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COSTA DEL SOL
DAY TRIPS AND PLACES TO VISIT
A DAY IN THE MOUNTAINS – EL TORCAL – FUENTE DE PIEDRA – EL CHORRO
Mountains, Eagles, Flamingos, Lakes and Lagoons
This is by far our favourite day out, far removed from the bustling beaches and paseos it offers sights that the vast majority of visitors are not even aware of never mind actually visiting them. Andalucia’s natural beauty is waiting for you Each of these places probably merits at least a full day to appreciate all that they have to offer, but this drive is so diverse and satisfying.
If you are feeling adventurous hire yourself a car and follow this route for a full day out, and a memorable lunch – it takes in the spectacular mountainous scenery of EL TORCAL then proceeds via ANTEQUERA to LA FUENTE DE LA PIEDRA where there is a massive salt water lagoon that is home to a breeding colony of 11,000 flamingos. Back across country to yet another protected natural park at PARQUE ARDALES with its beautiful lakeside drive around the pine clad shores of the reservoir Guadalhorce, with all of its recreational areas and water sports. Then just down the road to the gorge that is EL CHORRO
After lunch we leave the mountains behind and follow the picturesque road down to ALORA and PIZARRA and back to MALAGA and the coast
PARQUE LAS PALOMAS
Not really a day out as such, but if you are in or close by Benalmadena be sure to visit “Paloma Park” This was an area of wasteland that was transformed into a wonderful parkland with a wide variety of flora and fauna to be be seen while strolling round the the scenic winding paths.
There is a large lake with a spectacular fountain, the lake is stocked with fish, a wide variety of ducks, geese and swans and visited by every type of seagull in the area, and keep a look out for the terrapins basking in the sunshine.
Each year there are additions to the park as the local council appreciate what an asset the park is. Last year an amazingly stocked cactus garden was opened with a variety of beautiful flowering cacti flanked by a sculpted waterfall and landscaped lakes adjacent to the library. All of this is completely free and well worth missing a few hours on the beach
THE TELEFERICO
(CABLE CAR)
I would highly recommend this trip, the cable car ride itself is exhilarating and if you pick the right day (by far the best day is immediately after there has been plenty of wind, that has shifted the pollution haze) The ride up is around 15 minutes and presents some great views of the area, but once at the summit of mount calamorro (769 metres) the views to the south and the west are truly awe inspiring. Catch it clear enough and you can see Gibraltar and the coast of Africa from the miradors that are well signed. There is a free donkey ride included in the price of the ticket and a marvelous collection of birds of prey that perform a first class display which must not be missed
