The beaches in Malaga, Spain's Costa del Sol, attract millions of holidaymakers every year. Miles and miles of sandy Malaga beaches lure sunbathers from around Europe for cheap sunshine and wild nightlife. But if you manage leave the beaches behind for a day or two, you'll find there is a lot more to see in this part of Andalusia. Take some time to explore the area around the holiday resorts, and discover the unique beauty of the Andalusian coastline.

The Alhambra Palace in Granada

Less than two hours from Malaga by car, the town of Granada is home to the Alhambra palace complex: a stunning example of Moorish architecture in Andalusia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This medieval complex of palaces and fortresses was once home to the kings of the Nasrid Dynasty. The Arabic word Alhambra means "red fortress", and refers to the red walls of the palaces that look especially beautiful during sunset. The buildings are surrounded by lush gardens, and Alhambra has become one of the most famous tourist attractions in this part of Spain.

Ronda and the El Tajo Gorge

One of the prettiest towns on the Andalusian coast is Ronda. This small town has the oldest bullfighting arena in Spain as well as a bullfighting museum. The most famous attractions in Ronda, however, are the 100-metres-deep El Tajo gorge and the 18th-century Puente Nuevo Bridge. The road from Malaga to Ronda is surrounded by scenic mountain views and picturesque countryside.

The Caves of Nerja

The Nerja Caves belong to the biggest caves in Europe. Believed to be five million years old, this network of underground caverns is home to a unique collection of stalagmites and stalactites, and the highest column reaches up to 32 metres. The caves are located just four kilometres outside the pretty town of Nerja, and an easy 50 km drive from Malaga. Every July Nerja hosts a festival that features dance and music performances in the caves.

Visit Andalusia Villages

Just a short drive away from Malaga you can find small villages that have maintained their traditional Andalusian lifestyle and culture in the middle of the tourist boom. These villages are known for their whitewashed houses and their relaxed way of life, and make a great daytrip destination.

Even though many of the villages have become popular tourist attractions, the hustle and bustle of the beaches seems to be very far away. Frigliana, Ojen, Mijas and Casarena are believed to be some of the most beautiful villages on the Andalusian coast, so rent a car from Malaga and visit these picturesque locations.