Beautiful and relaxing as parts of the coastal area of the Costa del Sol may be, there may come a time when you feel like a complete change from it all. Time then to point you car inland and head for the hills!

There are dozens of places to explore, few of which will disappoint, and sometimes simply not knowing where you are going may be part of the great adventure. This can, though, take lots of time, which may not always be available. Here then is a suggested journey that can be accomplished in a single day from Malaga or could be extended into an unforgettable, fabulous weekend.

Take the A357 (off the N340 near Malaga), following signposts towards Cartama and Campanillos. Continue for about 60 kilometres (the countryside is gorgeous!), passing turnoffs on the right to Alora and Caratraca. Just past a pueblo on the left called Ardales, turn right, following a signpost to Los Embalses (reservoirs). After a few more kilometres you will be confronted by the stunning turquoise waters of the lakes set amongst pine-clad hills, where you can walk, swim, hire a pedalo or canoe, enjoy a picnic, barbecue or have lunch at one of several excellent restaurants, such as El Mirador, where the views are breathtaking, the food mouthwatering and the service and prices very friendly and reasonable. There are also good facilities for camping or hiring a chalet overlooking the water.

On the way back, turn left at the signpost to the spectacular El Chorro, which also has camping facilities as well as some very welcoming self-catering apartments and restaurant, perhaps for a meal or an overnight stay. Passing through the lush, golden 'el campo', you then reach the hilltop pueblo of Alora, which combines good old-fashioned charm with modern conveniences, including a wide range of tapas bars, restaurants and hotels. Clear signposts guide you back to the coast.

Don't forget your camera!