Waking up to Mediterranean views, enjoying a leisurely breakfast, and, just a few minutes down the road, losing yourself in whitewashed narrow streets, bougainvillea-filled squares, and stunning viewpoints. That’s the sound of a perfect day if you’re staying at Leiro Residences, your luxury resort in Higuerón, and heading out to discover some of Málaga’s most beautiful villages.
In this guide, we suggest a carefully curated route, with essential stops and practical tips so you return at sunset with a camera full of memories, and a heart even fuller.
Travel idea: alternate between mountain ‘white’ villages and coastal towns, and always leave time to sit in a small square to savour a coffee, an ajoblanco (cold almond soup), or an torta de aceite (olive oil flatbread). You set the pace.
How to plan your stress-free route
- Choose a maximum of three stops per day. The temptation to see everything is great, but the villages are best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
- Start with those closest to Higuerón (Mijas Pueblo or Benalmádena Pueblo) and gain altitude towards the Axarquía region or the Serranía de Ronda mountains.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Many historic centres have steep hills and cobblestones.
- Mornings for viewpoints, afternoons for the sea. A winning formula when you stay at Leiro Residences.
Málaga’s most beautiful villages you shouldn’t miss
Frigiliana
The archetype of the Andalusian ‘white village’, with an impeccably preserved Moorish Mudéjar historic centre. Wandering through its network of streets transports you to another era, among slopes, tiles, blue flowerpots, and photogenic corners. Explore the Barribarto area and look for viewpoints with views of the Axarquía and the sea. If you fancy a deeper dive, the town council offers very affordable guided tours departing from the Casa del Apero.
- Leiro Tip: return to your suite at Leiro Residences to toast with a muscatel wine from the Axarquía.
Ronda
The dream city is perched on the edge of the Tajo gorge via the monumental Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), an icon that links two centuries of history and 100 metres of stone suspended above the Guadalevín river. Take in the views from different balconies and visit the small interpretation centre on the bridge itself. Then lose yourself in the Old City, among palaces, Arab baths, and traditional taverns.
Nerja
Endless picture-postcard views from the Balcón de Europa (Balcony of Europe), the most famous corniche on the Costa del Sol. It’s a plaza and viewpoint overlooking the Mediterranean between turquoise coves and white facades. Ideal for an evening stroll and, if it suits your trip, combine it with a visit to the famous caves at another time during your stay.
Mijas Pueblo
Nestled between the sea and the mountains, Mijas Pueblo is appealing with its garden-wall and a hermitage excavated in the rock, the Virgen de la Peña (Virgin of the Rock), as well as a network of viewpoints overlooking the coast. Stroll through the Plaza de la Constitución and the Mirador del Compás; the atmosphere is one of those classic Andalusian scenes.
Benalmádena Pueblo
In the upper part of the municipality, at about 300 metres above sea level, Benalmádena Pueblo retains the charm of an old settlement with narrow streets, secluded squares, and flowery pots. Very close by, you will find the Pre-Columbian Museum and the charming Plaza de España with the “Niña de Benalmádena” statue. Perfect to combine with a walk along the harbour or the beaches later.
Casares
Perched atop a hill, Casares is one of Málaga’s most photogenic white villages, featuring a castle, an historic-artistic framework, and the Casa Natal de Blas Infante (Blas Infante’s Birth House). Its location between the Serranía de Ronda, the Costa del Sol, and the Campo de Gibraltar offers incredible panoramic views. In 2025, the town stood out for tourism initiatives that revalued its heritage.
Genalguacil
Contemporary art in a rural setting. Genalguacil is a village-museum where, since 1994, artists have left permanent works in the streets and squares during the biennial Art Encounters. The result is a vibrant route that fuses tradition, landscape, and creativity. In 2025, it again stood out for its presence at ARCO and for cultural innovation initiatives.
Júzcar
The blue village of the Serranía de Ronda surprises visitors with its painted profile and a surrounding area of chestnut groves and ravines of enormous beauty. Check the local agenda for activities and family routes scheduled for the weekends; the town council itself communicates timings and proposals.
Comares
Known as the Balcony of the Axarquía, Comares climbs to over 700 metres above sea level with an Andalusian heritage layout, urban viewpoints, and narrow streets that preserve arches and cisterns. From its main square, the views encompass mountains and valleys, and the heritage is palpable at every step.
Gaucín
Blue doors, artists’ workshops, and the lofty Castillo del Águila (Eagle Castle), a fortress of Andalusian origin that dominates the Genal Valley and even glimpses the Campo de Gibraltar (Gibraltar area). The climb offers history and one of the widest panoramas in the province; check opening hours before you go.
Ojén
Sitting between the Mediterranean and the Sierra de las Nieves mountains, Ojén is all about tranquility, fountains, and bright alleyways. It is a natural gateway to the national park and a fantastic base for gentle routes towards the Mirador del Juanar viewpoint, with captivating sea and mountain views.
Canillas de Aceituno
If nature tempts you, check out El Saltillo, a spectacular trail with footbridges and a hanging bridge within the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama Natural Park. It is a less crowded alternative to the Caminito del Rey, with a natural balcony overlooking the Axarquía.
Mini-itineraries to make the most of Málaga’s villages
| Itinerary | Morning | Afternoon |
| Coast and White Viewpoints | Mijas Pueblo → Benalmádena Pueblo | Stroll along the coast and dinner in Higuerón. |
| Essential Axarquía | Frigiliana → Comares | Relax by the pool at Leiro Residences and dinner featuring local produce. |
| Serranía with Art | Gaucín → Genalguacil | Sunset drink on a terrace. |
Where to take the photo you will remember
- Frigiliana: the Inquisitor’s hill (Cuesta del Inquisidor) and the Barribarto, in the late afternoon.
- Ronda: Puente Nuevo from the Mirador de Aldehuela or the Puente Viejo (Old Bridge) at sunset.
- Nerja: the curved railing of the Balcón de Europa with the arch of palm trees in the background.
- Comares: Balcón de la Axarquía urban viewpoint, with the coast on the horizon.
- Gaucín: the castle wall overlooking the Genal.
Flavours that pair with each village
- Axarquía: muscatel grapes and raisins from the Ruta de la Pasa (Raisin Route) (Almáchar, El Borge, Moclinejo, Comares, Cútar, and Totalán). Look for ajo bacalao (cod and garlic dip) and ajoblanco (cold almond soup).
- Serranía de Ronda: Payoya goat cheeses and Ronda wines with a mineral character.
- Coast: espeto de sardina (sardine skewers), fritura malagueña (Málaga-style fried fish), and ensalada malagueña (Málaga salad) with orange and cod.
