Beyond the famous Costa del Sol, the interior of the province of Malaga holds real scenic treasures, charming villages and a delicious gastronomy that satisfies the most demanding palates. In addition to its wonderful beaches, beach bars and espetos, there is an exceptional heritage not so closely linked to the sea, but to its mountains, its white villages and its stunning natural landscapes.
The list of Malaga villages worthy of a visit is extensive. We show you several, but we will focus on the first three:
- Ronda
- Antequera
- Ardales
- Alpandeire
- Benahavís
- Benalauria
- Carratraca
- Comares
- Guaro
- Istán
- Parauta
- Benaoján
- Sedella
- Abdalajís Valley
- Cañete del Real
- Casares
- Ojén
Ronda
It is not only one of the most beautiful municipalities of Malaga, but for many it is one of the most beautiful places in Spain. It is also known worldwide for the Tajo de Ronda A spectacular gorge that served in ancient times as a natural protection for the locals. Ronda is the cradle of rural and cultural tourism, since it also has a extensive heritage . If you travel to this beautiful corner of the province you will be able to contemplate the Islamic gates and walls, the very ancient bullring of Ronda The New Bridge, the palace of the Marquis of Salvatierra and the cave of La Pileta, among other monuments. No wonder it is one of the most visited cities in the peninsula.
Antequera
A little more than half an hour from Malaga is Antequera, a city with an AVE high-speed train stop that stands out for hosting more than thirty churches The city’s streets are full of churches, convents, chapels and attractive rooms with relics of 16 religious orders. We recommend that when you visit it, you dedicate a day to walk through its streets, entering all its churches and chapels. You will be able to admire beautiful altarpieces, religious images and buildings of great architectural richness. Art, history and culture abound in every corner. Also worthy of special mention are the dolmens of the oldest part, declared World Heritage Site, and, of course, the Torcal de Antequera This is a spectacular karst landscape, unique in the entire European continent. Do not hesitate to schedule a minimum of two hours to enjoy this gift of nature, where you can see protected animal species such as the griffon vulture and the mountain goat.
Ardales
Undoubtedly, the jewel in the crown of this beautiful town of Malaga is the Caminito del Rey, located in an enclave popularly known as the “Caminito del Rey”. El Chorro where a footbridge suspended over the vertical walls of the Gaitanes Gorge allows you to walk along it and contemplate breathtaking landscapes. Not in vain, this road that was restored a few years ago to make the route completely safe is internationally known and every day is visited by travelers from all corners of the world. But Ardales, a town that serves as a entrance gate to the famous Caminito del Rey It is also worth a visit for its Arab vestiges such as the ruins of Bobastro, or enjoy monumental treasures such as the Castillo de la Peña, the church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios or the convent of the Capuchinos. And in the surroundings of the town center stands the Castillo de Turón, which takes its name from the river Turón, which you can cross from one slope to another through the Puente Romano de la Molina. About 600 meters from the Caminito del Rey stretches the Chorro reservoir, a real inland beach where you can cool off and enjoy water activities under a beautiful natural setting.
To regain strength after discovering and exploring the charm of the interior of the province of Malaga, there is nothing better than trying the fabulous lamb and kid meat stews of the area. Also typical are the sausages derived from pork, as well as gazpacho, porra, migas, caldereta de cabrito (kid stew) and oxtail a la Rondeña.
