The Costa del Sol is the perfect place to enjoy some rural tourism. The villages populating the inland are a treat for all the senses. Whitewashed façades, sunsets, tapas bars and charismatic locals will get you wandering down narrow streets lined with houses whose balconies are adorned with flowers. If you’re planning a relaxing getaway, keep reading to discover five villages where you can unwind in the Costa del Sol.
Frigiliana
Situated in Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park, Frigiliana is one of the most beautiful places in Spain and the perfect destination for travellers on the lookout for a beautiful village to unwind. The surrounding scenery is nothing short of a paradise for lovers of nature and hiking. This charming municipality is famed for its Moorish architecture, whitewashed streets, façades decorated with flowers and picturesque cobbled alleyways. It’s a must-visit in the Costa del Sol.
Yunquera
Dating all the way back to Roman times, Yunquera’s streets have had the same layout since medieval times. Located in the Sierra de las Nieves region, the village is home to the “Cathedral of the mountains” and the Pinsapo Trail – named after the Spanish fir trees, pinsapos, characterising the area – which is one of the greatest mountain races in Andalusia. Make sure you visit Sierra de las Nieves National Park during your visit. Showcasing the great diversity of the fauna and flora in the Costa del Sol, the landscape is nothing short of a paradise for lovers of active tourism. During your time in Yunquera, make sure you try the local dish of malcocinado as well as other delights like conejo al ajillo, caldereta and pirriñaca.
Jubrique
Situated in Serranía de Ronda, Jubrique is the perfect choice of destination if you want to soak up the peace and quiet characterising the province of Malaga’s villages. Here you will find plenty of trails that are calling out to be explored on foot, bike or horseback. The landscape is populated with chestnut trees, grapevines and agricultural land which are roamed by Iberian ibex, hares, foxes, wild boar and roe deer. Jubrique’s gastronomy pairs different products grown in the local land to create superb flavours. Make sure you try warm gazpacho, leek tortilla, scrambled eggs with mushrooms and fennel soup.
Teba
Nestled in the heart of the Guadalteba region is Teba, a beautiful municipality with great historic value. In medieval times, the town was strategically located during the Conquest. La Estrella Castle, which overlooks the municipality, the manor houses and countless palaces are proof of this legacy. The village is traversed by the river Guadalteba, which forms a reservoir of the same name. Another natural landscape that is also worth visiting is Sierra de Peñarrubia, where you can enjoy all sorts of outdoor pursuits such as paragliding and hang gliding. You will also want to see Tajo del Molino gorge. In terms of the local gastronomy, Teba is best known for olla, sopa jervía, porra and lavapuertas. The village also purveys delicious artisanal products like fresh goat cheese and must.
Cuevas Bajas
Located in Sierra Norte de Málaga, Cuevas Bajas sits in a valley defined by its beautiful landscapes and leafy trails. The municipality is perhaps best known for its natural heritage as you can find century-old trees here, such as the holm oak known as Borondó. Comprising three centres (the village itself plus two districts: El Cedrón and La Moheda), Cuevas Bajas is also home to a necropolis with man-made caves dating back to the Bronze Age. During your time here, make sure you try the zanahoria morá, the purple carrot, which has been grown in the area for over 1,300 years. Other must-tries are porra, gachas de mosto and migas.
As you have seen on this exploration of just some of the beautiful villages where you can unwind in the Costa del Sol, the inland is home to treasures that promise unique experiences. Cuevas Bajas, Teba, Yunquera, Jubrique and Frigiliana are retreats, detached from the hustle and bustle of the city, where you can find the peace and quiet that you’ve been craving. These charming villages will give you an insight into what life is like in the province of Malaga, lulling you gently into a state of relaxation. If you’re in need of a chilled getaway, make sure you explore these beautiful villages where you can unwind in the Costa del Sol. You’ll make incredible memories and get the rest you crave in the midst of beautiful natural scenery.
