Most visitors to the Costa del Sol turn right when coming out of the airport and head west to the glamorous Marbella and the Golden Mile. Only the lucky ones turn left and instead head east to the picturesque area of the Costa del Sol, commonly known as the “Axarquia”, with Vélez Málaga as its capital (approximately 4km inland from the popular coastal town of Torre del Mar), and Nerja at its most eastern point.
Northern Europeans from Scandinavia, Germany, UK and Ireland have made this part of Spain their home or have purchased second homes here, and in doing so, have helped put this part of the Costa del Sol on the map back in their home countries.
You simply cannot ignore the dramatic scenery as you approach the various towns and villages along this part of the coast. The mountain backdrops and the white washed traditional Spanish “pueblos” just have to be seen to be believed. In these villages such as the award winning Frigiliana, locals are selling their local produce and specialities such as olive oil, sugar cane molasses and a wide range of wines.
This area of the Costa del Sol is excellent for physical activities such as horse trekking, hiking, cycling and kite surfing. Only a short drive away in Granada is the Sierra Nevada ski resort (approximately a 90 min drive from Nerja), and you can literally spend mornings on the slopes and afternoons on the beach…..there are not too many places in the world where you have that opportunity.