Don t miss out Beaches with the best weather in Europe Torrox-Costa and Nerja form two gems on the eastern Costa del Sol. Both towns with interlaced little white streets decorated with the typical Andalusian geraniums are a traditional sight in this area. Their beaches can be enjoyed all year round as they maintain an excellent temperature; the weather in Torrox is considered the best in Europe, after all! Nerja and prehistoric culture As well as the charming beaches and coves, Nerja is also culturally very important. The prehistoric gem of the Nerja Caves is not just an object of study and one which can be visited; it is also the setting for international dance festivals. The little white streets of the town and its typically Andalusian spots mix culture and beach with the best Mediterranean cuisine. Routes through La Axarquía There are innumerable routes through the pretty villages of La Axarquía, whose highlights include Frigiliana, El Borge and Cómpeta, where you can try typical products such as raisins, wine and oil as well as enjoying these typically Andalusian places which overlook the Mediterranean.
The best beaches Apartamentos Fuerte Calaceite The eastern part of the Costa del Sol offers kilometres of beaches which include from small coves with crystal waters, spectacular cliffs to beaches with a tropical atmosphere. Among its municipalities Torrox is of note, recognised for having the best weather in Europe, and Nerja for its famous Maro beaches. (Distances calculated from the Fuerte Calaceite Apartments, in Torrox) Torrox Costa Playa Calaceite (location of the apartments) Small sandy beach with crystal waters located next to the apartments. This beach is not usually shared with many others therefore it is the ideal place for those looking for a quiet swim. Adapted for people with reduced mobility with special access areas and wooden walkways. Playa Mazagarrobo-El Peñoncillo (3 min away by car, 18 min on foot) A vast, semi-urbanised beach without a promenade and separated from the Calaceite beaches by rocky areas. It is not usually very crowded therefore, there is usually more than enough space to be able to lay down your towels. There is a kiosk nearby and a restaurant. Playa El Morche (8 min away by car) An urban beach with a promenade and all the necessary services, as well as access adapted for people with reduced mobility. This space is ideal for families as many children and young people meet here to play beach tennis or go for a swim. Playa Ferrara-Las Lindes (8 min away by car) A very vast and well equipped beach, with a family atmosphere. There is a small cove with large pebbles on the far eastern side with which it forms the so-called 'Playa Chica. Next to this is the mouth of the river Torrox, known as the 'Playa del Sillón'. Playa El Cenicero (10 min away by car) This beach with dark sand has no promenade and is located in the Torrox-Costa area and offers numerous services due to its urban nature. It usually has moderate waves therefore it is suitable for people who wish to swim in a calm sea. Nerja Playa de Calahonda (11 min away by car) This beach is below the Balcony of Europe and can be accessed by the boquete de Calahonda path, located at the end of calle Puerta del Mar. It is a very popular beach due to its location right in the centre of Nerja; therefore all the restaurants and services are nearby. From here you can see picturesque cliffs.
Playa de Burriana (15 min away by car) This is one of the busiest family-friendly beaches in Nerja. It boasts all the services as well as restaurants, among them the famous Ayo, a legendary beach bar from the Spanish TV series Verano Azul. Playa de Maro (17 min away by car and 10 min on foot) Semi-rocky in appearance, this is a natural beach with a wild look to it which difficult to access on foot. For this reason it is less busy than other beaches, ideal for people seeking contact with nature in a peaceful setting. The best of Torrox and Nerja old towns The best way to see Torrox old town (10 min away by car) is by ambling through its narrow, white streets, which paint a typical image of an Andalusian village. Don t miss the Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación Church, the Nuestra Señora de las Nieves Chapel or the Vigía de Calaceite Tower (10 min away on foot from the Apartamentos Fuerte Calaceite). One of the more unusual events in La Axarquía is the fiesta de las migas de Torrox (Festival of Breadcrumbs), held on the Sunday before Christmas where this tasty dish is served with wine. Nerja (10 min away by car) As well as the appeal of its beaches, Nerja is a beautiful town with Andalusian charm and a very important cultural attraction, the Nerja Cave. This prehistoric gem is not just an object of study and one which can be visited; it is also the setting for international dance festivals. The little white streets of the town and its typically Andalusian spots mix culture and beach with the best Mediterranean cuisine. Among the places of interest in this area we can highlight: Nerja Donkey Sanctuary (7 min by car) This is a charity which is dedicated to rescuing, looking after and protecting donkeys, mules and horses. It relies on donations and serves as a refuge for these animals as well as being a tourist attraction. Balcón de Europa (Balcony of Europe) (10 min by car) This viewpoint looking out to sea was given the name Balcony of Europe by King Alphonse XII who was captivated when he looked over the edge as it seemed as if the continent ended at that point. Acueducto del Águila (10 min by car) This is an aqueduct which is maintained in good condition and was built in the 19th century to carry water to the mills of the old San Joaquín de Maro Sugar Factory.
Nerja Cave (15 min by car) Its cave paintings, archaeological sites and layers make it an international historical gem. Paintings of seals have been found inside it which could be the first known cave paintings in the history of humanity. The stalactites and stalagmites in this cave are an unequalled symbol of Prehistory. The International Festival of Music and Dance has been held in Nerja Cave for more than 50 years. Dancing, flamenco, classical music and world music come together on this fantastic stage among stalagmites and stalactites in the month of July. The best food options Torrox Torrox has a traditional cuisine in which migas (breadcrumbs) usually accompanied by sardines, olives or ensaladilla arriera (with slices of orange) figure prominently. Among the most typical restaurants we can highlight: (Distances calculated from Apartamentos Fuerte Calaceite, Torrox) Chiringuito Almanzor (2 min by car and 15 min on foot) As well as typical dishes from the local area it also offers international cuisine. Chiringuito Pepe Oro (2 min by car and 15 min on foot) Traditional cuisine from Torrox in an open and relaxed atmosphere. Nerja This town is known for its noodle-based stews with fish and its tropical fruit dishes. Among the most well known restaurants we can highlight: Au Petit Paris (10 min by car) A French-style modern restaurant. Restaurante Flamenco El Burrito (10 min by car) At this bar you can enjoy a traditional meal with a flamenco show. Restaurante Flamenco El Molino (11 min by car) A combination of flamenco and cuisine for a night with an Andalusian flavour. Bar Restaurant First (11 min by car) Modern restaurant with international cuisine.
Frigiliana Apartamentos Fuerte Calaceite Frigiliana is a village where tradition and international cuisine live side by side in an Arabesque setting. You can t leave without trying the star ingredient in its cuisine: molasses. A good example is aubergines with molasses. Splash Bistro (7 min by car) International cuisine with views over an enormous swimming pool. Restaurante La Fuente (15 min by car) Specialising in typical Spanish tapas. La Tahona (18 min by car) This restaurant is known for its healthy cuisine with Spanish and Italian touches. The best shops Torrox Costa (10 min by car) From the tropical tree to your table At small establishments in the area you can find tropical fruit grown in La Axarquía due to its good year-round climate. Try the fresh avocados, custard apples and mangos. Almonds and raisins are typical of this area as well as the famous Algarrobo biscuits, the star product together with muscatel wine. Basketry, an attractive craft In the central area of the town you can find shops selling baskets handmade made from reeds, esparto grass or olive branches. Nerja (10 min by car) Gifts and souvenirs In Nerja old town you can find numerous establishments which sell gifts, accessories and souvenirs.
Vélez-Málaga Apartamentos Fuerte Calaceite El Ingenio Shopping Centre (20 min by car from Fuerte Calaceite Apartments) The El Ingenio Shopping Centre is located in this area, where you can find all kinds of products as well as restaurants and a cinema. Open-air markets The open-air markets also offer a wide range of products at a good price. The days and towns where they are held in the area are as follows: Monday - Torrox Costa Tuesday Nerja Wednesday - Algarrobo Costa Thursday Frigiliana Friday - La Herradura Saturday Cómpeta Flea market A second-hand market (flea market) can also be found in this area which takes place on Sundays in Nerja. The best tours: Half day tours Frigiliana (18 min by car) A town with an Arabic maze of white streets with grilles on the windows and bright colours in the flowerpots. Its architecture pays homage to its Arabic past with typical areas from the Granada of yesteryear, a mosaic of traditions which is reflected in its Festival of 3 Cultures. This festival brings together thousands of people every year in August marrying culture, cuisine, music and theatre. In the municipality you can visit the following places of interest: Old town and Mudejar quarter (18 min by car): In the heart of the town is a popular architectural ensemble of Arabic structure, one of the most untouched in the province, a network of narrow, whitewashed streets with unique charm. San Antonio Church (18 min by car): This church is built on the old mosque; in fact the bell tower is the old minaret, transformed after the conquest in the 17th century.
Palace of the Counts of Frigiliana (18 min by car): Built at the end of the 16th century, it served as the ancestral home of the Manrique de Lara family, Frigiliana nobility. It is currently the only active molasses factory in Europe; therefore it is an important tourist attraction for the town. Castillo de Lizar (21 min by car): Erected in the 9th century as a military fortress, it provides spectacular views over the ocean. The Battle of the Rock forced the Christians to destroy it for fear of a Moorish rearmament. La Herradura (21 min by car) This pretty town on the Granada coast is noted for its bay, currently an important centre of underwater activities. Its Marina del Este should be mentioned, with a capacity for 230 boats, it is a luxurious and beautiful complex on the Costa Tropical, between Nerja and Almuñecar. Themed routes through La Axarquía Sun and Wine Route (departure point 18 min by car): This route among the vineyards of La Axarquía mixes coast and inland areas. Sayalonga, Cómpeta, Canillas de Albaida, Torrox, Nerja and Frigiliana are the white villages which make up this route departing from Algarrobo. In these municipalities you can see the wines of the region being made as well as tasting them. Sun and Avocado Route (departure point 33 min by car): From Rincón de la Victoria to Torre del Mar walkers visit the coast to then head inland. Due to its climate it is common to find an abundance of avocados and tropical fruit such as mango, papaya and custard apples being cultivated. Macharaviaya, Vélez-Málaga, Benamocarra, Iznate and Benamargosa are part of the villages which make up this rural route. Mudejar Route (departure point 42 min by car): Five Mudejar-style villages which conserve the best of this architecture can be visited by covering just 40 kilometres. Departing from Arenas the villages of Árchez, Salares, Sedella and Canillas de Aceituno are visited. Raisin Route (departure point 47 min by car): The municipalities of Comares, Cútar, El Borge, Almáchar and Moclinejo make up the 62 kilometres of this route which begins at Totalán. Here vineyards flourish, whose fruit will be made into raisins on the dryers established on the knoll of the mountains. The raisins from this region were already famous in the Arabic period due to their exquisiteness. Oil and Hill Route (departure point 55 min by car): This route of hillside villages departs from Riogordo. Colmenar, Alfarnate, Alfarnatejo, Periana, Alcaucín and Viñuela offer a unique landscape of mountains dominated by olive trees and pastureland. As well as taking part in sports in contact with nature, you can also enjoy excellent cured meats and great quality olive oil.
The best tours: One day tours Ruta del Río Chillar (departure point 10 min by car) This route along the river Chillar is one of the most emblematic of the province due to its beauty and easy access among ferns, pine trees and carob trees. It departs from calle Picasso en Nerja (on the banks of the river) and takes approximately 8 hours to reach the waterfalls, although it can be done in shorter sections. The route is along the riverbed, therefore it is only recommended for summer. Málaga (49 min by car) Capital of the Costa del Sol, Malaga, as well as sun and beaches, offers two notable museums which are the Picasso and the Thyssen. Also of interest are the house where Picasso was born as well as the citadel and the Roman theatre. Granada (1 hour 10 min by car) The charming city of Granada houses La Alhambra, a World Heritage site and the most visited and most symbolic monument in Spain. The Albaicín and Sacromonte neighbourhoods fill the city with colour and charm, crowned by the peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Antequera (1 hour 20 min by car) This town in the province of Malaga has the largest share of the historic and artistic heritage of the province among which there are 33 churches and convents. Through its architectural sites visitors can follow its history from the first prehistoric men to the current era. El Torcal is a unique natural beauty spot in Andalucia which is also located in the town, characterised by the peculiar rock shapes, moulded by the action of the rain and the wind. Ronda (2 hours 15 min by car) Ronda is a monumental town whose jewel is its imposing and famous gorge, and it is considered to one of the prettiest towns in Andalucia. As well as the gorge bridge, you will also be pleasantly surprised by its bullring, the Museum of the Bandit and its typical streets which you can ride through on a horse-drawn carriage. Take a trip to the Acinipo archaeological site, an old Roman town (20 kilometres from Ronda). Córdoba (2 hours 20 min by car) Cordoba was the capital of the caliphate in the Al- Ándalus period, in which one of the most important monuments in Spain, the Mosque, was built. Its old town is the second largest in Europe, which is noted for the beauty of its courtyards as well as the Roman Bridge over the Guadalquivir river.
The best tours: Tours with children Chanquete boat (10 min by car) One of the emblems of the town is the well known Chanquete boat, a loveable character in the legendary children s TV programme Verano Azul, filmed in Nerja. Nerja Caves (15 min by car) In Nerja you can also see the first cave paintings on the Iberian Peninsula, the Nerja Caves, where educational visits and comprehension games are carried out for children. Aquavelis (20 min by car) Located 16 kilometres away is Aquavelis, the water park in Torre del Mar, which will allow the little ones to enjoy all the rides whilst you have a nice dip in the water. La cueva del tesoro (30 min by car) La Cueva del Tesoro is located at Rincón de la Victoria, which is one of only three caves of marine origin known in the world. It is also the only cave with these characteristics in Europe in which you can see cave paintings.