Granada is uniquely positioned between the craggy peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains - Europe's most southerly ski resort (from where you can glimpse the Atlas mountains in Africa) and the Costa Tropical - where little known coves still nestle between the chirimoya groves for those intrepid enough to explore and find them.

Close to this historic city, within easy reach of both the mountains and the coast - we can offer holiday properties in a choice of two wonderful locations.....

The Lecrin Valley:

Just south of Granada, beyond the "Sigh of the Moor" pass (so called because here the last Moorish king paused on his journey into exile, and sighed for the beautiful city he had lost) lies a valley so beautiful that it was named by the Moors 'the Valley of Joy' - El Valle de Lecrin.

Here in the traditional white village of Albunuelas, overlooking the dramatic Rio Santo gorge, we have four lovingly restored houses for you to choose from. In these houses you will find the chestnut beams, copper sinks and handmade tiles of local tradition, combined with discreet comforts such as limitless hot water and underfloor heating in winter.

All of the houses have roof terraces and all have breathtaking views of the Rio Santo gorge and the Las Guejaras Sierras. In addition all of the houses have free use of our private garden where, if you wish, you can have a paddling pool for children, or alternatively just sit among glossy leaved orange trees and drink in the vistas of the distant mountains.

Albunuelas is a unique place - the most beautiful of the villages in the Lecrin Valley, where the narrow winding streets are free from cars and troubled only by the occasional donkey winding its way back from a day's work in the orange groves. Although tranquil, this village has a restaurant, a choice of 4 tapas bars, 2 shops, a pharmacy & a Thursday morning market - and the breadman and the fishman honk their horns each morning as they wind their way through the streets selling freshly baked bread and cakes and the catch of the day straight from the Mediterranean Sea.

Epic walks start, literally, from the doorstep. The great GR7 route from Algeciras to Istanbul passes the door (the marker is on the wall of one of the houses) and there are plenty of other routes for walkers of all levels. Or, for those who prefer to ride, horse riding is available from the Upper Barrio of the village. Granada with its flamenco culture, historic buildings, lovely tapas bars and fascinating Moroccan souk is a 25 minute drive away. The coast can be reached in 35 minutes and the ski resort in the Sierra Nevada mountains in about 45 minutes. Lanjaron - gateway to the Alpujarras (the highest villages in Spain, made famous by Chris Stewart's book 'Driving Over Lemons') lies just at the other end of the Valley - 20 mins away. The warm waters of Lake Bermjales and the hot water springs of Alhama de Granada can be reached in about 45 minutes by a beautiful drive over the Sierra de Albunuelas. Or, for a quick dip closer at hand, there is a choice of local bars and restaurants with summer pools for the use of customers.

Alternatively....

Guejar Sierra:

If you would prefer a little more activity, you might prefer the charms of our second location. Nestled just to the East of Granada in the heart of the Sierra Nevada National Park - the pretty little town of Guejar Sierra, with its cobbled streets and flower draped balconies is a hitherto undiscovered gem - a well kept Spanish secret.

Guejar Sierra is a slightly larger town than Albunuelas, perched in a dramatic position with panoramic views of the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains just at the point where they dip their toes into the beautiful Canales reservoir. Being larger, Guejar has more to choose from in terms of bars and restaurants - both within the town itself and in the surrounding area. Many of the restaurants have summer terraces where you can eat and enjoy breathtaking views at the same time and many also have summer pools. At nearby Maitena, you can also swim in a mountain pool or, if you prefer the beach, the Costa Tropical is still only 45 minutes away.

The Alhambra Palace and Granada can be reached from here within about 15 minutes (a spectacular drive) and our mountain apartments in Guejar are also ideally placed for the ski resort (about 25 minutes to the ski lifts). While skiing is great in the Sierra Nevada and the views of Africa from the top are spectacular, the resort itself was built relatively recently. Staying in Guejar offers the unique opportunity to sample the diverse skiiing of the Sierra Nevada while at the same time enjoying the experience of living in a traditional Spanish village.

Guejar is also a great centre for mountain sports, family and adventure activities. This is an ideal base for mountain biking, walks of all levels, ice/rock climbing, canoeing, rafting, paragliding, horse-riding etc. The campsite complex close by offers yet another restaurant with dramatic views, plus a pool, play area, archery and other activities for children. There are also waterparks in Granada and Almunecar.

We have a choice of two spacious, luxury properties here within the El Ladero (Redoubt) mountain apartments. Both have spectacular views of the mountains from all major rooms, plus air conditioning, central heating & dedicated parking. Both are also within a couple of minutes stroll of several lovely restaurants and an eccentric little Bodega where one can be assured of a warm welcome from the moustachioed landlord - who is something of a local celebrity!