Salobreña

From Orgiva you soon have the pleasure of coming upon Salobrèña, a picturesque, white-walled village crowning a rocky promontory surrounded by a waving sea of green sugar cane. These pueblos blancos (white towns) are typical of the warmer areas of Andalusia and you see several as you drive along. Park at the edge of the town and stroll up to its partially restored Alcázar to enjoy the splendid view of the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean.As you head west from Salobreña, there are numerous lookout points with fabulous views of the sea and the beautiful coastline. The road winds along the coast through the small seaside resort of Almuñécar, with its ruined Castillo de San Miguel. A bit farther on, near the village of Maro, are the impressive Nerja Caves (Cuevas de Nerja), definitely worth a visit—vast stalactitic caves with prehistoric paintings and evidence of habitation since Paleolithic times. Its archaeological revelations (including parts of Cro-Magnon human skulls) can be seen at the small museum nearby. The caves are efficiently run and offer a cool break from driving. Continuing west, you reach the resort and fishing port of Nerja, known for the Balcón (balcony) de Europa, a terrace-promenade with wonderful views rising high above the sea near the center of the charming little town. You pass through the seaside port of Torre del Mar, with its pretty lighthouse, and the village of Rincon de la Victoria, where another, smaller cave (Cueva del Tesoro) with prehistoric drawings can be visited in a park above town. Unlike the Nerja caves, this one was formed by underground water and presents a quite different impression. The area is popular with local Malagueños for weekend beach excursions. Follow the coast road and you arrive in Málaga, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, the provincial capital, and one of the oldest Mediterranean ports.