Surrounding Area - The Beach House Marbesa

Ferries to Morocco - High Speed ferries leave every two hours from Spain's windsurfing capital, Tarifa and take 35 minutes to get to Tangier. A round trip adult ticket is about 37 Euros.

GRANADA
Granada is best explored on foot and has its Moorish past evident at every turn.

Any visitor will be impressed with the breathtaking snow capped Sierra Nevada, the magnificent Alhambra, the old Moorish quarter of Albaicin with its maze of narrow steep cobbled streets and elegant villas and the famous Sacromonte Abbey, high up on the hill, its gypsy caves and flamenco sounds.

The centre is full of historical buildings of great interest and beauty and a visit to this hospitable city should be on your itinerary.

From Malaga take the N331 following signs to Granada and exit on to A92.

ALHAMBRA
The best view of the Alhambra fortress is from the San Nicholas Mirador in Albaicin from where you can appreciate its beauty and reddish hue. It is one of the legacies remaining from the Moorish occupation with its Alcazaba dating from the llthc and the Royal Palace added later in the 14thc.

Of great importance and interest is the Renaissance Palace of Carlos V and fabulous gardens of the Generalife, originally the summer gardens of the sultans with a series of lakes, fountains, pavilions and abundant trees and flowers.

CORDOBA
Located 110 miles inland, Cordoba was once the capital of Moorish Spain and the main centre for Muslim culture and learning.

The fascinating old city stretches north from the River Guadalquivir and is a maze of picturesque narrow cobbled streets with monuments, historical buildings and pretty patios at almost every turn.

The city Mezquita dates from 785 from where streets fan out to the Jewish, Muslim and Christian quarters that contain much to interest the visitor and include the Alcazar, the Juderia, Roman Bridge and Plaza del Potro, mentioned by Cervantes in Don Quixote.

From Malaga take the N331 direction Cordoba.

ANTEQUERA
Located in the centre of a rich and fertile plain, 28 miles inland, Antequera dates back to prehistoric times and its subsequent history is marked by a profusion of remains including dolmens, located in a park to the west of town, Roman baths, a Moorish castle, Gothic churches and Renaissance fountains.

For those with a sweet tooth, buy delicious pastries from the nuns at the Convento de las Descalzas, from just inside its entrance.

The town is attractive, hilly and interesting and the surrounding countryside including La Peña de los Enamorados, and El Torcal are also worth visiting.

Take the N331 north of Malaga.

EL CHORRO
El Chorro Gorge is one of Andalucia’s natural wonders found north west of Alora where three lakes are dammed across a 200m high river gorge.

Built in 1921 and opened by King Alfonso XIII there was originally a walkway called the Camino del Rey, a catwalk clinging to the sides of the gorge, but this is now closed for repairs.

Drive across the dam to reach the lakes where there are several good restaurants and plenty of space for sunbathing, picnics and swimming.

Take the A357 from Malaga, via Cartama and Pizarrra, the A343 To Alora, turning left at Alora for El Chorro.

RONDA
Ronda is one of Andalucia’s most visited inland towns, a one hour drive from the coast.

It is steeped in history and legend, a town of bullfighters and bandits with the River Guadalevin dividing it in two as it passes narrowly through the town creating the famous deep gorge.

The Tajo Bridge separates the lively and extensive new Ronda from the more historical and picturesque old town, with its churches, palaces, arab baths, city walls and gateways.

Ronda is home to the oldest bullring in Spain with a museum alongside, both can be visited,

From the N340 take the A376 inland at San Pedro de Alcantara.