Great Things to Do Near Casa Buganvilla
Put on your walking shoes and take to the hills
joining the long-distance footpath the GR7 which passes through the pretty groves of orange and almond blossom in the Lecrin Valley, or up through the more challenging National Park of the Sierra Nevada. Best walking months are in Spring and Autumn.
Take an evening stroll into Orgiva for an aperitivo and dinner
There's a good choice of restaurants and tapas bars in town, some with musical accompaniments such as jazz or acoustic guitar.
Shop for ceramics and textiles
Colourful tiles, plates, jugs - the most traditional styles are green and blue adorned with birds, flowers or pomegranates (granadas). You'll find some of the best in the Alpujarran village of Pampaneira.
A Botanic wonderland.
The Alpujarran hillsides can lay claim to having the largest number of species of flora in the world - there are over 2,500 species of flora and fauna.
The nearby town of Lanjarón is the gateway to the Alpujarras
and a spa town with baths dating back to Roman times. You can visit the Balneario (www.balneariodelanjaron.es) for some relaxing treatments or try the excellent mineral water then wander round the old town which has typical Alpujarran architecture. In the evening visit the Arabic Castle and enjoy the views over the surrounding valley.
Visit the open-air Thursday market
There is a bustling and colourful weekly market in Orgiva, very close to the villa and people come from miles around to visit. All sorts of things are sold here including fruit and vegetables, arts and crafts.
Explore Granada
Granada is one of Andalucía's loveliest and most historic cities. Wander the tiny winding streets of the Albaícin, the oldest district of the city, explore the many churches, palaces and museums, and watch the sun set over the Alhambra in the evening - it's one of the most romantic scenes in the world
Music and Musicians.
Throughout the summer, the Alpujarras and the Costa Tropical come alive with all types of music ranging from impromptu sessions of flamenco, the summer festivals in Nerja or the Alpujarra Traditional Music Festival in Orgiva.
Gastronomic Feasts!
Granada province has developed a gastronomy influenced by the many different cultures who've inhabitated the region over the centuries. In addition, each village in the Alpujarras has its own speciality dish, for example, Lanjarón garlic and ham soup, Pampaneira stuffed peppers, Soportújar trout with ham.........why not try them all
Drive up the south face of the Sierra Nevada
to the 3 white villages perched above the Rio Poqueira - Pampaneira, Bubión and Capileira all declared to be of historical monumental interest. They are famous for the colourful textiles and pottery produced there and are not to be missed
A day on the beach
The coast is an easy drive from Casa Buganvilla and there are some lovely beaches to choose from - Salobreña, La Herradura, Alumuñecar.
The Alhambra in Granada is the jewel of the city
Formerly a palace, fortress and small city, it was once the residence of Arabic sultans during the 13th and 14th centuries. The gardens are amazing, with walkways, fountains and beautiful flowers. The complex is rightly now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We recommend you book your tickets in advance.
Alhama de Granada
is an ancient spa town where you can still enjoy the hot springs which are open to the public all year and which have been channelled into baths since Roman times. The town was once the headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition and is set above a beautiful gorge. Stroll around the Moorish quarter which is easy to explore on foot.
Visit the highest village in Spain
Trevélez, where some of the best hams in the country are produced. Have some lunch while there - try locally caught trout cooked with ham - a real delicacy.
Botanic Gardens in coastal Almunecar
Not only a delightful collection of over 400 exotic plants, flowers and trees which is one of the largest in Europe, but also a venue for music concerts in summer particularly the 10 day long Festival of Jazz in July.
Caves of Nerja
Situated in Maro just 3 kms outside Nerja near the coast, they have Palaeolithic wall paintings, stalactites and stalagmites and the world's widest column. Quite breathtaking, they are amongst the best caves in Europe. In summer months there are music festivals held there including flamenco in July. Afterwards, walk along the Balcon de Europa in Nerja town for amazing views out to sea.
Visit the Tibetan Buddhist monastery and feel on top of the world!
O Sel Ling (which means clear light) is a place of serenity, with amazing views over the Sierra Nevada, Orgiva and the coast and the air is marvellous. You'll find it off the road to Trevelez from Orgiva. They welcome visitors from 3 -6 pm only.
Sample life as a cave dweller
There are cave houses all over the altiplano of the Sierra Nevada. In the town of Guadix over half the population of 20,000 people live in caves. One of the caves which has been lived in for thousands of years has now been converted into a museum to give you a real taste of the cave dweller's life.
Horse trekking in the hills
There are a couple of local riding schools in Orgiva offering daily treks out into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The ideal way to explore the countryside and wildlife up, such as eagles, mountain goats, pretty butterflies and singing crickets. There are horse suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike.
Watersports on the Costa Tropical
For the more active, the coast around La Herradura is a great place for practising sports such as windsurfing, kayaking and sailing. The crystal clear waters also make it ideal for snorkelling too.
