Iznajar
The beautiful town of Iznajar is about a 40 minute drive from the house, located in the extreme south of the province of Córdoba, in the heart of Andalusia. The far reaching panoramic views from many viewpoints to the reservoir and beyond are breath-taking.
A wander through the narrow streets, squares, and corners keeps providing surprises at every turn.
Nestled on top of a hill and surrounded by the waters of the reservoir that bears his name, make this town a peninsula that is also connected to the land by two bridges, the Agromán and the Fernández, depending on wether you arrive from the north or the south.
Read more here https://www.casaruralolivares....
Archidona - Plaza Ochavada
Less than half an hour away is the historic town of Archidona. You can go via the twisty, curvy road up near the wind turbines or the much more ordinary main route. I prefer the more interesting route whilst imagining I am Lewis Hamilton driving.... in my dreams hey?
At the end of June with temperatures in the high 30´s a trip to the supermarket in Archidona took a twist with Jill a friend and guest.
We decided to visit the plaza Ochavada. We parked the car near to the municipal swimming pool and was advised it was a 10 minute walk away. Those 10 mins in the heat was draining, although we walked on the shady side of the streets!
What a superb experience once we reached the Plaza Ochavada. Beautiful, historical and awesome in equal measure.
Read more here https://www.casaruralolivares....
Antequera
Approximately half an hour from the house is the beautiful old town of Antequera. Also known as the "city of churches" for the quantity and quality of its religious buildings (approximately 30).
Steeped in history and culture Antequera is not to be missed during your stay in the area.
On this occasion we visited the Alcazaba, a huge area that takes you back to Roman times with the ruins of the baths, an incredibly beautiful 15th century church and the most impressive archway leading to the whole area and the old souk (market).
More information https://www.casaruralolivares....
THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF THE FAN
At the moment I am using my hand fan A LOT.
I decided to see if I could find some history of their use especially here in Spain.
Who knew that messages could be sent via a simple method of keeping cool.
I had better watch what I am doing when in public
Read more here https://www.casaruralolivares....
The CAMINO Mozarabe de Santiago - Malaga to Cordoba
I was inspired to write this article as an Austrian couple and guests both in their 70´s, were walking the route over a 2 week period.
It passes through where we live in Villanueva de Algaidas and is a recognised over night stop after a day of walking and they obviously found our guest house - Casa Rural Olivares - when they were searching for accommodation.
Walking the Camino Mozarabe de Santiago is an excellent option for a walking holiday. Beautiful landscapes and rich architecture await you on this 98km route. Our guests spent a few nights at the end of their hiking in a luxury hotel in Cordoba for a few nights as a reward for all their efforts.
However, it is not a recommended route for the summer months due to the high temperatures.
A much better time for this route is in the spring or autumn.
So you have plenty of time to research and do something you will never forget.
Read more here https://www.casaruralolivares....
Lobo Park - Wolf Park
Roughly a 40 minute drive from Casa Rural Olivares, to the North of Antequera takes you to totally different scenery and to Lobo Park.
What a wonderful experience to see the different species of wolves in great settings and to have such knowledgeable guides who speak in Spanish and English too. This is not a zoo, nor a wildlife park but a sanctuary and place to study the wolves who have come from all over the world.
There are other rescued animals to see in a petting type zoo area including a delightful fox who had initially rescued and raised in a house!
There are pot bellied pigs, mules, horses and chickens too.
Read more here https://www.casaruralolivares....
Alhambra - granada
On the 4th of July - My friend Jill and I were independent ladies and went to the Alhambra for the day. We made the decision not to visit the Nasrid Palace on this occasion and save that part of the complex for a trip next year.
What an amazing place to visit - Generalife Gardens are utterly enchanting and the Alhambra is so beautiful. The artisan workmanship and the feast for the senses will stay with me forever.
Everything is so well organised from the car park to gaining entry to the estate. Lots of people to point you in the right direction.
Helpful tip time.... please wear sensible shoes as there are lots of steps and lovely long walks in shady trees and between the various places to see.
Read more here https://www.casaruralolivares....
Ronda
We drove over on 14 August the hottest time of the year and it was a relief to sit in an air conditioned car for just under an hour and a half! There is not a motorway to Ronda, so it was lovely to see the countryside change as we got closer to our destination on normal roads, much more enjoyable.
You have probably seen the photos of the town as sitting at the edge of a cliff. Yes, it is that dramatic to be honest.
It sits atop the Tajo Gorge that carries the Rio Guadalevín through its centre. That said, there was no water flowing when we visited after the lack of rainfall for the last 2 years.
Personally, I dont like heights, but gingerly went to the edge with railings and peeked over - yikes it was a long way down but the views were spectacular of the mountains in the distance.
It is also famous for bull fighting and the bull ring and the Puente Nuevo bridge and I loved the bandstand with live musicians playing.
Read more here https://www.casaruralolivares....
Douglas Day Festival - Teba
Teba is a natural area located in a small valley formed by four mountain ranges. It is just under an hours drive from the house and if you can take part in one of the many fiestas during your holiday this is highly recommended especially if you have Scottish roots or just want to part.
The Douglas Day Festival in Teba, is a wonderful celebration over a few days in August a true fusion of Scottish, Christian and Moors. The heart of Robert the Bruce is woven into local history
Read more here https://www.casaruralolivares....
Fuente de Piedra Lagoons
A short 30 minute car ride away from the house is the village of Fuente de Piedra and a superb wildlife reserve of lakes and pink Flamingos.
Paul and I drove over at the end of March as we found out the Flamingos had returned. The lake was too dry for their visit in any great numbers last year. It was too good an opportunity to miss out on. Who wouldn't want to see Flamingos :)
On entering the side road to the reserve we easily found the ample car park and en route to it passed by a lake either side of the road and our first glimpse of the Flamingos.
They raise their young before leaving for Morocco during the winter months.
The lagoon was declared a Ramsar site in 1983,
A nature reserve on January 11 1984,
A Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA) in 1988
and a Special Zone of Conservation (ZEC) since 2013
Read more here https://www.casaruralolivares....
Caminito del Rey
This has been on the bucket list for the last 2 years. The walk is just part of the experience. The exhilarating views, nature and its history are just as important.
The actual guided walk is 7.7km with 3km via the raised boardwalk paths secured to the sides of the gorge. And there is also a lovely wide open valley walk through forest and hills. The guided walk takes 2 - 3 hours, plus the access walk and a further hour after the walk to get back to a great restaurant area.
Read all about our trip here https://www.casaruralolivares....
