Fascinating Málaga: its most beautiful villages

The province of Málaga safeguards a great number of historical and cultural treasures throughout its 7,308 km² of extension. Among all its attractions, we must highlight its beautiful villages, which end up surprising everyone who visits them.

There is something for everyone. Towns bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, municipalities in the Serranía, white villages that create a beautiful combination with the blue sky. Although all are worth a visit, some should not go unnoticed. Here is an example of some of the most beautiful and fascinating villages that Málaga has to offer.

Nerja, the Balcony of Europe in Málaga

Nerja is a fishing and agricultural town that welcomes the Costa del Sol. According to legend, it is known as the Balcony of Europe as King Alfonso XII himself named it years ago, due to its privileged location with enviable views of the Mediterranean. It is located just 50 km from the capital and both the town and its surroundings have much to offer. From traveling back in time through the narrow streets of the old town, take a trip to the beautiful cave of Nerja or be impressed by the aqueduct of the Eagle. You can not say goodbye to the town without first having known the multitude of beaches that surround it, from the Caletilla beach and Calahonda beach to the neighboring beach of Carabeo.

Mijas

Another of the towns that does not go unnoticed. It is known as one of the jewels of the interior of the Costa del Sol and together with the Sierra de Mijas creates a unique stamp. For many, it is one of the most beautiful villages of Andalusia where flowers, white houses and handicrafts are found in every corner. It is also known for its slopes adorned with flowers and accompanied by charming portals. Among the attractions of Mijas are its streets, visit the small bullring that is nestled on the rock and stroll along the promenade of the wall. The views from the top of the fortress are unbeatable, with the Costa del Sol on the horizon and several towns around it.

Frigiliana, one of the most beautiful villages of Málaga and Spain

It is known for being one of the most beautiful white villages of Málaga but also of Spain. Few can resist its charm, which has been admired by the Islamic, Hebrew and Christian culture that inhabited the region years ago. The historic center was named a Historic-Artistic Site in 2014, being one of the best preserved in the entire province. Among the things to do is to stroll through the winding streets, visit the Nuestra Señora del Carmen sugar cane honey factory and discover Fuente Vieja, from the 17th century. For lovers of nature and hiking is the Natural Park of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama. Its peaks and landscapes draw the border between the provinces of Granada and Málaga.

Ronda

Striking village that is a mandatory stop and that can not miss on a visit to the province of Málaga. It is the capital of the region of the Serrania de Ronda and, undoubtedly, one of the most amazing and magical places we can find throughout the country. Surely it is familiar thanks to its three bridges. These are three masterpieces built on plateaus between which the town of Ronda is located. Other places of interest are the Plaza de Toros, Plaza de la Merced and the Jardines de Cuenca or La Mina, which offer a different perspective of the city.

Genalguacil

It is popularly known as the museum village as it exhibits more than a hundred works of art outdoors. They are distributed throughout the town and fill the streets and squares of culture, joy and art. So much so that more and more artists are deciding to move to Genalguacil to set up their workshops, since art and the town go hand in hand. It is part of the villages of the Serranía de Ronda and the beauty of its surroundings is difficult to match. It is nestled in the Genal Valley and is surrounded by pines, oaks and chestnut trees. Another of its attractions are its whitewashed houses and its Moorish past. The best way to get to know it is from the town of Ronda, about 40 kilometers away.

Antequera

The history of Antequera dates back to the Paleolithic and leaves important prehistoric remains that consolidate it as one of the destinations to know given the importance of its past. It is a rich archaeological heritage dating back to the fourth millennium BC. Among the most outstanding are the Menga dolmen, the dolmen of El Romeral and the dolmen of Viera. It has been home to several civilizations and today still retains a piece of all of them. From the monumental site of the Alcazaba of Antequera to the Royal Collegiate Church of Santa Maria la Mayor, with panoramic views of the town. Its privileged location makes it the perfect getaway for nature lovers. Nearby is the reservoir of El Chorro with a variety of sports activities, viewpoints and trails to discover.

Casares

It is located on top of a hill and is almost bordering the neighboring province of Cádiz. It is the home of Blas Infante and the Casares Castle, located at the top of the village with spectacular views of the nearby valleys and coastal plains. Casares is another of the beautiful villages in the province of Málaga. It enchants everyone who visits it with its winding streets and whitewashed houses. It is not a coastal town but it does not lack the sea, as it boasts one of the historical landmarks of the Sierra de la Utrera, the Baños de la Hedionda. The Baños de la Hedionda are more than 2000 years old and have several natural pools. It is said that they have healing properties and that even in its waters resided a demon, which was expelled years ago.

Comares

Charming white village located on the crest of a steep mountain and surrounded by the Periana corridor and the mountains of the Axarquia. It is known as the Balcony of the Axarquia because from its many viewpoints you can witness incredible views of the area. It is also a magical and historical place where you can visit the Mozarabic Cistern, a subway work of the thirteenth century and Fuente Gorda. It also stands out as a historical landmark the Castle of Baluarte La Tahona, the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación and the fascinating views offered by the Puerta de Málaga of all Comares.

Júzcar, the Smurfs’ village is in Málaga

It is, undoubtedly, one of the most striking villages thanks to the blue color of its houses. In this corner of the map the houses have replaced the whitewashed white for blue creating an interesting contrast with its surroundings and the Serrania de Ronda. It is also known as the ‘film village’ because its narrow and lively streets are reminiscent of the village where the Smurfs live. In fact, throughout the village you can find several figures that refer to the films of these little blue beings. Another attraction is the diversity of excursions and routes to reconnect with nature. There is something for everyone: easy, half-hour hikes, and difficult ones of up to four hours. Finally, if you do not suffer from vertigo, Júzcar can be a good destination for canyoning.

Ojén

This village should be part of the list of the most beautiful villages in the province of Málaga as it gives peace to its visitors. It is located between the sea and the Sierra de las Nieves, so there is no need to choose between sea and mountain as it is the perfect combination of both. It comes from a Moorish past and among the chores it is recommended to get lost in its streets, visit the Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation and move to the town square to see the Fuente de los Chorros. If you have more time, it is also a good plan to visit the Oil Mill Museum or learn about the Aguardiente Museum.

Archidona, the last jewel of Málaga

As with many of the villages of Málaga, in the streets of Archidona you can feel the inherited past: prehistoric peoples, Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs passed through here. Its streets still keep the memory of all of them, that is why it was declared a Historic-Artistic Site. There are many monuments worth visiting. Starting with the Ochavada square, one of the references when it comes to Andalusian baroque. You should also get to know the castle and the walls, which speak of the history of the place as much as the numerous religious buildings that were erected over the centuries.