Activities Lovely walks are to be made throughout the surrounding countryside, full of interest for birdwatchers, botanists and artists. One can walk along the ancient Phoenician acequias (irrigation channels) which snake around the rugged mountainsides behind, still bringing fresh water to the village below as they have done for thousands of years. The dramatic gorge too can be explored along the bed of the river Higueron back into the massive feet of the Sierra Almijara mountain range rising behind the village. The pueblos blancos of Frigiliana, Cómpeta, and Torrox form the Ruta de Vinos of Axarquia, each producing their own brand of vino del terreno from the moscatel grape. Nerja, on the seaside below Frigiliana, is a 10 minute drive downhill. Although touristic, when inside its narrow streets Nerja has charm - and a wide range of restaurants, bars, shops and cafés. It is fun to visit on market days or when in need of the bustle of a larger town. The Cuevas de Nerja, a really remarkable and famous set of vast caves, and the renowned Balcon de Europa promenade high above the sea - planted with ancient palm trees, marvellous views of the coast and the encircling mountains - must both be visited. There are several popular beaches at Nerja where one can swim without the crowding of the western Costa del Sol, whilst many delightful smaller beaches down tracks further to the east are still quite unsophisticated. There is a naturist beach about 20 minutes drive away. Tennis can be played in Nerja and horseriding is available in the valleys around Frigiliana. Golf, sailing, hang-paragliding, scuba diving, mountain biking, petanque are all enjoyed locally. Skiing nearby in Sierra Nevada is ideal for mixed parties where some want to ski and some prefer to swim. Winter and early Spring days are usually mild to warm, but a drive of only 1hr 45 mins reaches excellent skiing for all standards. The Sierra Nevada has hosted World Championships and offers 2 green, 13 blue, 17 red, and 6 black runs. It has artificial snow when necessary and lifts carrying over 31,000 people an hour. At 2,100 to 3,300 metres in altitude, it is the most southerly skiing in Europe with excellent road access and a huge underground car park. As soon as you drive into the country from the coast you begin to discover the Spain that has remained totally unspoilt for centuries. Andalucía offers so much beauty and magic, the landscape is astounding and varied, driving is easy and the vast panoramas are endless - from towering mountain peaks, glimpses of snow-capped Sierras, endless olive groves and agricultural smallholdings, barren arid areas, pine forests to tropical beaches. The great historical cities of Granada, Córdoba, Málaga, Ronda and Sevilla with culture, colour, style and buzz, are within touring reach. The Alpujarra mountains, where some of the highest villages in Europe nestle, provide plentiful spring water (bottled particularly at Lanjarón) and here are thought to be the finest local jamon serrano, whilst the vino del terreno and cheeses are not to be missed. Flora and fauna, friendship and fresh air, a slow pace of life, bright light, space and sunshine are in abundance all year throughout the proud, passionate and fascinating land of Andalucía.