Heading east from the town of Nerja, the old road, the
N-340, follows the coast, clinging to the mountains as they plunge towards the
Mediterranean. Around every bend new vista
of the sparkling sea appears several hundred feet below, where waves gently lap
against hidden and secluded beaches.
Looking inland and upwards, there are occasional glimpses of
the Autopista del Mediterraneo, theA7/E15, as it soars across valleys on viaducts
supported by massive concrete legs, before plunging into the darkness of
tunnels hewn out of the living rock.
Dotted all along the coast can be seen the remains of
17th and 18th century watch towers which were used to warn of invading Moors and marauding pirates.
Though the vast majority now lie in ruins some have been restored and turned
into private homes.
