LOCAL AREA LA ALPUJARRA AND SURROUNDING AREAS
If you've read the bestseller, 'Driving over Lemons' by Chris Stewart, you'll have some idea of what this extraordinary region is like... !
La Alpujarra
The majestic peaks of the Sierra Nevada. The rich, fertile valleys filled with groves of oranges, lemons, cherries, olives and almonds. The terraced pastures still ploughed by mules. This truly rural corner of Andalucia is an absolute delight and renowned for its unspoilt beauty and solitude. Little wonder it's a hotspot for lovers of nature and the 'great outdoors' – but by no means in large numbers. This is a world away from the crowds in the high-rise Costas.
Walking & Wildlife
On warm, southern slopes at the head of the Guadalfeo Valley, Finca La Libélula is a wonderful holiday choice if you enjoy walking or wildlife watching. The long distance GR142 route passes close by, which you can follow in shorter, bite-size chunks – great for family-friendly treks. Spring and autumn are the best walking months (come in February for fabulous displays of almond blossom), avoiding the hot summer temperatures and mountain winter snow.
The olive groves and rocky hillsides of La Alpujarra are a bird-watcher's paradise, attracting exotic birds such as Hoopoe, Bea-eaters and Golden Orioles, as well as rarer species like the Imperial Eagle and huge Eurasian Griffon. Other regular visitors to Finca La Libélula include wild mountain goats, ibex, hares and wild boar.
Climate
The climate couldn't be better – expect hot, dry summers with balmy evenings just made for BBQs and mild winters with cooler evenings. Rainfall during the summer months is rare and tends to be just a short shower that freshens everywhere.
Orgiva
Ten minutes by car along winding country lanes brings you to the historic town of Orgiva. It's a friendly, thriving place with narrow back streets and a bustling atmosphere, where you'll meet all kinds of people, from local farmers and other tourists to ex-pats and Sufi Muslims. It's also well-known as a centre for complementary therapies, with tempting treatments on offer to soothe and heal the mind and soul.
Sample local cheeses, honey, ham, wine and olive oil at the busy market on Thursdays and stock up with all kinds of delicious regional produce. You'll also find plenty of other shops for everyday essentials, an eclectric mix of art and crafts created by local artisans for that special keepsake, plus a good choice of bars, cafés and restaurants. And if your stay happens to fall during one of the town's many fiestas, get ready to party! For further information on La Alpujarra visit www.alpujarras.com
Other Attractions
Climb up into the mountains and tour the stunning Alpujarra White Villages, seemingly built on top of each other as they cling daringly to the slopes. Sit awhile in a square and glimpse local life set at a delightfully slow pace, just as it would have been centuries ago.
Discover the Moorish city of Granada, just 1hr 15mins from the finca. The exquisite, 1000-year-old Alhambra Palace, flamenco dancing, tapas bars and lots more, with the Sierra Nevada a mind-boggling scenic backdrop. From December until April, the Sierra Nevada Ski Resort offers an array of winter sports and incredible views over the mountains out across the Med and over to Morocco.
No stay at Finca La Libélula would be complete without a trip to the coast. There are many lovely beaches to choose from on the Costa Tropical, some charming small resorts to explore and the 9-hole golf course of Los Mariscos nearby in Salobrena.
So many reasons to choose Finca La Libélula for your next Spanish adventure.