The best day trips from Elviria
If you are staying in Elviria, Marbella, you will find a wide choice of beautiful places to visit on a day trip within easy reach of your hotel or apartment.
Mijas Pueblo (27km)
The beautiful white village of Mijas-Pueblo is a jewel in Andalucia´s crown, and attracts visitors from far and wide. Perched on the mountainside, 400 metres above sea level, yet only 7 km from the coast, this quaint village has retained much of its original charm-
In honour of the patron saint of Mijas, The Virgin of the Rock, the village hosts a week-long celebration every September when the cobbled streets come alive with colourful parades and processions.
Local shops offer colourful ceramics, leather goods, paintings and jewellery and there is also a fresh flower market in the village square every Saturday.
The Folk Museum in Mijas exhibits articles which illustrate the trades and history of Mijas. Also above the village is the Shrine of the Calvario, built in 1710. The Shrine can be seen for miles around and you can gain access by climbing the winding path from the village. Although only open on Good Friday, each year, the stunning views from here are worth the walk any time of the year.
Malaga (50km)
Malaga has evolved into one of the most cosmopolitan cities in southern Spain. Take your time to explore the port area, stop off in one of the waterside cafes and watch the world go by. Some of the world’s biggest cruise ships dock here regularly.
For history buffs and culture vultures, no visit to Malaga is complete withouta trip to the Gibralfaro Castle and the Alhambra.
Perched high above the city is the magnificent castle, which was once the main defensive focal point of the city during the times of Moorish occupation. This impressive 14th century fortress maintains much of its original structure, and gives visitors an insight into the Arab lifestyle in Andalucia, and boasts stunning views of the harbour below.
Dating back to the 11th century, Malaga´s impressive Alcazaba, is one of the city´s most famous landmarks, and this Moorish palace was one of the city´s most important buildings during the times of Arab rule.
If you are lucky enough to be in Malaga at Easter, solemn and ornate processions take place from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday and each one is led by a religious brotherhood, often made up of local tradesmen, with its own deep history and traditions.
Puerto Banus (21km)
Puerto Banus is like marmite – you either love it or hate it. But if you have never been, it is certainly worth a visit. Walk around the port and marvel at the huge yachts, enjoy a coffee or a cocktail while people-watching or dance the night away in one of the many clubs or music bars. Not for the faint-hearted, Puerto Banus is world famous as a party resort and it attracts jet-setters from all over the world. Classy, expensive restaurants rub shoulders with Irish pubs, karaoke bars and live music venues. You can certainly party and shop until you drop in Banus. Designer boutiques line the port area and most clubs stay open all night (especially in summer)!
Ojen (10km)
With a population of approximately 2,000, Ojén is one of the closest white villages to the coast, and remains relatively unspoilt. Situated only ten minutes from Marbella, with excellent road access, this traditional village clings to the hillside above the valley of the Rio Real.
The name ´Ojén´ is derived from the Arabic word, hoxán, which means a bitter or rough place. The Moors established a settlement here, and the village survived the Christian embargo on Moors living too close to the sea after the reconquest.
At an altitude of 650 feet, most of the houses boast fabulous views down to Marbella and the Mediterranean in the distance, and the village is hemmed in by the surrounding mountains. This may give us a clue as to why the Moors stayed so long – both mountain ranges have been known as rich sources of nickel, iron and lead for many centuries. Mineral wealth in this area put it at the forefront during the Spanish industrial revolution during the 19th century.
Sample the tapas and sherry in one of the village centre bars or take a hike in the nearby ‘Refugio de Juanar’ which offers stunning views over the coastline.
Benahavis (32km)
Well known on the Costa del Sol for it´s fabulous restaurants and local art and pottery, tourists and locals flock to Benahavis for fine food and local handicrafts. The main square and the narrow, cobbled streets are home to most of the restaurants.
Benahavis is situated inland between San Pedro and Estepona and is close to nine of the top golf courses on the Costa del Sol, including: El Paraiso Golf, La Zagaleta Golf, Los Arqueros, Monte Mayor and Atalaya Golf. Tee times can be booked in advance, which is always recommended during the busier times of year between October and April.
Visitors can reach the beach from Benahavis in ten minutes, and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding Ronda Mountains. There are many intriguing places to visit in and around the village, including the fresh water rock pools at the foot of the mountains, where locals go to picnic and relax during the summer months.
Visitors can also enjoy the many walking trails that lead out of Benahavis Village and explore the local countryside on foot. Right next to the entrance of El Casar you can walk up to the top of the hills for superb views to Gibraltar and the African coastline.
Benahavis has remained relatively unspoilt, and even the newer developments have been designed to fit in with the local landscape and the surrounding countryside.