Special attractions

There are over 30 golf courses one hour from Casa Ava in the province of Malaga. Nearer there is a golf course half hour away near Antequera, and two more under construction. Antequera Golf hosts its annual charity golf challenge on the 16^th of October. Córdoba, an hour away from Casa Ava not only offers a beautiful golf course the Club de Campo de Córdoba for enthusiasts but also the city is rich in culture and a visit to one of the many festivals is a must.

Cordoba.

The ancient town of Cordoba is one of the many jewels of Andalucia. In the 11^th century it was one of the most important capitals in Europe. It was a mecca for free thinking and was where people of many cultures and religions chose to live in harmony.

There are monuments aplenty such as the world famous Mezquita, the Moorish mosque and museums. Bullfighting and Flamenco are steeped in the traditions of this Andalucian city.

It comes to life at night with nightclubs, Flamenco, tapas, many restaurants and bars and is a must during one of the many Spanish festivals. This city remains unspoilt and is a popular destination for the Spanish. All this and only one hour from Casa Ava.

Sacred niche in the Mezquita.

Rute

Rute is the world famous birthplace and manufacture of the liquor Anis. It may be sampled in any of the many bodegas located throughout the town.

Having sampled the Anis why not take a trip to the museum, Museo de Anis and see how it’s made. In the evening there are many bars and some after hours clubs for those who fancy a dance.

Rute is just one and a half miles from Casa Ava. 16^th July marks the festival of the Virgen del Carmen (patron saint of sailors). Every Saturday in July and August from midnight until 5 am is the Musica Aurora celebrating by singing in the streets beginning by the Church up from the high street.

View from vantage point north of Rute.

Parque Natural (Sierra Subbetica)

The Sierra Subbetica is range of rolling limestone hillsides covered in olive trees and castle ruins situated in the heart of Andalucia. For you flower enthusiasts spring and autumn are the perfect time to visit as the hillsides are like carpets of wild flowers. Bird watchers, you won’t feel left out. You can expect to see peregrine falcons, eagles, kestrels and vultures. This part of Andalucia is full of pretty towns and villages with family run restaurants and tapas bars aplenty. But unlike the seaside it is not overrun with tourists making this a great place for a family holiday.

Priego de Cordoba

To the east of the park (Sierra Subbetica) is the market town nestled in the mountains once known for it’s silk production. It’s now more noted for as an olive oil producer. In spite of its Moorish origins, i.e. it’s Castle it also hosts several Baroque churches and Monuments well worth visiting. Churches are usually open between 11.00 and 1.00 pm.

Another amazing site is the Fountain or Fuente del Rey built in the sixteenth century and hosts an amazing 180 water jets.

Malaga

Malaga, famous for its seaside resorts and sunshine is only one hour from Casa Ava. It is birthplace of Picasso, hosts an international airport and is surrounded by beautiful and picturesque villages. For a bit of nightlife Malaga is host of hundreds of bars and restaurants.

Torremolinos

Oh dear, don't ask! OK Torrey is good for shops and boutiques and fun fun fun filled nightlife.

Beer by the bucket at Torrey.

It is also noisy and full of people on holiday. Yes I know that you are on holiday as well, but the peaceful quiet wide open spaces up in the mountains and in the olive growing areas are much better for you.

This rare empty space on the beach at Torremolinos was spotted in June 2006.

Granada

Granada is one of the most picturesque cities in Spain. It was the long-time capital of Moorish Andalucia and home to the “Alhambra” gardens.

Walk through these beautiful gardens, charming narrow streets, sit down and eat in one of the local taverns and sample some “Trevélez” ham and local wine. There are gypsies scattered about singing Flamenco thus transporting you back in time to a different era.

View across the barrios of Granada from the Alhambra palace.

Not only is the city is located in the foothills of the “Sierra Nevada” Spain’s highest mountain range where winter sports are not in short supply, but also not far from the Med, so pack a swimsuit and a sense of adventure. The many festivals and nightlife make Granada a great place to visit anytime.

Iznajar Town and Lake

South of the park (Sierra Subbetica) is the picturesque town of Iznajar. Iznajar was originally an old Moorish fort. It is perched high on the hillside and sweeps down to the lake of Iznajar. The castle Alcazaba dates from the eighth century with the church of Santiago added in the sixteenth. The most stunning views of the lake are afforded by the little plaza next to the church.

I suggest you also drive down to the lake and park up by the hotel and take a stroll along the beach and soak up the amazing views. Iznajar is quite steep so remember to wear sensible shoes when walking around town.

Iznajar