Andalucia Andalucia, the largest province in Spain, is especially fascinating for its mixture of Moorish and Catholic civilisation, so clearly present in the cities of Seville, Cordoba, Granada and Malaga. The narrow coastal plain with Malaga at its centre is blessed with a particularly agreeable climate, the warmest in all Europe in the winter but without the baking heat of inland Spain in high summer. This extraordinary climate encouraged the Moors to grow sugar cane, an industry which the Spaniards later took to the Americas. The Costa del Sol stretches from the Straits of Gibraltar in the West to beyond the beaches of Nerja in the east. There are many areas of the coast which have retained their charm. The mountains and hills are wild and staggeringly beautiful. In the foothills nestles the enchanting village of Frigiliana and, nearby, on the coast, the charming old fishing village of Nerja while further west is Periana, all less than an hour’s drive from Malaga airport. Frigiliana Frigiliana is rightly proud of its reputation as one of the most beautiful white hill villages of Andalucia just 4 miles inland from Nerja and its beaches. The area is surrounded by olive tree and grape vine covered slopes, and by weathered boulders and plunging ravines, which reveal glimpses of the shimmering sea. Nearby, the white-washed hamlets, retaining much of their historic charm, provide a soothing contrast to the pressure of urban living. Frigiliana is nonetheless well-endowed with small shops, bars and rustic restaurants. Where they have bowed to the pressure to expand, it has been achieved with unusual sensitivity. Nerja Nerja is on the coast, where the weather, the year round, has attracted sun-lovers since Phoenician, Roman and Carthaginian times. It remains one of the most attractive resorts and has a cheerful family atmosphere. The Balcon de Europa is a palm-fringed promontory that reaches out over the sea looking towards Africa, providing a vantage point from which to survey the coastline, not to mention the local population promenading each evening for el paseo. The streets meander through Nerja’s pedestrian old town bustling cheerfully with cafés, restaurants, shops and lively bars. Lazy days can be enjoyed on long sandy beaches lying at the foot of dramatic rocky cliffs and bordered by bars and restaurants or on more secluded sandy coves. Playa Burriana, just outside the town centre is the largest and most popular beach, with its rocky cliffs falling abruptly down to the sand. For more on beaches and swimming see Sports Facilities. The astounding prehistoric caves the Cuevas de Nerja near Maro, with their Neolithic art and more grizzly recent remains, are well worth visiting. For those interested in music and dance, the vibrant annual fiesta takes place in early October. Flamenco is sometimes performed in the bars in Nerja and Frigiliana has its own award winning troupe. Inland from Nerja lie mountains with impressive scenic roads snaking past whitewashed villages perched precariously on Mediterranean hillsides. Here some sensational national parks and a little touched environment can be found. Periana: Periana stands on the slopes of the hills above the lake, La Vinuela. It is a thriving agricultural village with its own prize winning olive oil cooperative. The character of the old village of Periana remains around the area of the church, and the streets around it, where the vernacular architecture dominates. Here the characteristic brick surrounds pick out the windows and doors, and the walls are of white washed plaster or stone. There are local restaurants catering to the indigenous population but offering a warm welcome to visitors. The food is good, and the substantial meals they offer are excellent value, with a good range of choices. The bars offer a busy night life but don’t expect it to get going till well after midnight. Delicious spring water can be collected freely at the village fountain where it spouts cheerfully into a stone basin all day long. Periana lies in a glorious, unspoilt mountain landscape with marvelous walks all around and plentiful wildlife to be seen. The lower hillsides are cultivated with olive, almond, citrus, pomegranate and carob trees. Mimosa grows wild, flowering in the winter and scenting the air with its sweet blooms. One of the most spectacular walks is at the foot of a sheer rock mountain that dominates the area. In December the ground is carpeted with wild iris, narcissi, periwinkle and even orchids, and you can wander freely among the rock strewn olive groves, taking care not to tread on the wild flowers, hearing nothing but bird song and the wind. You may come upon a shepherd’s stone shelter or a glade cleared of rocks forming an enclosure for sheep, but not much more in the way of manmade interruption. Sights Nerja and Periana are only an hour or two away from some of Spain's greatest and most awe-inspiring treasures; the rocky fortress town of Ronda, and the Moorish splendours of Granada, Seville and Córdoba. The huge caves of Nerja with the world's longest known stalactites Pretty inland villages of Frigiliana, Mijas, Competa and Benahavis and many more Central Malaga for shopping and the sights of the old parts of town, including the castle and Picasso’s birth place and Museum The ancient town of Antequera The impressive city of Cordoba The town and gorge of Ronda with its ancient bridge and bullring The Alhambra Palace and city of Granada. Please note: to visit the Alhambra it is necessary to book your entrance time and ticket in advance or risk long queues and possibly even fail to gain entrance. Having secured a booking, be sure to obtain precise instructions on how to reach the entrance and avoid the queue and don’t miss your time.