Great Things to Do Near Casa Encantadora
The nearby town of Lanjarón
is the 'gateway' to the Alpujarras and is a spa town with baths dating back to Roman times. You can visit the Balneario 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. For further information www.balneariodelanjaron.es
Take a guided excursion on a mountain bike
through the sugar plantations and tropical fruit groves around Salobreña, or join a guided walk along the coastal paths via the old Roman road and Salobreña Gorge. (Salobrena Tourist Office)
Flamenco
take a walk along Granada's Darro river to the gypsy area in Sacromonte. Gypsies have been living in caves here for over 600 years and they hold flamenco shows for the public in the caves.
Granada is a university city
with many students so prices in tapas bar and restaurants are very reasonable. In Andalucia the tradition of offering a free tapa with your drink still continues - try them in the Albaicín, the El Realejo area or around Plaza Nueva.
Scuba Diving.
La Herradura beach is a spectacular horseshoe shaped beach with tranquil waters ideal for scuba diving - a number of diving companies operate here with courses for all levels
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. The best walking months are in Spring and Autumn.
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
Catch the bus into Granada
If you don't fancy driving or have not hired a car, catch one of the 9 daily buses from Orgiva into the centre of Granada. The journey is approximately 1.5 hours and tickets can be purchased from the driver.
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.
Salobreña village on the coast
is topped by an imposing Arabic castle offering wonderful views and with outdoor shows in the summer months. This 'pueblo blanco' is a maze of cobbled alleyways with quaint houses bedecked with colourful flowers. There is a long beach too backed by cafes and restaurants and an artificial reef for snorkellers.
Go to the theatre in the open air
and watch a play by the famous writer and playwright Federico Garcia Lorca in the atmospheric setting next to the gardens of the Generalife in the Alhambra. The plays start at 10 pm most nights except Sundays from mid June to end of August.
Enjoy a romantic evening meal
of the coastal specialities, seafood or paella, as you watch the sun set over the sea - many beaches have restaurants where you may even be serenaded by guitarists!
Golf.
Play a round of golf in the Los Moriscos Golf Course in Motril, now with 18 holes.
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.
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. Book tickets in advance as they do sell out. www.tickets.alhambra-patronato.es
Enjoy the sunshine
on the many and varied coves and beaches of the Costa Tropical - Almuñecar, La Herradura, Motril, Salobreña and Calahonda among others .
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
Orgiva weekly market
Every Thursday morning, from 8am - 2pm, there is a street market held in the open-air car park. It is a bustling and colourful event. All sorts of things are sold here including seasonal fruit, vegetables, spices, arts and crafts, plants, jewellery, clothes and shoes.
Botanic Gardens in 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.
Take an evening stroll into Orgiva for an aperitif
There's a good choice of outdoor terraces and bars, some with music accompaniments such as jazz or acoustic guitar. Sample a refreshing 'tinto de verano', a simple cocktail of red wine and lemonade.
