|
La Rijana sits on top of a
headland, just below an ancient Moorish tower, in a quiet,
residential, exclusive area of Almuñecar, known as Los Pinos,
(The Pines). It looks out over the sea from the bay of Motril,
to the rocks of San Cristóbal in Almunecar. From the windows
and balconies, you can watch sunrise and sunset, follow the
fishing boats and at certain times of year, spot dolphins just
off the coast. It is an all year round location, ideally
located for Granada (1hr), with the fabulous Alhambra and
Sierra Nevada skiing.
Roughly 45 minutes from Granada and 1hr Malaga airports,
Almuñecar is the principal town on a part of the southern
coast of Andalucia, known as the Costa Tropical, in the
province of Granada. The Costa Tropical runs from Nerja to
Motril and is characterised by rugged cliffs falling to the
sea and a sub-tropical climate that encourages the growth of
chirimoyas (custard apple), avocados, mangoes and bananas.
La Rijana is a newly built
development, entered through a remote controlled gate. It
consists of 14 houses arranged in 2 rows of 7. There is a
communal pool (open in season), overlooking the sea, with an
adjacent built-in barbeque.
Our house,is at the end of a
row, overlooking the pool and has breathtaking views across
the ocean towards Africa and along the coastline. It is
a 2-storey house with 3 sea-view bedrooms, 1 double and 2 twin
(one with pull-out bed). The lounge-diner is furnished
with leather sofas, has TV, DVD,and Hi-Fi. There are CD's,
tapes, books and games for your use. The kitchen, has
granite work-surfaces, ceramic hob with halogen ring,
stainless steel combination-microwave oven, washer and large
fridge-freezer. There is ample ceramic crockery and glassware
for indoor use and plastic equivalent for balcony or
pool-side.
There are 2 bathrooms (1 en-suite) with shower, basin and
bidet.
The house is tiled throughout with rustic-style terracotta
floor tiles. It is double-glazed and is equipped with AC and
heating on the lower floor.
Patio doors open onto a balcony (with external patio
canopy)which stretches over 2 sides, giving superb sea and
pool views. Patio furniture consists of a teak table and 6
chairs, a small side table and a parasol. There are
lightweight sun-loungers for use either on the balcony or by
the pool (but please, not on beach trips).
The house is equipped with intercom for the main gate, and a
bell for the house gate. Parking space is available outside
the house.
Places of Interest.
Although Almuñecar at first sight just looks like a busy
holiday town, it has the heart of an old Andalucian pueblo.
You will be surprised when you come across the hilly narrow
streets of the old town. Explore this area and seek out some
good tapas bars, bodegas and restaurants. There is a huge
choice, naturally with lots of sea food available.
Visit the town market to buy fresh fish, meat and vegetables.
See the remains of the fish-salting factory and wander through
the botanical gardens (jazz festival in July). Don’t forget
the bird park,(hence photo of the toucan), castle, museum and
Friday outdoor market. The water park can be seen on the coast
below La Rijana.
Out of town you can travel up Almuñecar’s tropical valley,
where you will encounter magnificent scenery. You can eat game
up here in the mountains. Carry on to the hot springs at
Alhama and return via Velez Malaga. By now you’ll probably be
out of time and energy, but you can always return another day
to explore this pleasant local town. Between here and the
coastal resort of Torre del Mar, you’ll come across El Ingenio
shopping centre, with 12 screen cinema complex, trendy snack
bars and shops and a huge hypermarket.
|
Riding is available just
as you leave Almunecar through the Tunnel Taramay, up the
side of the Hotel Taramay, (Centro Equestre Tropical -Tel.
626819691)and alsp below the Hotel Salobrena on the way to
Motril.
Salobreña lies east of Almuñecar. The old part of town is
built on an outcrop of rock and topped by Moorish
fortifications. Beyond Salobrena is the interesting Spanish
town of Motril, with Los Moriscos golf course next to the
sea (around £20/couple green fee; Tel. 958 82 55 27)).
Heading north from Motril you will find Granada, just an
hour from Almunecar. This was the last capital of the
Moorish kings and is well worth a visit, not only for the
marvellous Alhambra (book in advance), but also for the many
other places of interest within the city.
There is good skiing to be had in the Sierra Nevada
(generally Nov – Easter).
South of the Sierra Nevada are the Alpujarras, (‘Driving
Over Lemons’ fame), a series of foothills with steep valleys
and ancient villages, some with houses built into the
hillsides.
To the west of Almunecar, before Herradura, you can go to
Marina del Este, an exclusive marina with smart restaurants
and some lovely boats to look at. Beyond Herradura, you will
come to Nerja, a popular resort for British holiday-makers,
with a good beach (Burriana) and fantastic caves
(International festival, featuring ballet, opera, flamenco
in July). Beyond this you will come to the whitewashed
village of Torrox Pueblo and Tprrox Costa, the latter having
a very pleasant promenade lined with restaurants.
History of the Area
Palaeolithic, Neolithic and Bronze-Age man made his home in
the surrounding areas, but it was not until 3000 yrs ago
that the modern history of Almuñecar began, when it was
inhabited by the Phoenicians. Subsequently the Romans and
Moors ruled. Under the occupation of the Arabs, this
important town was known as ‘Al-Munakkab’ (fortified town),
or ‘Hins-al Monacar’ (flanked by hills). Evidence of the
Romans can be seen in the fish factory and aqueduct.
The Roman hilltop fortifications were rebuilt and expanded
into a formidable Moorish castle. At the same time, Arabs
introduced sugar cane, pomegranate, citrus, fig and the silk
industry.
Fairs, Fiestas and Festivals.
These occur throughout the year and you can find out about
them from the local tourist office or by visiting
www.almunecar.com. In summer, the Jazz Festival in July,
followed in subsequent weeks by free music and dancing in
the botanical gardens, are well worth enjoying. A little
later there is Almuñecar’s patron saint, week long
celebration in August. Around Sept. 29th is another 3-day
celebration followed in October by a 1 week Fiesta de la
Chirimoya, marking the beginning of the chirimoya harvest.
In the area of Almunecar, as you can see, you will always
find something to do. The location of La Rijana, suitable
all year round, means that you can combine the tranquillity
of gazing across the blue of the Mediterranean with the
convenience of being within minutes of a vibrant Spanish
town. You can explore the coastal towns and more remote
beaches or head inland to the mountains.
And remember.... the wonderful city of Granada and the
Sierra Nevada ski resort are just a short drive away!
beaches
The region offers a huge
variety of beaches and coves where opportunities exist for
diving, windsurfing, paragliding, jet-ski, scuba,
snorkelling, fishing, pedalo, nudism or simply sunbathing
and swimming. Many beaches and towns tend to be busy
during the Spanish holiday season (August), and parking can
be difficult. (Note that the Spanish will generally take a
siesta between about 2pm and 5.30pm.) You therefore have to
be adaptable and adventurous in your choice of location.
You might note the following beaches, (from east to west):
Playa de Cabria: Small, popular beach, food, can walk
around cove to a smaller headland.
Playa el Pozuelo: Small beach with shade provided by
eucalyptus. Food available.
Playa el Tesorillo: (Tesorillo means Little Treasure).
Sandy inlet bordered by rocks. Further west, lie numerous
beaches down steep cliffs, which have recently been made
accessible by foot only:
Playa de Cantarriján, Playa Canuelo ,Playa Alberquilla,
and Playa de Molino de Papel,Valle los Pinos, etc.
Bars
Playa Velilla: 2km sand
and shingle, restaurants, shops water-sports.
Playa Puerta del Mar: Main beach of Almunecar, running
from the aquapark to San Cristóbal.
Playa San Cristóbal: Long beach with wide promenade.
Beach-bars, restaurants, water-sports, fishing fleet.
Playa de Cotobro: Small sand and shingle beach just round
the headland. Restaurant. Can walk round the rocks to next
beach.
Playa del Muerto: Nudist bathing area. Secluded shingle
and rock coves.
Playa de Berengueles: Small sandy beach beside Marina Del
Este (an exclusive boat harbour, similar to Puerto Banus),
from which diving can be organised. Bars/restaurants.
Playa de la Herradura: ‘Herradura’ means ‘horseshoe’ and
this sandy beach runs for 2k fronting the town of the same
name. It is never really crowded and there are opportunities
to park on the beach. Restaurants.
Contact
Details
|
TELEPHONE NO: (0044)
1865 340033 / 079 620 150 97
|
|
