Charming villages around Marbella… more than you imagine12 Sep, 2019 Manolo Alarcon

Have tourism and modern developments wiped out traditional Andalusian architecture and charming villages around Marbella?

By no means! Narrow streets, whitewashed walls and the colour bursts of flowers are not a privilege of “Deep Andalusia”: you can find them in exquisitely preserved villages on the coast, just a few minutes drive from the beach (or by the beach itself!).

In some instances, the municipalities have carried out elaborated plans for the recovery of those areas that had lost a bit of the old spirit.

People who buy a house in Marbella, Estepona, Benahavis or any other area in Costa del Sol will have more charming villages to explore than they expect, and everything so close from home.

Not to mention spectacular inland places, such as Ronda or Antequera, situated less than 1 hour drive away. Those are just a few of them:

— Mijas: the municipality of Mijas is an extended area that reaches the seashore (Mijas Costa), but its root is a picturesque, wonderfully preserved small village that attracts thousands of tourists all throughout the year.

The old chapel of Virgen de la Peña, the walls of the ancient castle, or the famous donkey-taxi service are some of the highlights of Mijas. Developments such as Elysium Golf, Eden, Vitta Nature and many others are located in Mijas territory, a few minutes drive from all this beauty.

— Ojen: Although it officially belongs to the Sierra de las Nieves area, Ojen is located just 7 kilometers from the beaches of Marbella.

Being in direct contact with the Natural Park of the Sierra de las Nieves, the beautiful mountain views are one of its features, together with the picturesque Andalusia Square, the Encarnacion church and the close-by Jet Fountain. Spectacular Palo Alto is one of the few new developments in the area.

— Marbella: as we mentioned in another of our posts, Marbella old town is one of the best preserved in all of the Spanish coast. Plaza de los Naranjos, where the town hall is located, is just on of the many highlights in the charming street maze of the historical center.

And everything so close to the fashionable promenade, the marina or the luxury shopping areas. Developments like Le Blanc are located in Marbella Golden Mile, within 3-5 minutes drive from the old town.

— Estepona: the best example of a charming old town by the sea. The beautiful, flower-covered streets of the historical center run parallel to the promenade and offer all sorts of typical bars and restaurants. Gorgeous, cozy Plaza de las Flores is a must-see, together with San Luis castle.

Combining tradition and modernity, Estepona offers a spectacular display of urban art. Scenic and Residencial Infinity are two of the newest developments, located right in Estepona town.

— Casares: just like Mijas, the municipality of Casares occupies a large slice of land stretching to the coast, but its root is up in the mountains, in a spectacular village wich is the epitome of Andalusian tradition. Steep though its streets are, a walking excursion in Casares is really delightful.

Declared a Historic and Artistic Monument in 1978, it features an ancient Arab castle with unbeatable panoramic views to the coast and Gibraltar. Spectacular developments such as Alcazaba Lagoon or those inside the luxury golf complex Finca Cortesin are located close-by.