Casa la Zarza is a perfect base for touring the white towns in the area.
The first visit could be to the town you see opposite, Zahara de la Sierra. Set in magnificent countryside, the village is crowned by a Moorish castle.
La Zarza
El Gastor, Andalucia
- 4
- 2
- 1
FROM
£ 698
PER WEEK
Accommodation
At a glance
- Sleeps 4
- 1 Double Bedroom
- 1 Twin Bedroom
- 1 Bathroom
- Air Conditioning
- WiFi
- Ground Floor: Open plan sitting/dining room/kitchen (fireplace, TV, DVD, CD, oven, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine). Double bedroom (A/C). Twin bedroom (A/C). Shower room. WiFi. Air conditioning is payable locally.
- Outside: Open and covered terraces. Barbecue*. Private parking.
- Private swimming pool (8m x 4.5m) with Roman steps.
The setting of this delightful stone clad cottage is superb. From its elevated position on the slopes of the hillside that rise up to the local town of El Gastor, it commands extensive views across the nearby lake of Zahara and out across the mountain scenery of the Sierra Margarita.
Naturally wishing to take full advantage of such a spectacular location, the owners of La Zarza have ensured that the pool and terraces look out across this impressive vista. Whether you are taking a dip or dining on the terrace, this will be your outlook.
Equally charming however is the colourful interior, where richly painted walls of warm hues, carefully coordinated fabrics and deep terracotta floor tiles combine beautifully to create a welcoming and attractive home.
All amenities are close to hand in the local village of El Gastor, which is just 2km from the property. Alternatively, a drive around to the other side of the lake will reveal the unquestionably pretty town of Zahara de la Sierra, where whitewashed houses encircle the hillside beneath an imposing medieval castle. Also within easy reach is historic Ronda, which is just 30 minutes away by car.
- *As this is a protected area of natural beauty, barbecue bans will be enforced from early June and an electric 'plancha' will be provided for outdoor catering.
- The internet provision is via a satellite connection.
- Property Licence No: VTAR/CA/03100
Pricing & Availability
All Prices are per property, not per person.
Location of La Zarza
Locality
Great Things to Do Near La Zarza
Jerez de la Frontera is about an hour's drive away.
Jerez is the home to many of the great sherry companies, which often have English names. A number of these offer regular daily tours. After the tour, you sit at long tables and taste the different sherries, working your way through them from dry to sweet.
Try to time your visit to Jerez for the Thursday show
of the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Arts. Book your tickets in advance.
Discover the beaches of Costa de la Luz
Beautiful long, golden sandy beaches await you on the Atlantic ocean! Pack up a picnic and head off down to the coast. Although its a long drive, it's well worth to discover this unspoilt part of Andalucia on a day trip. There are great beaches and smaller sheltered coves if it's 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!
Fiestas in El Gastor
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.
Enjoy the sunset from La Zarza
The views across the shimmering waters of the lake are mesmerising. On a warm summer’s evening you can relax on the terrace of La Zarza and enjoy some spectacular sunsets as the sun goes down behind the impressive silhouette of Zahara’s castle in the distance.
Bring your binoculars!
There is fascinating wildlife to discover in this area, being so close to a large National Park, Sierra de Grazalema. From the terrace and pool area of El Hoyillo you can spot many Griffon Vulture and large Eagles, as well as many smaller birds.
Take a day trip to 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!
The Sound of Silence
See how many types of butterfly you can spot without moving from your poolside sunlounger, then lie back and watch the eagles soaring overhead. Listen to the sound of perfect silence.
Be King of the Castle
Visit the nearby village, Zahara de la Sierra, and walk up to the Castle perched high above the houses. Well worth the effort to enjoy fabulous views over the lake, the terracotta rooftops of the village below and the griffon vultures soaring just above. You may even be able to spot La Zarza from there.
Enjoy the sights of Seville!
There is so much to see and do in the vibrant, colourful city of Seville. It's an easy to drive to the outskirts where there is free parking and then you can take the metro into the centre. The Cathedral, Giralda tower, Real Alcázar Palace, Plaza de España and Maria Luisa park are just a few things to see. Take a bus tour, hire a bicycle, horse and carriage or just by foot, there are many ways to take in the sights. The charismatic capital of Andalucía is just over an hour's drive.
La Pileta Caves
Situated just beyond the village of Benaoján, two guides take candlelit tours of up to 25 people in each group to see the impressive Pileta cave which is well known for its pre-historic cave paintings.
Take the Green Way
Hire bikes and ride along the Via Verde! The Via Verde or Green Way runs for 36 kilometres along the old railway line from Jerez to Almargen, between the provinces of Seville and Cádiz, linking the towns of Olvera and Puerto Serrano. This is an ecotourism route that can be explored on foot, bicycle, horseback, and even donkey!
You'll find all you need in El Gastor
Wander around this friendly village, with its white-washed walls and wrought iron balconies with cascades of colourful geraniums. Try some tapas in one of the bars, mixing with the locals in the small square is a great way to relax and you'll feel very welcome. The village has a bakery, small supermarket, butchers and a fishmonger so you will find all you need.
Nearby
Towns/Villages
| El Gastor | 5 mins | |
| Zahara de la Sierra | 25 mins | |
| Ronda | 30 mins | |
| Grazalema | 30 mins | |
| Arcos de la Frontera | 45 mins | |
| Granada | 2 Hrs 20 mins |
Beaches
| El Puerto de Santa Maria | 1 Hr 20 mins | |
| Cadiz | 1 Hr 25 mins | |
| Puerto Banus | 1 Hr 25 mins | |
| Conil | 1 Hr 40 mins |
Airports
| Jerez | 1 Hr | |
| Sevilla | 1 Hr 30 mins | |
| Malaga | 2 Hrs | |
| Gibraltar | 2 Hrs 15 mins |
