Last November, I wanted to escape the cold and gloomy weather, so I decided to go to southern Spain. I knew that this region has the most pleasant climate in Europe, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year. After a busy season, I was looking for a place where I could truly unwind. When you think of the Costa del Sol, you tend to picture crowded beaches, mass tourism in Málaga, and the jet-set nightlife of Marbella—not exactly a place for those seeking peace and quiet.
That’s right. That’s why I drove east, about an hour from Málaga. This part of the coastal region in southern Spain has remained largely undiscovered. After driving fifty kilometers, the landscape transformed into one of overwhelming natural beauty. I was surprised by the authentic countryside. This part of the Costa del Sol is a paradise for walkers and hikers, with an extensive network of trails through a varied mountainous landscape.
In addition to its natural beauty, the region is steeped in history. The charming white villages of Cómpeta and Canillas de Albaida, nestled in the mountains, were founded by the Romans and later influenced by Moorish architecture. These villages exude a nostalgic atmosphere with their narrow streets, historic buildings, and timeless charm.
Cómpeta, also known as the “Pearl of the Costa del Sol,” is famous for its wine, particularly the sweet Moscatel. As you stroll through the winding streets, you’ll come across traditional Andalusian houses, lively local markets, and inviting squares. Canillas de Albaida is also a peaceful getaway with picturesque views and a rich cultural heritage. Both villages serve as gateways to the Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara, and Alhama Natural Park and are ideal starting points for hikers who want to explore the region on foot.
I stayed at Malaga Hills. I was so impressed that I immediately struck a deal with the owners to be able to offer it here as well. It really is a special place. The hotel is nestled in the mountains, with views of the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.
This small boutique hotel, nestled among the vineyards and within walking distance of the village, combines the comfort of a luxury hotel with the personal attention of a B&B. Malaga Hills offers several amenities designed for relaxation and rejuvenation: a large, sun-heated pool with Jetstream technology, a modern fitness center, a sauna, and an outdoor bar with stunning views.
You can enjoy luxurious massage and beauty treatments or relax by the fireplace with a book from the extensive library (which has more than 3,000 books). It’s a wonderful destination to truly unwind, whether you’re traveling alone or as a couple.
The nice thing about these mountain villages in southern Spain is that they aren’t primarily focused on tourism. The locals are mainly involved in wine production, olive cultivation, and fruit farming. As a result, everything stays open even in the winter. It’s a refreshing change from some coastal destinations. During the winter months, you can still enjoy wine and tapas on the cozy terraces of the many restaurants. I had a delicious meal on the terrace at Casa Paco and at El Pilon.
You can spend your mornings hiking and your afternoons relaxing on quiet, unspoiled beaches. I climbed Mount Maroma (2,068 meters) and did a lot of hiking in and around Cómpeta. The owners and staff at Malaga Hills are happy to point out the small, sometimes hidden beaches. At their request, I won’t reveal the names and locations here—they’d like to keep the peace and quiet… If you’d like, they’ll also give you tips on nice restaurants and even make reservations for you.
What I found particularly refreshing was the peace and quiet. It’s really quiet here. I finally got to enjoy reading some books again and had a wonderful massage. Two mornings, I started the day with a yoga class before breakfast, along with three other guests. This was followed by a generous, personalized breakfast. No buffet—just a lovely Spanish lady who serves her creations right at your table, including a glass of Spanish cava. That’s the perfect way to start the day.
This article was written in collaboration with Malaga Hills
Read more about the Caminos de Pasion in Andalusia.
Met een passie voor reizen en fotografie én meer dan 30 jaar ervaring in de reisbranche, deel ik graag mijn bijzondere natuur-reistips. Reizen is heerlijk en belangrijk, je ontmoet nieuwe mensen en culturen en het opent je blik op de wereld.
Just twenty minutes past the coast lies a completely different Málaga Twenty minutes by car from Málaga Airport, the highway turns into a winding road leading into the mountains. The coast disappears behind you, and ahead lie olive and almond trees, karst rocks, and...
Camino Lebaniego: Hiking from Santander to the Picos de Europa The Camino Lebaniego is a beautiful multi-day hike where the landscape gradually changes along the way; over the course of about seventy kilometers, you’ll walk from the Cantabrian coast near San Vicente...
Laat je inspireren
Ben je op zoek naar de mooiste wandel- en fietsroutes? Of wil je informatie over reizen met de trein of advies voor de mooiste roadtrips door de natuur. Laat je inspireren voor je volgende reis in het groen; ideeën om je eigen reis te plannen of te kiezen voor een georganiseerde reis.
