El Refugio del Indio

Experienced hikers, get your boots on and head off to explore Peña de los Enamorados (20 minutes’ drive), a limestone mini-mountain steeped in legend. You also have easy access to many gentler walks, like the Cortijo de La Catreana (15 minutes) or the Realenga de Archidona (20 minutes), both with far-reaching views over olive groves. You can cycle both routes too. The Málaga coastline with its famed Costa del Sol beaches is around an hour away by car. Make a day of it lying on the sand at lively Torremolinos (55 minutes) and Benalmádena (an hour), or take a trip into Málaga (50 minutes) to check out its exceptional art museums. If you have time for only one, make it the splendid Picasso Museum. For a further taster of Andalusian culture, explore the narrow streets and traditional architecture of Archidona (15 minutes), making sure to see the ornate interior of the Iglesia de la Victoria; head up to the castle for stunning views over the town’s rooftops. If time is on your side, you could also spend the day exploring the ethereal palaces and gardens of the Alhambra in Granada (an hour) too.