Excursions

• The local village of Colmenar is only 5 km from the cottage. With a population of just over 3,000 it is largely untouched by the commercial tourism of the coast and continues a traditional rural way of life where the olive, almond and grape harvests are an important part of the social calendar.
• That said, Colmenar can be a lively place at times (when the local fiestas are in full swing) and there is a good range of bars, shops and restaurants all of which are very welcoming.
• Immediately beyond Colmenar, take the wonderful road through Las Montes de Málaga which winds through the forested hillsides down to the coast. Remote and peaceful, it's a gentle, hilly area criss-crossed by streams which have carved small valleys, extensively planted with pine trees and ancient Mediterranean species too, holm oak, corks and carib trees, making it an ideal habitat for the chameleons and other protected species of wildlife and birds of prey which reside here. The lovely scenery, and some great views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea below, can also be enjoyed on any one of numerous walking routes through the Park.
• You are also well placed to visit the dramatic Sierra de Torcal (to the south of Antequera), a massive, Mars-like mountain of heavily eroded rock formations. The imagination plays tricks as giants, monsters and castles seem to appear before your eyes.
• Lake Vinuela is a man-made lake but none the less spectacular and picturesque for this. Its azure-blue waters are surrounded by rolling hills and a number of delightful villages including Canillas de Aceituno, Alcaucin, Periana and Riogordo. Close by, the villages of Comares, Competa and Benamargosa are equally charming.
• Torre del Mar is the closest seaside resort and boasts one of the longest, and certainly one of the widest, beaches on the coast. It is very Spanish in character although, as with most places these days, you will find quite an eclectic mix of bars and restaurants. There is excellent fresh fish and seafood to be enjoyed, chiringuitos (beach bars) and other watering holes. For the young at heart, there's plenty of night-long, night life too.
• Nerja is a little further east along the coast. Much more "international" with a strong British presence (you can have a curry here ... ) it boasts 16 kilometres of beaches with powdery sand and sparkling clear water.
• The heart of Nerja is its spectacular Balcón de Europa, a magnificent promenade along the edge of a towering cliff, with sweeping panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the small coves and beaches below, against an awesome backdrop of hazy blue mountains.
• However, Nerja's most spectacular attraction is undoubtedly its magnificent caves - a series of huge caverns stretching for almost five kilometres and home to the world’s largest stalagmite, a 32 metre high column measuring 13 metres by 7 metres at its base. Located three kilometres out of town there are archaeological treasures galore including paintings over 20,000 years old and other pre-historic remains.
• One of the enormous natural caverns has been transformed into a concert hall, where many fabulous performances (classical and flamenco) are staged during the summer. The International Festival of Music and Dance takes place in mid July each year.
• Just inland from Torre del Mar is Vélez-Málaga, capital of La Axarquía. It is the centre of an agricultural region known for its strawberries and vineyards, which produce the muscatel grapes from which the famous Málaga wines are made.
• If you are here on a Thursday, take time to wander around its weekly market, always an enjoyable experience. The 13th Century Moorish castle and the lovely old town are also worth visiting.
• A great day out and a favourite with many of our guests is the Water Park at Velez Malaga.
• Granada is, of course, a must-see city. Soaring high above is the spectacular back drop of the snow-covered Sierra Nevada mountains. And what a city lies below, a city of classical beauty, the jewel in the Spanish Crown.
• The mesmerising Alhambra Palace and its exquisite gardens, one of the world's greatest wonders; the narrow, cobbled streets and beautiful walled gardens of the ancient Arab quarter, El Albaicín; the magnificent Cathedral, just one of many superb examples of Renaissance architecture; the caves of Sacramonte, nostalgic legacy of the gypsies.
• A city which inspired García Lorca, Andalucía's finest poet, it is, above all, a people's city, full of life and colour, energy and fun.
• Antequera and, further a field, both Sevilla and Córdoba are accessable too. From Colmenar it's only a short 10 minute drive to the motorway network which links all the great cities of Andalucía.

Activities

• There are many sporting activities on offer including horse riding, golf, hang gliding and walking. In the main these activities are offered by enterprising Brit's and other Europeans who have settled in the area.
• Both Las Montes de Málaga and, to the east, La Sierra de Tejeda (which rises up above 2,000 metres), offer a wealth of wonderful nature and walking possibilities. Superb hiking country, the numerous steep crags of Tejeda also make it ideal for aspiring rock climbers.
• Sailing and a variety of other watersports are available at the fishing port and marina, La Caleta de Velez. All major water sports are also available in Nerja including water skiing, scuba diving and sailing.
• For golf enthusiasts, there are several excellent golf courses to choose from. Many speak highly of the course at Antequera (an hour away).