Roman aqueduct?

Travelling in an easterly direction from Nerja approximately 2 km along the main road, you will come to what is claimed to be a Roman Aqueduct.  The truth is uncertain as it is believed to have only been built at the beginning of the 19th century to carry water to the village of Maro, but built in the Roman style.  It is now used to irrigate the farm lands surrounding the village of Maro.  In this typically Andalucían area of Spain you will still be able to watch the farmers tend their fields in the traditional way with hand plough and oxen, and using the natural running water from the mountains by way of channels at the sides of the fields, diverting the mountain water to irrigate the crops.  This area now grows nearly every vegetable imaginable and you should sample the wonderful avocados and strawberries for yourself.  In years gone by the crop was mainly sugar cane but now only the shell of the old factory remains on the outskirts of Nerja, plus the occasional few roots of cane growing by the roadside.

Nerja caves and Maro

Although only discovered in 1959, these caves are the second biggest in Europe and give the visitor  a chance to experience what life must have been like in prehistoric times.  As you enter the caves there is a small exhibition of bones and relic found in the cave, you then make your way into several larger chambers, one of which has searing and a stage and holds music and ballet performances during the summer.  The stalagmites and stalactites are truly breathtaking.  You will pass through several larger caverns - all now well lit and with safe pathways.  In 1989 the caves entered the Guiness Book of Records as having the largest column in the world, formed by a stalactite and stalagmite merging into one.  Although there are some steps, the caves are suitable for young and old, and will give a lasting impression of the wonders that nature created.  Outside there is a large car park, gift shop and cafeteria.  The caves are situated at the edge of the farming village of Maro, and from here you can step back in time and take a stroll through this charming village and try the hospitality of one of the many local bars - or just marvel at the tranquil scenery.  In May every year Maro is host to the San Isidro festival where Flamenco dancing and a lovely carnival atmosphere turn this quiet village into a show not to be missed, it gives the tourist the true flavour of Spain.  The festival itself is not aimed at the tourist primarily, rather it is the locals themselves enjoying the atmosphere - but it is an experience not to be missed by anyone in the area at the time.

Coastal Drive

From Maro, he coastline becomes quite spectacular - where the mountains fall directly into the sea giving breathtaking views all the way along the coast road, with access to the many smaller beaches and inland mountain roads.  Then follow the road, through La Herradura, and turn off for the newly built marina del Este, a pleasure harbour in a beautiful setting, an ideal place for lunch - or a quiet drink.  From the marina, the road takes you to the busy and mainly Spanish towns of Almuñecar, Salobreña and Motril.  Here you can take the main road up into the mountains to Granada and the winter Ski resort of Solynieve (the site of the 1996 winter Olympics), which is approximately two and a half hours drive from Nerja.

Frigiliana

Directly inland behind Nerja is the beautiful village of Frigiliana, perched on a hillside some 6 Kilometres from the coast. The village was recently voted to be the prettiest in the whole of Andalcuía, and is also famous for it's local wine - a few samples of which will have you speaking 'Spanglish'.  The village is mainly pedestrianised due to the tiny narrow winding streets.  The houses, although hundreds of years old are all immaculate and round every corner is a pretty balcony or patio bursting with flowers. Follow the signs up the cobbled streets to the 'panorama' as the views are incredible and the two bars at the top will give you a chance for replenishment and time to take in the peace and tranquillity of this lovely village.

Torrox Costa and Torrox Pueblo

Driving west from Nerja is Torrox Costa, the newly built holiday area of the original pueblo and has probably one of the longest expanses of beach in this area and stretches all the way to Torre del Mar.  The promenade is pedestrianised and has many bar and restaurants along its length.  The pueblo is another tiny village in the traditional style and is part of the Sun and Wine route, which is an inland drive through the vine growing area and take s you to the villages of Frigiliana and Competa on the old inland roads.

Torre del Mar

Driving on from Torrox the road takes you through several small villages all along the coast, here you can see the local sardines being cooked over open wood fires, stop off for a tasty lunch.  The first major town you will come to is Torre del Mar which is mainly Spanish but is now gearing itself towards tourism and is a good shopping centre and is midway between Nerja and Malaga.

Velez-Málaga and Cómpeta

4 km inland from Torre del Mar is the town of Vélez-Málaga which dates back to Phoenician times and is full of history and many interesting sights such as the castle, fortress and several churches.  Taking the old mountain road to Cómpeta will give you a taste of the real Spanish countryside, on arrival this fascinating and charming old village will welcome you , and again give you a chance to sample the local wine, but not for the driver!  Take the Algarrabo road back to the coast for even more breathtaking scenery.