Must visit historical sites on the Costa del Sol

These prehistoric caves are one of the largest in Andalusia and are considered a natural cathedral by many.

The caves were discovered in 1959 and contain some of the world’s oldest cave paintings, dating back over 20,000 years. The geological wonder also boasts impressive stalactites and stalagmites jutting out from the floor and roof of the caves.

The caves offer a fascinating glimpse into early human habitation, as they were used and frequented by human groups during prehistory, from about 35,000 years ago to about 3,600 years ago. Humans used the cave as a shelter and a place of residence where they could rest. The deeper areas were used for creating cave paintings and engravings and as a burial site.

Wagoners Abroad, a family of four who write about their travels, said they enjoyed visiting the caves:

“We really enjoyed our time in the caves. It was a perfect afternoon activity for the kids, and they are now becoming cave experts. In 2011, we toured the Rio Camuy Caves Park in Puerto Rico and recently enjoyed all of the caves and tunnels in Gibraltar. They do hold concerts in the caves of Nerja during the summer months, so we want to be sure to return and enjoy that experience as well.”

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On the top of a mountain overlooking the city are the remains of a small fortress that dates back to the Phoenician-Punic times (1500–300 B.C.). The Castillo de Gibralfaro, also known as the Castle of Gibralfaro, was predominantly built by Yusuf I in 1340 AD to improve the defence of Málaga.

When the Nasrid Kingdom was isolated on the Peninsula and surrounded by the Kingdom of Castille, they built rings of walls and hundreds of towers, making Malaga an almost impregnable city. A weak point, however, was the Gibralfaro mountain, and to guard against any potential invasions, Yusuf I ordered a castle to be built.

Today, the fortification is a popular attraction to visit and offers one of the best views of Malaga.

If you are staying at one of our hotels on the Costa del Sol and want to see one of the most significant ancient Roman ruins in the southern region of Spain, you need to visit the Roman Theatre of Málaga (Teatro Romano de Málaga).

The attraction is picturesquely located at the foot of the Alcazaba and gives visitors a glimpse into the city’s Roman past.

Built in the 1st century BC, the theatre remained in use until the 3rd century AD, making it one of the oldest Roman structures on the Iberian Peninsula. The theatre was used for public performances, including plays, orations and musical performances.

What makes this theatre even more incredible is that following the fall of the Roman Empire and during the Middle Ages, the theatre fell into disuse and was eventually buried by centuries of urban development. It remained hidden until its 20th-century rediscovery.

The theatre is open throughout the year, and you can visit for free, but it can get busy, so if you want to avoid the crowds, you should visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

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This traditional Andalusian whitewashed village is picturesquely perched on a hillside, and its narrow, winding streets are filled with historic buildings, including a 17^th-century bullring and an ancient fortress.

Mijas is regarded as one of the most stunning villages on the Costa del Sol. It is located just 8 kilometres from the dramatic coastline and 30 minutes from Fuengirola and Malaga, which makes it the perfect destination for a day trip. From traditional tapas, cheese and wine, and international cuisine to fine dining, the village also boasts a thriving dining scene.

The village’s stunning outdoor auditorium is the venue for many live concerts throughout the summer, and light and music shows take place throughout the year.

Angelina shares her travel experiences on her The Belle Blog and highly recommends visiting Mijas:

“Despite being hugely popular with tourists, Mijas Pueblo has somehow managed to retain much of its traditional Andalusian way of life, the locals displaying their unabashed passion for all things festive and an unmistakable relaxed ‘mañana’ outlook on anything that can be put off for another day. I think they are definitely on to something there…

“Take a leisurely stroll along the cobbled streets until you make your way to the fortress wall. Here, you can take in the breathtaking view of the Costa del Sol and the Mediterranean.”

There are many historic towns on the Costa del Sol that you can visit, but Mijas is certainly one that should be at the top of your bucket list.

When you think of Roman Baths, you would be forgiven for initially thinking about the ones located in Bath in the southwest of England, but Marbella is also home to the remains of 2nd-century Roman baths that are in fantastic condition.

Baths were integral to daily life in the Roman Empire, and despite being built thousands of years ago, the structure of the building has withstood the test of time. The baths have lost some of their beauty over the centuries, as only a few mosaics are left.

The bonus is that the baths are located between Marbella and Estepona and are just feet away from one of the region’s best beaches (Guadalmina Beach), so you can enjoy some fun in the sun and then stroll over to this ancient archaeological site for some culture.

These baths are believed to be the remains of a Roman settlement known as Cilniana, which was destroyed by an earthquake in AD 365. Originally, the buildings would have been built around an octagonal pool and patio with an upper-level circular gallery. Close to the baths, there are some Roman pools that historians believe would have been used for salting fish.

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The Sohail Castle is located at the mouth of the Fuengirola River. If you visit this historic site, you can enjoy some great views over the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra de Mijas Mountains.

The castle is steeped in history, from being a settlement for the Phoenicians and the Romans to being occupied by the Christian armies battling against the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada.

Following a period of neglect, it wasn’t until the second half of the 20th century that this historic site was restored to its full glory. Today, this medieval fortress hosts a range of events, such as the renowned Festival of the City of Fuengirola, the Medieval Market and the Beer Festival.

As this article has highlighted, there are many historic places to visit on the Costa del Sol that showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage, blending Roman, Moorish and Christian influences across centuries.

If you want to go on holiday to the Costa del Sol and experience some of this history, then take a look at our Ramada Hotel & Suites and Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol accommodation or speak to one of our experts on 0800 031 9066 if you have any questions.

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