Things to see and Southern Spain is a wonderful place that benefits from fantastic weather and wonderful, friendly people. Renowned for its fabulous beaches, food and nightlife it is a holiday winner year on year with visitors from across the globe.
However what many tourists miss out on when visiting the region is realising that there is much more to Marbella, and Andalucia, than just beaches and the nightlife.
Hire a car and drive in any direction and within 30 minutes to 2 hours you are met by a whole different Spain and there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Mijas Pueblo
Mijas Pueblo is just a short drive inland from Marbella and Summer Place Villa. It is a typical white, Spanish village. Accessible by bus or car it is a must visit location for any trip to this region. With its narrow cobbled streets this picturesque hillside village, although home to a large ex-pat community, has managed to retain much of its traditional Andalucian way of life.
Visit the village to enjoy a Spanish tapas lunch take a ride on the Donkey Taxis that still operate around the village.
Santa Semana – Holy Week – is when the Spanish celebrate Easter and this is when Mijas really comes alive with history and tradition, a celebration not to be missed.
El Chorro
More commonly known as Malaga’s Lake District, El Chorro is a small village in the Guadalhorce Valley. The village is located in the limestone region and is home to reservoirs, created by the introduction of a large dam in the 1920’s, that are a stunningly beautiful turquoise colour and this is where the Spanish come to picnic, swim and fish and relax with family and friends.
You can also camp here so if you want to leave your luxury Spanish villa rental and get back to nature you can do so in El Chorro – just remember your mosquito repellent!
Ronda
Just 45 minutes from the coast Ronda is set in between three natural parks and is the birthplace of modern bullfighting, Spain’s national sport.
Although considered barbaric by many, the sport, and its heritage, cannot be ignored. A must see on any visit to the town is the Plaza de Toros, the oldest bullring in Spain, which is now a museum charting the history of bullfighting. Look closely and you may see memorabilia charting the success of Frank ‘El Ingles’ Evans, the Salford born English bullfighter who was, at the height of his career, 63rd in the world rankings.
Ronda works hard to retain its historic charm and is known worldwide for the views from its three bridges that span the El Tajo gorge.
Holidaying in southern Spain has so much more to offer than just the beach and the pool. Make the most of your stay on the Costa del Sol and explore this fantastic region to begin to truly understand the beauty of Spain.
