Much is written about the beautiful Andalucian cities of Seville, Malaga and Cordoba, but there are plenty of smaller inland towns and villages dotted around Andalucia that are well worth visiting.Situated just 30km from Malaga, Alhaurin el Grande is situated 240 metres above sea level and is one of the most attractive villages in the Guadalhorce River valley.

With a cosmopolitan mix of nationalities, Alhaurin el Grande still retains its Andalucian charm, with whitewashed houses and stunning local countryside.  This is the perfect town to visit for a day trip or longer, as it´s only a 35 minute drive from Marbella and Puerto Banus, and it offers a peace and tranquillity you will not find in the busier resort towns.

Perfect for golf enthusiasts, Lauro Golf Course is situated in nearby Alhaurin de la Torre, and Alhaurin Golf and Country Club Course was designed by Seve Ballesteros and is said to challenge even the most ardent golfers.  Both courses have wonderful après golf facilities close to the clubhouse including restaurants, bars and even a top hotel.

If golf is not your thing (and it certainly isn´t mine) take time to explore the countryside in and around Alhaurin el Grande and sample the traditional Andalucian tapas on offer in many Spanish bars.  Cultural events include a jazz and flamenco festival, in August, spectacular religious processions during Easter and the annual St John´s fair in June.  For the more energetic, trekking in the Sierra de Mijas and nearby Cartama is a must. Visitors who want to experience the more cultural and historical side of Alhaurin el Grande should visit the ancient Moorish tower in Torrealqueria and the Moorish mill in Alhaurin el Grande where British writer Gerald Brenan lived and died.

El Chorro
For lovers of the countryside, no trip to Andalucia is complete without a trip to El Chorro.  Situated just 45 minutes inland from Malaga and Marbella, this limestone gorge was damned in 1921 to form three reservoirs, which are surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural pine forests in Spain.  The Guadalhorce River passes through El Chorro making it a haven for swimmers, walkers and hikers.
Probably the most famous walkway in southern Spain, the Caminito del Rey gained its name after being opened by King Alfonso Xlll of Spain.  Over 700 metres high the walkway winds round the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes Pass, and was closed to the public in 2000.  So dangerous was the condition of the passway, that 4 tourists died during the two years before it was closed.  Intrepid adventurers had to navigate large parts of the pass which had been worn away and left massive holes in the path itself.  Handrails were non-existent before it closed and there was very little between the climbers and the 700m drop at the side.  The Ardales local council are attempting to secure funding to restore the Caminito del Rey, and work may start in 2010.

For a death defying video of walking the Camino del Rey, in its state of disrepair, look in You Tube and enter subject – Camino del Rey.  The now unused railway line was used in the film, Von Ryan´s Express in 1965.Well known for its outstanding views and scenery, El Chorro is the perfect day trip for hikers, bikers, campers and rock climbers.  For the not so adventurous, there are several great swimming spots, well-signposted in nearby Ardales. Local bars and restaurants boast stunning views over the reservoir and offer home-cooked  food at reasonable prices.

Antequera
Just 47km north of Malaga, on the A45, Antequera sits at the foot of the El Torcal and El Arco Calizo Chimenea mountain ranges.  Situated over 570 metres above sea level, Antequera retains much of its Andalucian charm.  The Moorish occupation of Antequera is still apparent with ruins of the castle and walls still visible.  Occupying a commanding position, Antequera boasted strong natural defences in times of conflict, and still stands proud as one of the largest municipalities in Malaga.
As with many locations in Malaga, Antequera has become popular with ex-pats and foreign visitors, but it has not been spoiled by mass tourism.  Local bars, restaurants and cafés still offer wonderful local food at a fraction of the price you would pay on the coast.  Try the speciality Antequeran molletes for breakfast, flat bread which is delicious split and toasted with olive oil and tomato.  Local recipes and ingredients are served throughout the day for lunch and dinner, and fresh local produce including fruits and vegetables are widely used.  Just 60 minutes from Marbella, Antequera continues to attract day trippers from all over the Costa del Sol.

No visit to Antequera is complete without taking time to explore Fuente de la Piedra, just up the road from the town. This salt water lagoon attracts hundreds of greater flamingoes which nest here.  There are plenty of viewing platforms and parking areas around Fuente de la Piedra and the flamingo lake is well signposted from the town.    The limestone rock formation of El Torcal is also a must-see spectacle, and this amazing nature reserve attracts visitors from all over Europe.

The region´s economy relied heavily on agriculture and furniture manufacturing.  Tourism has overtaken agriculture as the main industry in Antequera, and the city´s museums are home to 80% of all the art treasures in Malaga.  The most spectacular monument is the Real Colegiata de Santa Maria la Mayor, which is a national monument which overlooks the whole town.  With diverse architectural influences from the days of Roman and Moorish rule, Antequera offers a wealth of culture, history and fine art, plus some damn fine restaurants.

La Alpujarra
A mountainous region of the Costa del Sol, La Alpujarra is situated in the provinces of Granada and Almeria (eastern part in Almeria and the western part in Granada).  This is the region of fairytales and beautiful countryside.  Consisting mainly of valleys, with the Sierra Nevada to the north and the Sierras Almijara separating it from the coast, La Alpujarra offers stunning scenery and Andalucian charm.
Reliable irrigation from the Sierra´s rivers ensure rich fertile soil in the Granada region, and you will see an abundance of lemon, orange, grape, persimmons, almonds and fig trees.    Thought much drier, the eastern part of La Alpujarra still boasts some amazing scenery.  Largest villages in the area include Lanjarón, famous for its spring water, Orgiva, Ugijar, Laujar and Trevélez, which is the highest recognised town in the whole of Spain.

Huelva and Rio Tinto
Perhaps not the scale of Cordoba or Sevilla in terms on architecture and style, Huelva is still one of the most historically important provinces in Andalucia.  Industry plays a large part in the upkeep and economy of Huelva, but once you dig a bit deeper, you will discover picturesque plazas, historical monuments and plenty of fabulous seafood bars and restaurants.

One of the most intriguing, historical stories in Huelva was that of the Rio Tinto Mines.  Mined for copper, silver and gold since the days of the Phoenicians, the Greeks and the Romans, the Rio Tinto Mines are a rich part of Huelva´s history.  After a long period of inactivity, the mines were re-opened by the Spanish Government in 1724.  Badly run and inefficient, the mines were eventually sold to a group headed by Hugh Matheson of Matheson and Company, England, in 1873. The group paid 3,680.00 for the mine which, even at the time was said to be well below its proper value.  The Spanish government signed a contract relinquishing the right to any royalties from the Rio Tinto Company after it was registered in 1873 – something that came back to bite General Franco much later in the 1900´s.

Many British workers married Spanish women, who were introduced to the English way of life in Victorian times, playing croquet and celebrating such events as Queen Victoria´s birthday while living close to the mines in Huelva.  British workers were allowed to leave the Rio Tinto complex, but needed written permission from the boss to do so.

British workers at the Rio Tinto Mine are said to have first introduced football to Spain when they would form teams on their days off to the bemusement of the locals.  Subsequently, Recreativo de Huelva was the first football club to be formed in Spain in 1889 by Dr. Alexander Mackay and the workers of the Rio Tinto Mines.  In the 1950s, the political situation made it increasingly difficult for British owners to extract profits from Spanish operations, due to Franco´s nationalist policies, and the company decided to dispose of the mines from which it took its name.   In 1954 Rio Tinto Company sold two thirds of its stake in the Rio Tinto mines, disposing of the rest over the following year.  The sale of the mines financed extensive exploration activities over the following decade, and the Rio Tinto Company now has head offices in London and Melbourne, Australia and continues to flourish from its early days in Huelva.

Cadiz
The port town of Cadiz is one of Andalucia´s best kept secrets. Not a major tourist destination, but a beautiful city which is a favourite port of call for cruise ships from all over the world.
Cadiz is one of Europe´s oldest cities, and the architecture and history is amazing.  Hotels, bars and restaurants reflect the stunning surroundings, and the prices are amazing.  Try the delicious tapas or the fresh seafood and fish on offer in many local restaurants.  The quality of food and service is among the best in Spain.  Cadiz is under 2 hours from Marbella in the car, and is well worth a one day or two-day visit.
The beaches in Cadiz are unspoilt and much more peaceful than on the eastern side of the Costa del Sol.  Quite a windy coast, Cadiz offers perfect seas for windsurfing and kite surfing.  Ancient palaces, museums, cathedrals sit alongside beautiful gardens and natural parks, making this city popular with tourists from all over Europe.  Don´t miss the Grazalema Natural Park in Cadiz, plus the town hall and the Central Market.Funseekers from all over the world descend on Cadiz for the annual Cadiz Carnival which is held every year just before Lent. Said to be the wildest carnival in Spain, visitors join in the all singing and dancing processions which take to the streets.  Dress up and go wild for Cadiz Carnival.
Cadiz combines modern day partying with beautiful Andalucian architecture, history and some great camp sites and natural parkland.  Andalucia is home to some of the most beautiful towns and cities in the world.  Look a bit further inland and you will discover some of these  hidden gems for yourself.