Of course the Costa del Sol is renowned for its beaches.  But the ease with which you can leave the crowds behind and enter the heart of rural Andalucia is astonishing. High country roads wind through herb-scented hillsides, towards the dizzy peaks of the Sierra de Tejeda, the home of buzzards and eagles.

The Tejeda's rugged foothills are lightly speckled with a dusting of whitewashed villages, or 'pueblos blancos', tucked into hollows, spread over ridges and perched high on solitary crags. One such village is Frigiliana. It is a sheer delight with its maze of alleys, wrought-iron balconies spilling over with flowers, higgledy-piggledy stairways and views of the blue Mediterranean.

Nerja too is a delight. Around 16 kilometres of beaches, about 300 bars and restaurants and almost 360 days of sunshine.

Nerja is blooming. Large hotels line the multitude of beaches. Winding roads brim with people in the old town. Life takes a lazy stroll along beautiful Balcon de Europa, Nerja's stunning promenade and centre. Whether you've planned your trip around sampling Spain, or bagged a bargain holiday to Nerja, it's all here.

Nerja is known as the tourist capital of Axaquia. It boasts 5 million year old caves, with caverns, a concert hall.

Perched on cliffs above the Mediterranean with views across the bay towards the impressive mountains which slope into the calm, azure sea, Nerja has the ambience and style of a lively Spanish town. The Moorish influence is apparent as you stroll through the narrow roads lined with whitewashed buildings which abound with interesting shops and restaurants. The beaches are equally enticing with rocky outcrops and sandy and pebbly beaches all competing for space next to the tranquil sea.

You can't beat the beach and bright lights of Torremolinos for the perfect beach to top up your tan. Or travel to the Costa del Sol's furthest edges and you'll find family-friendly Estepona, Marbella where you could find yourself rubbing shoulders with royalty, Puerto Banus with its chic yachts. Or explore Fuengirola or Benalmadena. There's plenty to do on the Costa del Sol.

     When you rent a holiday home on the Costa del Sol through ownersabroad.org, you deal directly with the owner, who is your best source of information for local attractions, restaurants, entertainment near your accommodation on the Costa del Sol. Local knowledge helps to make the most of villa holidays on the Costa del Sol.