Within a very short drive from the Golden Mile you can close your eyes, count to ten and float back into a happier, healthier and oh so much more beautiful Spain. In this article, I am going to try to persuade you to visit some of the most beautiful spots on earth.
We will start with one of the most unique and spooky places in this area. Only a small effort is required to drive to Castillo de Castellar, but the reward is great. The small medieval town was built within the walls of the Castle, just 8 kms above the new town of Castellar de la Frontera. The fertile valley below the castle was flooded in the 70s when the population was forced to start the admirable but soulless new town below.
Nothing really has settled down here in the Castle since. All sorts mix here now and today the place is really quite relaxed again. The little cottages to hire all are quite divine and the view is great. They are part of the “turismo rural” campaign and are fully equipped and can be rented all year round. But the reservoir at Castellar is the most beautiful site- we will have to pray for rain only has it is really rather low.
The last time it was so low the remains of two German drug dealers appeared, evidence of Castellar´s more recent dramatic past! Castellar is great for walking, riding and cycling but one of the most enjoyable ways to pass the afternoon is to lie in the sun watching the kestrels swooping around the castle and over the lake.
Coin is right on Marbella’s doorstep, well rooftop, so to speak. It is only a half-hour drive from Marbella into the mountains behind but it seems to be part of a different world. Traditional white painted higgledy-pickedly houses festooned with Geraniums and Carnations line the steep streets and elderly inhabitants still sit outside taking the sun virtually all year round.
Coin is blessed with ancient churches-you could spend a whole day admiring them The San Andres church dates back to the17th century, the beautiful old convent of Santa Maria de La Encarnación is 16th century, the San Juan Bautista church is also 17th century and finally the Torre de Los Trinitarios is the only remaining part of another 17th century churches.
The beginning of June is a good time to visit Coin to coincide with the annual Romeria in honour of an image of the Virgin found in a cave near Coin. This is kept in a little chapel over the cave during May for the faithful to visit. Coin is also well served with hotels and “casa rurales” to rent. It’s a great place to get an idea of the real Spain.
Frigiliana is another gorgeous spot to visit. You will find the village just up in the mountains from Nerja. You could combine a trip to the famous caves with a visit to this delicate little white washed village The village situated in the Axarquia region on the slopes of th Almijara-Tejada mountains is tiny-only 2200 inhabitants. As you can guess from the mountain’s name Frigiliana has an Arabic past and the fortress should not be missed.
Finally, finishing of with a very odd little place Setenil de Las Bodegas in Cadiz province. Setenil has been populated since prehistoric times due to its wonderful overcoat caves well-“abrigo baja rocas” in Spanish. These caves run alongside the beautiful river in the centre of town and are still lived in and used as commercial premises. They are very cute! The town has a wonderful castle and was an important stopping off place during the Moorish conquest of Granada. The food in the local restaurants has a lot to recommend it as well. It’s not too far from Ronda so well within a couple of hours drive.
