Inland Costa del Sol, Spain - A Place in the Sun

We’re searching around the whitewashed villages in Inland Costa Del Sol. They’re reachable from Spain’s busiest airport, Malaga, which can have over a hundred flights a week from the UK. Most visitors flock to the coast but this inland region has become a magnet for those looking for dramatic natural landscapes and an authentic Spanish experience. The traditional Andalucian villages are nestled amongst several mountain ranges, including the Sierra de Mijas, and much of the surrounding area is agricultural with some of the most fertile plains in Spain.

We’re starting off in Alora, a quintessential whitewashed town set in the hilltops 220 metres above sea level and just a 35 minute drive to both Malaga airport and the coast. This 2-storey townhouse was built in 1940, and has a light living room, leading through to a kitchen. There’s a downstairs bedroom and shower room. Upstairs are two double bedrooms, and a terrace, which has spiral stairs leading up to a roof terrace with East/West aspect for all day sun and mountain views on both sides. No longer available, view more from the agent here.

Valued at £63,303 at the time of filming.

Next we’re taking a 40 minute drive west to Yunquera, a mountain village an hour from Malaga. It’s a quarter the size of Alora but still has a nice community feel and a selection of shops and restaurants as well as a great municipal pool. The house has 60 square metres of outside space, and a lemon tree! The piece de resistence is the upstairs terrace with spectacular views. Inside, the traditional Spanish décor does need updating but, there’s a separate kitchen, the bedrooms are generously sized and all the furniture is included in the price! View the more from the agent here.

Valued at £55,046 at the time of filming.

Our third property is in Casarabonela, where there is a small square next to the town hall with cafes and restaurants and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. In this property you enter into a hallway leading through to a living room. There’s a separate kitchen at the back, and a small double bedroom, separated by an internal courtyard. Upstairs is a large double bedroom, a third single and a bathroom. Off the downstairs courtyard are stairs leading to more outside space. View the property here.

Valued at £48,578 at the time of filming

For our fourth property we’re heading 20 miles away to one of the region's main towns, Alhaurin El Grande. There’s a great blend of old and new here with historic buildings like the Roman church of Santa Vera Cruz mixed with popular cafes, restaurants and brand new leisure facilities. Inside this property is a traditionally tiled living room, leading through to a dining room - and then into a separate kitchen. Also on the ground floor is a single bedroom and a bathroom. Upstairs are two double bedrooms and then on the roof is a terrace with mountain views and plenty of space for sitting out/sunbathing. View more from the agent here.

Valued at £63,303 at the time of filming.

For our fifth and final property we’ve come to Tolox - a hilltop town 45 minutes from the coast with a small but charming selection of cafes and shops dotted around its tiled streets and plazas. We’re looking at a 3 storey townhouse, less than a 5 min walk from the centre of the town, with a traditional living dining room, and separate kitchen. On the first floor is a double bedroom, a single bedroom used as a study, and a bathroom. On the second floor are two good sized double bedrooms, and there’s a utility room. Finally there’s a roof terrace with mountain views. View the property here.

Valued at £55,000 at the time of filming.

Today’s luxury property has manicured gardens and a private pool, and it uses influences from all over the world with 3 fountains and 34 statues including replicas from those in Vatican City. Inside the four bedrooms and living rooms are truly opulent with lashings of old school glamour. View the property here.

Valued at £1,375,229 at the time of filming.