WHAT TO DO?

Caminito del Rey
In any case, the hike is worthwhile. That starts with the surroundings of the walk. Breathtaking and photogenic with the turquoise blue lakes of Ardales, lots of greenery and beautiful views. The hiking trail is perfectly doable. Experienced hikers might even find it too easy, but that does make this route suitable for a wide audience. Along the way, we met people of all ages. For children, this hike is quite doable.
The Caminito itself is 2.9 kilometres, but adding the approach routes, you walk a total of 7.7 kilometres. The route through the gorge is varied. You walk parts on wide forest paths and parts on a narrow plank path. The wooden paths are usually no more than one metre wide. Passing can therefore sometimes be tricky. Incidentally, you all walk in one direction. Along the way, you will encounter several short and long steps.

El Torcal
Torcal is one of Spain's most spectacular and beautiful natural areas because of its peculiar rocks and karst formations. The karst area is known for its strange rock peaks, where it looks as if the stones were once piled up by someone. If you go hiking in El Torcal, you will find yourself among high, erosion-carved karst rocks that look piled up like pancakes in a very peculiar way. The park was formed in the Jura. You will find numerous caves (simas) and caverns and there are remains of caves that were inhabited by the Romans and Moors or were used as burial sites even earlier.


Nature El Torcal
Nature in El Torcal is very special. Numerous flowers grow there, including many orchids, lilies and peonies. On the rocks, you will often see ibexes. Less frequently, badgers, weasels, lizards and rodents show up. You can hike beautifully in El Torcal. Hiking routes range from easy to difficult. There are 3 routes of 1.5 km, 2.5 km and 4.5 km. From the visitor centre, these themed hiking routes were set out. There are also sometimes organised guided walks in the evening and you can take part in stargazing excursions. The surrounding countryside is also beautiful for hiking. The area is dotted with the typical white Andalusian villages and plenty of olive trees. Head west and your plan is also to visit the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes nature reserve? In a half to full day, you will walk through farming villages with historical names such as Valle de Abdalajís (after its founder Abd al-Aziz) and La Joya to the area with the famous Camino del Rey. Along the way, you'll encounter many goat herders and tractors, olive farms and a relaxed Andalusian village atmosphere.
The coast of Benalmadena and Torremolinos
Cosy up in the breathtaking harbour, enjoy a terrace or stretch out in a beach chair with your feet in the sand.
Or a nice walk along the Boulevard from Benalmadena to Torremolinos. For shoppers, Torremolinos has a nice shopping street.


Malaga
Just a 45-minute drive from Casa Loré D'or you will find Malaga, the city that never sleeps on the Costa del Sol. Malaga is the ultimate mix of beach, culture and partying. Don't forget to visit the Alcazaba. This 11th-century Moorish fortress treats you to a fantastic panorama over the city and the Mediterranean. And then you have the Roman Theatre, a place where history and modern performances go hand in hand. Don't miss Malaga Cathedral either, with its impressive architecture and art collection. And for nature lovers, the botanical gardens and city parks provide a breath of fresh air. In the city centre, dive into the local vibe with countless shops, eateries and the Mercado Central de Atarazanas, where you can sample fresh produce. Festivals? Those abound, from Semana Santa to the Feria de Agosto, making Malaga a non-stop party destination. In short, Malaga has everything for a holiday full of sun, sea and culture.
Antequera
Just a 35-minute drive from Casa Loré D'or is Antequera, a town that breathes history against the backdrop of El Torcal. Located at an altitude of 575 metres, this town is a melting pot of cultures that have left their mark over the centuries.
Antequera is your go-to for a dip into the Middle Ages with its historic buildings and churches. Marvel at the fertile fields along the Guadalhorce river, full of sunflowers and olives. And then there are the Dólmenes de Antequera, prehistoric burial chambers that capture the imagination.
Also don't miss the Iglesia del Carmen, a church that takes you back to baroque Andalusia, or the Termas de Santa María, where you can enjoy hot baths between historic walls. Antequera is an undiscovered treasure waiting to be explored.


Marbella
An hour's drive from Casa Loré D'or and you end up in Marbella, the ultimate destination for those who love glamour, sun and sea. This chic resort on the Costa del Sol guarantees sunny days and luxurious nights. The marina is a parade of splendour with its imposing yachts and stylish boutiques. For the sporty, Marbella's beach offers a wide range of water sports. And when night falls, the promenade is where you stroll, breathe in the luxury and enjoy an unforgettable holiday. Marbella is simply the place where every day is a highlight.
Ronda
A short drive from Casa Loré D'or will take you to Ronda, a city that literally sits on the edge of a breathtaking gorge. The Puente Nuevo, which connects the city, is not only an engineering marvel, but also a symbol of connection between the old and the new. Take time to admire the depth of the gorge and dive into the museum inside the bridge to discover its story. Not far away is Ronda's bullfighting arena, one of Spain's oldest. The arena's architecture and history attract visitors from all over the world. Nearby you will find Alameda del Tajo, the perfect park for a sunset with views that will take your breath away. For the more adventurous, the gorge even offers opportunities for canyoning.


Nerja
Just under 1.5 hours from Casa Loré D'or is Nerja, a charming village where the mountains meet the sea and where the climate is always mild. This former fishing village charms with its whitewashed houses and winding streets. In the heart of Nerja you will find the El Salvador church, an idyllic location for love stories. But the crown jewel is the Balcón de Europa, a cliffside promenade that treats you to panoramic views over the Mediterranean. Artists and musicians bring life to it, while the cannons of yesteryear remind you of Nerja's rich history. Beach lovers also get their money's worth here. Playa Burriana, with its Blue Flag status, offers a safe and clean beach surrounded by impressive nature. A perfect mix of culture and relaxation by the sea.
Granada
A drive further from Casa Loré D'or and you are in Granada, a city where time seems to have stood still. The Alhambra is undeniably the city's jewel, a vast complex that takes you on a journey through time. Make sure you book your tickets in time not to miss this masterpiece.Just a stone's throw away is Carmen de los Martires, a hidden gem where you can escape the crowds. It offers a serene spot for a walk or a picnic. If you can't get tickets to the Alhambra, this park offers a wonderful alternative. For the best views of Granada and the Alhambra, Mirador de San Nicolas is the place to be. Despite the crowds, the view here is priceless, especially at sunset. End your visit with a visit to Helados San Nicholas for the best homemade ice cream in town.


Gibraltar
A two-hour drive away you will find Gibraltar, a unique blend of British traditions and Mediterranean spheres. Here people speak English, you see red telephone booths and you feast on fish & chips instead of tapas. The most remarkable feature? An airport whose runway marks the border between Spain and Britain. Gibraltar is undoubtedly worth a visit.
Highlights in Gibraltar include:
-
The Rock of Gibraltar: A majestic limestone giant that proudly overlooks the surrounding area. The summit offers unparalleled views across two continents.
-
St Michael's Cave: An enchanting cave system full of natural beauty, from twinkling stalactites to a hidden underground lake.
-
Gibraltar Nature Reserve: This reserve covers almost half of the Rock and is a haven for unique flora and fauna, including the famous Barbary apes.
-
Europa Point: The southernmost tip of Gibraltar, where you will find not only a lighthouse and mosque, but also breathtaking views of the African coast.
-
Main Street: The beating heart of Gibraltar's shopping and café scene, peppered with historical gems such as St Mary the Crowned cathedral and the Governor's Palace.
Sevilla
Just over 2 hours away is Seville, the soul of flamenco, bathed in sunshine and overflowing with cultural treasures. Seville can certainly compete with cities like Barcelona and Madrid, thanks to its rich history, lively streets and warm locals. Here are some highlights. See also this Seville guide for even more tips & tricks.
Some not-to-be-missed highlights in Seville are:
-
Giralda Tower and Cathedral: Start your exploration at the Giralda Tower, from where you'll have panoramic views over the city. Then the imposing cathedral and the enchanting Real Alcázar await.
-
Barrio Cruz: Wander through Seville's most charming neighbourhood, where every street, square and patio tells its own story. Don't forget to enjoy the local tapas!
-
Plaza de España: This square is an ode to the beauty of Seville, with its impressive architecture, colourful tiles and the opportunity to take a boat trip along the canal.


Córdoba
Córdoba is a city in Andalusia in southern Spain. It is the capital of the province of Córdoba. The city is 122 metres above sea level, on the Guadalquivir River and at the foot of the Sierra Morena mountain range. In 2005, it had a population of 321,165, making it the third largest city in Andalusia. It is Europe's hottest city: temperatures regularly rise above 35 °C every year. Córdoba was once one of the most important cities in the world, in the 10th century even the second largest, with an unprecedented population of around 500,000 for the time. It was the capital of the medieval Emirate of Cordoba, later the Caliphate of Cordoba. Numerous monuments remain from that time, the most famous being the Mezquita. Since 1984, the city's historic centre has been on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
The city is the birthplace of philosophers such as Seneca, Averroes and Maimonides. In culinary circles, Cordoba is famous for the dish Rabo de Toro, a stew made from bull's tail.