Malaga old town and Mijas mountain village tour

From big city to quaint whitewashed village, you'll experience both sides of life on the Costa del Sol. In Malaga, you can shop-till-you-drop, explore the old town or visit one of the many art museums. A change of pace in Mijas sees you stroll flower-festooned streets and enjoy peaceful sea views. Antonio, one of our local guides, says ‘Malaga cathedral is a must-visit, if only to see the hand-sculpted choir stalls. There should be two towers, but construction funds were sent to American revolutionaries, and the second tower was never completed. So now locals affectionately call the cathedral “La Manquita” – the one-armed lady.'

First up, we'll head for Malaga, where you'll soon see this is a city on the rise. Winding streets crammed with tapas bars run alongside historic monuments, and a newly spruced-up port area, Muelle Uno, serves up plenty more stylish places for a drink or a meal. You'll have free time to visit the Centre Pompidou, shop in the designer outlets of Calle Larios or admire art exhibitions. Pablo Picasso was born here and there's a museum packed with works of his near the Roman Theatre.

In the afternoon, we change gear with a visit to the quaint mountain village of Mijas. Wandering sleepy cobbled streets, you can pick-up handmade ceramics or pay a visit to one of the world's smallest chocolate factories. Once you've browsed the boutiques and backstreets, take a break in a café or enjoy countryside vistas rolling down to the coast from one of the panoramic viewpoints.