The local area is lovely - family orientated, child friendly and still predominantly Spanish!

The nearest beach is only a kilometre away and there are many bars and restaurants to choose from along the paseo. The prices locally are low, an excellent Menu del Dia can be eaten for around 8€ per person, or try the local speciality of sardines, cooked over wood on the beaches. Fantastic!

A short trip in either direction will offer you a choice of a large number of beaches. Whether you are looking for a small cove or a large beach with sunbeds you will be sure to find it. Even a Naturist beach if you like an all over tan!

In summer the atmosphere is fantastic and there is usually something going on on the seafront at night. You will find craft stalls and there may be live music or even Spanish dance classes for anyone to join in. There are children’s play areas dotted around and there are even exercise areas for adults! From Mezquitilla, there's a lovely walk along the coast to Torre del Mar, passing the fishing port at Caleta del Mar, and with the sea to your side all the way.

The many local ferias are great fun and at times there are firework displays which you can enjoy from the villa terrace.

We recommend that guests hire a car to make the most of the area. It's easy to drive about here, even in summer, and parking is easily available.

Mezquitilla is part of the coastal area of Velez-Malaga. Being only 7 minutes from the motorway and just off the N340 coast road it's the ideal location for anyone wishing to explore Andalucia.

There are many attractions to visit depending on whether you want something nearby or prefer to venture further afield. Here's a few suggestions...

Near to Casa Marina, only a 20 minute drive away, is the popular resort area of Nerja. This is a pretty town, very popular with tourists of all nationalities. A great way to see the town is to take the Tourist Train that trundles through the streets several times a day, or hire one of the horse and carts to be found on the Balcon de Europa. Although a tourist resort, Nerja is still very Spanish. It has some lovely beaches, many restaurants, bars and shops and is a lovely place just to wander around and take in the atmosphere.

Nearby at Maro are the famous Nerja Caves which are quite spectacular and well worth a visit. More caves and with completely different characteristics ( and fewer steps) are the Cuevas del Tesoro (Treasure Caves) at La Cala de Moral. There is also a small playground next to the caves.

Frigiliana, known as one of Andalucia's prettiest white villages, is also nearby and we highly recommend that you use a local tour guide to talk you through the fascinating history of the town. It is lovely to take a tour in the morning (a sample of the local wine is included) then relax and have a coffee or lunch in one of the many restaurants. These all have terraces tucked away where you can enjoy the view down to the coast.

There are many lovely typical Spanish villages in the area to explore, such as nearby Algarrobo Pueblo, or Benagalbon which has a tiny, unique, museum. Knock on the door and the delightful caretaker will be only too pleased to open it up just for you. In many of the villages you will find elderly Spanish ladies selling fruit and veg from the open door of their home, giving you a fascinating glimpse of their life.

At Velez-Malaga there is a water park as well as a shopping mall with a bowling alley and cinema. Other activities in the area are go karting, horse riding and scuba diving. Children also love the Nerja donkey sanctuary where they can feed and groom the animals and even adopt a donkey!

A short drive inland will take you to the beautiful Lake Vinuela area. Another lovely to place with beautiful views to have lunch!

There are local markets on most days of the week as well as evening markets on some of the beaches. The nearest market is held on a Saturday morning at Caleta de Velez. This bustling market is full of bargains, fresh fruit, spices and pottery souvenirs. Just across the road from the market is Caleta port and marina. There is plenty of parking around the marina (which only the locals tend to know about) and a very good restaurant. There is also a lovely beach just along from here and some very good chiringuitos!

During summer there are a variety of activities and events that take place on the paseo from live music to Spanish salsa classes for anyone to join in.

There are many lovely walks in the area particularly in the National Parks. We provide guide books and suggestions for walks at different levels of difficulty.

Jeep tours and guided tours can also be arranged.

Further afield, you may wish to take a trip to Granada and the Alhambra Palace (book tickets in advance), or Ronda with it's spectacular gorge; Cordoba and Gibraltar are also well within reach for a day trip. There are just too many places to cover, but we supply maps and guide books to help you decide.

Why not visit the Absolute Axarquia website for details of the many festivals celebrated throughout the year, often with fun fairs and fireworks, or for more information on beaches and the local area.