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100 km - 1 1/2 hours
Leave Motril heading west along the
N340 coast road. This is the Costa
Tropical, said to have a micro-climate because of the high Sierra
Nevada mountains sheltering the coastal plane. Tropic fruits
are certainly grown here and Sugar cane is harvested in May around
Salobreņa.
Salobreņa
is worth a visit, it has something for everybody. Wander through
the narrow winding streets of the old town which sits just below
the castle. The castle and its gardens are very well maintained.
The view from the battlements is spectacular and the popular beach
is close by.
Our next stop is Almuņeca. A more cosmopolitan
resort than Salobrena. Several good beaches and reasonable shopping
facilities to make this an independent resort.
The coast road winds in and out of
headlands and valleys. Thanks to several tunnels the road is less
torturous than years ago. The old road around the headlands such
as Punta de la Mona and Cero Gordo make for an interesting drive
for those with time to spare.
Several near isolated coves are ideal
beach locations for those who want to escape the crowds and find
a beach of their own. There is a popular naturist beach hidden away
in a little the cove of the nature park at Cero Gordo.
Hidden bellow Punta de la Mona we find
Marina de la Este, boasting one of the best locations on the coast,
yet hidden away and missed by most tourists. This Marina is one
of the Authors favourites.
The beach at La Herradura is so expansive
yet sheltered between large headlands. This is a very popular resort
in the summer, but largely missed by international tourism.
Some of the little roadside bars along
this stretch of road make an ideal halt. Sit on the little wooden
terraces overlooking the cliffs and take in the sea view.
At Maro we can now pick up the Costa
del Sol motorway for Malaga city, Malaga Airport and the western
Costa del Sol as far as Estepona. If you are short of time take
it. Alternatively continue on the more interesting coast road......
The Caves of Nerja and the sight of
the Roman Aqueduct on the right advise us that we are soon to arrive
in another world. Nerja, a popular
tourist resort which amazingly still hasn't lost its charm. We continue
along the coastal plane where agriculture is still the predominant
industry. This is the Eastern part of the Costa del Sol. We pass
through the seaside towns of Torrox Costa and La Caleta
de Velez. Inland Velez Malaga is the center of an area
known as La
Axarquia. The coast road now passes through Torre del Mar
and Rincon de la Victoria
before finding yourself back on the main coast road/motorway. If
you wish to enter the city of Malaga slowly from the east, passing
some interesting old fishing districts and well-to-do residential
areas then leave at 'El Palo'.
The main coast road/motorway by passes
the city of Malaga. At at the big interchange just after
the tunnel be careful to keep in the left hand lane and follow signs
for the Airport and Torremolinos, other wise you will be heading
north for Antequera
If you want the west part of the city
of Malaga leave the motorway to the University turn-off but head
into the city. This conveniently brings you right in to the Alameda.
Continuing on the motorway keep in the right hand lane and follow
signs for the Airport and Torremolinos,
continue on the motorway for other destinations on the Costa
del Sol or our continuing itinerary for Malaga
to San Pedro.
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