Wedged between the Costa del Sol and the Costa Tropical, the twin towns of Nerja and Frigiliana evoke the Andalusia of yesteryear. You'll enjoy free time to explore both on this tour and also visit Nerja Caves. Els, one of our local guides, says, ‘Frigiliana is known as the Pearl of La Axarquia. It was where three cultures converged, and you'll see evidence of this as you explore the town. Above the trio of spouts at the Fountain of the Three Cultures, you'll see three symbols – the Christian cross, the Jewish Star of David and the Muslim crescent. See if you can find these three symbols together elsewhere in the town.'
Set in a dramatic location on the foothills of the Almijara Mountains, Frigiliana is our first stop. You'll have some free time to explore the flower-filled lanes under your own steam. Amble along the narrow, hilly streets of the Moorish old town – the Barribarto – and browse handicraft shops selling all kinds of local produce before we'll break for a glass of wine. The town is consistently ranked as one of the prettiest in Andalusia, thanks to its winding streets paved with pebble mosaics and brightly coloured doors.
Then, it's down to Nerja on the coast. Unusually for a seaside resort, it has retained a typical Andalusian appearance and atmosphere. You'll have free time to poke around shops and cafés and stop at Balcony of Europe to view the cove-strewn coastline. Round off the day descending hundreds of steps into Nerja Caves – an enormous series of grottoes home to the world's longest stalactite.
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