The Traveller's Magazine
We’ve hit the shoulder season in Spain. Summer tourists have long left but the weather is still fine. There is no better time to hit the coastal roads and explore Spain one region at a time. This week, it’s the southern soulful province of Andalusia.
Are you ready for a road trip along Spain’s iconic Costa del Sol? This time of year the sea is still warm, the days are still sunny but the nights have a bit of a chill to them. Start your trip off in Malaga, it has the most Spain car hire options than any other airport in the region. From there, take to the coast! These stops along the way are sure to feed your wanderlust for the open road with a kick of Spanish flavour.
Malaga
Picasso’s hometown. Malaga sits right on the Mediterranean and is overflowing with culture. The city’s contemporary art gallery will impress, Picasso’s birth house museum is a must for anyone with an appreciation for art history and the city beaches are excellent. Not to miss: the 955-year old Alcazaba that towers over the city.
Axarquia
Located just east of Malaga, this is a great place to visit if you’ve already done the whole Spain coastal resort thing. It’s more off the beaten path. Velez-Malaga is the main city in this little region. Explore the caves, castles, lush gardens and venture into the region’s unspoilt countryside.
Nerja
For great beaches, Nerja is a top choice. The small city is just on the edge of being touristy but still retains a lot of its “fishing village charm.” Once you’ve visited the Caves of Nerja and appreciated the view from the Balcony of Europe, consider taking a day trip Frigiliana to see the 10th-century Arab-built castle that overlooks the sea.
Almeria
Heading east still, you’ll reach Almeria before too long. There isn’t too much to see here in the city so keep going east until you reach Cabo de Gata National Park. It’s one of the prettiest areas in the region. The small, secluded caves, desert roads and coastal towns will keep you busy for a few days. If you’re lucky you’ll spot some flamingoes in the nearby salt flats. Keep another day or two to explore the Desierto de Tabernas, the last official desert in Europe where classic Hollywood films were created like Lawrence of Arabia and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
At the end of your trip, swing back to Malaga to return your rental car before catching your flights back home to the UK. What more could you ask for from a fall road trip than sun, culture, beaches, classic film locations, great Spanish food and some friends to take along the way?
