Along its stretch of coast, Playas de las Acacias is collection of beaches, divided into small coves. These quieter and less crowded stretches of sand are popular with the locals, and breakwaters make for calm waters. Meanwhile, situated on the edge of Malaga, the charming fishing village of Pedregalejo has preserved its local flavor, with small, pedestrian streets and pretty homes.

El Tintero is a lively, fun place to eat. Instead of ordering from a menu, you wait for a server to come round with a set of plates, shouting out the name of the dish he is offering. You simply raise your hand for a dish that you want, and there you have your first plate of food, which could be grilled sardines, octopus, prawns, or myriad other delicacies from the sea. At the end of the meal, your bill is calculated by the number of plates on your table. The restaurant is highly recommended for the food and the loud, vibrant atmosphere.

Although it's flanked by the highway and the airport, Rio Guadalhorce Nature Reserve is both peaceful and an excellent place to see all sorts of wildlife, including waders, ducks and birds of prey. More than 250 species have been spotted here, and the marshlands and plant life make the area a great place for a stroll, even if you aren't a birder.

Covering 17 square kilometers (about 10.5 miles) of wild and wondrous limestone rock formations, El Torcal is a fascinating place to explore, and home to wildlife such as deer, goats, eagles, and vultures.

Located close to the main street in Antequera, Meson La Bombonera serves up absolutely delicious food along with a fantastic selection of wines and beer. The quality of the food is superb, from the grilled meats and seafood to the tapas, desserts, and even coffee.

Located in the hills of Maro, about an hour-long bus ride from Malaga, the Caves of Nerja stretch some five kilometers (three miles) and are home to the world's widest naturally formed column, which measures 32 meters (105 feet) high and was formed by a stalactite and stalagmite merging. There are also some very interesting prehistoric cave paintings, which you can visit by guided tour only.