Activities in the area
THINGS TO DO AND TO SEE IN OUR AREA
Do you like hiking or biking in nature, a day at the beach or would you rather spend a day strolling through the city in search of culture, architecture and nice stores?
Our finca is centrally located a short distance from cities, villages, natural parks, hiking areas and beaches. Would you rather hit a ball on the golf course? You can play your golfer's heart out on the many beautiful courses in the area. A small selection of our tips!
EL CAMINITO DEL REY
El Caminito del Rey, also called "the king's path", is a spectacular hiking trail in El Chorro, in the province of Málaga. Part of this walk is on a narrow path above a gorge. The cliffs are about 400 meters high. The Caminito itself is 2.9 kilometers, but with the approach routes you walk a total of about 7 kilometers. The route through the gorge is varied. You walk parts on natural forest paths and 1.5 km on a narrow path with railing. The duration of the walk on the Caminoto del Rey is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. You can walk the Caminito with or without a guide. Be on time with booking tickets, the Caminito is often sold out months in advance. We can also arrange tickets for you (service costs of 2.50), feel free to ask for more information or look at the website of the Caminito del Rey or book your tickets directly here https://www.caminitodelrey.info/en/tickets/buy
Click here for an impression of the atmosphere of the Caminito del Rey https://youtu.be/kzy4ZkNkeS4
RONDA CITY
A good hour's drive (90 km) away is the city of Ronda, one of the most beautiful cities in Andalusia. Ronda is located in a mountainous area and is at an altitude of 750 meters. The city is split in two by the Guadalevín River, which has left a deep gorge. This deep gorge, the Tajo de Ronda, is also what Ronda is famous for.
Our recommended sights in Ronda.
New Bridge
Ronda has three bridges over the El Tago gorge: The Puente Romano, the Puente Viejo (‘old bridge’) and the most famous, the Puente Nuevo (‘new bridge’). This impressive bridge, 120 metres high, was built in 1751 and took 42 years to build the bridge that is now Ronda’s landmark. The new bridge connects the old (Moorish) centre with the newer El Mercadillo. Tip: The former town hall, which stands next to the Puente Nuevo, is the beautiful location of a parador with a view of the Tajo gorge.
El Tago de Ronda
El Tago is the gorge that divides Ronda in two, created by the river Guadalevín. The entire gorge is about 50 meters long and on average 100 meters deep. A nice and long walk to get a good view of the gorge with the new bridge, is to descend the 'Carretera de los Molinos' to the valley. A popular place to take photos of Ronda.
Old center
The best way to experience the city is to simply wander through the narrow winding streets and nice squares of Ronda, interspersed with the occasional beautiful panorama. Some sights in the old part: Palacio de Salvatierra, Arco de Felipe V, Murallas de la Cijara, Puente Arabe, the Banos Arabes and the Minaret San Sebastian.
Baños Arabes
These Arab baths date back to the period of the Moroccan Almohad dynasty (around the 13th century). The Arab baths are considered to be one of the best preserved bathhouses in Spain. For a few euros you can visit the remains including an informative film (Calle San Miguel, Barrio de Padre Jesús)
View at Alameda Del Tajo
This is the viewpoint over the landscape around Ronda Spain. In the company of street musicians, look for miles over the vineyards, the immense valley and the surrounding mountains. The park with the 'Alameda del Tajo' is close to the bullring.
Casa Del Rey Moro - descend into the mine
Although the name suggests otherwise, this was never the 'House of the Moorish King'. The house was only built in the 18th century, has a beautiful garden in Moorish style, but the main reason to visit the Casa del Rey Moro is the water mine; a staircase carved into the rock face to reach the river below. When you visit, you can descend the stairs of this water mine yourself.
Setenil de las Bodegas (17 km)
Andalusia is known for its many small white villages. One of the most beautiful white villages is Setenil de las Bodegas, which is only 17 kilometers north of Ronda. What makes this village extra beautiful are the houses that are partly built into the rocks. Definitely a nice detour if you have time left after your visit to Ronda.
A visit to one of the many wineries
The Ronda area is an emerging wine region with over twenty wineries in the region. Mostly family-run, they also open their doors to the public to tour the winery and of course taste the wines. The Bodega Garcia Hidalgo, Bodega Dona Felisa, the Joaquin Fernandez Bodega and Bodega Descalzos Viejos in a converted monastery are the most popular bodegas to visit. It is often necessary to book in advance.
Plaza de Toros
The Ronda bullring is unique in that it is the oldest stone bullring still standing in Spain. The arena for 5,000 people was built between 1779 and 1785 (by the architect of the Puente Nuevo). Nowadays, only a few bullfights are organised each year during the festival week in September. The rest of the year you can visit the neoclassical Plaza de Toros as a museum (‘Museo Taurino’) to learn more about bullfighting and, for example, the famous Ronda-born bullfighter Pedro Romero.
EL TORCAL
One of the biggest surprises during our walks in the area was undoubtedly the El Torcal de Antequera nature reserve. This park full of special karst formations is one of the most unique natural areas in all of Spain.
El Torcal de Antequera is located in the Sierra del Torcal mountain range in the north of the province of Málaga, between the cities of Antequera and Villanueva de la Concepción. The park is no less than 1171 hectares in size. It is also sometimes called the Pancake Mountains, because of the different layers of rocks that almost look like a stack of pancakes. In 1929, the park was recognized as a protected nature reserve and recently El Torcal de Antequera was even declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO
During this walk through the Torcal de Antequera nature park, you can let your imagination run wild. The karst formations, which were already formed in prehistoric times, have been sculpted into the most special shapes by erosion over the years. During your walk, you can also encounter griffon vultures, lizards, foxes, ibexes and many wild flowers.
There are three routes from the parking lot at the visitor center.
How do you get to El Torcal de Antequera by car?
For people who like to get out into nature, the park is very easy to visit as a day trip and is approximately 65 minutes drive from our accommodation via the highways. (toll roads) Driving through the interior (approximately 90 minutes) is an experience in itself and a fantastic route through the mountain landscape with many hairpin bends and great views. Along the way you will come across various nice places and villages where you can enjoy a nice drink/snack on the terrace. The last kilometers the park is well signposted with signs to El Torcal and parking at the visitor center is free!
The park is very easy to reach via a route description in Google Maps.
PADEL
Combine your holiday with playing padel, training and/or lessons?
There are various options to create a tailor-made program for everyone's level. If you want to get acquainted with padel for the first time (1.5 hours) and learn to play the beautiful game, this is a great opportunity.
We work together with Club Padel Lauro Golf within walking distance. (Padel Academy Ariel Saba). They have five outdoor courts at their disposal. Competitions are regularly organized during the week at various levels. Here too there are opportunities to join if desired. You can make this known in advance so that we can organize this in time.
MALAGA CITY
Málaga is the second largest city in Andalusia after Seville. It is the capital of the Costa del Sol and is visited by millions of tourists every year. There are several beaches in the immediate vicinity and on the edge of the city. You can combine city and beach during a visit.
The city of Málaga has been shaped by its eventful history. The site of present-day Málaga was already inhabited before the arrival of the Romans. During the Roman period, many important buildings were built in the city. The Roman amphitheatre is one of the few buildings whose remains can still be seen in the city centre. In the Middle Ages, Málaga was part of the Islamic empire of Al-Andalus. The Alcazar was built during this period. This domination would last almost seven centuries and has left clear marks in the city. At the end of the fifteenth century, the city was conquered by the Spanish during the Reconquista after heavy fighting. The last non-Spanish ruler was Napoleon who, in the 19th century, held the city for two years.
You can park perfectly at the harbour and you will find a nice market and many catering establishments on the boulevard near the parking garage. If you are planning to visit several museums and sights, a Málaga Pass can be interesting. With this pass you can visit some of the museums for free and you get a discount on others. You can find information about this on the internet.
Some tips of the many possibilities that are absolutely worth visiting:
- Discover the city by bike
- Málaga Cathedral
- Roof of the cathedral (fantastic views)
- Numerous museums (Picasso, Museo Interactivo de la Música Málaga, car museum)
- Málaga Amphitheatre
- Málaga Alcazaba (9th century Moorish palace)
- Historic city centre
- Gibralfaro Castle (14th century castle)
- Plaza de torros La Malagueta Málaga (Málaga bullring)
- Playa de la Malagueta (most popular beach in Málaga)
SUNVIEW PARK
Sunview Park is a leisure and adventure park. Located near our Finca, in Alhaurín de la Torre. The main attraction is the double super zip line. The longest in all of Andalusia and the third longest in Spain, with a total length of 1350 metres, with a maximum speed of between 90 and 100 km/h. Suitable for both children and adults. You need courage and daring.
In addition, you can also go horse riding, archery and it has a gastro bar with a large terrace with an exceptional view over the Guadalhorce Valley and the port of Málaga.
Check out the website here or book your tickets now SUNVIEW PARK
TEMPEL KADAMPA MEDITATION CENTER
Looking for inner peace? Visit the largest temple on European level, KMC, or Kadampa Meditation Center.
Our Finca is located only 4 kilometers away from the largest temple on European level, KMC, or Kadampa Meditation Center. It is the 6th temple of Kadampa Buddhism in the world. This temple opened its doors in June 2022 and is already a favorite among many travelers who come this way especially to visit the temple or to participate in the various Buddhist lectures, courses, meditations and meditation events. The temple will be open to everyone who is interested in inner peace, whether you are Buddhist or not. Combine your visit to the temple with a few nights at our Finca!
MIJAS PUEBLO
Mijas Pueblo, or Pueblo blanco, is a picturesque and traditional Andalusian mountain village known for its white houses 21 km from our finca. The charming village at 428 meters altitude is built on a rocky plateau against the mountains and offers spectacular views of the mountains, sea and surrounding villages in various places.
The village is an idyllic place that could come straight from an easel. With its narrow streets full of blue pots and geraniums on the walls, narrow alleys, steps and beautiful squares, Mijas is a sight in itself. You will find many shops and souvenir shops where you can find everything: from handmade ceramics to leather goods, traditional Spanish jewelry and much more. Many bars, terraces, restaurants and bodegas invite you to taste different types of tapas and wine.
A botanical garden has been created on the edge of Mijas pueblo near La Muralla, the fortified wall. You can take a nice walk there and from this higher point you can also enjoy a spectacular breathtaking view of the coast. A unique viewpoint, in our eyes perhaps one of the most beautiful, on the Costa del Sol.
A beautiful village to stroll around, to enjoy the views and the liveliness, in the summer evenings often supplemented with live music or summer events.The center of the village is almost car-free. You can park at the large parking garage, from here you can walk straight into the village. Parking costs for 24 hours are only €1,-
WALKING EXPERIENCES
There are also many opportunities to enjoy walking in the immediate vicinity. From our accommodation you can take beautiful walks in the area. In addition, you can walk various routes from the GR 249 from the accommodation! There are possibilities on the routes from Málaga to Marbella.
The GR-249 is one of the newest and most popular GRs in Andalusia and was completed in 2014. The beautiful, varied and well-signposted route starts and ends in Málaga. The route from Alhaurín de la Torre to Alhaurín el Grande passes 10 minutes from our accommodation.
This is also the start of the Sendero Presidiarios hiking trail, where you can enjoy a wonderfully peaceful walk in the forest in the mountains between the pine trees. A great view of various villages in the region, Málaga city and the sea.
Geocaching is a hiking game where you use a GPS receiver or telephone with the c:geo app to find a so-called cache (hiding place). There is always a logbook in the cache where the finder can leave his name. Various caches are hidden in the region of Alhaurín de la Torre and Alhaurín el Grande. So plenty of opportunities for geocaching enthusiasts!
There are various apps available for hiking with GPS. One option is Wikiloc premium, the outdoor route app for iPhone and Android, or Komoot.
MARBELLA
Marbella is a Spanish coastal town between Málaga and Gibraltar. The city has been very popular for years because of the warm temperatures, the beaches and the rich history. Marbella is a 45-minute drive, 50 km, from our Finca. A city with many sights such as the harbour, the centre, the old centre but also the beautiful beaches.
The harbour of Marbella, Puerto Banús was conceived by José Banús in the late 1960s. He was looking for something that would allow Marbella to develop economically and touristically. He conceived the appearance and the content of Puerto Banús: a beautiful Andalusian white village with a luxurious marina in front of it. Since the 1970s, Puerto Banús has grown into one of Spain's most famous marinas. During a visit to the harbour, you can immerse yourself in a world full of opulence and luxury.
Whether you look left or right in the harbour, more than 900 yachts float on the water here. In the shop windows you see many luxury brands like Gucci and Chanel. Chic cocktails are served at the beach clubs. Are you a car fanatic? Then you will also be amazed in Puerto Banús! The most luxurious cars tear around here. All brands, all colors and all sizes… Spot a beautiful four-wheeler and take a picture with it. The nickname Saint-Tropez of Spain did not come about by chance…
Want to discover the centre of Marbella? The heart of the city is located about 7 km from the harbour. You can take a lovely walk along the coast and enjoy the view of the sea.
Casco Antiguo (old centre)... Marbella city also has a completely different side. The charming old centre, or Casco Antiguo. The old centre is a series of narrow streets and small squares full of white houses, old churches and orange trees. The highlight is Plaza de Los Naranjas. The first trees were planted on this orange square in 1941. Enjoy Spanish tapas and the best sangria in the shade or in the winter sun.
What else should you not miss in Casco Antiguo? Walk over the Arab city wall, admire the 17th century Casa de Corregidor, visit the 16th century town hall or attend a service in the 17th century Iglesia de la Encarnacion. At the market, Mercado Municipal, you can mingle with the locals. Enjoy the Spanish culture.
Marbella also has beautiful beaches where you can enjoy the Spanish sun, beach bars and delicious food. So don't forget your swimwear!
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
What else is there to do? In the area of our location there are many other possibilities for fun day trips such as:
- Aqualand Torremolinos
- Benalmádena Cable Car
- Bioparc Fuengirola
- Benalmádena Butterfly Park
- Museum Picasso Málaga
- Sealife Benalmádena
- Many water sports on the coast
- Discover Málaga by bike
- Benalmádena harbour
- Benalmádena old city centre
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