Nearby
Nearby
COSTA TROPICAL
It is located between Motril and La Herradura, east of the Costa del Sol. It is one of the most beautiful places in Spain, with sugar cane, olive trees, almond trees, tropical fruits, beaches and pine forests.
Since the first inhabitants of Africa crossed into Spain, Andalusia became a mixture of cultures, and the area of Almuñecar was no different. Almuñecar made their home in both the Paleolithic, Neolithic and Bronze ages, but the history of the modern city did not begin until 3,000 years ago. The Phoenicians discovered a virtual paradise in Almuñecar, in their constant search for new places and commercial possibilities, due to its abundant water, hills rich in copper and silver, its magnificent waters for fishing, and especially its natural port. It was of great importance how they preserved with salt. It is not clear where the Ex or the Sexi settled, although the discovery of two important burials in the hills above San Cristóbal indicates the area.
The Romans fortified and developed what they called the Sexi Firmun Julium. At present, the visitor can visit remains of the places where they carried out conservation by means of salt, in the Majuelo Park, just below the Castle.
Little is known about the role of Almuñecar during the following 3 or 4 centuries, although its name clearly comes from Al-Munekkab or Hinsal-Monacar. Under Moorish occupation the town was again important, with a flourishing economy and population.
The Kings of Granada paid a lot of attention to Almuñecar during the years following the Christian Reconquest due to its strategic location towards North Africa and its Moorish treasures. It was one of the last places to be handed over to the Catholic forces, on December 30, 1489.
After the expulsion of the Moors in the 16th century, continuous wars and pirates, the local economy was undermined and destroyed. Almuñécar left quietly the history books and became a small fishing community that also lived from agriculture. It was not until the Civil War that the economy began to recover, thanks to trade in agriculture and tourism.
Today it is the coastal tourist center of the province, and offers a great variety of entertainment including a Water Park and an Ornithological Park with an impressive variety of exotic species. To the west of Almuñécar is the “Marina del Este” marina, with a beach, diving center, tennis, boat rental and several bars and restaurants.
GRANADA
It is the capital of the province of Granada and is less than an hour's drive from Salobreña, on the N323, with excellent shops and restaurants around the Gothic and Renaissance Cathedral, the Alhambra Palace and the Generalife gardens.
THE ALHAMBRA - Many tourists visit Granada exclusively for the Alhambra Palace. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling 902 888 001 or +34 958 926 031 by credit card or online at: https://www.alhambraentradasonline.com/.
Also see the tourist vouchers that allow you to visit the most important monuments and museums in the city, it may be interesting for you.
Organize your visit to the city depending on the time that you are assigned to visit the Alhambra because if the time is passed you have to buy a new ticket. Although you can visit the main monuments in a single day, you can spend up to three days to visit Granada in detail.
SACROMONTE is in front of the Alhambra, on the slope of the Cuesta del Chapiz. It is a collection of gypsy houses that were built on the mountain. The caves are carved out of the stone, they have a door and a window that are usually their only source of light and their interior is very colorful. They are heated with fire, the chimneys coming out of the upper part of the caves. There are still some inhabitants dressed in the traditional style.
ALBAICIN It is a neighborhood on a mountain in the old Andalusian style, with many old houses and Moorish walls. In the upper part you can find flamenco dance and singing performances. Visit Casa Castil in El Darro, a fantastic 16th century mansion, part of which has been transformed into an archaeological museum with objects from the area. Also the Moorish baths of Baruelo street. Granadadirect.com.
LA CATEDRAL which was started in 1523 and took 180 years to complete, until 1703. Originally it was Gothic but it was completed in the Renaissance style. About 20 architects worked during its construction, its interior is immense and richly decorated.
HOSPITAL/CHURCH SAN JUAN DE DIOS - Being the first hospital in Granada in 1537. Inside it has a magnificent patio surrounded by painted arches. There are 34 large paintings on the life of Saint John of God. The Church of San Juan de Dios was inaugurated in 1759 and is also worth a visit.
SCIENCE MUSEUM - Granada has a planetarium, an exhibition about dinosaurs, and different interactive exhibits ideal for children and adults. From the highway take exit 131 (Palacio de Congresos) and you will find it on the left of the road. Web.
SIERRA NEVADA
Next to Granada, it is the sunniest ski resort in Europe. It is normally open from the beginning of December to the middle of May. Its highest peak, Mulhacén, is 3.47 km long, approximately 80 m higher than the Pyrenees. From Salobreña it can take about 90 minutes. The international ski resort "Sol y Nieve" has an average of 2.4 m of snow and is usually open from December to mid-May. The chairlifts are open all year round for those who wish to hike in the mountains during the summer months. Those interested in skiing can find out at Infonieve.es. Pradollano is the town in the center of the ski area, with hotels, restaurants, ski rentals and shops. There is no gas station in town, remember to always carry a full tank to the mountain, as well as chains for the car wheels,which can also be purchased at nearby gas stations. There are ski and snowboard instructors for all levels.
LA ALPUJARRA The Alpujarras and the Sierra de Lujar on Orgiva are ideal places to walk through their extraordinary nature. There are also several equestrian centers to go for a ride through the mountains.
PAMPANEIRA, BUBION & CAPILEIRA The 3 most typical towns are Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira, whose architecture seems to be closer to the Berbers than in other Spanish regions. The streets are narrow and there are many handicraft shops in the basement of the houses, famous for their blankets, rugs and ceramics. There is a road from Capileira to Granada that in winter is usually covered with snow and in summer it is not recommended for cars with little suspension. The old textile mill of Bubión, and the Museums of Pampaneira and Capileira are interesting. Restaurants: Bubion - La Artesa, Capileira - Finca Los Llanos
TREVELEZ It is the highest town in Spain and is famous for its Serrano hams and its wonderful landscapes. It has ideal conditions for curing hams, from 60 to 70 degrees of humidity and a winter with a temperature of 2 to 8 degrees.
LANJARON 46 km south of Granada, there is a spa where people come from all over to heal from arthritis, sinusitis, etc., receive massages, and inhalation treatments. The water gushes from 42 places around the town, is filtered and bottled at the local factory to be sold throughout Spain. Restaurants: Castillo Alcadima, Molinillas, Hostal Mulhacen.
ORGIVA It is the capital of the West of the Alpujarras and a commercial town. It has a Church of Baroque and Renaissance architecture from the 16th century, the remains of a fortified Arab tower and a Palace. Restaurants: Alpujarras Grill and Hotel Taray.
EL VALLE DE LECRÍN It is located west of the N323, with small villages surrounded by olive and orange trees. The Arabs called it the Valley of Happiness. It is worth a visit as an example of an undisturbed area. A nice route is from the N323, leaving at Los Güajares towards the old road to Granada. In Güajar Alta there is a good restaurant, Bar Carmen, whose specialty is roast lamb and rabbit, c / Parada 8. Tlf. 958 620 006.
In Melegis, near Lecrín is the restaurant Los Naranjos, with a terrace covered with vines that overlooks over the orange trees.
Outside Durcal is “Bio Durcal”, an old mill converted into a hotel and restaurant.
In Beznar there is the Beznar Dam, in Mondújar and Murchas castle ruins, in Talara Roman baths and in Dúrcal the Baños de Urquizar, 3 km. from the entrance to the town, next to the Durcal river.
NERJA It is located 52 km. from Malaga, at the foot of the Sierra Almijara. (Parking in the center of Nerja is difficult throughout the year). The two main industries in the area are tourism and agriculture.
Enjoy the mountain views from the beautiful beaches of Burriana, El Torrecillo, El Salón, Caletilla, El Playazo and Calahonda. The old town preserves the Andalusian architecture.
Be sure to visit the Caves of Nerja, considered the most beautiful in Europe, enjoy the views from the Balcón de Europa and stroll through the typical narrow streets. A beautiful path leaves from the west of Burriana beach along the rocks towards the Balcón de Europa, built in 1660.
The Arab city "Naricha" was in what is now known as Castillo Alto or Balcón de Europa . The Christians of Castilla y León rebuilt the town after obtaining it from the Arabs in 1487. In 1567 Nerja, together with Competa and Frigiliana, took part in the Moorish rebellion.
The Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias was built in the 16th century in honor of the town's patron saint. It contains a great work of art, the painting inside the dome, attributed to the master Alonso Cano.
In 1655 the population was 400 inhabitants. In July 1810 came the Napoleonic occupation and in October of the same year, the British troops. On December 25, 1884, a strong earthquake took place for 13 seconds that terrorized the town. Despite all the tragedies of these times, the first half of the 19th century was the most prosperous in the history of Nerja since its inception. It became one of the main commercial centers of the Malaga coast for its agricultural products, and the population reached 7,500 inhabitants.
At the end of the century, the decline caused by "oidium" and "phylloxera" began, which put an end to the wine and grape trade, due to the disorganized felling of pine forests, the disappearance of sugar cane and the events that led to war civil.
At the beginning of the 20th century Nerja had less than 7,000 inhabitants and this number continued to decline as people migrated to South America and other areas of Spain. In 1901 it suffered an epidemic and in 1902 a great frost and a plague that decimated the population, like cholera in 1910 and typhoids between 1912 and 1920. Water was rationed due to the constant drought. Starting in 1958, the town's recovery began with the discovery of the caves that attracted tourism and prosperity to the area.
MARO – CUEVAS DE NERJA A small Andalusian town, the setting for the Cuevas de Nerja and overlooking the Mediterranean, it was the main area for the manufacture of sugar in the 19th century and to this day there are the remains of the old factory. The caves have been declared an artistic and historical monument.
FRIGILIANA It is a beautiful Andalusian town nestled in the mountains of the Sierra Almijara, about 15 minutes from Nerja. It is possibly one of the most photographed white villages on the Costa del Sol and from the Garden Bar (check opening hours Tel 952 533 185. Website), in the upper part of town, you can enjoy the view while eating and drinking. try the delicious “vino del terrano” (sweet wine). We recommend parking your car downstairs to be able to stroll through the stone streets between the white houses with flowers on the balconies.
GAUDIX – BAZA – CASTRIL They are located on a plain a thousand meters high between the Subbetic and Penibetic systems, flanked to the North by the Sierra de Cazorla and to the South by the Sierra Nevada. Since ancient times, the entire area made up the nucleus of a communications network in which a passage between Eastern and Western Andalusia was necessary. Here are the Natural Parks of the Sierras de Castril and Baza, with a great variety of species of plants and animals, typical of the Mediterranean mountains, such as the golden eagle, the vulture, the fox, the mountain cat and the wild cat.
In Guadix there was one of the oldest human settlements in Spain. It preserves Mudejar art in its religious buildings. To get to Guadix take the N323 to Granada until the N342 where they will begin to indicate it.
MONTEJAQUE & RONDA Montejaque is located in the Sierra de Grazalena Natural Park, half an hour from Ronda (about 3 hours from Salobreña). It is located on a hillside, above a fertile valley of olive trees, vineyards, and sunflower fields. Its steep and curving streets run through the little white houses that still hear the donkeys walking. (It is recommended to stay overnight)
SEVILLA & CORDOBA They are two wonderful cities with many monuments to visit. From Salobreña it takes a little more than three hoursto arrive to Córdoba and to Seville a little more than four hours, so it is recommended to stay overnight. Children's Excursions Proposals
- The Iglesia del Carmen, built in the Baroque style in the 16th century. It was built in memory of the plague victims, so the promontory on which it stands is in fact a large tomb.
- The Iglesia Mayor de la Encarnación, from the 16th century, built in the Mudejar and late Gothic, Renaissance style and with later Baroque modifications, was used as a Church and Castle, so it lacks ornamentation. It is located next to the Plaza de España, with the statue of Cardinal Belluga de Motril.
- The Town Hall, built in 1631 in the Baroque style, has a Mudejar ceiling at the main entrance and a meeting room.
- The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Head is located on a hill overlooking the Parque de América (to the right of the main road that crosses the city in the direction of Granada). It is built in the Baroque style on the Arab palace of Aixa, mother of Boabdil. The carving of the Virgin of Corinth has an oriental style and according to legend, a storm surprised Portuguese sailors who carried it and promised to build a sanctuary in the place where they would arrive safely. And this place was Motril.
- La Casa de la Palma is a 16th century Moorish sugar mill. Excavations at the back of this building uncovered valuable remains of the only mill of its kind in Europe.
Since the first inhabitants of Africa crossed into Spain, Andalusia became a mixture of cultures, and the area of Almuñecar was no different. Almuñecar made their home in both the Paleolithic, Neolithic and Bronze ages, but the history of the modern city did not begin until 3,000 years ago. The Phoenicians discovered a virtual paradise in Almuñecar, in their constant search for new places and commercial possibilities, due to its abundant water, hills rich in copper and silver, its magnificent waters for fishing, and especially its natural port. It was of great importance how they preserved with salt. It is not clear where the Ex or the Sexi settled, although the discovery of two important burials in the hills above San Cristóbal indicates the area.
The Romans fortified and developed what they called the Sexi Firmun Julium. At present, the visitor can visit remains of the places where they carried out conservation by means of salt, in the Majuelo Park, just below the Castle.
Little is known about the role of Almuñecar during the following 3 or 4 centuries, although its name clearly comes from Al-Munekkab or Hinsal-Monacar. Under Moorish occupation the town was again important, with a flourishing economy and population.
The Kings of Granada paid a lot of attention to Almuñecar during the years following the Christian Reconquest due to its strategic location towards North Africa and its Moorish treasures. It was one of the last places to be handed over to the Catholic forces, on December 30, 1489.
After the expulsion of the Moors in the 16th century, continuous wars and pirates, the local economy was undermined and destroyed. Almuñécar left quietly the history books and became a small fishing community that also lived from agriculture. It was not until the Civil War that the economy began to recover, thanks to trade in agriculture and tourism.
Today it is the coastal tourist center of the province, and offers a great variety of entertainment including a Water Park and an Ornithological Park with an impressive variety of exotic species. To the west of Almuñécar is the “Marina del Este” marina, with a beach, diving center, tennis, boat rental and several bars and restaurants.
GRANADA
It is the capital of the province of Granada and is less than an hour's drive from Salobreña, on the N323, with excellent shops and restaurants around the Gothic and Renaissance Cathedral, the Alhambra Palace and the Generalife gardens.
THE ALHAMBRA - Many tourists visit Granada exclusively for the Alhambra Palace. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling 902 888 001 or +34 958 926 031 by credit card or online at: https://www.alhambraentradasonline.com/.
Also see the tourist vouchers that allow you to visit the most important monuments and museums in the city, it may be interesting for you.
Organize your visit to the city depending on the time that you are assigned to visit the Alhambra because if the time is passed you have to buy a new ticket. Although you can visit the main monuments in a single day, you can spend up to three days to visit Granada in detail.
SACROMONTE is in front of the Alhambra, on the slope of the Cuesta del Chapiz. It is a collection of gypsy houses that were built on the mountain. The caves are carved out of the stone, they have a door and a window that are usually their only source of light and their interior is very colorful. They are heated with fire, the chimneys coming out of the upper part of the caves. There are still some inhabitants dressed in the traditional style.
ALBAICIN It is a neighborhood on a mountain in the old Andalusian style, with many old houses and Moorish walls. In the upper part you can find flamenco dance and singing performances. Visit Casa Castil in El Darro, a fantastic 16th century mansion, part of which has been transformed into an archaeological museum with objects from the area. Also the Moorish baths of Baruelo street. Granadadirect.com.
LA CATEDRAL which was started in 1523 and took 180 years to complete, until 1703. Originally it was Gothic but it was completed in the Renaissance style. About 20 architects worked during its construction, its interior is immense and richly decorated.
HOSPITAL/CHURCH SAN JUAN DE DIOS - Being the first hospital in Granada in 1537. Inside it has a magnificent patio surrounded by painted arches. There are 34 large paintings on the life of Saint John of God. The Church of San Juan de Dios was inaugurated in 1759 and is also worth a visit.
SCIENCE MUSEUM - Granada has a planetarium, an exhibition about dinosaurs, and different interactive exhibits ideal for children and adults. From the highway take exit 131 (Palacio de Congresos) and you will find it on the left of the road. Web.
SIERRA NEVADA
Next to Granada, it is the sunniest ski resort in Europe. It is normally open from the beginning of December to the middle of May. Its highest peak, Mulhacén, is 3.47 km long, approximately 80 m higher than the Pyrenees. From Salobreña it can take about 90 minutes. The international ski resort "Sol y Nieve" has an average of 2.4 m of snow and is usually open from December to mid-May. The chairlifts are open all year round for those who wish to hike in the mountains during the summer months. Those interested in skiing can find out at Infonieve.es. Pradollano is the town in the center of the ski area, with hotels, restaurants, ski rentals and shops. There is no gas station in town, remember to always carry a full tank to the mountain, as well as chains for the car wheels,which can also be purchased at nearby gas stations. There are ski and snowboard instructors for all levels.
LA ALPUJARRA The Alpujarras and the Sierra de Lujar on Orgiva are ideal places to walk through their extraordinary nature. There are also several equestrian centers to go for a ride through the mountains.
PAMPANEIRA, BUBION & CAPILEIRA The 3 most typical towns are Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira, whose architecture seems to be closer to the Berbers than in other Spanish regions. The streets are narrow and there are many handicraft shops in the basement of the houses, famous for their blankets, rugs and ceramics. There is a road from Capileira to Granada that in winter is usually covered with snow and in summer it is not recommended for cars with little suspension. The old textile mill of Bubión, and the Museums of Pampaneira and Capileira are interesting. Restaurants: Bubion - La Artesa, Capileira - Finca Los Llanos
TREVELEZ It is the highest town in Spain and is famous for its Serrano hams and its wonderful landscapes. It has ideal conditions for curing hams, from 60 to 70 degrees of humidity and a winter with a temperature of 2 to 8 degrees.
LANJARON 46 km south of Granada, there is a spa where people come from all over to heal from arthritis, sinusitis, etc., receive massages, and inhalation treatments. The water gushes from 42 places around the town, is filtered and bottled at the local factory to be sold throughout Spain. Restaurants: Castillo Alcadima, Molinillas, Hostal Mulhacen.
ORGIVA It is the capital of the West of the Alpujarras and a commercial town. It has a Church of Baroque and Renaissance architecture from the 16th century, the remains of a fortified Arab tower and a Palace. Restaurants: Alpujarras Grill and Hotel Taray.
EL VALLE DE LECRÍN It is located west of the N323, with small villages surrounded by olive and orange trees. The Arabs called it the Valley of Happiness. It is worth a visit as an example of an undisturbed area. A nice route is from the N323, leaving at Los Güajares towards the old road to Granada. In Güajar Alta there is a good restaurant, Bar Carmen, whose specialty is roast lamb and rabbit, c / Parada 8. Tlf. 958 620 006.
In Melegis, near Lecrín is the restaurant Los Naranjos, with a terrace covered with vines that overlooks over the orange trees.
Outside Durcal is “Bio Durcal”, an old mill converted into a hotel and restaurant.
In Beznar there is the Beznar Dam, in Mondújar and Murchas castle ruins, in Talara Roman baths and in Dúrcal the Baños de Urquizar, 3 km. from the entrance to the town, next to the Durcal river.
NERJA It is located 52 km. from Malaga, at the foot of the Sierra Almijara. (Parking in the center of Nerja is difficult throughout the year). The two main industries in the area are tourism and agriculture.
Enjoy the mountain views from the beautiful beaches of Burriana, El Torrecillo, El Salón, Caletilla, El Playazo and Calahonda. The old town preserves the Andalusian architecture.
Be sure to visit the Caves of Nerja, considered the most beautiful in Europe, enjoy the views from the Balcón de Europa and stroll through the typical narrow streets. A beautiful path leaves from the west of Burriana beach along the rocks towards the Balcón de Europa, built in 1660.
The Arab city "Naricha" was in what is now known as Castillo Alto or Balcón de Europa . The Christians of Castilla y León rebuilt the town after obtaining it from the Arabs in 1487. In 1567 Nerja, together with Competa and Frigiliana, took part in the Moorish rebellion.
The Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias was built in the 16th century in honor of the town's patron saint. It contains a great work of art, the painting inside the dome, attributed to the master Alonso Cano.
In 1655 the population was 400 inhabitants. In July 1810 came the Napoleonic occupation and in October of the same year, the British troops. On December 25, 1884, a strong earthquake took place for 13 seconds that terrorized the town. Despite all the tragedies of these times, the first half of the 19th century was the most prosperous in the history of Nerja since its inception. It became one of the main commercial centers of the Malaga coast for its agricultural products, and the population reached 7,500 inhabitants.
At the end of the century, the decline caused by "oidium" and "phylloxera" began, which put an end to the wine and grape trade, due to the disorganized felling of pine forests, the disappearance of sugar cane and the events that led to war civil.
At the beginning of the 20th century Nerja had less than 7,000 inhabitants and this number continued to decline as people migrated to South America and other areas of Spain. In 1901 it suffered an epidemic and in 1902 a great frost and a plague that decimated the population, like cholera in 1910 and typhoids between 1912 and 1920. Water was rationed due to the constant drought. Starting in 1958, the town's recovery began with the discovery of the caves that attracted tourism and prosperity to the area.
MARO – CUEVAS DE NERJA A small Andalusian town, the setting for the Cuevas de Nerja and overlooking the Mediterranean, it was the main area for the manufacture of sugar in the 19th century and to this day there are the remains of the old factory. The caves have been declared an artistic and historical monument.
FRIGILIANA It is a beautiful Andalusian town nestled in the mountains of the Sierra Almijara, about 15 minutes from Nerja. It is possibly one of the most photographed white villages on the Costa del Sol and from the Garden Bar (check opening hours Tel 952 533 185. Website), in the upper part of town, you can enjoy the view while eating and drinking. try the delicious “vino del terrano” (sweet wine). We recommend parking your car downstairs to be able to stroll through the stone streets between the white houses with flowers on the balconies.
GAUDIX – BAZA – CASTRIL They are located on a plain a thousand meters high between the Subbetic and Penibetic systems, flanked to the North by the Sierra de Cazorla and to the South by the Sierra Nevada. Since ancient times, the entire area made up the nucleus of a communications network in which a passage between Eastern and Western Andalusia was necessary. Here are the Natural Parks of the Sierras de Castril and Baza, with a great variety of species of plants and animals, typical of the Mediterranean mountains, such as the golden eagle, the vulture, the fox, the mountain cat and the wild cat.
In Guadix there was one of the oldest human settlements in Spain. It preserves Mudejar art in its religious buildings. To get to Guadix take the N323 to Granada until the N342 where they will begin to indicate it.
MONTEJAQUE & RONDA Montejaque is located in the Sierra de Grazalena Natural Park, half an hour from Ronda (about 3 hours from Salobreña). It is located on a hillside, above a fertile valley of olive trees, vineyards, and sunflower fields. Its steep and curving streets run through the little white houses that still hear the donkeys walking. (It is recommended to stay overnight)
SEVILLA & CORDOBA They are two wonderful cities with many monuments to visit. From Salobreña it takes a little more than three hoursto arrive to Córdoba and to Seville a little more than four hours, so it is recommended to stay overnight. Children's Excursions Proposals
