La Almazara

From the large terrace of La Amazara, what better way to end your day than with a refreshing drink and watching the sunset over the Sierra de Lijar mountains laid out in front of you. 

The friendly village of El Gastor is just a few minutes away. Here you will be most welcome to sit in the local cafe in the square and watch the world go by. Here life is slow and peaceful.

Sitting on the edge of the Sierra de Grazalema National park, from La Almazara you can enjoy many local walks. There are hiking routes around the two nearby peaks of of Las Grajas and El Algarín. Or you can explore deeper into the National Park, with many trails to do in nearby Grazalema.

Seen from the terrace of the villa is the Peñon de Zaframagon. Here, in an area of less than half a square kilometre, is the nesting ground for the largest colony of Griffon Vultures in Andalusia and one of the largest in Spain. As a result, it was designated a Special Birdlife Protection Area in 2002.

 

The Via Verde or Green Way runs for 36 kilometers along the old railway line from Jerez to Almargen, between the provinces of Seville and Cadiz, linking the towns of Olvera and Puerto Serrano. 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. Mountain and electric bikes can be hired to get out and explore.

Have an evening at home and enjoy a BBQ. There is a gas BBQ for your use on the front terrace, enjoy a beer and a burger as you watch the sun go down.

Once considered the most dangerous path in the world, the Caminito de Rey near Ardales is an 8km hike. Today the entire route has been carefully restored and although it's now much safer, one thing hasn't changed - the unique experience of strolling along walkways hanging over 100 metres up on a sheer cliff face. It is spectacular all way long: from the Count of Guadalhorce Reservoir to its end at El Chorro Dam. Placed in unique natural surroundings, the path stretches between two gorges, canyons and a large valley, along pathways or boardwalks. For more information and to book your visit in advance, visit: www.caminitodelrey.info/en

Dotted around the local countryside are many pretty whte washed villages you can easily visit. Zahara de la Sierra and Grazalema both have lots to offer visitors. You can meander along the cobbled streets and find gifts to take home in the small shops, such as local wines, cheeses, wool scarves and blankets, local crafts and leather goods.

The Poyoyo cheese, an artisan cheese of the region, is renowned as 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.

Ronda is one of the oldest towns in Europe, filled with history and set deep in the heart of the mountains, this magical place is one of the most visited places in Andalucia. From jaw dropping drops from the famous Puente Nuevo bridge across the gorge, to meandering the enchanting narrow cobbled streets of the old town, to shopping on the bustling "Calle de la Bola"- there is something for everyone here.

Being in the heart of Andalucia, from La Almazara you can easily explore the larger historical cities on day trips. Seville and Cadiz are both just over an hours drive. Granada and its wonderful Alhambra Palace can be reached in just over two hours, be sure to book your entrance ticket in advance though.

A popular place to dine out nearby is La Piscina Gastrobar. A large terrace overlooking the rooftops of El Gastor awaits you at the busy local restarant on the far side of El Gastor.