Nerja, in Spain's Andalucia, is an old fishing village set in magnificent scenery 50 km east of Malaga. The towering mountain peaks, shaded valleys and tumbling streams of the wild, 40,662 sq hectare Parque Natural de las Sierras de Tejeda Almijara y Alhama sweep down to the outskirts of the town on three sides; on the fourth a chain of sandy, rock girt beaches, where fishermen haul up their traditional brightly painted boats, create some of the most stunning and unspoiled coastal views on the Costa del Sol.

All this makes Nerja one of the best bases for walking in Spain; there are treks to suit everyone; challenging mountain hikes for the seasoned walker, less demanding walk routes across the coast or lower slopes, and gentle strolls through pine-clad valleys or the winding streets of Nerja itself and the nearby mountain villages.