Excursion tips & highlights around Nerja and the Costa del Sol

Sunny beach days at the popular Burriana - kayak tours to waterfalls, chiringuitos with fresh paella and a relaxed atmosphere. The beach promenade, which stretches from the Hotel Marinas de Nerja to the end of Burriana beach, is particularly charming. Lined with cosy eateries, cafés and cocktail bars, there is something to eat and discover here around the clock - ideal for a long walk by day or night. In the evening, the postcard panorama of the Balcón de Europa beckons.

The Playa de Maro is one of the most beautiful bays on the entire Costa del Sol - framed by spectacular cliffs, with turquoise blue, clear water, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. A short footpath leads from the car park above down to the bay. Thanks to its location on the edge of the nature park, the atmosphere remains peaceful and unspoilt. Early arrival is recommended in the high season.

The Cala del Cañuelo is a protected gem on the eastern edge of the Maro-Cerro Gordo Nature Park. A picturesque, unspoilt bay with glass-clear water - perfect for swimming, snorkelling or simply relaxing away from the hustle and bustle. In summer, a shuttle bus takes visitors down to the bay, which can be reached on foot via a short path. Tip: Pack your bathing shoes - the access is rocky.

La Herradura is picturesquely situated in a sheltered bay and is a hotspot for divers and snorkellers. The Marina del Este at the eastern end offers diving schools, boat hire, restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere. Thanks to its protected location in the Maro-Cerro Gordo Nature Park, the water here is particularly clear and there is a fascinating underwater world with rocks, seagrass meadows and schools of fish - ideal for beginners and advanced divers.

The hike through the Río Chíllar is a real summer highlight: barefoot or with water shoes, you walk in the stream bed through a narrow gorge, past small waterfalls and through shady sections. The tour is easy to walk and is ideal for families, nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. In midsummer, the cool water provides welcome refreshment - make sure you take a change of clothes.

The Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Nature Park is a paradise for hikers, trail runners and nature lovers. Rugged limestone formations, deep gorges, Mediterranean vegetation and spectacular panoramic views as far as the sea make this park one of the most beautiful hiking areas in Andalusia. Popular tours include those around Frigiliana and more challenging ascents to Maroma (2,065 m), the highest peak in the region.

The El Torcal de Antequera is one of the most spectacular karst landscapes in Europe. Millions of years of erosion have created bizarre, tower-like limestone formations that are reminiscent of a natural rock garden labyrinth. Well-signposted circular hiking trails lead through the rocky landscape, ranging from leisurely to sporty. On clear days, you can see as far as the Costa del Sol and sometimes even as far as Africa.

The Cuevas de Nerja are among the most spectacular stalactite caves in Europe. Huge halls with impressive stalagmites and stalactites, spectacular light installations and a pleasantly cool climate make a visit an unforgettable experience. Some halls even serve as a stage for classical concerts - including exceptional acoustics. Tickets should be booked online in advance, especially during peak season.

The old sugar cane factory of Nerja (Ingenio San Antonio Abad) is a striking industrial monument from the 19th century. It is a reminder of the time when sugar cane cultivation characterised the region's economy. The impressive brick architecture with its tall chimney is a popular photo motif today - particularly atmospheric when the evening sun is low in the sky. The ensemble of buildings is centrally located and easily accessible on foot.

The Acueducto del Águila is an impressive brick building from the 19th century that supplied the sugar cane factory in Maro with water. With its four rows of arcades, it spans the Barranco de la Coladilla gorge - a perfect panoramic motif, especially in the evening light.

In the valley below the aqueduct, smaller hikes towards the coast can be undertaken. The closer you get to the sea, the more impassable the paths become - presumably quite deliberately, as dropouts have created their own kingdom here. They live in caves and improvised houses, some very simple, others with small gardens and well-tended properties. Even among the dropouts, there is a certain social hierarchy - from simple cave dwellers to alternative "homeowners" with lovingly designed surroundings. Those who hike along here get an exciting insight into a hidden world away from tourism.

Frigiliana is a prime example of an Andalusian "Pueblo Blanco": narrow, flower-filled alleyways, lime white, terracotta and azulejos as far as the eye can see. The Moorish quarter is largely car-free and invites you to take a leisurely stroll, marvel and take photos. The panoramic terraces offer spectacular views as far as the coast and, on a clear day, as far as Africa.

A very special ritual awaits connoisseurs right at the entrance to the old town: for 1 euro per glass, you can get sweet Malaga wine straight from the barrel - uncomplicated, delicious and extremely sociable. Many visitors here aptly summarise the epitome of a holiday: "Definition of happiness: no appointments and easy to sit down.". 🍷😌

Another plus point: in the mountain villages such as Frigiliana, it is often significantly warmer than on the coast. When cool breezes are blowing by the sea, it is often pleasantly warm and sunny here - perfect for a spontaneous trip inland.

Málaga is a city that combines a Mediterranean lifestyle, Moorish history and modern urbanity in a unique way. The old town around the cathedral with its narrow streets, tapas bars and boutiques invites you to take a stroll. At the foot of the hills is the Alcazaba - a Moorish fortress with gardens, courtyards and magnificent views over the harbour and city.

If you continue up the path, you will reach the Castillo de Gibralfaro. From the castle walls, you have a spectacular panoramic view over the bay of Málaga - particularly beautiful at golden hour at sunset. Afterwards, the Muelle Uno promenade and the rooftop bars around the cathedral tempt you to enjoy a sundowner with a view of the city's sea of lights.

Málaga is a very special place for art lovers: Pablo Picasso was born here - and one of Spain's most important museums dedicated to his work is located here. The Picasso Museum in the Palacio de Buenavista displays more than 200 works from all phases of his career, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics and drawings.

Picasso's birthplace is just a few minutes' walk away on the Plaza de la Merced. A small exhibition provides a personal insight into his childhood and artistic beginnings. A visit to both places can be wonderfully combined with a stroll through the old town and tapas.

Granada is a must for culture and history lovers. The Alhambra towers majestically over the city - a unique blend of Moorish architecture, intricate stucco work, gardens, courtyards and palaces. A walk through the Nasrid Palaces feels like travelling back in time. Tickets should be booked well in advance, especially for access to the palaces.

Another highlight is the Mirador de San Nicolás in the Albaicín district. From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Alhambra with the snow-covered Sierra Nevada in the background - particularly atmospheric at sunset, when the walls of the Alhambra glow in warm red tones and guitar players provide an authentic flair.

Ronda is one of the most spectacular towns in Andalusia - situated high on a rocky plateau and crossed by the deep gorge El Tajo, which separates the old town from the new town. The landmark is the mighty Puente Nuevo, an 18th century bridge that hovers 120 metres above the abyss and offers breathtaking views. A walk along the edge of the gorge is one of the absolute highlights.

The city itself combines Moorish heritage, Andalusian charm and a special tranquillity that is rarely found in larger cities. Narrow alleyways, small squares, traditional tapas bars and a touch of romance make Ronda the perfect destination for a day trip or a leisurely evening stroll with views over the vast landscape.

Just outside the baroque city of Antequera lie the mighty dolmens of Menga, Viera and El Romeral - prehistoric megalithic tombs that are among the most impressive in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Huge capstones, mystical chambers and a landscape that has been a place of worship for thousands of years - a goosebump-inducing place for history and archaeology fans.

It can be perfectly combined with a trip to the old town of Antequera and - if you have enough time - the nearby El Torcal with its bizarre rock formations. Short, easy-to-understand circular routes through the complex start at the visitor centre.

In Almuñécar, antiquity meets Mediterranean flair: the Archaeological Museum (Cueva de Siete Palacios) tells the story of the city from the Phoenicians to Rome. Outside, the Roman Aqueduct stretches across the valley in several well-preserved sections - silent witnesses to a highly developed art of hydraulic engineering. The Castillo de San Miguel towers above it all on the rock: walls, towers and sweeping views over rooftops, sea and coastline.

Perfect for half a day of culture plus the sea: after visiting the castle, a short walk leads down to the old town and on to the promenade - ideal for tapas or a stroll along the beach at sunset.

The Caminito del Rey ("King's Path") is one of the most spectacular hikes in Spain: the path leads along narrow wooden walkways through the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes gorge, which is up to 700 metres deep. Steep rock faces, rushing water and spectacular views make the approximately 7.5-kilometre-long tour an unforgettable experience - without any climbing equipment, but with goosebumps guaranteed.

The trail runs from north to south and is excellently secured. Every visitor receives a helmet and safety briefing at the start. Due to the limited number of visitors, online booking is essential - often weeks in advance, especially in the high season. Those with a head for heights will be rewarded with a unique perspective of Andalusia's wild mountain landscape.

This round trip through the Andalusian mountains is one of the most beautiful day trips in the region. After Otívar, a spectacular serpentine road winds its way through wild gorges and over panoramic mountain ridges - with ever-changing panoramic views all the way to the Mediterranean coast and far into the hinterland.

A real curiosity awaits you on the high plateau between Otívar and Arenas del Rey: the Mesón los Prados A rustic mountain hut reminiscent of a western saloon - with old rifles, cartridge belts, a saddled wooden barrel and a large wood-burning stove behind the massive bar. Perfect for a hearty break in the middle of a magnificent landscape.

The route then continues through the quaint little town of Alhama de Granada with its deep gorge and historic old town, before heading back towards the coast via Vélez-Málaga. Ideal for nature lovers, road trip enthusiasts and anyone who wants to experience Andalusia off the beaten track.

Comares is perched spectacularly on a narrow rocky ridge high above the Axarquía - like an eagle's nest with 360° panoramic views over mountains, valleys and as far as the coast. The village is a prime example of Moorish architecture: narrow alleyways, whitewashed houses and a labyrinthine town centre that invites you to explore.

The walk along the cobbled paths around the rocky outcrop is particularly beautiful - again and again, wide views open up that look different depending on the time of day. Comares is a tranquil place, and that is what makes it so attractive: a piece of authentic Andalusia, far away from the hustle and bustle of the coast. If you like, you can stop off at one of the small bars or village restaurants and enjoy a glass of wine with tapas in a spectacular setting.

The Alpujarras on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada are one of the most impressive regions in Andalusia. Here, the white villages of Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira nestle like pearls on the mountain slopes - overlooked by the highest peaks on the mainland. The architecture is still very reminiscent of the Berber villages of North Africa: flat roofs, winding alleyways and small squares where life pulsates at a leisurely pace.

A drive here is like travelling back in time: The narrow mountain roads lead steadily uphill, with bend after bend opening up ever new views over gorges, terraced fields and olive groves. Whether it's a leisurely stroll through the villages, a stop at a small restaurant or a hike towards the summit - this is a wonderful place to slow down and relax.

Gibraltar is a place like no other: a piece of Great Britain at the southernmost tip of Europe, where the strait separates Africa and Europe - and all this with British telephone boxes, red postboxes, fish & chips and portraits of the Queen in the middle of Andalusia. The striking Rock of Gibraltar characterises the skyline and is visible from afar.

A walk or cable car ride up the rock offers spectacular views across the Mediterranean to Morocco. At the top, you can meet the famous Berber monkeys, the only free-living monkeys in Europe - curious, cheeky and real photo stars. Hidden inside the rock is a fascinating system of tunnels dating back several centuries of military history.

Entry is via a runway (!), which is also a road - an experience in itself. If you like, you can combine your visit with a cosy tour of the old town and a trip to a typical British pub. Please make sure you have valid identification documents with you (EU identity card is sufficient).

Tarifa is the southernmost point of mainland Europe - where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet. Endless sandy beaches, constant winds and crystal-clear water make the city a mecca for kitesurfers. On a clear day, you can see the Moroccan coastline from the promenade.

In addition to the relaxed surfing atmosphere, the historic old town also attracts visitors with its winding alleyways, small boutiques and a variety of bars and cafés. Tarifa is the ideal place for anyone who wants to combine that beach feeling, wind in their hair and a touch of Africa.

Those who are prepared to take on long day trips will be rewarded with two absolute highlights of Andalusia: Córdoba impresses with the world-famous Mezquita - a fascinating combination of Moorish mosque and Christian cathedral. In the alleyways of the old town, you can expect courtyards full of flowers, narrow streets and the flair of a city that breathes history.

Sevilla, on the other hand, is the queen of Andalusia: magnificent squares such as the Plaza de España, the cathedral with the Giralda, the Alcázar with its delicate gardens and the atmospheric old town make a visit unforgettable. Flamenco, tapas and a lively atmosphere give Seville its irresistible charm.

Visiting both cities in one day is extremely ambitious - it is better to choose one or plan an overnight stay if you have the opportunity. But even as a long day trip, Córdoba and Seville are real bucket list experiences.

The Sierra Nevada is Europe's southernmost ski resort - and one of the most spectacular: where you can sit on a Mediterranean beach in the morning, you can be skiing or snowboarding at an altitude of over 3,000 metres by the afternoon. The season usually runs from December to April. The Pradollano ski resort offers lifts, pistes, hire stations and an amazingly well-developed infrastructure.

The region is also a paradise for nature lovers away from the slopes: in the summer months, hiking trails lead to breathtaking viewpoints and high alpine landscapes, while in spring the contrasts between snow-capped peaks and blossoming valleys are particularly impressive. On clear days, the view stretches from the highest peaks to the coast of Africa.

The Axarquía to the east of Málaga is one of the oldest wine regions in Spain. The sun-kissed Moscatel grapes, from which the famous sweet Málaga wine is made, grow here between steep hills and white villages. The picturesque villages of Cómpeta and Sayalonga in particular invite you to discover, taste and linger.

In Cómpeta, it is worth taking a stroll through the small centre with its cosy bodegas, wine shops and cafés. Many winegrowers offer tastings where you can sample local wines straight from the barrel for little money - often in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Sayalonga is smaller and quieter, but scores with traditional bars, viewpoints and charming, winding alleyways.

If you come at the right time, you can experience one of the regional wine festivals, where music, dancing, hearty food and, of course, plenty of Moscatel set the rhythm.

Granada is famous for its unique tapas culture: in many bars, every drink - whether wine, beer or tinto de verano - is automatically accompanied by a free tapa. This can be a simple nibble, but you often get really good portions that increase with each additional drink.

If you let yourself drift through the old town or the student quarter, you will experience a culinary adventure: after two or three stops, you often have a complete dinner together - accompanied by a lively atmosphere, spontaneous conversations and the unmistakable rhythm of this city.

The tapas streets around Calle Navas and Plaza Nueva are particularly popular, but there are also many authentic eateries off the beaten track where the tapas tradition is proudly upheld. A must for connoisseurs and the curious.

The Mercado Central de Atarazanas is the beating heart of Málaga - a historic market hall with a Moorish gate and colourful stained glass windows. Inside, there is a unique hustle and bustle of traders, locals and connoisseurs: Fresh fish, mussels, olives, cheese, fruit, vegetables, spices, ham - everything that makes Andalusia's cuisine so special.

The small tapas bars directly in the market hall are particularly popular. Here you can enjoy freshly caught fish, grilled gambas, tortilla, boquerones or simply a cool glass of white wine - standing, between the stalls, in the centre of life. If you come in the morning, you will experience the market in all its splendour; around midday it gets lively and noisy, just as it should be.

After visiting the market, it's worth taking a stroll through the neighbouring old town: tapas bars, street cafés and charming alleyways ensure that the morning quickly turns into the perfect day for connoisseurs.

The weekly market in Torre del Mar is one of the largest and most popular in the entire region. Every Thursday morning, an extensive area near the town centre is transformed into a colourful, bustling market. Between the rows of stalls selling clothes, hats, household goods and typical holiday items are stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables, spices, olives, cheese, sausages and regional specialities.

The authentic atmosphere is particularly nice: locals do their weekly shopping here, tourists browse for souvenirs and haggle over prices, while the smell of herbs, churros and freshly cut fruit fills the air. If you arrive early, you can take a relaxed stroll through the aisles before it gets crowded in the late morning hours.

Tip: Combine a visit to the market with a subsequent walk along the beach promenade or a visit to a café in the city centre - both are just a few minutes' walk away.

A chiringuito is a typical beach bar or a simple restaurant right by the sea - usually made of wood, often with sand underfoot and always with a relaxed holiday atmosphere. Here you can get everything the Andalusian coastal heart desires: grilled fish, seafood, paella, cool drinks and perhaps the most beautiful sea view in the region.

The culinary landmark of the coast is the espetos - fresh sardines that are slowly cooked on bamboo skewers over open wooden boat grills. The smoke, the salty wind, the crackling of the embers and the smell of the fish combine to create an experience that can only be found here. An espeto (portion) usually costs between 3 and 6 euros, is freshly prepared in front of your eyes and served with bread and lemon.

Whether on Burriana beach in Nerja, on the promenade of Torre del Mar or on the beaches around Málaga - the chiringuitos are perfect places for a late lunch or a sundowner with your feet in the sand. Especially nice: simply stroll past without a reservation, grab a seat with a sea view and enjoy the moment.