WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN OUR LOCAL AREA

Nestling on the hillside between two tiny mountain hamlets, Villa Amapola is totally secluded and private, yet within easy reach of all local amenities.  It’s a great place to unwind and relax, but only half an hour from the beach, close to some excellent local restaurants and an hour from Granada and Malaga.

Inland Axarquia is one of the most beautiful rural regions in Spain, with its landscape of gently rolling hills, hilltop villages, lakes and mountain passes sweeping down towards the Mediterranean.
Andalucia is famous for its lively music, culture and history, its magnificent architecture and the fabulous legacy of the Moorish era. Our villa is ideally situated for discovering the region's dramatic unspoilt countryside, charming white villages, vibrant historic cities and picturesque lakes and beaches. Explore the country tracks outside the door on foot or on horseback, sample a chilled ajo blanco or gazpacho, or a jug of sangria, at the local hilltop restaurant, or party with the locals at one of the many colourful village fiestas.

Sightseeing

The region is steeped in culture, history and tradition dating back to Roman and Moorish times and beyond. The Moorish influences are still apparent in the famous Alhambra Palace and in the steep winding streets of the white hilltop villages. 

As well as a visit to the Alhambra, recommended day trips include Malaga's Picasso museum and the wonderful tapas bars in the centro historico, the fabulous Moorish architecture of Cordoba, the hot springs at Alhama de Granada, the lake at Beremejales and the gorgeous scenery at El Torcal and Chorro Gorge.

Seville and Ronda are also accessible for a pleasant day trip or a relaxing night away.

Beaches

Only half an hour's drive to the nearest beaches, with beachside promenades, ice-cream parlours and cafes, as well as some wonderful seafood restaurants.

The nearest beach is Torre del Mar at 25kms. Nerja, a further 15kms, is a very pretty and pleasant resort with cliffside beaches and little sandy coves and beachside walks.

There are  interesting shops, inviting bars and restaurants, and a variety of water sports from sailing to scuba diving.
The water park at Aquavelis has a wave pool, water slides, and a mini pool for younger children.

Outdoor pursuits

There are lots of pleasant country walks in beautiful natural surroundings, and pretty mountain villages  where you can stop off for  a 'menu del dia' or 'tapas'.

Lake Vinuela is a beautiful spot with sailing, pretty walks and a lovely lakeside restaurant.
The area is the perfect base for outdoor activities including horse-riding, bird watching, hiking, mountain biking and sailing and kayaking on Lake Vinuela. 
The local tourist office has information on country walks and local landmarks.

Shopping

Malaga and Granada both offer some fabulous shopping opportunities, with wonderful food markets selling everything from Moroccan ceramics and vibrantly coloured striped silk scarves to handmade leather goods.  

In Torre del Mar the weekly street market sells traditional Andalucian ceramics, clothing, lace and a variety of delicious local produce. 

Eating Out

Bar Pimpi in Malaga serves authentic local specialities in the most fabulous setting, adjacent to the famous Picasso museum.

There are a number of excellent local restaurants including some fabulous seafood restaurants nearby. Above the house is a pretty little hilltop bar in a beautiful scenic location, and Bar Verdugo in Periana village is a local gem, serving delicious regional cusine at very reasonable prices in a typically Andalucian setting.

Periana village has a selection of small shops to meet all your daily needs,  plus bank, doctor, dentist and all other esentials for your visit. The local hypermarket has hundreds of shops including Zara, Mango and Massimo Dutti, as well as a large supermarket.