The typically Spanish, whitewashed village of Alcaucin provides a good inland base to explore the attractions of Andalucia, other than the numerous, varied beautiful beaches and coves. Granada and the Alhambra Palace are just a 90 minute drive away. In winter, skiing in the Sierra Nevada is just a short drive from Granada. Seville and Cordoba are just a little further but well worth the effort, with Malaga City, including the Picasso Museum, and a centre full of culture just a 1 hour drive, or a bus ride from the nearby town of Torrox. There are two golf courses nearby: Bavaria at La Caleta de Velez, and Anoreta which is two junctions back along the autovia towards Malaga. Horseriding, fishing and mountain biking are available locally, and the area is perfect for keen birdwatchers and walkers, noteable tracks being The Sierra de Tejada Country Park at the back of Alcaucin, and around Lake Vinuela, where there are a couple of excellent restaurants overlooking the lake. For those keen on tennis, courts are available for non residents at the nearby Hotel La Vinuela, and also at the Health and Fitness/Raquet Club at Torre Del Mar. At the end of a peaceful day, enjoy the views over a vino and tapas at one of the local bars or restaurants, known as ventas. Various whitewashed villages such as Los Romanes, Comares and Competa are set in heart of the Axaquia region of Andalucia, and all offer peace, tranquillity, beautiful scenery and a taste of the real Spain; each one of them quite different, but all a delight to visit. Other places to visit without too much effort would be: - TORR DEL MAR: only 20 minutes drive away with its long sandy beaches, promenade and numerous chiringuitos (beachfront restaurants), other restaurants and bars of all nationalities, go-carting, water marina and nightlife. LA CALETA DE VELEZ: - Caleta is used by Spanish holiday makers, and is much smaller than Torre Del Mar, but is very charming with traditional fishing ports, a marina and a nice long beach which is never crowded. Market day here is every Saturday morning, less crowded and frenetic than at Torre Del Mar, but just as much atmosphere and the same bargains to be had. There are many excellent sea front fish restaurants here. NERJA: - We think Nerja is a fabulous place to visit; but wouldn’t really want to live there; as the locals don’t. They don’t come down to the town during the summer months. It is a really lovely town on the coast, where many Brits have made their home in Spain. Small streets buzzing with bars, restaurants and shops make this a truly friendly compact and relaxed resort. Out of season it is gorgeous; at the height of the season we would leave it to you to make your decision; but still think that a visit to Burrianna beach should not be missed. LA HERRADURA : - probably our most favourite place of all to visit: - beyond Nerja the N340 passes tracks leading down to inviting coves with quiet beaches, a few of which have welcoming bars and restaurants. Entering Granada province the N340 launches into one of the most panoramic stretches along the whole coast, climbing and twisting inland before running along sheer cliffs high above the jagged coast. Eventually it surfaces at La Herradura, a fishing village-resort suburb of Almunecar, and for anyone with their own transport a good place to stop off and swim and take a stroll along the quaint promenade, which is like a walk back in time, certainly no high rise here !. Back into the car, and following the road, climbing up, whilst observing the stunning coastal views to your right, and the equally stunning properties to your left you will eventually stumble upon the next headland of the Punta de la Mona, followed by the exquisite recently built marina development of Marina Del Este, which is set in a beautiful location with an adjoining beach & a number of quayside bars & restaurants. The winding road leading down to the marina has breath taking views at every turn. Life in Marina Del Este is very relaxed and easy going and a perfect place for sitting at one of its quayside restaurants watching the yachts sail by.