Location and Places of Interest
Below is a map showing the location of the apartments (green 'A' marker) along with other places of historical, natural or leisure interest.
Local Towns
Alhaurin el Grande and Coin are two typical Andalucian market towns which retain much of their spanish identity. They are just a few minutes drive from the holiday apartments and you can find a wide selection of shops, supermarkets, banks, bars and restaurants - many serving excellent local "tapas" and "menu del dia" (3 course set menu) at reasonable prices.
History and Culture - Andalucia
Andalucia will always be defined by its Moorish legacy. In the 8th century, a mixed force of Arabs, Syrians, Berbers and Egyptians, the " Moors " of North Africa, gained a foothold on Spain's Mediterranean coast, from where they began their advance into Western Europe. The Moors maintained a significant presence in Andalucia until the late 15th century. Like many invaders, the Moors probably came out of curiosity, or out of hunger for new land. The skills and artistry of the Moors were absorbed into the Christian culture.
Cordoba
Just over 2 hours drive from the
apartments Cordoba contains some outstanding examples of Moorish architecture. It is home to the 'Mezquita' (mosque), a spectacular building constructed between
the eighth and tenth centuries which was at one time the second largest mosque in the world (see photo). Other attractions in Cordoba include the
'Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos' (Alcazar of the Christian Kings) and the ruins of the 'Medina Azahara'.
For further information about Cordoba
please see: Cordoba Information
Granada
Granada houses the famous
Alhambra, the residence of the Muslim kings of Granada, a collection of buildings of great architectural interest dating back to the 14th century.
Most notable amongst them are the 'Palacio de Generalife' and 'The Court of the Lions'. Granada is around two hours drive from the
apartments and makes for an interesting day trip.
When visiting Granada on a day trip it is a good idea to purchase tickets for the Alhambra in advance
as buying tickets on the day can involve a wait of several hours. For general information about Granada including how to purchase tickets please visit this website:
Granada Information
Malaga
Only 30 minutes from the apartments
the city of Malaga, founded by the Phoenicians, contains places of significant historical and cultural interest. The Moors built the 'Gibralfaro' castle
and the Alcazaba (fortress) between the 11th and 14th centuries, and a Roman theater was rediscovered below these in 1951 and has now been excavated. (see photo).
Malaga was also the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and houses the recently opened Picasso Museum which contains an interesting collection of his work.
More information can be found here: Picasso Museum
Ronda
The town of Ronda just over an hour from the apartments is rich in historical and architectural interest containing the remains of the Roman settlement 'Acinipo'
including a well preserved amphitheatre. There are also 13th century Arab baths and three famous old bridges which span the gorge at the entrance to the town.
The 'Puente Nuevo' (new bridge) completed in 1793 can be seen here.
Ronda is home to the oldest bullfighting ring in Spain still in use
today and has been written about by Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles both of whom visited Ronda many times.
For more information
please see the official Ronda tourist board website : Ronda tourism
Seville
Around two and a half hours from the apartments Seville is a city which dates back to Roman times. The gothic cathedral (seen here)
is one of the largest cathedrals in Spain and the awe inspiring interior contains pieces of outstanding artistic, religious and architectural interest.
Other sites include the 13th century "Torre Del Oro" watchtower and the Moorish palace which took over 500 years to complete.
Detailed information
concerning Seville including monument opening times can be found here: Explore Seville
Nature of Andalucia
Garganta del Chorro
El Chorro is a limestone gorge about an hour and a half's drive to the North-West of Malaga
through which the Guadalhorce river passes. It was dammed in 1921 forming three reservoirs which are flanked by pine forests and now used for kayaking
and other water based activities.
In the early years of the 20th century a precarious stone walkway was constructed around and across the gorge. This is known as the Caminito Del Rey
(King's little path) named after King Alfonso XIII of Spain. This path has been closed since 2000 after a number of people fell to their deaths
trying to cross it! The area is renowned for it's rock-climbing possibilities and also attracts people interested in hiking, mountain-biking and camping.
Nerja - Caves
The resort of Nerja, 45 minutes east of Malaga along the coast has various sites of interest, one of which is the Eagle's Aqueduct built in the 19th century to carry water from Nerja to the neighbouring town of Maro. However Nerja's main claim to fame is the ancient set of underground caves containing huge stalactites, stalagmites and columns in addition to Paleolithic cave paintings. Some of these caves are open to the public and even house occasional concerts in the Summer. For more information look here: Nerja caves
El Torcal - Natural park
El Torcal de Antequera is a Natural Park Reserve in the Sierra Del Torcal mountain range south of the city of Antequera. It contains striking massive rock formations created over millions of years as well as caves of historical importance, such as the Cuevo Del Toro (cave of the bull), in which Neolithic artefacts have been found. The area also supports a wide variety of flora and fauna and both nature lovers and climbers are keen to visit. To find out more about the area and see pictures of the rock formations please follow this link: Absolute Axarquia - El Torcal
Sport and Leisure
Skiing - Sierra Nevada
Rising above the city of Granada the Sierra Nevada mountain range contains the highest peak in Spain, the Mulhacen (3,479 metres).
It also contains Europe's most southern ski resort being high enough to have snow over the winter months. You can be basking in the sunshine on the coast in the morning
and skiing in the afternoon. It is also very popular in the summer months with walkers and naturalists having been declared a biosphere reserve.
Gibraltar
The British overseas territory of Gibraltar is around 90 minutes drive from the apartments. It is home to many Brititsh shops where you can find duty free bargains,
in addition to pubs, restaurants and a large supermarket. Gibraltar is also famous for the Barbary Apes which roam free in a nature reserve on the upper slopes
of the rock which can be reached via a cable car ride from town.
Gibraltar is a great place for dolphin and whale watching trips into the bay, one company which offers these trips can be found at:
The Original Dolphin Safari.
Golf
The Costa Del Sol has been dubbed the "Costa Del Golf" due to the roughly 100 golf courses in the 120 kilometers between Malaga and Gibraltar. From the apartments, within 30 minutes driving time you can reach at least 7 golfcourses, one of which at Alhaurin Golf has courses designed by world famous spanish golfer Severiano Ballesteros.
Beaches
Many beaches of the Costa Del Sol are only half an hour's drive on the mountain road, for those seeking to relax in the sun on a sandy beach.
On the coast, Torremolinos, Málaga, Fuengirola and Benalmadena with its beautiful leisure port with yachts offering trips to watch dolphins in the sea,
are very popular. Benalmadenas other claim to fame is the largest Buddhist Enlightenment Stupa in the Western World constructed in 2003 and measuring 33 metres high. (see photo).
For those looking for exclusive shops and famous nightlife the resorts of Marbella and Puerto Banus are little more than half an hour from the apartments.