Five Plans to Enjoy What's Left of Summer in Malaga

The final stretch of summer is here, with the return to school and many coming back from vacations during these last few days. But, summer is not over yet. There are still two weeks officially within the summer season that allow for making plans and getaways in the province of Málaga to enjoy milder temperatures and quieter spots. From the coast to the interior, there are destinations that are especially recommended for these days in September and even for the early days of autumn.

Those looking for a calm plan with a touch of autumn can delve into one of the best destinations within the Serranía de Ronda. This is also what is known today as Alto Genal, that is, the group of small villages accessible both from the scenic road Ronda-Algeciras and from San Pedro. Parauta, Pujerra, Cartajima, Igualeja, Júzcar, Faraján, and Alpandeire offer today many more possibilities than a decade ago thanks to the enhancement of their respective urban centers. Thus, Parauta has the Enchanted Forest, which is already showing its best side; Pujerra is filled with crochet decorations; Cartajima has a surprising urban tour among murals; and Júzcar has been known as the Blue Village for a few years. Essential visits these days include a hiking route through the Riscos de Cartajima and Júzcar, reminiscent of the Torcal de Antequera, or through the Chorreras de Balastar in Faraján. Interesting visits can also be made to the legacy of Fray Leopoldo in Alpandeire or to the Genal Spring and the Albaicín neighborhood in Igualeja.

Those who do not want to give up the beach in these last days of summer have a particularly quiet option on the most western part of the Málaga coast. Beyond Estepona, between Casares and Manilva, lies a different coastal strip, with few promenades and uncrowded beaches. Casares has just two kilometers of coastline, but it consists of a series of beaches where the Torre de la Sal (or Salto de la Mora) stands out on a rock. Manilva, on the other hand, has a more diverse coastal territory, featuring urban beaches like Sabinillas, a marina, La Duquesa, and a set of beaches declared ecological. Thus, one reaches the coastal epitaph of the Málaga coast, Punta Chullera, where one of the most spectacular, yet lesser-known spots in this municipality awaits. Crystal clear waters, beach bars offering good value for money, and plenty of tranquility to enjoy a different getaway.

There is an area in the Axarquía that offers sweet aromas at this time of year, especially in the trilogy of villages formed by Moclinejo, Almáchar, and El Borge, which today are under the tourist brand Corazón Moscatel. The grape of this variety is especially prominent at this time of year, when the wineries, wine presses, and drying beds in the area are making the most of this fruit. These days, one can visit these three villages and delve into the culture of the muscatel grape. Also, keep in mind that for the remainder of summer, there are several thematic festivals revolving around this grape or gastronomy: Fiesta del Ajoblanco in Almáchar (September 6), Fiesta de Viñeros in Moclinejo (September 14), and Día de la Pasa in El Borge (September 21). These are joined by other nearby events in the area, such as the Traditional Verdiales Contest in Benagalbón (September 20) or the Fiesta del Boquerón Victoriano in Rincón (from September 9 to 14).

Those who prefer river pools to say goodbye to summer, although they may be a bit colder these days, have a highly recommended route through the Málaga part of the Guadiaro Valley. Benaoján, Jimera de Líbar, and Cortes de la Frontera are the three municipalities that today can boast of having some of the most accessible river pools in the province of Málaga. In Benaoján, facing the icy waters of the Charco Frío, at the foot of the Cueva del Gato, will be a challenge. Meanwhile, at the Jimera Station, the pools of the Ermita and de la Llana await, located more than two kilometers apart. Finally, in Cortes de la Frontera await the pools of Las Pepas, de la Zúa, and del Moro. These freshwater baths can be complemented with visits of great interest in the area, such as the Cueva de la Pileta in Benaoján, or the Casa de Piedra in Cortes de la Frontera.

Guided tours, thematic festivals, and good gastronomy await in the duo formed by Antequera and Archidona. These two Málaga cities, beyond rivaling, can complement each other as a great destination for the last days of summer. Besides being two tourist municipalities with many places of interest, such as the Dólmenes complex, the Peña de los Enamorados, the Torcal, the Plaza Ochavada, or the castle of Archidona, they also have an interesting agenda for these days. Thus, in Antequera, the Luz de Luna cycle still continues to see the city and its surroundings when the sun sets. On the other hand, Archidona has a very interesting event to put the finishing touch to this summer, its Zambra Morisca, a thematic festival set in Al-Ándalus (from September 19 to 21). These days can also be taken advantage of to enjoy the gastronomy. There are high-quality restaurants in both cities where you can try much more than just porra. Additionally, traditional products such as mollete can also be purchased.