Food and drink:
Andalucía, is home to gazpacho. (a cold tomato soup well known now throughout Europe), Fish is always well represented on menus. El Valle de Lecrín’s exceptional climate also means that there is an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables. Whether it is a bar crawl with tapas in Albu ñ uelas or a sit down meal of local dishes, there is a variety of restaurants to choose from.
The word tapa, means “cover”, and originally comes from the small plates used to cover food on the bars so that the flies didn’t get on them. Granada is one of the few places in Andalucía where tapas are still served free with a caña, (small beer). The local bars in Albuñuelas, Bar El Careto, Tres Lindes and Taberna Montorro all serve tapas and raciones. Raciones is very similar to tapas, but you usually sit down and order a selection all at once to make a meal of it and the raciones are a full plateful of food rather than a small snack.
Of course you can always sit down in one of the many bars and have a meal of the day (menu del día). This is more of a quick meal at lunchtime with a choice of two or three things in each course and coffee all included in the price (around Euro10pp). For lunch or dinner, our favourite haunts include Meson Los Naranjos in Melegis which has a lovely covered veranda with fantastic views and Chambao de Vizco in Durcal which is located in a secluded spot by the river, providing a refreshing place to enjoy a delicious lunch on a hot summer day.
Very popular local drink is called tinto de verano, (literally summer red wine), made with ice, red wine and sparkling water or lemonade. This is different from the famous sangría, which is made with much more fruit and a much heavier wine.
Recommended reading:
We have found the following books about the area informative and enjoyable. Some of the books are available at the house for guests to enjoy by the poolside.
Art Gallery and Classes:
Jim Park is a Scottish artist who now lives in Albunuelas with his wife, Helen. You can visit the Jim Park Gallery, a short walk from Casa De Luz. It may be possible to arrange classes with Jim.
http://www.jimparkgallery.com/index.htm
Festivals:
The Valley hosts a number of festivals through the year.
Walking:
Several footpaths can be accessed directly from the house. In addition guided walks can be arranged around the valley. The GR-7 footpath, which dates back to Moorish times, goes through Granada Province, traversing some 500km. The route passes through Lecrin, from Albunuelas, straight through to Niguelas. To complete the section from Albunuelas to Niguelas would take just over 3 hours. The section from Albunuelas to Saleres would take 50 minutes, passing orange, olive and almond groves and with dramatic vistas of the Rio Santo gorge and the Sierra Nevada.
Catering & Cookery Classes:
A full catering service that provides the Lecrín Valley with anything from frozen meal packs or ready to eat meals for those days when you don't feel like cooking. Scarlett can also arrange Cooking Demonstration Days to give you an insight into the local produce and meals.
http://www.casaamelia.com/
Photography:
It is possible to arrange photography classes with David Aspinall who lives in the valley. Please see the link below for some of David's work on his home page.
http://www.duotonephotography.com/about.html
Spanish Language Classes:
Spanish Language classes can be arranged with native speaker Eva Maria Robles Ruiz.
Bird watching:
The area around is fantastic for bird watching, with migrating and endemic species to be seen including beeaters and hoopoes. Bird watching walks can be arranged on request.
Golf:
The nearest golf course Santa Clara is just 20 minutes drive from the house. Club de Golf Granada (18 holes) is 30 minutes drive at Las Gabias. Los Moriscos Club de Golf (18 holes) is 40 minutes drive at Motril. You can hire clubs at all of the above golf courses.
Waterparks:
Aquatropic (Almuñecar)
Address: Velilla Beach,
Prices: Adults €11; Children (Height 1.20m) €7; Children (under 3) Free
http://www.aqua-tropic.com/
Aquaola (GRANADA)
Address: Cenes de la Vega
Prices: Adults €9; Children €7
Tel: 958 486 189
Horse riding:
Stables with well cared for horses. Treking through the Lecrin Valley, based in Albunuelas.
Skiing:
Europe's southernmost ski resort located at Pradollano at an altitude of 2,100m in the Sierra Nevada provides almost guranteed sunshine due to it's close proximity to the Mediterranean coast. An hour's drive from the house, the resort provides facilities for beginners and for experts. The long season runs from November through to April so it is possible to ski in the morning and then enjoy the sunshine and relatively mild weather at home in the afternoon.