Great Things to Do Near El Granadino
Live like a local
El Gastor is warm and welcoming. Just a five minute drive from the villa brings you to this small, charming village. The pretty square is a hive of actvity in the mornings, so why not sit in small cafe in the square and watch the world go by? There are small shops, a bakery, butcher etc to provide you with all your holiday essentials. There is also a choice of tapas bars and restaurants, if you fancy dining out. This is a hidden unspoilt corner of Andalucia, the narrow streets are filled with coloured geraniums, white washed walls and a geniune feeling of stepping back in time.
See the dancing horses
The lovely city of Jerez is within an hour's drive of El Granadino and is a great day out. Visit a bodega and taste some sherries - the kids will love the train trip round the Tio Pepe bodega - and don't miss the Royal Equestrian School's world-renowned show How The Andalucían Horses Dance' on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon.
Mountain passes
If you're a mountain lover, you will adore driving through the passes of the Puerto de las Palomas and the Puerto del Boyar. Both are just above the village of Grazalema: the former offers spectacular views over the lake and village of Zahara de la Sierra and the latter is a fantastic way to admire the forests of the famous pinsapo fir trees as it leads you down to the lovely village of Behamahoma and on to El Bosque.
Dip in the cool waters
As you drive up to El Granadino past the lake at Zahara, you will be sure to be enticed into dipping into the turqoise waters. You can hire kayaks and explore. Also nearby, in the summer months there is "La Playita", a lagoon of fresh spring waters, with grassed areas and trees for shade. There is even an adventure playground with zip lines, swinging bridges, a climbing wall and all kinds of fun things to keep the whole family entertained.
Cycle the green way
The Via Verde or Green Way runs for 36 kilometers along the old railway line from Olvera. This is an ecotourism route that can be done on foot, bicycle, horseback, and even donkey! This permits hikers to contemplate exuberant nature, valuable plant and animal species and the most beautiful landscape. Cycles can easily be hired at Olvera.
Explore the wonderful beaches of Cadiz
You may be staying in the stunning inland region of Cádiz, but you can still have a day on the beach. And what beaches! Tiny, unspoilt, pine-fringed coves of golden sand, family beaches with water sports and facilities for all ages, huge expanses of white dunes, and the clear, sparkling turquoise water of the Atlantic Ocean are all reachable for a day trip from El Granadino.
Enjoy the delights of Cadiz
Featured often on many travel and cuisine TV programmes, Cadiz is just a 90 minute drive away. This small city known locally as "la Isla" meaning 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!
Shop for local crafts
Especially in nearby Ronda, Grazalema and Zahara, there are some charming small craft shops selling unique art objects, ceramics, rugs and baskets made from olive branches and grasses. You can also buy leather goods, glazed tiles and beautiful wool shawls hand-woven locally.
Explore the "Pueblos Blancos"
There are many pretty small white washed villages to explore dotted around the mountains. All have a warm friendly feel to them. Balconies overflowing with colourful geraniums, pristine white washed walls and a laid back atmostphere, it feels like you have truly stepped back in time.
Moonlight kayaking
In the height of summer, when the weather is hot and balmy, why not do something different and go moonlight kayaking? There are local companies who organise sunset kayaking when there is a full moon.
Say Cheese!
The Poyoyo cheese, an artisan cheese of the region, is one of world’s finest cheeses. It is award winning worldwide, made with the milk of the Poyoyo goats, native to the area. Sold in many shops locally, it’s easy to find. Grazalema village is a great place to explore the enticing array of small gift shops and delicatessens selling cheese, wine, olives and hams from the region.
Visit the jewel in the crown - The Alhambra Palace in Granada
Its just over 2 hours drive to Granada. But, the jewel in the crown of Andalucia is the Alhambra Palace. Book your entrance tickets well before your holiday on the official website www.tickets.alhambra-patronato.es/en/
Don't miss a visit to Ronda!
The beautiful, historic town of Ronda, with its impressive gorge, is just 35 minutes away. Take refreshment at a café table in one of the lovely squares, marvel at the views, stroll through the cobbled streets of the old town, or sit back and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride round the many places of interest. Ronda has some great restaurants and shops, too! Most impressive is the gorge slicing the town in two - connected by a 100m high bridge "Puente Nuevo" where the views are amazing.
Fun filled Fiestas!
The Spanish love a party and know how to do it well! The first weekend of August is the Feria in El Gastor, with plenty of socialising, flamenco singing and dancing, horses, bulls and games to enjoy. In the first week of October the locals also pay homage to their Patron Saint, Virgen del Rosario, celebrating with colourful processions. It's a lovely experience and a chance to see the true Andalusian spirit.
Bird watcher's Paradise!
If you love bird watching, then this is the place for you! The National Park is a heaven for wildlife. You will not fail to be impressed by large groups of Griffon Vultures soaring the thermals overhead. Don't forget your binoculars!
