getaways

Alhama de Granada

Starting point: Casa Los Dos bed&breakfast

Number of kilometers: 67km

Time: 1 uur 21 minutes

Located above a mountain gorge, surrounded by fertile fields and a hilly landscape of almond and olive groves, the entire area is a feast for the eyes. The name Alhama is derived from the Arabic word – Al-Hammam – which means ‘thermal baths’. The healing properties of the Alhama thermal water have been recognized and sought after since Roman times. During the Reconquista period, Christians paid large sums of money to take some of the water.

Caminito del Rey

Starting point: Casa Los Dos bed&breakfast

Number of kilometers: 131km

Travel time: 2 uur 05 minutes

Caminito del Rey, in English King’s Path, is a spectacular walk in the province of Málaga. Part of the route you walk on a narrow path above a gorge with cliffs as high as 400 meters high. From the past, the path is known as the most dangerous walking route in Spain, but is that still the case?

The walk is easy to do. Experienced hikers may find it too simple, but that makes this route suitable for a wide audience. Along the way we met people of all ages. Children can do this walk well.

The Caminito itself is 2.9 kilometers, but with the approach routes you walk a total of 7.7 kilometers. The route through the gorge is varied. You walk parts on wide forest paths and parts on a narrow plank path. The wooden paths are usually no more than one meter wide. Passing through can therefore sometimes be difficult. By the way, you all walk in one direction. Along the way you come across several short and long stairs.

Casabermeja

Starting point: Casa Los Dos bed&breakfast

Number of kilometers: 69km

Time: 1 uur 15 minutes

Casabermeja is a small village located along the Malaga Cordoba motorway

Like so many places in Andalusia, there were already settlements here in the Bronze Age, as witnessed by several petroglyphs each found near the village. Later, much later there was a Roman villa on the site of the present village, but the real habitation of this place and the later village is assigned to the arrival of the Moors, thanks to them a village was founded here that was abandoned again during the siege of the city of Malaga by the Christian soldiers. The only thing from the Moorish time is the nearby XII century watchtower that can be seen all the way to Malaga. For some time this village disappears from the writings (whether habitation was unclear) to pop up again in a letter from 1509 where the order is given to populate this location again. The village remained secluded for centuries there and it lasted until no less than 1973 when the motorway was built which made it very easy to reach the village in one go. Apart from that, the village is mainly economically dependent on agriculture. Quite apart is the cemetery which is on the list of national monuments, according to some of the most beautiful in Spain.

Comares

Starting point: Casa Los Dos bed&breakfast

Number of kilometers: 44km

Time: 1 uur 10 minutes

The village of Comares is located in the province of Málaga in Andalusia, Spain Comares is a beautiful white village located on the border between the Axarquía region and the Montes de Málaga. This white picturesque village is not yet overrun by tourists! Comares was built on the site where there used to be an Arab fort, from which remains are still visible.

The village is quite high, at more than 700 meters. Because it is built on a rock, you have a beautiful view. On good days you can even see the Mediterranean Sea. By car it is about an hour away, this is mainly because the road has so many curves. You can park your car at the bottom of the large parking lot at the entrance gate.

Cómpeta

Starting point: Casa Los Dos bed&breakfast

Number of kilometers: 4km

Time: 10 minuten

Cómpeta is a beautiful destination for people who like culture, peace and nature during their holiday. It is a typical Andalusian white mountain village, 55 km from Málaga and 18 km from the coast, where ancient traditions are honored. It is located in the Axarquia region at an altitude of 636 meters, at the foot of the Sierra Almijara, Tejeda y Alhama

Cómpeta has various facilities, such as several ATMs, banks, several smaller supermarkets, a shop with local artisan products, pharmacies, an ambulance station that is manned 7 days a week and a large municipal swimming pool. The village has many bars and restaurants where you can eat on their cozy terraces.

Cómpeta is known for the Moscatel wine, there are several bodegas and in the local museum you can learn more about the history of the village. During the year there are festivals in Cómpeta and in the surrounding villages in honor of the patron saints and the local products. On August 15, Noche del Vino is celebrated, the night of wine on, for example, the Plaza Almijara village square. Grapes are traditionally mashed in the afternoon at Plaza de la Vendimia and of course there is more than enough opportunity to taste wine. Cómpeta is the starting point for many hiking and biking excursions and is recommended for outdoor and nature lovers due to the adjacent nature areas. For exemple, one can hike in the protected nature park Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama of 40,000 hectares. There are 9 official walking routes, including the Old Silk Route that ran through the limestone landscape to Granada.

Córdoba

Starting point: Casa Los Dos bed&breakfast

Number of kilometers: 213km

Time: 2 uur 45 minutes

They flock to Córdoba in droves for a glitz visit to the Mezquita. The Great Mosque is indeed one of the most important Islamic monuments in Europe. These tourists have disappeared as soon as they arrived. That is a pity, because Córdoba has so many more interesting sights in store. In fact, it is a true treasure trove in Andalusia! Make sure you don’t miss out on this beautiful city during your holiday Andalusia! Other attractions are: Judeira, a very separate district of Córdoba, Palacio de Viana and Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos

El Acebuchal

Starting point: Casa Los Dos bed&breakfast

Number of kilometers: 10km

Time: 30 minuten

El Acebuchal, an idyllic mountain village in the province of Málaga, Andalusia. El Acebuchal is a beautiful village in the middle of the beautiful nature of the Sierra Tejeda, Almijara and the Alhama Nature Park, and is located approximately halfway between Frigiliana and Competa.

The name “El Acebuchal” is a Spanish word that means “olive forest.” The word “acebuche” is derived from the Arabic word “az-zabbúǧ”. The village of El Acebuchal is also surrounded by olive trees. This special village is also called the lost village or ghost village.

In 1949, Franco gave the order to force all residents of the village to leave. It was then about 200 residents. He wanted to station the Guarda Civil (military police) and thus put an end to the guerrilla fighters who were still in the mountains. In the end, the guerrilla war continued until 1952. Skeletons are still found in gorges and caves.

The village then remained abandoned until 1998. Then 1 man (a son of an original resident) returned to buy and rebuild the village. His name was Antonio Garcia Sanchez. His name was Antonio Garcia Sanchez. His nickname is “El Zumbo”. The reconstruction was a huge job.

El Torcal

Starting point: Casa Los Dos bed&breakfast

Number of kilometers: 103 km

Time: 1 uur 50 minutes

The El Torcal Nature Reserve is located 45 km north of Malaga and only 13 km south of Antequera.

El Paraje Natural de El Torcal, is one of the most beautiful and impressive geological natural parks in Andalusia. Because of the unique limestone formation, it almost gives a surrealistic and creepy feeling. It is also sometimes called the karst landscape.

The green and yellow routes are accessible to everyone and can be visited without a guide. The green route is the easiest route, it is 1.5 km long and takes around 30 minutes. The yellow route corresponds to the green route but also leads you past some spectacular parts of the park such as rocky labyrinths filled with vegetation. The yellow route is 3 km.

Frigiliana

Starting point: Casa Los Dos bed&breakfast

Number of kilometers: 27km

Time: 38 minutes

Frigiliana is a small village that lies just behind Nerja at an altitude of 400 meters on the other side of the highway. Highly recommended for a visit! It is one of the best preserved Moorish towns in all of Andalusia and it dates from 1767. It is located on a hill (so much climbing) and the small old center with its picturesque, narrow streets has been beautifully renovated. Despite the fact that the village attracts quite a lot of tourists, time seems to have stood still here. All the old men gather on the village square every evening and the black-clad women go to church together every day.

Granada, Alhambra

Starting point: Casa Los Dos bed&breakfast

Number of kilometers: 118km

Time: 1 uur 30 minutes

The Alhambra in Granada is a place that definitely belongs on your bucket list. The building’s origins date back to 889 and over the centuries it has grown into a fantastic example of architecture. UNESCO thought so too, so it is now on the World Heritage List.

Islamic art and architecture can therefore be found everywhere in Andalusia, such as in the Alhambra. But nowhere is it as grand and well-preserved as in the Alhambra. The Alhambra therefore houses a large collection of Nasrid and Mudéjar art. There are seven halls dedicated to these art objects.

Also make sure you visit Granada before or after your visit to the Alhambra. The city is not large and there is a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, so that after your visit you can enjoy a nice meal in the narrow streets. Certainly after a few hours in the bright sun, those shady alleys, fresh (sometimes even free) tapas and a cold cerveza are a relief. The Albaicín and Sacromonte districts are also worth a visit.

Júzcar

Starting point: Casa Los Dos bed&breakfast

Number of kilometers: 175km

Time: 3 hours

The village of Júzcar was once known as the only smurf village in the world. It is located in the province of Málaga near Ronda and north of Estepona. Unfortunately, the village had to remove all references to the smurfs, so something had to be found. The blue color was retained. The houses, the church and the shops are still blue today.

In 2011, the entire village was painted blue for the smurf film. The pueblo blanco suddenly became a pueblo azul. Now Júzcar is officially Aldea Azul or: Blue hamlet. This way hopefully the interest of the tourists will be preserved. In any case, the tourists will still come for a while.

Málaga

Starting point: Casa Los Dos bed&breakfast

Number of kilometers: 57km

Time: 1 uur 05 minutes

Málaga is a nice, warm and charming city. It has a cozy (partly) car-free city center. The city of Málaga is a lively port city with a hip pier, beautiful beaches with typical chiringuitos, historic buildings and a good public transport network. Not for nothing that Málaga is called the new Barcelona.

Various museums, including Picasso Museum, El Pimpi, the Roman Theater (Teatro Romana), the Gibralfaro Castle, the Alcazaba, and the Cathedral. Enjoy this vibrant city in a fun way, and enjoy the Spanish lifestyle, all under a wonderful Mediterranean climate. A living, bustling, dynamic and heart-warming city, a city that simply lives … That’s what even Hans Christian Andersen said in 1862.

However, you can also cycle through it. This way you can discover Málaga by bike, together with a Dutch guide who will show you all the highlights. Or do you just want to cycle and eat tapas? Get info at Casa Los dos.

Nerja

Starting point: Casa Los Dos bed&breakfast

Number of kilometers: 27km

Time: 38 minutes

Nerja is an attractive village, with about 22,000 inhabitants and a wide range of activities, without the bustle of a larger city. You can eat out, stroll in the car-free center, enjoy cultural events, ..

Had enough sun? The cool vaults of the Nerja caves are a welcome change from the summer heat! These limestone caves offer a fascinating day trip for the whole family.

The ‘cuevas de Nerja’, first discovered in 1959, are about 5 kilometers long and are among the largest caves in Europe. They have been in the World Guinness Book of Records since 1989because the largest underground pillar can also be found here. They also house the oldest Neanderthal cave paintings in the world.

Furthermore, Roman pottery, Moorish coins and exceptional biodiversity have already been discovered. Time and time again the caves prove to contain true historical treasures.

In the summer month of June or July there is even a music and dance festival. And a concert in this natural, underground environment is an unforgettable experience!

Rio Chillar

Starting point: Casa Los Dos bed&breakfast

Number of kilometers: 26km

Time: 39 minutes

The Rio Chillar hiking trail in Nerja runs through the Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Nature Park, which also houses the ghost town of El Acebuchal in Andalusia. During this walk in Andalusia you will walk through a gorge with water and rock walls on both sides. They offer enough shade and you walk through wonderfully cooling water.

The route is approximately 8 kilometers there and 8 kilometers the same way back. The walk takes on average 7 to 8 hours. The walk is also suitable for families with children. Take water and snacks with you because there are no facilities on the way. Also use a good sunscreen.

Ronda

Starting point: Casa Los Dos bed&breakfast

Number of kilometers: 160km

Time: 2 uur 20 minutes (via Álora) 3 hours via Marbella

Ronda is one of the oldest cities in Spain and is located approximately 100 kilometers from Málaga. With a population of 36,000 people, Ronda is one of the sights that you really should see if you are in the area. Discover the beautiful mountainous region of Ronda on a relaxing day out from the Costa del Sol. See the main sights of the city of Ronda, including the Plaza de Toros arena and the museum. A visit to the Plaza de España, the main square of Ronda and the Church. Admire the view from the breathtaking El Tajo gorge, which splits the city into an old and a new neighborhood, and walk across the Puente Nuevo, the bridge that connects the two. Finish off with a tour at a local winery and enjoy a tasting of the local Spanish wine.

Sendero el Saltillo

Starting point: Casa Los Dos bed&breakfast

Number of kilometers: 16km

Time: 32 minutes

The cherry on the walking cake that is called Andalusia

is the Sendero el Saltillo. Here you get maximum results with minimal effort.

This is a mountain hike with spectacular views, picturesque waterfalls, a bit of danger and a touch of romance. Moreover, the route is relatively short and easy.

The walk starts in the village of Canillas de Aceituno. This is one of the white villages, the so-called pueblos blancos, that are so characteristic of the south of Spain. You end up at the waterfalls of the Rio del Almanchares.

Beaches nearby

 

Cantarijan beach (47 min from Casa Los Dos)

If you take the coastal road N-340 from Nerja (Málaga) towards Motril (Granada), you will pass numerous bays with idyllic beaches. After a fifteen minute drive you leave the Costa del Sol and the Costa Tropical begins: the coastline of the province of Granada. Here you will see a sign to Playa Cantarriján very quickly on your right. In other words, the Cantarriján beach. Don’t be surprised if someone walks around naked on the Cantarriján beach. Because this beach in Andalusia is a nudist beach. You don’t have to completely get out of your clothes, but you can.

Maro beach (40 min from Casa Los Dos)

Just a few kilometers outside of Nerja, along the old N-340 coastal road, lies the village of Maro, still within the municipal boundaries of Nerja. That is why the beaches of Maro – the Maro beach and La Caleta de Maro – are also considered as Nerja beaches.

Spanish families, for example, often prefer the tranquility of the lesser-known neighboring Maro bay, La Caleta de Maro. However, the Maro beach has many fans and with good reason!

Burriana beach (40 min from Casa Los Dos)

Burriana beach near Nerja is certainly not the most beautiful beach in the area surrounding the coastal city. Playa Burriana is nevertheless a very complete beach. The sand is of high quality. It is a bit of a family beach with quite a few chiringuitos and kiosks to buy something small / eat something. There are various activities to do (water sports) and you can also rent a number of premium beach beds (tumbonas, hamacas) to spend the day.

Almayate beach

Vélez-Málaga offers one of the best beaches in the area: Almayate. After all, the coastline here is still naked and unspoilt, without high hotel or apartment blocks, and mainly agriculture as the main activity.

You drive there past bamboo and sugar cane, with an occasional glimpse of your destination. The Almayate beach is therefore a particularly peaceful beach, and it is no secret that it is considered one of the best nudist beachesin Andalusia.

The beach itself is 2800 meters long and consists of coarse, dark Mediterranean sand. It never gets crowded, not even in the middle of summer. Because it offers such a large piece of sand, you will always find a quiet place for yourself.

More info about the beaches on www.absoluteaxarquia.com

The cherry on the walking cake that is called Andalusia

is the Sendero el Saltillo. Here you get maximum results with minimal effort.

This is a mountain hike with spectacular views, picturesque waterfalls, a bit of danger and a touch of romance. Moreover, the route is relatively short and easy.

The walk starts in the village of Canillas de Aceituno. This is one of the white villages, the so-called pueblos blancos, that are so characteristic of the south of Spain. You end up at the waterfalls of the Rio del Almanchares.