It may only be half an hour's drive from the Costa del Sol, but Gaucín provides a completely different world. This little gem is known for its spectacular views of Gibraltar and North Africa as well the surrounding mountain scenery and is not to be missed.
Beautiful Archidona, just 50 kilometres from Málaga City, sits at the very centre of Andalucia, 660 metres above sea level. Picturesque and tranquil, the highlight is the Plaza Ochavada, a beautiful Baroque square at the heart of the town.
- A mere 14km from the Costa del Sol, this village has miraculously escaped the modern rebuilding that has blighted much of the Spanish landscape. Outstanding sights abound, including the Arab Fortress, the Fountain of Carlos III and the Baths of La Hedionda.
The small traditional village of Bunyola sits on the southern slopes of the Sierra de Tramuntana Mountain range, just nine miles from the city of Palma. Bunyola has, for the most part, ignored the tourist developments that have taken place throughout the rest of the island, and is one of the few untouched Mallorcan villages that still exist.
This charming whitewashed village is nestled between three rocky spurs, topped by the ruins of the castle, which was first built by the Phoenicians and subsequently expanded under Roman rule. This is one of its main tourist attractions, but the atmosphere of the town is friendly and laid-back: many visitors like to stay and sample the local food in one of the town's many decent restaurants.
Beautiful Iznajar sits on a hill above a spectacular reservoir, the Embalse de Iznajar. The village serves as a natural entrance to the Sierra Subeticas Natural Park, which is worth a day exploring in its own right. Points of interest: The 7th century church, built by the Moors, and the Church of Santiago Apostol, whose spires dominate the town's skyline.
- Set within the Sierra del Grazalema Natural Park, life in his little off-the-beaten-track town goes on at a very different pace. The area is popular for rural tourism, and offers excellent walks, mountain views and potholing. Don't miss: A trip to the Pileta Caves, where you can see etchings from more than 25,000 years ago.
- Picuresque Cala San Vincente, on the isolated north eastern tip of the island, sits on steep cliffs on a quiet bay with a wide sandy beach. This is the perfect escape from the busy town of Ibiza which is less than 20 miles away.
- This tiny white wonderfully picturesque town, which sits atop a cliff more than 700 metres above sea level, is known as the 'Balcony of the Axarquia' because of its incredible views across the mountain range. It's less than 40km from Malaga and boasts lots of fascinating historical points of interest. Highlights include the ruins of a Moorish fortress and the Church of the Incarnation, which dates back to the 16th century.
- Less than 30km from Benidorm, Guadalest is worth the twisting mountain drive for its views alone. This medieval town has been voted one of Spain's top tourist attractions, and is best known for its castle, which literally hangs off the cliff face.