If you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing, well presented villa, not too far away from the coast in a beautiful location, then look no further than Casa Abajo.

Simone & Rob, the owners, are lovely and couldn’t have been more helpful, accommodating or friendly. Meeting us in Cómpeta and escorting us to the villa on arrival (I’m glad we didn’t try to find it on our own, it’s tucked away up a snaking mountain road), it’s just over an hour’s drive from Malaga airport.

The Villa is set high up in the hills with absolutely stunning views overlooking the valley down to the sea. It’s just a ten minute drive from Cómpeta (although ‘Maximo’ a very friendly and reasonably priced Taxi driver can be easily arranged if you fancy a night appreciating the local vino or enjoying some Ponche Caballero… Hic-cup!). Equipped with everything you need inside; including beach towels and Wi-Fi. Outside is also very well maintained, a shaded veranda with great views allows you to enjoy lazy dinner’s al-fresco in the evenings. And Pinot the beautiful cat made the villa seem really homely.

The pool area set on a tier above the villa is absolutely delightful, again with stunning views of the valley down to the sea. It’s also fully equipped with everything you would need for a day chillaxing (sun beds, fridge, stove, shower, toilet and a large shaded area).

The village of Cómpeta itself is lovely and, for the moment at least, still remains traditional in its style (the absence of Tourist Bars serving ‘English Breakfast’ is refreshing). There are numerous small supermarkets, a Tabac, Tourist information centre, market on Saturdays, some good cheap bars and some excellent restaurants all within the village. What more could you need? OK if you do, Nerja is about an hour’s drive away (with larger supermarkets etc.). Use the A7207 instead of the MA-104 to get to the coast though; this road is in a far better condition and easier to drive (even with 100+ mountain bends!).

We would highly recommend the Playa Cañuelo beach, just an hour’s drive away (then park up and take the bus down for 2Euros each). There’s exceptional snorkelling for the younger ones, with an abundance of fish to see just three metres out. Our 9 year old absolutely loved it, numerous times! (although the restaurant on the beach is nothing special and priced for tourists!).

We visited in August 2013 for 14 days. 3 adults and 1 Child (and a Spanish friend joined us for a few nights) and it was priced very competitively. We would definitely return!