The Costa del Sol in southern Spain is located in the autonomous region of Andalusia. Literally translated the name means “Sun Coast”. This promise is hardly ever broken with around 320 sunny days per year. Even in winter the sun coast is still a great place to visit, even if the temperatures of about 20 degrees are not necessarily inviting for a swim in the sea.
In return, the months in autumn and winter are great to enjoy routes, trips and hiking in the mountainous inland of the region. Especially the incredible views over the Costa del Sol, and from some summits even to the African continent, are highly rewarding for the active traveler.
Near the town of Estepona on the western Costa del Sol are situated the mountain ranges of Sierra Crestellina and Sierra Bermeja. In these mountains the vegetation is particularly pronounced due to the warm, moist Atlantic air; here we find as well some of the oldest fir trees of the region. From the top of the Sierra Bermeja you can enjoy stunning views of the nearby Strait of Gibraltar, the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, and even the Rif Mountains of the African continent. Definitely, one of the most splendid views of the whole Costa del Sol.
The mountains in the hinterland of Marbella are called Sierra Blanca. This area offers a sight worth seeing, due to the white marble gleaming in the sun. A beautiful view of the coast can also be enjoyed from the peaks of the Sierra de Mijas in the north of Fuengirola. Here is situated as well the picturesque white village of Mijas, very popular among tourists; due to its proximity to the Costa del Sol, Mijas Pueblo is very suitable for a day trip.
Who loves the woods, should visit the Nature Park Montes de Malaga which is situated only a short distance from Malaga city. The park is home to many rare animal and plant species and is accessible as a tourist destination for hikers.
On the eastern Costa del Sol in the inland around Nerja, are situated the mountain ranges of Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama. These limestone mountains are the highest on the Costa del Sol and are also a nature reserve, which offers hikers some picturesque impressions. From the peak of Tejeda, with 2.065 meters above sea level, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Mediterranean coast and the neighboring mountains, frequented by hikers and mountaineers.
We can also enjoy routes through the mountain white villages. Its municipalities hide a rich cultural heritage which we can discover walking through the steep streets.
As you can see, the Costa del Sol has much more to offer than sun and beach and invites us to discover its beautiful nature, white villages and Moorish heritage which is still evident in the towns. With our car rental in Malaga we can approach a large number of exceptional sites in no time and enjoy driving routes in the surrounding area of Malaga.