Because paradise doesn’t stop at your doorstep…

One of the greatest joys of living in — or even visiting — La Cala de Mijas is that while it already feels like a dream destination, it also serves as a perfect launchpad for countless day trips and weekend escapes. Within just a couple of hours’ drive, you can swap the town’s golden beaches and laid-back coastal vibe for mountain gorges, cliffside walks, whitewashed villages, or even an entirely different country.

If you’re based here, you’ll know exactly what we mean — La Cala de Mijas offers that sweet balance between relaxed seaside living and easy access to some of southern Spain’s most extraordinary places. Whether you’re in the mood for history, culture, adventure, or simply a change of scenery, here are six destinations within two hours of La Cala de Mijas that will leave you planning your next getaway before you’ve even unpacked.

1. Ronda – The City in the Sky

Driving time: Around 1 hr 45 min

                  ^{Puente Nuevo bridge over El Tajo Gorge in Ronda, Andalusia, at sunset}

Ronda is the stuff of travel posters. Perched dramatically on a mountaintop and split in two by the sheer drop of El Tajo Gorge, the town offers some of the most dramatic views in Spain. The iconic Puente Nuevo bridge spans the gorge, connecting the old Moorish quarter with the more modern part of the town — and the small chamber above the central arch once served as a prison. Today it’s an exhibition space telling the story of this remarkable feat of engineering.

Beyond the bridge, Ronda is also home to the Plaza de Toros, one of the oldest and most prestigious bullrings in Spain, with a fascinating museum detailing its history. Whether you’re a fan of bullfighting or not, the architecture and heritage here are unmissable. And for wine lovers, the rolling countryside around Ronda offers excellent vineyard tours and tastings.

Perfect for: Lovers of history, photographers, and anyone who enjoys pairing mountain air with a good glass of red.

2. Nerja – Where the Mountains Meet the Sea

Driving time: Around 1 hr 20 min

                         ^{Balcón de Europa viewpoint in Nerja with Mediterranean views}

Nerja is the definition of Andalusian coastal charm — a lively yet relaxed town blessed with sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Its star attraction, the Balcón de Europa, is a palm-lined promenade perched on a cliff, offering sweeping Mediterranean views that are particularly magical at sunset.

Just outside town, the Nerja Caves are a must-visit. These vast caverns, with towering stalactites and prehistoric cave paintings, are an awe-inspiring glimpse into both geology and history. The acoustics are so impressive that concerts are sometimes held here.

If you’re making the trip, consider stopping at Frigiliana (see next destination) on the same day. The two make a perfect pairing of coastal and mountain village beauty.

Perfect for: Beach lovers, families, and those looking for a classic seaside escape with a cultural twist.

3. Frigiliana – The Prettiest Village in Spain?

Driving time: Around 1 hr 25 min

                                         ^{Whitewashed Moorish-style alley in Frigiliana}
Often voted among Spain’s most beautiful villages, Frigiliana is a whitewashed wonder that clings to the hillside above Nerja. Its Mudéjar Quarter is one of the best-preserved examples of Moorish architecture in Andalusia, with winding cobbled lanes, flower-filled balconies, and stunning viewpoints over the Mediterranean.

If you visit in late August, don’t miss the Festival of the Three Cultures, which celebrates the village’s Christian, Muslim, and Jewish heritage. Expect live music, craft markets, street performances, and an array of food stalls serving dishes inspired by all three traditions.

Here, life moves slowly. It’s a place for wandering, sipping wine in tiny plazas, and letting the views do the talking.

Perfect for: Slow travel enthusiasts, romantic getaways, and those who believe the best souvenir is a memory.

4. Caminito del Rey – From “Most Dangerous Path” to Most Unforgettable

Driving time: Around 1 hr 30 min

                       ^{Suspended cliffside walkway of Caminito del Rey in Gaitanes Gorge}

Once dubbed “the world’s most dangerous walkway,” the Caminito del Rey is now a fully restored, safe, and spectacular hiking route along the cliffs of the Gaitanes Gorge. The trail, suspended 100 metres above the Guadalhorce River, offers jaw-dropping views around every corner.

The walk itself is about 7.7 km and takes 3–4 hours at a leisurely pace. It’s not physically demanding, but the heights make it exhilarating. Tickets sell out quickly, so book in advance to secure your place on this unforgettable adventure.

Perfect for: Adventurers, nature lovers, and anyone with a head for heights.

5. Setenil de las Bodegas – Life Under the Rocks

Driving time: Around 1 hr 50 min

               ^{Street in Setenil de las Bodegas built under a massive rock overhang}

If you’re after something truly unusual, Setenil de las Bodegas will deliver. Here, entire streets are built directly into — and under — massive rock overhangs. The most famous are Cuevas del Sol and Cuevas de la Sombra, where cafés and houses are shaded year-round by the natural rock formations.

Climb up to the Carmen Viewpoint for a stunning panorama of the village, or explore the remnants of the Moorish castle and the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación. And don’t leave without sampling the local chorizo or wines in one of the tucked-away tapas bars.

Perfect for: Curious travellers, photographers, and foodies.

6. Gibraltar – Britain in the Sun

Driving time: Around 2 hrs (passport required)

                                ^{The Rock of Gibraltar with sea views towards Morocco}

Cross the border at La Línea and you’ll suddenly find yourself in a little slice of Britain — albeit with much better weather. The Rock of Gibraltar is the headline attraction, and a cable car ride to the top rewards you with sweeping views over the Strait to Morocco on a clear day.

On the way up or down, visit St. Michael’s Cave, a network of illuminated limestone chambers with an almost otherworldly atmosphere. And of course, keep an eye out for the Barbary macaques — Europe’s only wild monkey population — who are as entertaining as they are mischievous.

Perfect for: A quirky cultural change of pace, history buffs, and duty-free shopping enthusiasts.

Tips for Planning Your Escape

Early starts pay off. Roads are quieter, temperatures cooler, and you’ll have more time to enjoy your destination.

Pack for variety. A light jacket for mountain trips, a hat and sunscreen for coastal visits, and comfortable shoes for village strolls or cliffside walks.

Mix and match. Some destinations combine perfectly — Nerja and Frigiliana, Ronda and Setenil, Caminito del Rey with a lakeside picnic at Ardales.

Don’t rush. These trips are about enjoying the journey as much as the destination. Leave time for spontaneous stops — a roadside café, a viewpoint, a local market.

Why Living in La Cala de Mijas Puts the Best of Andalusia Within Reach

Part of the magic of life on the Costa del Sol is the sheer variety of experiences within easy reach. From the mountains to the Mediterranean, from ancient history to modern adventure, La Cala de Mijas is perfectly positioned to enjoy it all.

For homeowners and future buyers, this means more than just beautiful surroundings — it’s a lifestyle where every weekend can feel like a holiday, and where friends and family visiting from abroad will never run out of things to see and do.

Whether you’re here for a week or a lifetime, these six escapes within two hours of La Cala de Mijas prove that in Andalusia, paradise is never far away.

If you’re ready to make the Costa del Sol your home — with all these adventures on your doorstep — contact us at Mediterranean Homes to find your perfect property.