The environs around Malaga vary from the glitz and glamour of Costa del Sol, to the quite rural villages of the Pueblos Blancos. The countryside is covered with an array of flowers in the springtime making it a great place to go for walks. The wineries and olive groves, and with the donkey pulled carts it is seemingly like time has stood still. There are plenty of short day trips that you can go on after basing yourself in Malaga each offers something different.

The Nerja Caves are 35 minutes from Malaga, and have the oldest Palaeolithic cave drawings in Spain, but these are not on display for preservation reasons. The caves are based in the Sierra Almijara Mountains and were formed 225 million years ago when the waters of the Mediterranean Sea seeped into the mountain and made formations in the calcareous dolomite marble. The stalagmites, stalactites and columns are well worth a visit. You will need about 45 minutes to adequately see the sights. The galleries that are open to tourists are the: Entrance Hall, Crèche Hall, Elephant Eye Tooth Hall, Ballet Hall, Phantoms Hall and Cataclysm Hall. The El Refugio del Burrito (Donkey Sanctuary) is a 40 minute drive north of Malaga in the town of Antequera.. This refuge was set up to nurse maltreated donkeys back to good health. The donkeys at the refuge enjoy a great life and you too can enjoy the olive grove and rural environment. If you wish, you can sponsor your own donkey. Near by is Flamingo Lake, aptly named as it is home to a large number of these magnificent birds.

There is a castle dating back to the 14th century worthy of a visit in Monte del Faro (Lighthouse Mountain).

If you like walking, you can trek the short distance up Monte Palomas near Torremolinos. From this vantage point, you can get a great view of Costa del Sol.

Should your interest in Spain be the bull fights, then Andalusia is the right Spanish region for you. Malaga boasts it’s own bull ring and Ronda has the oldest bull ring in Spain.. If you are more interested in the architecture and the history of the bull rings than the fight itself, then you can tour the bull rings on non fight days. You will be amazed how the bull rings vary in size and style. Bull fighting is very much a part of the Spanish culture and although there has been much discussion on the humanity of the fight, it continues to be an important sport for the Spanish and tourists.

Mid March to mid October are the months to visit if you are interested in watching a bull fight. These bull fights are very much a part of the history and culture of Spain.

The spectacle of the bull fight has six majestic one tonne bulls involved, one at a time in the fight with the Matador. The outfits, flamboyance, the cheering crowd is an exhilarating performance. The fight has three stages and the first has the matador and bull acknowledge each other. The Matador swings his pink cape at the bull. The second stage involves the matador’s assistance who weakens the bull. The horsemen, the Picadors use their long lances on the bull by driving them into the bull’s shoulders. Prior to the final stage, the Bandoleer’s drive coloured dart pairs into the bull. The Matador now has a red cape, muleta, and encourages the bull with a suite of smooth moves that drive the crowd wild with enthusiasm. The elegance of the Matador’s moves is a sight worth seeing in itself. The Matador and bull fight until eventually the Matador drives the sword into the shoulders of the bull. A particularly spectacular fight will earn the Matador the bull’s ear.

Andalusia’s Moorish influence, as seen in the architecture and the much enjoyed tiled patios in villas, where you can enjoy your meals started in the year 711. The Moors crossed the straight of Gibraltar from Northern Africa and brought with them their culture, customs, religion and foods. The Moors brought saffron to Spanish cuisine and we thank them for this. The Moors played an important role in shaping Spain from almost eight centuries but by the 11th century the influence started to wane as Christianity and Catholisms increased in domination.

The Pueblos Blancos are rural inland villages set around Ronda, the sea and start around Seville. The villages vary in locations but all are small and painted white. All the villages are located in scenic mountainous spots some are in the olive grove and wine regions, others are balanced on rocky outcrops and others on the edge of 5,000 feet limestone cliffs with a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea. Stay in a villa and watch the coming and goings of village life and the villagers going about their chores of marketing and fishermen bringing in their daily catch.

These villages are designed in the Moorish style of architecture, fortress in style with the aim to protect the villagers from possible attack. The wood carvings of the solid and imposing doors will greet you and the winding alleyways designed to confuse you, but to also keep close to neighbours. The curve archways are everywhere and these medieval towns will make you forget where you have come from, and your daily hustle and bustle.

The largest of these villages are located in Ronda and Arcos de la Frontera and these villages have the most impressive architecture. A trip to Arcos de la Frontera can be coordinated with a visit to Jerez de la Frontera to see the majestic show at the Real Escuela Andaluz del Arte Ecustre.