The 5 most beautiful towns on the Costa del Sol and in Málaga to visit this summer

The province of Málaga offers much more than long beaches and lively tourist resorts. Just a few kilometres from the coast, visitors can discover whitewashed towns built into the mountains, historic quarters shaped by their Moorish past, viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean and destinations that still preserve much of their traditional Andalusian character.

Summer is an ideal time to explore them, especially when cultural visits in the morning are combined with a relaxed lunch, a sunset walk or a swim at a nearby beach.

This selection brings together five of the most beautiful places on the Costa del Sol and across Málaga province: Frigiliana, Mijas Pueblo, Ronda, Nerja and Casares. Each offers a different experience, from wandering through narrow cobbled streets to admiring a dramatic gorge, visiting a cave or ending the day beside the sea.

1. Frigiliana: the Axarquía’s most photographed white village

Frigiliana is one of those places that seems designed to be explored without a map. Its old town stretches across a hillside through narrow streets, stairways, passageways and whitewashed houses decorated with colourful flowerpots.

Its best-known area is the Moorish-Mudéjar quarter, where the street layout reflects the town’s Andalusian past. Calle Real is the main route through the historic centre and leads towards elevated corners offering views over the village, the mountains of the Axarquía and the Mediterranean.

During the walk, it is worth visiting the Palace of the Counts of Frigiliana, known as El Ingenio, the Archaeological Museum and the Santa Fiora Botanical Garden.

Local gastronomy is another attraction. Restaurants serve traditional dishes from the Axarquía, products made with sugar cane honey and recipes that combine Arab, Christian and Sephardic influences.

Why visit in summer?

Its proximity to Nerja makes it possible to spend the morning exploring the village before heading to the beach in the afternoon. Frigiliana is also a good starting point for discovering the Sierras of Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama, although hiking routes should be undertaken early in the morning and avoided on days of extreme heat.

Best for: couples, photography enthusiasts and travellers looking for a charming Andalusian white village.

Tip: comfortable footwear is essential, as much of the historic centre features steep streets, steps and cobbled paving.

2. Mijas Pueblo: flower-filled balconies overlooking the Mediterranean

Mijas Pueblo is located on the slopes of the mountains above Fuengirola and the Costa del Sol coastline. Its whitewashed houses, small squares and viewpoints offer panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

A visit can begin in Plaza Virgen de la Peña before continuing to the chapel carved into the rock. From there, the streets lead towards the historic centre, Plaza de la Constitución, the Church of the Immaculate Conception and the Muralla Gardens.

These gardens provide one of the municipality’s finest viewpoints, showing how the landscape descends from the mountains towards the sea.

Other attractions include the Casa Museo, the Contemporary Art Centre and the town’s unusual oval-shaped bullring. The centre is also filled with craft shops, small businesses, restaurants and terraces where visitors can sample traditional dishes.

Why visit in summer?

Mijas offers two different environments in a single day. After exploring the white village, visitors can travel down to La Cala de Mijas for a swim, a walk along the coastal path or lunch overlooking the sea.

Best for: families, half-day excursions and visitors staying in Fuengirola, Benalmádena or Marbella.

Tip: the middle of the day can be hot and busy. Early morning and sunset generally provide a more enjoyable experience.

3. Ronda: history and dramatic landscapes above a gorge

Ronda is one of the most spectacular destinations in inland Málaga. Its most recognisable landmark is the Puente Nuevo, built across El Tajo, the deep gorge that divides the town and creates one of Andalusia’s most impressive views.

Although its size and historical importance technically make it a city, Ronda retains the atmosphere and pace of a large mountain town, which is why it is frequently included in routes through Málaga’s most beautiful villages.

In addition to the Puente Nuevo, visitors can explore Alameda del Tajo, the Blas Infante and Hemingway promenades, Mondragón Palace, the Arab Baths, the Casa del Rey Moro and the old city walls.

The historic centre preserves stately buildings, churches, courtyards and streets reflecting the presence of different civilisations. The experience is completed by the gastronomy of the Serranía de Ronda, based on meat, locally grown produce, cheese, wine and traditional recipes.

Why visit in summer?

Ronda is located inland and at a higher altitude than much of the coastline. Although daytime temperatures can still be high, early mornings and evenings are generally better suited to walking and enjoying its viewpoints.

It can also be used as a base for discovering other villages in the Serranía de Ronda and nearby natural areas.

Best for: history enthusiasts, cultural getaways and travellers looking for monumental scenery.

Tip: allow several hours for the visit rather than limiting the trip to the Puente Nuevo. The historic centre and traditional neighbourhoods are an essential part of the experience.

4. Nerja: a coastal town surrounded by beaches, cliffs and caves

Nerja combines the appearance of a Mediterranean white town with some of the best-known beaches and natural landscapes on the eastern Costa del Sol.

The Balcón de Europa is its most iconic landmark. This viewpoint opens onto the Mediterranean and connects with pedestrian streets, squares, restaurants and shops in the historic centre.

Beaches such as Calahonda, El Salón and La Torrecilla are just a few minutes away, while Burriana offers a larger beach with restaurants, water activities and all the services needed for a full day beside the sea.

Another of the municipality’s major attractions is the Nerja Cave, located near Maro. Its galleries, geological formations and archaeological importance make it one of the province’s most significant cultural visits.

The area surrounding Maro and its nearby cliffs also offers opportunities for kayaking, snorkelling and other marine activities, provided weather and sea conditions are suitable.

Why visit in summer?

Nerja is one of the most complete options for visitors who want to combine culture, beaches and gastronomy in a single trip.

The day can begin with a visit to the cave or a walk through the town centre, followed by lunch near the Balcón de Europa and an afternoon at Burriana or one of the nearby coves.

Best for: families, water sports enthusiasts and travellers looking for a coastal destination with activity throughout the day.

Tip: during July and August, it is advisable to book the most popular visits and activities in advance and arrive early to find parking.

5. Casares: a white balcony between the mountains and the sea

Casares sits dramatically on a mountainside, with its whitewashed houses adapting to the steep terrain and rising towards the remains of its ancient castle.

Its silhouette is one of the most recognisable in western inland Málaga. The historic centre, declared a Historic-Artistic Site, preserves narrow streets, steep slopes, passageways and viewpoints overlooking the landscape of Sierra Crestellina.

At the top of the village are the castle grounds and the Church of La Encarnación. Casares is also closely linked to Blas Infante, regarded as the father of the Andalusian homeland, whose birthplace can be visited in the town centre.

Casares also stands out for combining mountains, heritage and coastline within the same municipality. Its beaches make it possible to complete the excursion with an afternoon beside the Mediterranean.

One of its best-known natural attractions is the Baños de la Hedionda, a sulphurous spring set in an area of considerable scenic value. Access restrictions may apply during the high season, so visitors should check the conditions before travelling.

Why visit in summer?

Casares is one of the best choices for combining the atmosphere of a white village with nature and the beach. The historic centre can be explored in the morning before continuing to Casares Costa or another natural area within the municipality.

Best for: travellers looking for tranquillity, landscapes, Andalusian heritage and a different excursion from Estepona or Marbella.

Tip: the streets are very steep, so it is advisable to park in the designated areas and explore the centre on foot wearing comfortable shoes.

Which town in Málaga should you choose for a summer getaway?

The best choice will depend on the type of experience you are looking for:

• For whitewashed streets and photography: Frigiliana.
• For mountain scenery and Mediterranean views: Mijas Pueblo.
• For history and monumental landscapes: Ronda.
• For a combination of town, beaches and water activities: Nerja.
• For tranquillity, history and nature: Casares.

All five can be visited as day trips, although Ronda and Nerja offer enough attractions and activities to justify a longer stay.

Tips for visiting Málaga’s towns in summer

During July and August, visits should ideally be planned for early morning or late afternoon. The streets in these destinations often include steep slopes and areas with little protection from the sun, so carrying water, using sun protection and wearing comfortable footwear are essential.

It is also advisable to check monument and museum opening times in advance, book activities with limited capacity and review the access conditions for caves, natural areas and swimming spots.

Information about the destinations, their main monuments and tourism resources has been checked against the official websites of Frigiliana Tourism, Mijas Tourism, Ronda Tourism, Visit Nerja and Casares Tourism.