Coast and beach:
There are excellent beaches at Torrox and Nerja, both about 35 minutes drive away down the winding road to the coast. At Torrox Costa there's a long sandy beach with numerous cafe/restaurants lining the promenade offering good food at very affordable prices. At Nerja, the superb caves are well worth a visit and the town boasts many shops and eating places.
Travel and accessibility:
The house is located at the top of the village, so going down is easy but the walk back up can be quite strenuous! Malaga Airport is about 1 hour 15 minutes away. Car hire is recommended and we've always found that bookings via the internet through Carjet are reliable and good value. There is ample space to park your car opposite Casita Andaluza or a few paces up the hill. There is a reliable, air-conditioned bus service from Canillas to Malaga, via the coast, 3 times a day.
Local amenities:
There are 3 small supermarkets in Canillas, plus a bank, chemist, doctor, hardware store, internet point and swimming pool. There are several cafe/bar/restaurants in Canillas serving good food at attractive prices and more in Competa. A tennis court is located at the Hotel Balcon in Competa and their swimming pool is available to non-residents at a reasonable charge. Competa is a 5 minute drive or 25 minute stroll away.
Ski:
Skiing in the Sierra Nevada mountain range is a 90 minute (approx) drive away.
Golf:
The championship Baviera Golf course is a 45 minute (approx) drive away.