronda.
Futhermore, the gastronomy offers varieties such as “Conejo al Ajillo o con tomate” rabbit with garlic or in tomato sauce, “gazpachuelo” typical Spanish soup. Most noteworthy, the importance of the great gastronomic recognition of the seasoned olives. Take a time out to appreciate good food with amazing views at the Mirador de las Nieves, one of the top restaurants in town! Therefore, if you are looking to own a spectacular villa the middle of the mountains countryside, have your own crop of olives, mangos, etc. A modern country house with amazing views everywhere you look, Alozaina is the ideal place for it!
WHAT TO DO IN ALOZAINA?
Alozaina is a classic Andalusian white village, full of pretty streets and lovely neighbours. It has held on to its wholesomeness over the years. The older people sat in the town square playing dominos and cards. People sat in their doorways chatting to the neighbours “al fresco” of the night time. Plentiful tapas, bodegas and beers. This to many people sounds wonderful fulltime, for others it’s an escape from reality. The main sight to see in Alozaina is the María Sagredo Tower, which has a beautiful lookout on to the mountain views.
To take advantage of the immense countryside, there are hiking trails through the Sierra de las Nieves mountains and country walks. Also Neolithic settlements and roman ruins. Sports, biological reserve, and much more.
Maybe even plan the perfect day out for everyone, at under an hour away from Alozaina is the Caminito del Rey!
Alora
Alora is a typical whitewashed village nestled in a majestic landscape surrounded by three rocky spurs, and overlooked by the impressive rock face of mount Hacho on the right bank of the Guadalhorce river. Alora is located some 40 kilometres to the north of the city of Málaga, a 45 minute drive. It is on the Córdoba-Málaga high-speed train line, and has a local train service to the centre of Málaga. Alora is the perfect get away town; removed, but not to far from the hectic life of the Costa del Sol. Its beautiful scenery and views will instil peace into visitor’s hearts
History
Atop of one of Alora's rocky spurs is the castle of Alora; this monument has stood there since the Phoenician occupied the region. The castle was then redeveloped and extended by the Romans, until its almost complete destruction by the hands of the Visigoths who became the dominant power on the Iberian Peninsula. The castle was rebuilt once again by the Moors and remnants of this time are still intact, most notably the decorative steel door and traditional Arabic balcony.
Natural surroundings
The surrounding landscape is perfect for trekking, with a new and inspiring view from each pinnacle you reach; in particular the view of the Guadalhorce river basin is stunning.
The area’s first industry is agriculture, most notably tropical fruits, olives and vineyards.
Festival
Alora is home to a popular flamenco festival, which takes place annually in June. Another traditional event is the Romeria de la Virgen de las Flores in September, which offers a fantastic glimpse into traditional Spanish culture.
Beaches
Alora is set inland, with the beaches in Málaga city, approximately are 45 minutes drive away. If you do not have a car there is a local train service that will take you into the centre of the city; journey time is approximately. 35 minutes.
Cuisine
Alora's cuisine is typical of southern Spain, with the region producing an abundance of olives, almonds and citrus fruits. Particular local specialities include Sope Porota, a garlic broth with croutons, scrambled eggs, spring onions and vegetables.
Pizarra
Pizarra is a tiny town lying 30 kilometres upriver from Malaga in the Guadalhorce valley at the foot of the Sierra del Haco; the town is within easy reach of the capital and its international airport. An inland farming community, Pizarra is situated on the local railway line between Alora and Malaga and has managed to retain much of its old character charm, avoiding excessive development.
History
The town dates back to 1483, being largely neglected by the Romans and Moors, it took the Christian conquest to make the area into a settlement. The reason behind the lack of interest in the area beforehand was the position of a very unstable and enormous rock that sat high above the area where the town stands. The rock known as Peñasco was more than 5000 cubic metres and weighed almost 3000 tonnes. In 1988 when it show signs of cracking, it was finally blown up.
Around town
The town has all the facilities expected of a small Andalusian inland town and boasts a good nightlife. The Pizarra Municipal Museum is worth a visit, an impressive museum which was created to exhibit the archaeological findings of the American painter Gino Hollander, who lived in the village for many years. When he left Pizarra to return to America he left the collection behind and it was left to the local Ayuntamiento (local council), who decided to create the museum to display the impressive collection. The Church of San Pedro, Palacio de los Condes de Puerto Hermoso (the Palace of the Counts of Puerto Hermoso), Hermanas de la Cruz convent and Nuestra Señora de la Fuensanta hermitage area also worthwhile a visit whilst you are in the area.
Natural surroundings
Situated in the Guadalhorce Valle, in rich irrigated lowlands abundant with citrus and other fruit trees, Pizarra boasts a beautiful natural environment, perfect for lovers of the great outdoors. Traces of prehistoric settlements have also been found in the municipality and remains of Phoenician life have also been discovered.
Eating out & nightlife
Although on the surface Pizarra appears to be a laidback Andalusian village, scratch the surface and you will find a surprising number of cafes, bars and restaurants, more than you will find in your typical whitewashed pueblo. There is of course typical Malagueñan cuisine on offer, tapas, seafood, etc, but you will also find restaurants serving British, French and Italian restaurants and even more astonishing are the options for a night filled with music and dance, with several nightclubs and disco bars in the town. Here you will have a good opportunity to mix with the locals and have a fun night out, Andalusian-style.
Alhaurin de la Torre
Alhaurin de la Torre is a large town with a scattering of small villages in the vicinity, situated in the Andalusian province of Malaga. It’s a modern and upbeat town, yet still retains its traditional heritage. There are parks, squares and children’s playgrounds throughout the town, perfect for family holidays. Portions of the town are mazes of traditional whitewashed terraced homes, some dating back to Moorish times. Alhaurin de la Torre is perfect for those who wish to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the coast. is far away enough from the busy resorts to not be affected by them, yet close enough so the resort lifestyle can be enjoyed when the fancy takes you. Alhaurin de la Torre is very close by to Malaga airport, midway between the city of Malaga and Torremolinos. The town is set back from the coastline around 10 kilometres and 15 minutes by car.
History
Phoenician traders were the first settlers in the area, they industrialised the area with silver and lead mines; much later the Moors settled here and the town prospered further. When the Christians took Alhaurin they named it the Garden of Allah (Alhaurin) and the town entered a new boom of settlers.
Places of interest
There are some interesting monuments in Alhaurin de la Torre, including the old church of El Alamillo dating back to 1875 and the Finca el Porton from the turn of the century, where you can wander through its gardens and enjoy the diverse flora and fauna.
Beaches
The nearest beaches are those of La Colina, a suburb to the east of Torremolinos. The drive down takes around 15 minutes.
Golf
The closest golf courses to Alhaurin de la Torre are Lauro Golf and Parador Golf in Malaga. Lauro Golf is an inland golf course, and one of the best value for money courses on the Costa del Golf, they have a 27 holes designed by Falco Nardi. Parador Golf in Malaga is the oldest course on the Costa del Sol; a woodland course situated right on the beach, it is also home to many colourful birds.
Cuisine
Alhaurin de la Torre’s cuisine is typical of the area, with lots of seafood and rice on the menu. There are numerous tapas bars, restaurants and cafés in town and a diverse choice of local and international gastronomy. Tapas are a delicious way to enjoy a relaxed meal, and although the portions are naturally small there is no limit to how many portions you can have. Traditional bars will often give you a small amount of tapas for free with a caña (small beer).
Alhaurin el Grande
Alhaurin el Grande is set in the most stunning of mountain sceneries; positioned on a wide and open fertile plain surrounded by majestic mountains, which scratch the sky. The town couples the traditional and the contemporary, industry with rustic charm. Alhaurin el Grande is the perfect compromise between a rustic holiday and a resort holiday, keeping you far enough away from the hustle and bustle to enjoy a more relaxed experience, yet close enough to not feel isolated. The centre of town is very attractive with roads and pedestrianised walkways criss crossing terraced buildings of varying styles, many of which are particularly pretty and desirable. Alhaurin el Grande is set slightly further inland then its sister town Alhaurin de la Torre; there is a distance of 15 kilometres between them. Although not that much further from the beachfront as the crow flies, Alhaurin el Grande is an extra 30 minutes away, as it sits behind the Sierra de Mijas Mountain range.
Rounding the mountain to the east you reach La Colina, a suburb of Torremolinos, around 25 kilometres away. Then rounding the mountain to the West you arrive at the coastal town of Fuengirola, around 20 kilometres away.
Places to visit
There is a lovely little park in the centre, which has many old trees and walkways with bridges over manmade, yet convincing, streams and the park boasts a small waterfall.
You are never far away from natural beauty in Alhaurin el Grande, opposite the market square there are rolling green hills, and almost every street and walkway has a view at the end of it of to the surrounding mountains. In the neighbouring region there are numerous other urban areas, which have grown up because of the excellent agricultural possibilities in the area, Villafranco del Guadalhorce, El Cigarral and La Fuente del Perro, to name a few.
The principal river is the Fahala, into which the Jurique and the Torres flow. There is also the Pasadas River, which flows from the Barranco Blanco area through lakes and waterfalls.
Beaches
The beaches at Fuengirola are approximately 25 minutes drive away. Slightly closer, yet busier then La Colina are the beaches of Fuengirola; the drive there takes around 30 minutes, but offers all the facilities and attractions that one would need from a seaside resort.
Cuisine
Alhaurin el Grande's cuisine is typical of the area, with lots of seafood and rice on the menu. There are numerous tapas bars, restaurants and cáfes in town and a diverse choice of what to eat. Ir al Tapeo (Tapas) is a delicious way to spend a relaxed meal, and although the portions are naturally small there is no limit to how many portions you can have. Some more traditional bars will often give you a small amount of tapas for free with a caña (small beer).
Golf
The nearest golf course is Lauro Golf, a course of 27 holes designed by Falco Nardi. It is one of the most reasonably priced golf courses on the Costa del Golf and offers its players some of the most sumptuous scenery possible, you will be hard pressed to keep your head down whilst taking your swing.
Coin
Coin sits on the northern foot of the Sierra de Mijas, inland Málaga, overlooking the spectacular Guadalhorce valley, one of the most fertile areas in southern Spain, where the beautiful landscape is covered in orchards and farmland and affords beautiful mountain views. The town itself has grown in popularity and has become a destination for foreign residents, wanting to live in a more authentic Andalucian environment. The town offers good shopping, dining and leisure facilities and is located just 20 minutes drive from the coastal town of Marbella. Coin offers an escape from the typical Costa del Sol seaside resort and is a good jump off point to see other areas of inland Andalusia.
History
There is evidence of a native Iberian village in the area and the town was made a Roman settlement in the 1st century B.C. However, the later Arabic influence is more apparent as you wander around the town. In 929 the area was caught up in the Muladí (Christian convert to Islam) rebellion led by Omar Ben Hafsun against the Emirate of Cordoba. Abderraman III, the first Caliph of Cordoba, fortified Coin, improving its defences to stave off the attacks of the muladí rebel. In Roman times, the town was known as Lacibis, later altered to La Cobin. The Arabs called it Dacuan, which later became Cohine. During the Moorish occupation, the area enjoyed a period of great prosperity and Coin became one of the most important towns in the region.
Places to visit
The most interesting monuments in the town are the churches of St. Andrew, St. John and La Vera Cruz, along with La Fuensanta, also known as Llano de la Virgen, where there have been prehistoric archaeological findings. Areas of interest and of immense beauty in the neighbouring areas are the forests of Alpujata, La Fuente, El Charco del Infierno and La Albuquera. The nearby towns of Monda, with its castle and steep winding streets and Guaro, which has an excellent summer festival, called the Luna de Moro (Blackberry Moon Festival) are both worth a visit.
Beaches
The nearest beaches are those of Marbella, a 25 minute drive away, or Málaga and Torremolinos, around 30 minutes away.
Golf
The nearest golf course is Lauro Golf, a 27 hole course designed by Falco Nardi. It is one of the most reasonably priced golf courses on the Costa del Golf and offers its player some of the most sumptuous scenery possible, you will be hard pressed to keep your head down whilst taking your swing.
Cuisine
Coin provides some excellent dining options, from cheap and cheerful tapas, to some of the best country ventas in the area, try Venta Los Morenos on the Mijas to Coin road and there are also some fining dining restaurants including El Postillon, a lovely restaurant on the Alhaurin to Coin road.
Guaro
Guaro is a small Andalusian village set in Sierra de las Nieves natural reserve park, which has been named a UNESCO Biospheric Reserve, the surrounding countryside is stunning and ideal for those wishing to enjoy a rural retreat, hiking or walking in the natural countryside of Andalusia. It’s not too hard to find the village, located just three kilometres from historical Monda, six kilometres from Coín, 20 kilometres from the coast and upmarket Marbella, 50 kilometres from Malaga and the international airport. The road links the coast to Alhaurin El Grande and historical Ronda.
About town
Guaro is really a small working village, which most of the year has little present to tourists aside from nuts. Precisely almonds, the surrounding countryside is blooming with almond trees, which help sustain the economy of the village. The village’s slogan is “The Natural Almond Paradise”. However, during the month of September, Guaro transforms into one of the most visited white pueblos in Andalusia, for the Festival of the Luna Mora (Blackberry Moon Festival). During the festival the village is illuminated during the evening by over 20,000 candles and some of the most important Andalusian musicians come to perform.
The town’s history dates back to pre-historic times and there are a few Roman remains and evidence of Moorish settlements to be seen. The town itself is typical in Andalusian style, with some very attractive historical buildings, making the town worth a visit. Set on a steep hill, the narrow, winding streets of Guaro, undulate up and down, definitely hard work with a pushchair! Facilities and amenities for tourists are few. If you are looking for a destination equipped for tourism, then Guaro isn’t the one for you. There are small local stores, and some lovely restaurants and bars. For a more extensive shop you need only head six kilometres over to the town of Coín, where you will find large supermarkets, stores and services.
Places to visit
Within Guaro itself there are some interesting cultural and historical monuments, including the 15th century Church of San Miguel. Most notable is the arch set upon Tuscan Pillars on the façade. Los Rulos de Molino is a small museum of olive oil and artisan crafts.
From Guaro you can easily some of the pretty whitewashed Andalusian mountain towns, such as Ronda, and the beautiful natural parks of the Sierra de las Nieves and Grazalema.
If you want to spend a day exploring the coast, head down to Marbella, around 18-20 kilometres away and from there you can easily explore east to Fuengirola and west to Marbella. There are a host of golf clubs close to Guaro driving down towards the coast, and in the Sierra de las Nieves natural park you can partake in Safari Jeep Adventures, quad biking, or follow some of the stunning routes by foot. Including climbing to the summit of La Concha, the mountain that backs Marbella.
Luna Mora Festival
The Luna Mora Festival is a wonderful Andalusian festival, which takes place in Guaro around the second or third week of September. Noted for the thousands of candles that light up the village during the evenings, the host of big name musicians that come to play, and for its Moorish theme. A medieval Moorish market dominates the streets, and local sellers and craftsmen, dressed in ancient Moorish costume try to sell you their wares. Belly dancers sway to Arabic music and everyone sways to, taken away with the beautiful, relaxed atmosphere setting and probably a glass or two of local wine, or a cool beer.
Monda
Monda sits atop a hill, in the foothills of La Sierra de las Nieves; its municipal area forms part of the Sierra de las Nieves National Park. The town is located slightly inland, just past Ojen, 15 minutes drive from the seaside resort of Marbella. The focal point of the town is the La Villeta Castillo (Castle), which crowns the hill that Monda inhabits. Built on the ruins of the former Arabic fortress and rehabilitated for tourist purposes as a hotel and restaurant; the castle provides a beautiful setting to enjoy dinner with a panoramic views to the Guadalhorce valley and Malaga bay. The typically Andalusian town with its whitewashed houses, steep and winding narrow streets, more appropriate for people on foot and donkeys, than the local cars which wind round the bends with particular skill. The facades of the houses are typically overloaded with blooming flowerpots hanging from the walls or the small balconies.
You still see old farmers crossing the square with their loaded donkeys on their way to their olive and orange groves. The surrounding fields are cultivated as they have been forever.
Monda is a lively and very real Spanish pueblo, although there are now many foreign residents who have chosen a typical Spanish environment, rather than the more cosmopolitan urbanizations located down on the ‘costa’.
History
Monda has a particularly interesting history or supposed history. Historians speculate that it’s here in Monda, where the famous Battle of Munda took place, when Julius Caesar confronted Pompei in 45 BC, during the Roman Civil War. Originally occupied by an Ibero-Roman fortified enclosure, which was established by the Romans during the 3rd-1st centuries BC. When the Romans left the area to decline the Moors moved in, building the link road to the coast and Marbella. In 1485 the town was re-conquered by the Christians, but the fortress remained until 1570 when it was demolished. It remained in ruins until in the 1970s a German aristocrat who started the project to develop the castle, the project was then taken over by an English company who completed the work and the hotel opened.
Around town
Monda is a typical inland Andalusian town, where you can digest everyday Spanish ‘pueblo’ life as it passes by; small children playing, ladies gossiping at their front doors (sitting outside ‘Al fresco’ style) or across balconies, local business men having coffee and doing business in the local bar and the ‘old boys’ of the town having their daily dominos fix over a glass of Fino (dry pale sherry from Jerez). In the centre of town is one of the oldest oil mills in the region, nearly 200 years old. It’s an amazing place to visit, as still to this day, a steam machine heated by burning wood from old olive trees runs the olive mill. The huge cone formed granite stone, which presses the olives for their juice is the same as has been used for many generations. The farmers still come in from the countryside to sell their olives to the mill. They transport their olives in big canvas sacks, loaded on exhausted donkeys.
Natural surroundings
Monda is situated in perfect natural surroundings in the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park. It’s a fantastic environment for outdoor lovers, where you can enjoy diverse activities such as horse riding, rambling or trekking, bird watching, mountain biking, paintballing, canyoning, 4x4 circuits, kayaking and more. It is so peaceful and beautiful; it seems hard to believe that you are just 15 minutes away from the bright lights of the coast.
Eating out & nightlife
Monda is home to a good selection of bars, restaurants and there is even a local disco or two, none of which spoil the local atmosphere. Again the castle is home to a very fine dining restaurant, which also holds events such as concerts and plays.
Ronda
The beautiful and historic town of Ronda is one of the oldest towns in Spain and is one of the genuine Andalucian treasures that is accessible to tourists visiting the Costa del Sol. The town sits nestled in the Serrania de Ronda mountain range, 60 kilometres up a winding mountain road from Marbella. It stands at an altitude of 739 metres and has is one of the most visited towns in Andalucia.
History
Located around the region are also a number of remains from the Roman period, the most important of which is the archaeological site at the Roman town of Acinipo. However Ronda’s cultural heritage very much lies with the era of its Moorish occupation. Under the Moors, Ronda was a important city and their heritage has stuck over the centures, in the buildings, monuments, traditions and gastronomy. Because of its location, sat on top of a soaring cliff top, Ronda was one of the last Moorish towns to fall during the re-conquest by the Catholic monarchs.
Around town
Ronda, the Capital City of the surrounding landscape of "La Serrania” is a prime tourist destination and can often become engulfed with group tours; but the town is much better explored on your own, finding your way around the pretty narrow cobbled centre and stopping to take in the magnificent views to the surrounding sierra. The town is easily explored on foot with the first stop normally being the 18th century Puente
Nuevo (New Bridge) which sits across the 100m chasm of the El Tajo Gorge where the Rio Gaudelvin runs below. As Ronda is the birthplace of modern bullfighting many people also head to the bull ring to see where some of the most famous fights of all have taken place. In the old cobbled quarter of town, you can visit the old 16th century covent, which has been converted into an interesting art museum.
Other attractions include the Casa de Don Bosco, which is a handsome town mansion owned by one of Ronda’s titled families. The Palacio Mondragón, which was modernised rather poorly during the sixties, but there are still some beautiful gardens to enjoy. The restored Arab Baths are said to be the best preserved in Europe and the beautiful La Casa del Ray Moro with its water mine and garden is a delightful stop-off. The wonderful Plaza Duquesa de Parcent with its convent and two churches is a beautiful spot to sit down and take in the historic atmosphere that exudes from Ronda.
Cuisine
Ronda cuisine is inspired by its mountainous location, and is based on rustic, flavoursome and warming dishes such as soups of tomato, or bean and lentils soup, scrambled eggs served with legumes, asparagus and mushrooms. "Migas" is a traditional dish made from fried breadcrumbs, served with chorizo, peppers and
other ingredients can be added. Typical stews using snails, rabbit ("conejo a la rondeña"), partridge ("perdices al estilo de la serrania) and oxtail are all delicious local specialities.
Eating out
Ronda is home to one of the most famous restaurants in Andalucia, the Michelin star Tragabuches, and it doesn’t stop there as there are many excellent restaurants in the town, from the expensive to the cheap and cheerful. However, there is one thing to say about eating out in Ronda, you have to eat Spanish. If you miss your pizzas, or British food, then head back down to the Coast. When in Ronda, eat like an Andaluz!
Gaucin
Gaucin is breathtakingly beautiful mountain village boasting stunning views to Gibraltar and the Rif mountains of North Africa. The commanding backdrop of the Serranía de Ronda and the stunning surrounding scenery, are a nature lovers paradise all-year round. Until a few years ago, the villages residents were used to no running water and living with one light bulb, but things have changed slightly since then and many of the homes have been tastefully refurbished, in keeping with the traditional style, but which boast every mod con you could imagine! Gaucin has a population of just 2000 and is perched 626 metres above sea level. Reaching Gaucin is like climbing up the stairway to heaven; expect lots of twists and hairpin bends as you climb up into the mountains. The journey from Gibraltar airport
History
Like so much of Andalusia, Gaucin has had fascinating, if somewhat turbulent history. The name derives from the Arab word, guazan (strong rock); the village, perched as it is on the crest of the Sierra del Hacho, was a valuable strategic point and was also once a major Roman settlement. The labyrinth of narrow, twisting streets and alleys in the centre of Gaucin were once a haven for brandy and tobacco smugglers, who travelled through the surrounding countryside.
Natural Surroundings
The National Park of Los Alcornocales borders the village and is the largest and oldest forest in Europe. The forest is a remnant of the great forest that covered the whole of Spain before they started to cut it down in the 16th century.
Places to visit
The Castillo del Aguila (Eagles Castle) dates back to the Roman occupation and was later expanded by the Arabs into a fortress. The castle lives up to its name and its not unusual to seek eagles circling the towers here, while kestrels regularly nest in the walls of the mediaeval convent; a fantastic spot for bird-watchers. The castle is open to visitors most days and occasional concerts are held in the grounds. Over at the convent, there are often flamenco performances and classical recitals take place in the church. There is also the Church of San Sebastian, the Carmelite Convent and the 16th century Fuente (Fountan) de los canos, which is the focal point of the village. Further afield, the historical town of Ronda is around 40 minutes drive away, the coastal area of Estepona and Duquesa, around 30 minutes drive and land of sherry Jerez is about a 2 hour drive away.
Outdoor activities
If you are an outdoor fiend, then you will love Gaucin; the stunning natural environment is perfect for so many forms of outdoor activity, including: walking, a hiking club meets at the petrol station every Saturday morning at 10am; plus there are organized village to village walks, bird-watching, Gaucin is an important area for the transit of migratory birds, tennis, mountain biking, horse riding, golf and relax, there is a sp located just outside of the village.
Cuisine
Gaucin offers an excellent restaurant selection; the village is small, yet the choice of restaurants is good and selective. From Spanish Menu del Dia to luxury dining.
Climate
As with much of Andalusia the summers are particularly hot and here there is no respite from sea breeze, the winters are mild, although can be a little more harsh than down by the coast, where there is protection from the mountains; in Gaucin you are o