Discover the Area – 11 Must-See Experiences from Fuengirola
Why go? This is Europe’s southernmost high mountain range, offering top-class ski slopes in winter, summer cable car routes, and breathtaking 3,000-meter panoramas (Veleta 3,398 m, Mulhacén 3,479 m). Highlights / Top Experiences Pradollano (Sierra Nevada Ski & Mountain Resort) – restaurants, services, and family-friendly activities.
Why go? The pinnacle of Moorish architecture on the Iberian Peninsula; the lace-like stucco work of the Nasrid Palaces is truly unforgettable. Highlights: Alhambra – Alcazaba fortress, Nasrid Palaces (timed entry!), Generalife gardens. Albaicín quarter – Mirador de San Nicolás viewpoint. Cathedral & Royal Chapel – burial place of the Catholic Monarchs. Distance & travel time by car: ~165–180 km | 1 hr 50 min – 2 hr 10 min.
Why go? Stone houses, narrow streets, and stunning coastal panoramas — just a few turns above Fuengirola. Highlights Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña – cave chapel carved into the rock with a viewpoint. Plaza Virgen de la Peña – weekend events, flamenco performances. CAC Mijas – a surprisingly rich Picasso/Dalí collection. Distance & driving time: ~9–10 km | 20 minutes.
Why go? An Andalusian old town with whitewashed houses and an orange-tree main square – with the world of luxury yachts just a few kilometres away. Highlights Old Town – Plaza de los Naranjos and the Church of Encarnación Avenida del Mar – original Dalí sculptures in an open-air setting Puerto Banús – elegant marina, boutiques, supercars Distance & driving time: ~35 km | 30–40 minutes (A-7 / AP-7)
Why go? Bottlenose dolphins are frequently spotted in the bay — it’s a family favourite and a perfect 1.5–2 hour experience on the water. Bottlenose dolphins are frequently spotted in the bay — it’s a family favourite and a perfect 1.5–2 hour experience on the water. Distance & travel time The marina is located in the town centre: 5 minutes by car 15–20 minutes on foot from the apartment
Why go? A city perched on dramatic cliffs — pure Andalusian essence with breathtaking viewpoints. Highlights Puente Nuevo – the best viewpoints: Mirador de Aldehuela, Jardines de Cuenca. Baños Árabes – medieval Arab baths. Palacio de Mondragón – courtyards and gardens. Casa del Rey Moro & Water Mine – stairway down to the gorge (seasonal opening). Real Maestranza Bullring & Museum – history of Spanish horsemanship and bullfighting culture.
Why go? Azure bays and one of Spain’s most spectacular limestone caves. Highlights Balcón de Europa – the iconic viewpoint overlooking the sea. Cueva de Nerja – vast chambers and guided tour routes. Acueducto del Águila – perfect photo stop. Cueva de Nerja – vast chambers and guided tour routes. Cueva de Nerja – vast chambers and guided tour routes. Best time to visit All year round; the cave stays cool (around 19°C), making it especially refreshing in summer.
Why go? In just 15 minutes you’ll reach the summit of Mount Calamorro, with the entire Costa del Sol stretching out below your feet. What will you see? Parque de la Paloma – shady park with lakes and playgrounds Benalmádena Stupa – Buddhist temple Puerto Marina – boats, restaurants, waterfront atmosphere Colomares Castle – a fairy-tale monument Benalmádena Stupa & Butterfly Park – unique photo spots Distance & driving time: ~15 km | 20–25 minutes (to Arroyo de la Miel station) Best time to visit A clear, windless day; in summer, sunset rides offer spectacular views.
Getting there: From Fuengirola, follow the coastal highway (A-7) all the way south. You’ll reach the Spanish–Gibraltarian border (La Línea de la Concepción) in about 1 hour 30 minutes. A passport or ID card is required to enter. Occasionally, queues may form at the border. Why go? A slice of Great Britain on the Mediterranean: dramatic cliffs, caves, monkeys, glass viewpoints and breathtaking panoramas all the way to Africa.
Why go? One of Spain’s most iconic outdoor experiences: a safe but thrilling boardwalk clinging to the walls of the Gaitanes Gorge. What will you see? Canyons, valley bridges, reservoirs, and – at the end – the famous suspension bridge. Distance & driving time: ~65–75 km | 1–1 hr 15 min (via Ardales/El Chorro) Best time to visit Spring–autumn; in summer choose an early time slot due to the heat. The trail may close in strong winds.
Why go? Andalusia’s “city of museums” with palm-lined promenades, beaches and vibrant gastronomy: the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle, Roman Theatre, Picasso heritage and the modern Muelle Uno marina all in one walkable city. Highlights Alcazaba & Gibralfaro – Fortress complex with panoramic ramparts. Tip: Don’t start the climb from the port side—approach from the Old Town; it’s much easier and leads to the same viewpoint.