The international fame of the province of Málaga’s coastal strip, better known as Costa del Sol, has been so overpowering since it became a first-class tourist destination that for some time it has, if not hidden, at least overshadowed the vast wealth, especially in terms of scenery, of the interior villages. Although enthusiasm for sun and beach tourism has not diminished one iota, these interior villages have gradually incorporated themselves into the tourism offer in general, and have become a nearly indispensable supplement to the great attraction of the sun and beach sector.

The province of Málaga’s diverse topography--some do not hesitate to compare it to a small continent--has shaped landscapes that are very different from one another. Some are of such exceptional environmental value that they have earned recognition and protection not only from the Spanish government but also from international organisations. In these extraordinary landscapes are nestled many picturesque villages that for years have been attracting the attention of a constantly increasing number of visitors.
It should also be noted that the interior towns, especially those that are regional administrative centres, are heir to a historical legacy of the utmost importance. This, combined with their natural settings, increases their appeal in the eyes of visitors who, if they do not actually choose one of the non-coastal destinations, customarily make plans beforehand for one or more excursions outside the coastal area.

Practically the entire interior of the province of Málaga has been subjected to special environmental attention that has resulted in scrupulous nature conservation. This development has not gone unnoticed by the tourism industry. It has been creating, on a very different model from that followed on the coast, an infrastructure that is highly respectful of natural surroundings and is directed at a class of tourist that prefers to be in direct contact with nature or to simply get away from the fast pace inherent to more crowded areas.

Everywhere in the hinterland of the Málaga province, there are already comfortable hotels, generally of medium to low capacity, in strategic locations where the scenery is the primary feature. Quite a few of these hotels are simply former farmsteads or large houses that have been suitably adapted, and in which the client receives very personalised treatment. There are also numerous rural houses that have been converted into comfortable dwellings perfectly adapted to modern needs but that have not lost the charm of the traditional Andalusian architecture. Likewise, a number of historic and stately buildings, generally old palaces, have been incorporated into the hotel infrastructure of the province’s interior after being properly refurbished.

Nature has been extremely generous to the province of Málaga. There are enormous topographic contrasts in this region, ranging from the lowlands of Antequera with their broad and fertile plains around the magic rock formations of El Torcal to the imposing mass of the Tejeda and Almijara mountain ranges in La Axarquía, including the legendary Ronda highlands with the Genal valley and the Sierra de las Nieves mountain ranges as points of reference, and the immense orchard which is the Guadalhorce valley beginning at the natural marvel of the Los Gaitanes gorge.

Presented with such a panorama--and really over a hundred other places could be mentioned, as many as there are municipalities in the province¬--it is no wonder that Málaga leads Andalusia in the field of interior tourism. Most villages are, furthermore, very well connected with the main transportation routes that cross the province. Rapid travel is thus assured from any place to the capital or to the most important municipalities.