Great Things to Do Near Casa Irene
Discover the beaches of Costa de la Luz
Beautiful long, golden sandy beaches await you on the Atlantic Oean! Pack up a picnic and head off down to the coast. Although its a long drive, its well worth to discover this unspoilt and part of Andalucia on a day trip. There are great beaches and smaller sheltered coves if its too windy. Cala de Aceite near Conil is a great place to go for a swim and even a bit of snorkelling if you fancy!
La Pileta Cave
This impressive cave, with its even more impressive wall paintings, is just beyond the village of Benaoján. The cave is open every day of the week and is best to book in advance. The telephone number is 0034 687 13 33 38, calls only. www.cuevadelapileta.org Two guides take candlelit tours of up to 25 people in each group.
Visit Cadiz
Featured recently on many travel and cuisine TV programmes, Cadiz is just a 90-minute drive away. This small city known locally as "la Isla", the island, it is completely surrounded by the sea. Its majestic Cathedral sits along the shores of the Atlantic coast. Narrow streets full of charm and old-world character can easily be explored on foot. Visit the lively fish market and be amazed at the fresh tuna caught locally. Then spend the afternoon on the beach relaxing!
Say Cheese
A visit to nearby Grazalema wouldn't be complete without strolling around some of the shops selling local produce from the 'Sierras'. Most popular here is a Goat's Cheese made from the milk of Payoyo goats. It is delicious washed down with a good red wine from Ronda!
Jerez, the home of Sherry and Horses
The lovely city of Jerez is under an hour's drive from Casa Irene, and is home to the sherry wineries and the Royal Equestrian School. Watch the amazing 'How The Andalucían Horses Dance' show and then pop along for a guided tour of a winery and, of course, the chance to sample the local tipple!
Visit Ronda - the City of Dreams
Standing on the 'Puente Nuevo', (which is actually an old bridge and not new at all) and peering into the dizzying depths of the gorge which divides the town is just one not-to-be-missed experience that Ronda has to offer.
Ronda Romantica
A date not to be missed in Ronda is “Ronda Romantica”, celebrated late May. The whole town centre comes alive with the Recreation of the Romantic Era. A genuine encounter with the legendary past of this land and its identity. There are parades, battles, markets and parties galore as everyone is dressed up as old age travellers, horsemen and Bandits of the Serrania de Ronda. For the old and the young it’s a great Festival in Ronda.
Take a stroll back in time.
This area has been settled since prehistoric times and around El Gastor evidence has been found of dolmens, or Megalithic burial grounds. The most famous of these is El Charcón, commonly known as the ‘Tumba del Gigante’. This ‘Giant’s Tomb’ dating from the Bronze Age is formed by three-metre high stone pillars and a nine-metre long passageway. Just a short walk uphill from the village it makes a pleasant ramble with some great views too!
Explore the pretty white villages.
At Casa Irene you have a wonderful base to go out and explore the white-washed local villages dotted around the hills and mountains. All have their own special charm and culture, the local people are always friendly and welcoming. Many villages, such as Zahara and Olvera, are topped with Moorish castles which make them a great place to explore with children too.
Hire a Kayak on the nearby lake.
In the summer months kayaks can be hired for fun for all the family, on the turquoise waters of the nearby lake near Zahara.
Be active and do a great cycle ride!
The Via Verde or Green Way runs for 36 kilometers along the old railway line near the village of Olvera. This is an ecotourism route that can be done on foot, bicycle, horseback, and even donkey! Contemplate exuberant nature, valuable plant and animal species and the most beautiful landscape. Bicycles can be hired for a day. www.fundacionviaverdedelasierra.com
Don't forget to bring your binoculars!
The views from Casa Irene are wonderful, but are even more enjoyable if you have some binoculars. There are vistas all around the house, towards the white washed village of Zahara over the lake and the peaks of Lagarin and Las Grajas just behind. Bird watchers will not be disappointed, especially with large groups of Griffon Vultures riding the thermals above you.
Relax and gaze!
Sit beside Casa Irene's lovely pool and just gaze... at the stunning view, at the large variety of birds flying by, at the pretty white village of Zahara in the distance is true relaxation therapy.
Have a day trip to Seville.
Seville, Andalucía’s capital, has some of the region’s most beautiful monuments. Easily reached, using the park and ride system by metro, taking the strain from trying to park in a busy unfamiliar city. Exit the metro in “Puerta Jerez” and you will find yourselves in the very heart of the city, close to the Cathedral. It’s a flat city so walking is easy, cycles can also be hired for a day, horse and carriages are plentiful, or “hop on – hop off “city open top bus tours can be easily found
Visit the Alhambra Palace in Granada
A great day trip to do is visit the Alhambra palace in Granada, just over a two-hour drive away. Tickets must be booked well in advance, so book online before your holiday to avoid being disappointed! www.tickets.alhambra-patronato.es
