With more than 320 days of sunshine per year and 100 miles of coastline, the Costa del Sol is the perfect destination to enjoy your holidays in any season. What you might not know is that just an hour from the beach you can find mountains covered with snow and places that in winter are uncommonly beautiful.
It is the inland Malaga, with mountains dotted with white villages, fertile valleys and peaceful localities where time seems to stop. We propose three plans to discover some of the secrets contained in these lands.
Looking for snow in the inland Malaga
During the cold months of the year, the high peaks of the Sierra de las Nieves are stained white, revealing the reason why this Natural Park receives its name. Ascending to its highest peak, the Torrecilla, losing yourself in the beauty of the “pinsapo” trees or visiting the ancient snow wells are some possibilities offered by this protected space.
In Winter, snow also arrives at areas of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama. There is even a route that runs along the path that the locals once used to transport the ice from the peak of La Maroma to the coast of the Axarquia region. Although the itinerary is not easy, the experience is worth it for the beauty of the surroundings.
Gastronomic visits to inland Malaga
If pescaito (fried fish) is the king of the gastronomy on the coast, in inland Malaga meat, vegetables and olive oil are the basic ingredients of the local cuisine. Why not take advantage of your winter visit to taste the traditional flavours while discovering charming corners of the province? Don’t leave without trying the Soups Perote (a soup of humble origin made with bread and a mix of vegetables that make it a delicious dish), the Migas (a simple dish but of an exquisite flavour with three basic ingredients: bread, garlic and olive oil). If you have time, stop by Torrox to celebrate the feast in honour of this dish.
An ideal destination in winter is the Valle del Genal, in the Serrania de Ronda. Strolling around charming villages like Genalguacil or contemplating the scenery of Parauta is as advisable as tasting its gastronomy. A suggestion? Try the exquisite artisanal sausages, especially if you pass through Benarraba.
Also the Northeast of Malaga is famous for its dishes of unmistakable rural flavour and its typical sweets. Without a doubt, that is the best way to recover strength after a winter circuit through Archidona, a speleological adventure in the San Marcos caves or a visit to the Fuente de los Cien Caños in Villanueva del Trabuco.
A little relaxation: historic spas
If you prefer something more pleasant, Malaga's historic spas may be the answer. In Thermas de Carratraca, whose waters emanate from a spring with therapeutic properties, you can care for your body and relax in a unique environment.
Another option is the Balneario de Tolox, a place frequented by artists, politicians and famous bullfighters since its construction at the end of the nineteenth century. Its facilities are also located next to the pinsapo trees area of the Sierra de las Nieves.
