Costa del Sol Tourism Guide - Around Marbella

Istan Outdoor Andalucia

Beautiful Istan is easy to reach off the AP7 just to the west of Marbella. Istan sits a little further into the Andalucian interior than Benahavis, and sits at the foot of the Sierra Real close to the sublime Sierra De Las Nieves Natural Park.

Rural tourism is certainly on the menu in Istan, which traces its roots back to 9th century Moorish village. Note the irrigation channels around the town which hail from the time of the Moors. The street layout of Istan remains much the same as it was in the 9th century. If quiet pottering and strolls, stunning rural views, more walking tours Andalucia in the Sierra de las Nieves natural park - home to the rare Spanish fir, and a good choice of quality restaurants and services sounds good to you, Istan is where to head.

Historic sights within Istan include the San Miguel church, the Escalante tower, the San Miguel Hermitage, the El Chorro fountain and laundry shed and the Castano Santo/Holy Chestnut Tree! Fine views are also to be had from vistas in the town of the Tajo Banderas, Las Herrizas Azufaifo and El Penon.

Istan Tourist Information Office, Town Hall, Calle Empedrada, 32 29611, Istan, Malaga. Tel. 952 869 603. (see Istan Tourist Guide web right for more information).

Ojen, Coin & Monda - Walking Tours Andalucia & Rural Retreats

Lying between the Sierra Blanca and Sierra Alpujata mountain ranges, Ojen is another rural Andalucian retreat within easy reach of Marbella. A number of stunning walking routes are around Ojen (see the Refugio de Juanar nature guide right, and stop for lunch at their restaurant). Ojen has Moorish roots like Istan, but further back evidence of settlement during the Neolithic period has come to light with the discovery of caves in the area. Pop into Ojen's Tourist Information Centre at the Town Hall, Calle La Carrera, 5, 39610, Ojen, Malaga. Tel. 952 881 003, to find out more.

Consider car rental from Malaga Airport if based in these Analucian villages, especially if you are looking to push out and explore the Andalucian interior and nearby hotspots Ronda, Antequera and of course the beaches of the Costa coast.

North of Ojen pushing into the southern section of the Guadalhorce valley, Monda is another of Andalucia's rural retreats close to Marbella. A rural beauty spot indeed, Monda makes a superb walking base from which to explore local highlights such as Canucha range with its dense evergreen oak and cork oak forests. You've easy access from Monda into the Sierra de las Nieves natural park. Find Monda Tourist Information in the Town Hall, Calle Jose Macias, 1, 29110, Monda, Malaga. Tel. 952 457 069.

East of Monda, basing yourself at Coin sees you closer to Alhaurin el Grande and Mijas (good news for golf fans as Mijas golf and Alhaurin golf is some of the best on the Costa Golf!). Coin sits in the southern Guadalhorce valley and alongside stunning mountain scenery surrounding Coin, you'll also notice the abundance of market gardens and orchards in the area. Citrus fruits are grown extensively around Coin. A rural retreat, Coin is still only 38km from Malaga. Find Coin Tourist Information at the Town Hall, Plaza Alameda, 10, 29100, Coin, Malaga. Tel. 952 453 018. For more information on each of these villages, extensive guides are available via the Visit Costa Del Sol weblink right, and click on 'From Village to Village'. See also the superb Nature guide in the tourist guide section also on Visit Costa Del Sol.

Tolox, The Sierra de Las Nieves Natural Park

Tolox is often aligned more with Ronda than inland Marbella. It sits further into the interior than all the above villages, and nestles at the side of the sublime Sierra de las Nieves natural park therefore offering the best access into it.

A bustling rural centre, Tolox has a selection of historic sights and museums within the town including the Murallas del Castillo castle walls, San Miguel Church, a Popular Arts and Traditions Museum, the San Roque hermitage, the Fuente Amargosa Spa and a spooky Inquisition House. You're higher up here than in Ojen and Istan. Tolox sits 315m above sea level in the heart of the Guadalhorce valley.

Andalucia walking fans can expect to see some of the regions most beautiful peaks near Tolox situated between the Puerto de los Piliones and the La Torrecilla peak. Covered in snow in winter for just a few weeks, the views are spectacular.

Tolox Tourist Information, Casa de la Cultura, Calle Encina 54, 29109, Tolox, Malaga. Tel. 952 487 333. For an excellent guide to the Sierra de Las Nieves Natural Park and the rare Spanish Firs (survivors of the Ice Age) that grow in abundance in the park, see the Visit Costa Del Sol/Nature Guide weblink right.