When you find the perfect beachfront property in Marbella, your slice of Marbella real estate will not only be shrewd investment but it provides access to one of the world’s most enviable cosmopolitan coastal lifestyles.
However, you may not realise that you are within easy reach of some of Southern Spain’s most beautiful countryside, protected national parks, such as Sierra de las Nieves, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and charming whitewashed inland villages, just waiting to be explored.
As an established real estate agency on the Costa del Sol, our team have ventured out to explore the local countryside, parks and villages. We’ve been surprised and delighted by dramatic landscapes, ideal for hiking and walking, and beguiled by the traditional villages bursting with character. There are so many to choose from, so we’ve selected three of our favourites which are located within the environs of Sierra de Las Nieves.
Ronda – the home of modern bullfighting
Let’s start with the city of Ronda, internationally famous for its iconic cliffside location and deep El Tajo gorge spanned by a stone bridge. It is also the home of modern bullfighting, a fact immortalised in print (Death in the Afternoon and The Dangerous Summer about bullfighter Antonio Ordoñez) by the American writer Ernest Hemingway, who was bewitched by the bullfighting and the city’s beauty.
Today, Ronda is still renowned for its traditions, it is possible to tour the bullring as well as it also hosting the Feria Goysca, which celebrates the artform, horsemanship and costumes.
If you want to fully understand Ronda’s history it is possible to book an organised tour. Similarly, for those who wish to explore both the urban and natural surroundings, there are plenty of hiking routes. The Tajo del Abanico (4.5 km) through the fan shaped cave; Pilar de Catajima (6.8km) via the Roman aqueduct or the more physically taxing trek (3km) between Benaojan and Cueva del Gato.
Of course, no trip to Ronda is complete without checking out the Puente Nuevo bridge, which can be seen in all of its splendour from the down in the gorge… but remember, once you’ve climbed down the path, you’ll have to climb up again!
Tolox – bathe in its beauty
Sitting at the heart of the Sierra de las Nieves between two rivers, it has the distinction of being home to Spain’s one and only medicinal thermal Spa (Fuente Amargosa Spa), where you can enjoy a restorative bath. The village features a myriad of winding narrow lanes and whitewashed houses perched on the hillside. It’s position within national park, make it the perfect destination for exploring the history of the village, its rich culture and excellent gastronomy.
Visiting Tolox also offers the opportunity to explore the beauty of the surrounding countryside and wildlife. There are plenty of hiking, cycling and running trails for the more energetic explorer and outdoor enthusiasts. There are routes of varying difficulty, from moderate to hard, lasting between approximately 2 hours, such as La Rejia (5.5km), a round trip starting on the outskirts of Tolox, to the more strenuous 5 hour, Caucón – Peñon de la Enamorados trail (14km). More information about Tolox trails can be found here.
Parauta – the perfect family day out
This delightful village clinging to the side of the Ronda mountain range in the Genal Valley, has steep narrow roads lined with white washed houses with a distinctly Moorish feel. One of its most famous landmarks is the majestic Valdecilla Holm Oak which measures over 3 metres, and is reputed to be up to 550 years old.
As part of the Biosphere Reserve, it is surrounded by superb hiking and cycling trails, and breath-taking scenery and native wildlife. If you would like to take a leisurely hike, suitable for all of the family, you could take the Enchanted Forest Path (Bosque Encantado de Parauta), a former mill path linking Parauta and Cartajima. Starting in the lower part of the village, you’ll come across fantasy creatures, including animals and elves and colourful mini tree houses. The models are the creations of local Parauta artist and sculptor Diego Guerrero. There are many other routes, some via caves and springs and mountains, some are only suitable for expert hikers and others for intermediate skills and fitness levels.
In conclusion, whether you have your heart set on buying a beachfront apartment in Marbella, luxury penthouse, townhouse or villa, there is a cornucopia of activities for you to enjoy, from water sports to urban tours or countryside hikes, you can do something different every day.
If you are ready to make Marbella your new Spanish home, contact Marbella Beachfront today and let us help you find your perfect beachfront property in Marbella. Check out our website www.marbellabeachfront.com or get in touch Call, WhatsApp or email.
