Spanish Road Trip 2023, Day 3 (3rd November) Mojaca to La Cala de Mijas via Nerja and the Castillo Colomares Monument (Benalmádena, Málaga) approximately 333km
After the disappointment of Mojacar (see previous page), we decided to revisit one of our favourites places on our journey to the Mijas Costa, Nerja, even this time of year Nerja was still pleasantly busy with a fantastic atmosphere, we were pleased we made the slight detour to revisit.
Nerja is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, beautiful beaches, and a charming blend of traditional and modern Spanish culture. Here are some key areas of Nerja which we would recommend to anyone in the area as its well worth a visit:
Balcony of Europe (Balcón de Europa): One of the most iconic landmarks in Nerja is the Balcón de Europa, a promenade that offers stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding coastline. It's a popular spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll, and one of our favourite areas of the town, and was very busy even in November.
Old Town: Nerja's historic Old Town is characterized by narrow winding streets, whitewashed buildings adorned with vibrant flowers, and charming squares. The Church of El Salvador is a notable landmarks in this area, there are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants and these were all busy during our brief visit.
Beaches: Nerja boasts several beautiful beaches, including Playa Burriana and Playa Calahonda, known for their clear waters and golden sands. The beaches provide opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Even this time of year there were a few brave people seen on the town beaches.
Caves of Nerja (Cuevas de Nerja): The Nerja Caves are a series of natural underground caverns, featuring impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. The caves are a major archaeological site and host concerts and events in their expansive chambers. We have still not visited these, but they are on the long list of "things to do"
Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama Natural Park: Nature lovers can explore the nearby natural park, which offers hiking trails with breath taking views of the mountains and the sea.
Local Cuisine: Nerja offers a diverse range of dining options, from traditional Andalusian tapas bars to seafood restaurants. The local cuisine reflects the region's Mediterranean influence.
Nerja's combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a popular destination for travellers seeking a blend of relaxation and exploration. Whether you're interested in history, outdoor activities, or simply enjoying the beach, Nerja has something to offer, and it seems to be a popular all year round resort, and certainly a place we will be revisiting as its one of our favourite places in this area.
Continuing on with our journey, we both love castles and the slightly unusual, so as it was on route to the Mijas Costa we visited the famous monument of Colomares which is just on the outskirts of Benalmádena, (Málaga).
Spanish Road Trip 2023, Day 3
The Colomares Monument also known as the Colomares Castle: This is a unique and impressive structure built between 1987 and 1994 by Dr. Esteban Martín Martín as a tribute to Christopher Columbus and the discovery of America.
The monument is a mix of different architectural styles, including Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic, and Mudejar, making it a fascinating and eclectic piece of art and the monument features all three ships that Christopher Columbus took on his first discovery journey, El Niño, La Pinta, and the Santa Maria.
Key features of the Colomares Monument include a castle, a church, and various sculptures and reliefs that depict scenes from the life of Christopher Columbus and significant events in Spanish history. The intricate details and craftsmanship of the monument make it a very visually captivating experience.
The Colomares Monument is set in beautiful surroundings with gardens and panoramic views, adding to its allure and also making it a popular venue for wedding photographs, and we were lucky to see one such couple celebrating.
The monument serves not only as a historical and cultural attraction but also as a symbol of peace and unity.
The entrance fee was just 3€ each and it was well worth the slight detour, we were very surprised at just how popular this place was.
Onto the Mijas Costa - La Cala de Mijas, is located in the middle of the Costa del Sol, La Cala is the costal area of the municipality, which sits between Fuengirola to the east, and Marbella to the west. We were surprised just how busy this whole area was for the time of year.
Beaches: Mijas Costa boasts several stunning beaches with golden sands and clear blue waters, making it a popular destination for beach lovers.
Promenade: A scenic seaside promenade allows visitors to stroll along the coastline, with various restaurants and bars offering seaside views.
Golf Courses: The area is known for its excellent golf courses, attracting golf enthusiasts from around the world.
Miramar Shopping Centre: A large shopping mall in Fuengirola, located nearby, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Bioparc Fuengirola: A zoo that recreates the natural habitats of various species, providing an immersive and educational experience.
Residential Areas: Mijas Costa includes various residential areas with a mix of holiday homes, apartments, and villas, offering a range of accommodation options, its actually a very built up area.
Both Mijas Costa and La Cala de Mijas offer a mix of natural beauty, recreational activities, and cultural charm, making them appealing destinations for both tourists and those looking for a new life in the sun.
Night 3 accommodation
We were offered a free nights accommodation in La Calas Mijas from a friend, which was a lovely bonus, and a great chance to catch up. A very comfortable nights stay with a few drinks and a great meal, we will of course be returning the favour in the future.
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