We recently headed off for a well deserved break at our usual spot in Spain, Casa Grandina, Huerta de Ranea.
First stop after the airport, Torremolinos and El Sardina, our favourite spot for Sardines a la Plancha, Boquerones, nice cold cerveza (sin alcohol) and a great view of the beach. Despite being early in the season, the restaurant was packed as usual – unsurprisingly as the food is delicious. Bellies full, it was full speed ahead to the Casa.
Ahead of us, sunshine all the way, more great food, 6 glorious days discovering new walks – all courtesy of our hostess with the mostest, Rosie (OK maybe Rosie can’t take all the credit for the sunshine…). What a treat!
A gentle walk the first day was topped off by a few hours relaxing in the sunshine hanging out at a food festival in the nearby town of Comares. Complete with bands, traditional music and dancing in the town square… and a few intrepid folk taking the short way across the valley via a zip wire.
Our next walk was a stunning 10 miler starting at Villa Auta, about a 10 min drive from the town of Riogordo, The walk took us through Pulgerin and Donya Anya and treated us to wonderful views of the “Sleeping Giant” mountain, surrounded by a carpet of spring flowers.
A beautiful drive a bit further afield to Alhama De Granada, via Zaffaraya Pass and views of the Sierra Nevada was on the agenda for for the next day. Walking through the gorge and back over the top through olive groves teeming with wildflowers of almost every conceivable colour, and fab views of the gorge below. All followed by a dip in the nearby hot springs to ease the satisfyingly aching muscles.
Day 5 we walked near Periana taking in more great views, this time of Lake Vinuela. Stopped off post walk to check out the nearby sulphur springs, Baños De Vilo, and cool our hot feet.
For our last day the walk was more local. Starting off at the Casa and climbing upwards to Romo for a refreshment stop, complete with man and horse. Returning along the (mostly) dry river bed via a house where there had obviously been a great party judging by the number of bottles piled up outside…
All in all we had a great time. Catching up with friends and locals we’d walked with before, as well as meeting and making new friends. Look forward to returning in the not too distant future.