Today we will visit the most charming villages of Malaga. Malaga is not only famous for its beaches and lively nightlife, but also for its villages that transport you to another era.
On our tour of the best villages in Malaga, we will discover nature, cobbled streets and architectural treasures, it will be like traveling back in time!
Estepona
The first town, which we especially recommend spending several days in, is Estepona.
Staying in Estepona is perfect because it combines a renovated old town with beaches to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean.
Check out our selection of holiday rentals in Estepona if you want to have a good holiday with all kinds of amenities and the privacy of a full house or apartment.
Estepona doesn’t only have famous beaches and promenade. The old town is a maze of streets full of charming corners such as La Plaza del Reloj (Clock square) or San Luis Castle.
You must frequent the Plaza de las Flores (Flower square), a lively place where you can enjoy outdoor terraces and taste the delicious local cuisine. Estepona is known as the “Garden of the Costa del Sol” due to its numerous parks and gardens. It has a very special place called The Orchidarium; it is a spectacular botanical garden specialised in orchids where you can enjoy the beauty of these flowers.
Ronda
The next village is Ronda, possibly the most famous village in Malaga. Being located at the top of a gorge makes it a magical place. Ronda offers breath-taking views and a great atmosphere, especially in summer. It is mandatory to walk along the famous Puente Nuevo (The New Bridge) and enjoy the panoramic views.
There is a second bridge, the Puente Viejo (the Old Bridge), which was built in the 15th century by the Arabs.
You should also explore the old town to discover the ancient walls, the House of the Moorish King and the Arab Baths, legacy of a Muslim past.
Mijas
We continue with Mijas, a charming village of white houses decorated with blue pots that fill this town with personality. Its narrow alleys create a very authentic place full of tradition. Mijas is famous for its donkey-taxis that can help you walk the streets of the village as they did in the past.
You will enjoy the Paseo de la Muralla (Muralla route) to reach Muralla Park where you will find great views. If you can spend several days in Mijas, we recommend visiting the Water Park and enjoying its beaches.
Frigiliana
We continue on our route and arrive at Frigiliana, one of the most charming villages in Malaga, even among the most beautiful in Andalusia. This dreamy place is famous for its narrow alleys and white facades decorated with beautiful flowers. The heart of this town is the Moorish quarter where you will find the Royal Granary, the Church of San Antonio de Padua, Real street, Hernando el Darra street and all the viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Casares
Among all the towns of Malaga we did not want to leave out the town of Casares. This small village is surrounded by spectacular scenery of hills and valleys. It is a treasure hidden in the Málaga mountain range. With its old town declared a Historic-Artistic Site, Casares will transport you to medieval times. You will simply be surprised by its traditional Andalusian architecture. Casares is a mosaic of very particular white houses. Just losing yourself in the streets is enough. You will find the Church of the Incarnation and the Parish Church of San Sebastián, as well as the ruins of the Castle of Casares from where you can enjoy incredible views of Malaga. If you are looking for tranquillity and authenticity, Casares is the ideal place.
Antequera
It is one of the towns of interior Malaga which are worth visiting. Exploring the medieval beauty of Antequera must be on our list of Malaga villages. Visiting the Hermitage de la Veracruz or the Collegiate Church of Santa María is essential, but near the town you can find the ensemble of Antequera Dolmens or the Torcal de Antequera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you can certainly not miss. If you are going to take a route inland, you cannot miss Antequera.
Nerja
We could not forget Nerja, a tourist emblem on the Costa del Sol. This village of white houses is full of white sand beaches with turquoise waters. You can take a walk along the coast to the Bendito Viewpoint. You will also have incredible views from The Balcony of Europe, a spacious square overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Nearby is The Nerja Cave, declared an Artistic Historical Monument; visiting it is magical, it is a jewel of nature full of stalactites and stalagmites. Nerja is one of the most touristic towns in the province of Malaga.
Casarabonela
Casarabonela is a village nestled in the foothills of the Nieves Mountain range. Its white houses, cobblestone streets and the Casarabonela Arab Castle will transport you to times gone by. Explore its picturesque corners, visit the Church of Santiago, or the Cactus Botanical Garden and enjoy the tranquillity that is breathed in this place.
Monda
Located in the Nieves Mountain range, Monda is a hidden treasure worth discovering. This quiet Andalusian village will captivate you because it has many interesting places such as the Lavadero de la Jaula fountain, which dates back to the 18th century. Stroll through the old town, visit the Church of Santiago Apóstol and enjoy the authenticity of Monda.
Cómpeta
It stands out for its contrast between the typical white houses of the region and the green landscape that surrounds it. This town completes this list of the charming towns of Malaga due to the possibility of enjoying several hiking routes through the Sierras Tejada Natural Park, Alhama and Almijara with the summit of La Moroma that reaches 2,060 meters of altitude.
