Places to see

For days you want to venture further than the balcony or the pool, the surrounding area offers a huge variety of places to go, and things to see.

Fuengirola

Fuengirola is first on the list. About 4km from the apartment, Fuengirola offers sea, sand and sunshine aplenty. It’s a popular tourist destination, boasting an elegant main square, and a beautiful, palm-lined promenade, the Paseo Marítimo, that stretches for several kilometers along the beach - perfect for a leisurely stroll or for enjoying a drink or a meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants.

There’s also a variety of beaches, from the long stretches of sand of the main beach, to the quieter coves that can be found along the coast. For those who want more sights to see, there are cultural and historical attractions to visit such as the Castle of Sohail, the Roman Baths, and the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary. The town is also known for its vibrant nightlife with many bars, clubs, and pubs to choose from. Some of our favourites can be found here:

Mijas Pueblo

Head in the opposite direction and you’ll find that the pretty white village you can see from the balcony is Mijas. Nestled high on the Mijas balcony, the town has stunning panoramic views of the sea and a maze of pedestrianized streets for you to get lost in.

It’s a lovely place to spend a day or two browsing the pottery stores, exploring the alleys and perhaps taking a tour on a cart drawn by donkeys. Personally, we love to wander the walking trail by the Mirador del Paseo de la Muralla before settling for a glass of rose and a few plates of tapas at Aboka – which we would highly recommend!

La Cala

A little further down the coast, but still no more than 20 minutes drive, is the lovely little town of La Cala de Mijas. La Cala has a more-relaxed vibe than Fuengirola, and we’d honestly recommend spending at least day/evening there. Our top tip would be to wander along the sea-front boardwalk, have a pre-dinner drink at Vinoteca Pura Cepa, and then grab a table at El Gusto. It’s a great little town.

Marbella

A 30 minute drive from the apartment is Marbella – meaning, if Marbs is more your thing, you won’t be disappointed. With its glitz and glamour, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Marbella is still a beautiful coastal town with stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, and, of course, a vibrant nightlife.

The main beach, Playa de la Fontanilla, is a must-see for any visitor, with its crystal-clear waters and soft, golden sand. And when the sun goes down, the town comes alive with a variety of dining and entertainment options, from traditional Spanish tapas bars to trendy nightclubs.

Malaga

In the opposite direction, but still within half an hour, Malaga is a city that you would do well not to bypass. Many people do just that, using it as a base to fly in and out of, but it’s well worth a visit in its own right and you can even do that by train from Fuengirola, if you don’t fancy a drive.

There’s loads to do in Malaga, from the Picasso Museum (he was born in these parts) to the Roman theatre and winding streets, full of traditional tapas bars.

We highly recommend the Alcazaba. A garden complex that rises from behind the Roman theatre, it’s a lovely, shaded garden that leads you to spectacular views out over the harbour and the bull ring. For a few Euros you can gain entry to this, and to the castle further up the hill. On a hot, sunny day (like all of them, to be honest) it’s just lovely to smell the pine and take in the views, and there’s a café at the top, as another kind of reward.

And, once you’re done with that, we’d recommend you head to one of the restaurants by the cruise terminals for some amazing cake, or get yourself an ice-cream in the narrow streets by the Cathedral. Many tourists head for lunch at El Pimpi but, personally, we prefer Taberna Andaluza La Gloria where you can get a Vermut Barril at a price that will make you think they’ve made a mistake!

Malaga is a bit of a warren, but it’s definitely worth losing yourself there for a day.