Sorry - no pets allowed Not suitable for children Not suitable for elderly or infirm Smokers welcome Self-catering
Home description
Casita Maria is a refuge from all that the "traditional" Spanish holiday brings. This is the time to unwind: read a book, be with your loved one, just infuse your soul with peace and relaxation. Let the laid-back mañana temperament of the Andalucians take hold of you and recharge yourself with a very special type of holiday. A romantic paradise for walking, bird watching rock climbing, painting, photographers, naturists and anyone else who wants simply wants to get away from it all (20-30 minutes away from all of the villages by car).
With the incredible views from here, sunsets are an important part of the day - sometimes simply pretty, many times very dramatic - always different. Watch the sun go down, drink in hand, maybe even wish on a shooting star ... bliss! It simply doesn’t get any better.
Wonderful Mountain Views
Looking towards the sea
The double bed
Another view of the plunge pool
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/21983
The Costa del Sol/Malaga region
Andalucia lies basking in the Mediterranean sun, soaking up the warm sunshine throughout the year. Casita Maria is situated 400 m high with gentle breezes bringing their cooling reprieve during the searing summer temperatures that scorch the coast.
Malaga is an interesting city with a lot to offer. One of the easiest ways to get around is to use the "Magic Bus". For about 12 euros per person, an open topped bus with take you around the interesting parts of the old city, complete with a commentary in 6 languages using a plug in ear phone. The tickets are valid 24 hours and you may hop on an off the bus as often as you like. Our favourite stops are the castle (nice inexpensive restaurant with wonderful views, makes a good break for lunch) and the cathedral.
Gibraltar - With the borders now open between Spain and Gibraltar, a day trip (with passports) down to The Rock is an interesting day out. Not being in the EU, duty free is available at excellent prices in Gib, but beware of zealous Spanish customs checking that you don't go over your limit! At busy times it is best to park on the Spanish side and simply walk across the border and take one of the ubiquitous taxi trips around the rock.
The famous city of Granada is some 2.5 hours away by car . This indeed is a cultural day out - even those who are not particularly interested in sightseeing cannot fail to be fascinated by the Alhambra - without doubt the best preserved medieval Arab palace in the world. As so many visitors flock here all through the year, it is best to book tickets in advance otherwise you may not get in at all. We can do this for you.
Nerja - Famed for its fabulous caves is also well worth a visit - not just for the caves either. There's a beautiful walk up through the canyon - particularly nice in the summer when you can splash up through the river! It is about 1½ by car.
Ronda - A wonderful day out! This magical city, perched nearly 800 m on a cliff edge, so affected Orson Wells that he requested his ashes to be scattered here after his death. Ernest Hemingway enthused "The whole city and its surroundings form a perfect romantic setting." We fell in love with Ronda - It is also 1½ hours by car
Alora area
Mid point between Alora, Estacion de Cartama and Pizarra, Casita Maria is located on an old almond farm of some 7 acres of gently sloping hillside. In late winter, the area is covered in pink and white almond blossom, by spring time the hills are a mass of wild flowers.
Alora - 20-30 mins by car A beautiful pueblo blanco (white village) at the top of the Guadalhorce Valley, inland from Malaga. Good roads connect Álora with Malaga, and the local train runs frequent and fast trains into the city centre. It is built on three hills, one of which is dominated by the ancient Moorish castle - some parts of which have been dated back to Phoenician times, possibly some of the oldest remains in Europe. The cemetery gives wonderful views back down the valley, and is a place of genuine peace. The town itself centres on two squares, the higher containing an impressive fountain and the lower the main church. The market is on Monday morning.
Alora's railway station is 3 km from the town centre, down in the valley by the river. Along the sides of the valley are many fincas. The whole town is surrounded by spectacular views in all directions.
Estación de Cártama - 20-30 mins by car A busy, thriving and rapidly expanding town. Very little sign of tourism, although there are a couple of British pubs and a "Paper Shop" selling UK papers. There are quite a lot of expatriates in the area, but it is predominantly Spanish. There is a large market on Sunday mornings (when some of the other shops are open too), and is a great place to have something to eat in the evening. There are lots of open air tables - the Spanish will spend the whole evening at their table, so lots of tables are required or you'd never get a seat! You can have a huge Brochetta de Pollo (Chicken Brochette) at one place (who also serves chilled Rioja!?) and then go to an heladería for your ice-cream sundae. It's great to just sit and watch the Spanish life in the evening, they love to be out in the evening to see and be seen. There is also a station here - on the same line as Malaga and Álora. Our favourite restaurant, El Tintero Campero, about 3-4 km outside Cartama Estación - It's so much fun! Outside, under shade, with huge trestle tables and paper tablecloths with waiters running around the place with plates full of different delicious foods (seafood, barbequed meats, salads etc). You just stop them when you see something you fancy. They actually call out in Spanish and English what it is they are carrying ... but understanding either is practically impossible! Most families put the plates in the middle of the table and everyone can just helps themselves. It's very reasonably priced. The only time to go is Sunday lunchtime ... particularly in the summer months - we love it!
Almendra del Sur is a super place to buy some small presents of local produce to take home. It is a co-operative (local farmers association) that produces honey, almonds and other local specialities. The shop is almost always completely devoid of human life – other than a till assistant if you are lucky. (Not advertised anywhere!) All sorts of interesting items can be seen in here for making honey, processing almonds and olives etc.
The Spa at Carratraca - The healing properties of the town’s sulphuric waters have been sought out since Roman times. The public spa was built in the 18th century and by the 19th century, visiting the spa became the height of fashion, even enjoying royal patronage. Located close to the town hall, known as the Arab house, the baths have been recently renovated and are now open all year again. The baths, with marble-lined pools, jacuzzis, mud treatments and massage on offer, are a magnet for health tourists.
How to get there
There are lots of cheap flights to Malaga from the UK and Europe - take a look at Easy Jet, My Travel lite, Monach, Jet 2, Excel Airways and all the others competing for routes to Malaga.
Malaga abounds with car hire companies, although in the peak seasons, we recommend you book your car hire beforehand. Out of season you may be lucky to pick up a car without a reservation, but to be absolutely sure, we recommend you book first.
Many so called cheap companies turn out much more expensive than they suggest! We are dismayed to hear from guests that many hire car companies are charging for a full tank of petrol at premium rates, and then asking you to bring it back empty … only having used a quarter of a tank … check the small print carefully!
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Malaga: 33 km
Railway:
Estacion de Cartama: 13 km
Ferry:
Malaga: 31 km
Activities near Alora
Sports: Horse Riding
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Cycling holidays
Facilities
Luxuries:
DVD player
General:
TV, Video player
Standard:
Kettle, Toaster, Hair dryer
Utilities:
Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer
Rooms:
Bedrooms (1), Ensuite (1)
Furniture:
Double beds (1), Dining seating for 2, Lounge seating for 2, Sleeps maximum of 2
Other:
Linen and towels provided.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Private outdoor pool (unheated), Private garden, BBQ
Access:
Parking space
Further details indoors: Whilst inexpensive to rent, the accommodation is by no means "budget" class! Every care has been taken to make sure that this lovely cabin will provide you with all the creature comforts needed for your special holiday. *Secluded Location *Double Bed with net canopy *Comfy 2-Seater Sofa *Large shower room with basin, toilet, shelves and mirror. *Kitchen - equipped with a full size cooker, fridge/freezer, microwave, toaster, glasses, crockery etc *Digital Safe *TV/VideoDVD player - plenty of films to see (NB the TV is not hooked up to any networks, although it receives many Spanish channels by default!) *Assorted games and books *Fans to keep things cool in summer *Heater to keep things warm in winter
Further details outdoors: *Private Plunge Pool – a free form, mosaic tiled, shape cut into the side of the mountain allowing all depths for cooling off: from toes only to the top of your head! *Outside gas barbecue *Private decked terrace at front with table and comfortable chairs - a perfect spot for whiling away the day and watching the sunsets! A magnificent view ... *Side terrace with sunloungers - also with an amazing view! * Wood pergola with shade and insect screening *A wonderful old olive tree providing perfect shade throughout the year.
Further details
To ensure you do not get lost on way from the airport, we always meet first time guests at Estacion de Cartama to guide you to Finca Cencerrita.
Although Casita Maria is totally private, we are but a few minutes away if you need any help!
Please bring your own towels for swimming and the beach.
Smoking is only permitted outside (and with great care in the dry seasons!)
Conditions
*When booking, a non-refundable deposit of 25% is required, with the balance due 6 weeks before the start of your holiday. *A refundable deposit of €100 is payable on arrival. This will be refunded in full, assuming all is as you found it in the cabin. *A cleaning fee of €25 will be charged if you prefer not to clean on your departure - an early morning flight perhaps?! *Check Out: 10:00. Check In: 16:00, unless by prior arrangement.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: Euros €
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
Jan to April
1 Jan 07
1 May 07
300£ 242
0-
0-
1 Week
May
1 May 07
1 Jun 07
400£ 323
0-
0-
1 Week
June
1 Jun 07
1 Jul 07
450£ 363
0-
0-
1 Week
July and August
1 Jul 07
1 Sep 07
500£ 403
0-
0-
1 Week
September
1 Sep 07
1 Oct 07
450£ 363
0-
0-
1 Week
October
1 Oct 07
1 Nov 07
400£ 323
0-
0-
1 Week
November and December
1 Nov 07
1 Jan 08
300£ 242
0-
0-
1 Week
61
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
*Minimum stay is 3 nights.
*The nightly cost is one sixth of the weekly fee.
*Payment can be made via PayPal (here you can use your credit card if you wish) or Bank Transfer.
*No increases for Easter/Christmas holidays!
*Gas and Electricity are included in the cost of your holiday.
Guestbook
"The place is nothing short of magic! We came here to climb in El Chorro but walked away with so much more. (actually we're having to tear ourselves, teeth and limb, away from here. It is so difficult to leave.) But we hope to be back some day soon. Many thanks to Alan and Colleen for making this such a special place away from the maddening crowds below" (Bruce and Caroline)
"We had such a splendid time unplugging ... enjoying long adventurous walks, yoga in the sunshine, wine at sunset, lazy afternoons with a good book ... life without clocks, deadlines and schedules (aside from making our way up to the hot tub!) Thank you for facilitating our romantic getaway. Much love, Eira".
"Wow! What a place. Michael and I first met 30 years ago and this was our first week alone, on our own. Michael's doctor recommended that he should take a break to de-stress or he would meet an early grave. When you left us on our own on the first night, Michael informed me I was crazy to book such a place in the back of beyond and that the next holiday he was going to book it. Well! Less than 15 hours later he was swallowing his words. We enjoyed the peace, it helped us to listen to each other. The unspoilt beauty helped us prioritise our lives. The tranquillity improved Michael's health and has brought our lives back on track with a few minor changes when we get home. Thank you for giving us the space and privacy and congratulations on keeping your home so tuned with nature!" (Mary Roseand Michael).
"Thank you internet!! Without you we would probably never have found this magnificent spot. And this is exactly what we hoped for when we sat in front of the screen studying those tiny pictures. And you, Colleen & Alan, have found the perfect balance between showing hospitality and leaving room for privacy. Looking forward to seeing you again! " (Kirsten & Johan)
Availability notes
To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/21983
Click to view availability for this property.
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/21983
Contact details for home 21983
Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:
Alan and Colleen Gosling
Mobile:
+34 600 875 916
Be aware of time-zones
Languages:
Contact Notes: Email - anytime
Advertiser joined: 23 Feb 2007 This property added: 23 Feb 2007
Print this page
E-mail to friend
Share / Post this
Be aware of time-zones
