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Places you may wish to visit in Andalucia

Many of the towns in the area Frigiliana, Maro, Almunecar, Torrox, and others within 1 - 2 hours drive (Ronda, Granada, Gibraltar etc) have their own uniqueness and attractions.

Here are a few closer to Nerja....................

Cuevas de Nerja (Nerja Caves): Few visitors knew anything about this part of the coast until 1959, when five young boys, out hunting for bats behind Maro discovered a remarkable system of caves and ancient cave paintings. Situated 5 minutes drive to the east of Nerja, above the very pleasant village of Maro. The caves contain a spectacular selection of stalagmite & stalactites, plus prehistoric paintings. Underground streams perforated the limestone of these mountains forming huge chambers and strange but lovely stalactites and stalagmites. The cave was inhabited as far back as Higher Palaeolithic Age, 30,000 years ago and was used up to about 3,000 years ago. Sound and light equipment has been installed to provide easy access and viewing for the interest of tourists.

Maro

The village of Maro, situated near Nerja Cave, owes its name to the whitewashed appearance of its houses. The buildings here are a good example of the common domestic architecture in towns and villages on the Mediterranean coastline. Maro is becoming increasing popular for renting holiday apartments and villas due to its close proximity to the popular holiday resort Nerja.

The village dates back to the early Christian era, its first structure being the Roman fortification known historically as Detunda, meaning "defence." this is now the site of the Plaza de la Iglesia, the Casa Granada and the beginning of Calle Ancha. It is a genuine pleasure to stroll though the village´s narrow streets, with flowerpots on balconies and all the charm of a true Andalusian coastal village. One of the most beautiful streets is Calle Maravillas, where one can look out over the sea from the vantage points. There are also wonderful views from here of the surrounding countryside.

Beside the Balcón de Maro, one finds the Iglesia de Nuestra Séñora de las Maravillas, dating from the seventeenth century. Here, to, we have the Casa Grande and the ruins of the old sugar works, the building of which began in 1585, financed by the then Lord of Maro, Luis de Armengol.

The Aqueduct

Not far from the village centre, beside the N-340 road going towards Nerja, is another famous monument, the Águila Aqueduct. This was built between 1879 and 1880, to ensure that water would reach the San Joaquín sugar factory.

There is a section of old Roman road beside the sugar factory, on the way from Antonino de Cástulo to Malaca, on which the Detunda fortification factory was built. This is in fact, the origin of the name Maro.

Frigiliana

Located in the hills some 6 kms above Nerja is this village of sheer delight, with its maze of narrow walkways. A collection of whitewashed houses (a job traditionally undertaken by the eldest lady of the house), with pots of flowers outside every door & hanging from the walls.

Plaques around the streets recall its Moorish ancestry, in what is regarded as one of the prettiest villages in Andalucia.

With craft shops, tiny groceries, & restaurants with terraces that offer fantastic views across countryside to the Med.

And a few a little further away ..................

To discover more of this beautiful part of Spain, take one of the excursions which are available from Nerja. Choose to visit Granada and the magnificent Alhambra Palace, Seville, Cordoba, Ronda and Gibraltar. All of these are a full day and are reserved and paid for locally.

Granada: Built on three hills, the city of Granada is spread out from the hills feet and has a network of shopping streets, plazas, bars & restaurants.

It is said that you will find more people on the streets at midnight than midday. Above the city is the splendid Alhambra Palace. Largely built in the 14th century by the Sultans of Granada, ruler of the last Moorish kingdom, and really captures the brilliance & culture of the Al Andalus Moors.

The Palace and its lovely gardens are well worth a visit, but it can get very busy, & you may have to queue quite some time. Also, there are times when you must book in advance, so before you decide to visit, ask a tour operator in Nerja about obtaining advance tickets.

Beware of gypsies working in the area around the palace. DO NOT pay a parking fee or Palace admission fee to anybody who approaches you on the street. Only deal with uniformed staff at the entrance to the Palace grounds.

Seville: The proud, mysterious & exciting capital of Andalucia. Seville is the embodiment of one’s concept of Spain – flamenco, ferias, opera, oranges, religion & romance. The home of Carmen, Don Juan & Figaro. Places of interest include the cathedral – the world’s largest gothic building, Giralda tower & Alcazar Palace. Take note ~ Seville can be unbearably hot during July – Sept.

Cordoba: Situated in a very rural setting, Cordoba offers both old & new, with some fascinating historic buildings such as the famous Mezquita (Mosque) - a magnificent Islamic building, plus modern shops, restaurants & bars.

Gibraltar: Due to its strategic position between North Africa & Europe, Gibraltar has been invaded & occupied by just about everyone, from the Romans & the Moors to the British. It is an intriguing combination of England & Spain, something vividly demonstrated by the language of the locals who invariably start a sentence in one language and finish it in the other. The most famous tourist stop is the Barbary Macaques, where you will find the Rock Apes- the only ones to be found living wild in Europe. The Upper Rock Nature Reserve, as it is known, can be reached by cable car. Since 1982 the border has been open 24 hours a day, but unless you arrive very early, the queues can be long, and the crossing time 2-3 hours. Not a very attractive place, but if you decide to visit – remember you will all need your passport to cross the border. Take note: if while in the queue you are approached & asked to pay a fee to cross the border – DO NOT PAY, as there is no charge to cross into Gibraltar.

Ronda: One of Andalucía’s most famous towns, with its spectacular setting, deep gorge, magnificent 18th century bridge, historic centre with its old Moorish quarter, and lovely cliff top pathways with spectacular views.

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