If you are going to take an early start, this should be the day. There are a lot of things to see today. Save the maximum amount of time for the Alpujarras, because that
region is very different from the white villages you have visited so far.The main reason to drop by Coin
is for its Saturday market. If you do not intend on stopping there, take the fastest road to the coast as outlined on map #12.
The coast road from Marbella to Nerja
is completely without interest. Until 20 years ago, this area was completely undeveloped. It was in fact very cheap, undesirable land with gray sand beaches. The price and time was right for a major wave of development. The developer was friendly with a few movie stars, which he invited to stay at his resort. Trendy magazines pictured the Costa del Sol as the place stars vacation and built up their popularity. Success followed…
Try to make it to Nerja for lunch. Nerja has a lot of restaurants, many of them very touristy. One stands out: Sardine Allegre. A family restaurant serving a good paella. The village of
Frigiliana , 5.5Km inland is a better choice. My recommendation: Rest. Santo Cristo, 1 Km past the village on your left.
Nerja marks the beginning of the Costa del Almeria, much quieter
then the Costa del Sol. If you want to stop at the beach, wait till your reach the Playa de Cotobro, right past La Herradura.
A few miles past Salobrena, take the N323 - E902 which is
the main road leaving the coast to Granada. A few miles after the bridge over the Rio Guadalfo, take the A348 to Lanjaron and then the smaller GR4211 to Pampeira , Bubion and Capileira. From
Capileira, there is an unpaved road to the summit of the Mulhacen. You need to check the conditions with the local police before you go. Be aware that you will not cross a village for many miles. The road becomes
paved again at the summit. If you do not feel adventurous, backtrack to the E902 into Granada.
Your hotel in Granada is the nicest parador in Spain. It is located inside the Alhambra, which is a spectacular
location. I would recommend dropping off your rental car upon arrival at the train station location. The old city can be seen on foot and you can take cabs everywhere else.
