Lecrin Valley holiday cottage accommodation with walking, beach/lake nearby, log fire, balcony/terrace, rural retreat

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Casa Idrisi (cottage)

Home description

Fabulous views and many thoughtful details - traditional beamed ceilings, interesting alcoves and a stunning Moorish bathroom are there to be enjoyed, as well as the invisible comforts such as underfloor heating in winter and good showers with plentiful hot water. Casa Idrisi is named after Europe's first mapmaker the Moor Al Idrisi - whose route took him through Albuñuelas and along much of what is now the great GR7 walking route from Algeciras to Istabunal. One of the distinctive GR7 red and white markers is on the wall of the house.

Idrisi has the largest roof terrace of any of our village houses and boasts unparalleled views - not only down the valley to the Alpujarras, but also across the valley to the Rio Santo gorge and up the valley to the Sierra de Albuñuelas. The living room and master bedroom also enjoy stunning views. Idrisi also shares our garden amid the orange orchards - which can be used by tenants for picnics, BBQs, or splashing about in the paddling pool. It is situated close to La Joya, Casa de la Lagartija, Casa de la Puerta Grande & any of these properties can be rented out together to larger parties if desired. Car access is not possible to the house, but it is possible to park in the square nearby.

There are no cars in the old Barrio Bajo of Albunuelas, although donkeys pass the ground floor windows of the house each day on their way to work in the orange and olive groves. Freshly baked bread and fish from the coast can be bought each day from hawkers in the square below the church. There are bars restaurants and village shops within walking distance and the village square has a weekly market on Thursdays.

While the tradtional Spanish way of life is preserved in Albunuelas, it is still only 30 minutes from the historic city of Granada, with the stunning Alhambra Palace (one of the most beautiful buildings in the world) elegant plazas, fountains, wonderful tapas bars, Moorish bath houses and a vibrant souk in the Moroccan quarter.
The Sierra Nevada Ski resort and the Costa Tropical are both also within easy reach.

Master Bedroom with view of Rio Santo Gorge	Panoramic Roof Terrace Views
The Green Room (bedroom 2)	Dual aspect Living Room - with views South & East

To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/15232

The Costa Tropical/Granada region

The historic city of Granada (with its vibrant Moroccan quarter and the attractions of the Alhambra and the Generalife) are a 30 minute drive. The Lecrin Valley is adjacent to the Alpujarras (the highest villages in Spain -made famous by Chris Stewart's book 'Driving Over Lemons'). The spa town of Lanjarron is a short drive and higher Alpujarran villages such as Pampaneira, Capileira and Bubion are accessible within an hour.

The dramatically situated coastal town of Salobreña, clinging to a rock with its castle perched on top, is a 35 minute drive away. The larger town of Almuñecar a few minutes further on has an interesting market on Friday mornings. Marina del Este has a few exclusive shops and a couple of nice waterfront restaurants overlooking the Marina. More secluded beaches can be found around La Herradura. A little further on still lies the more cosmopolitan coastal town of Nerja with its famous caves.

Skiing is available at the Sierra Nevada ski resort - one of the most exciting places to ski (the venue for the 1996 world ski championship). At over 9000 ft (skiing from 3500 metres down to 2000 metres) it is one of the highest resorts in Europe and can be reached within a drive of about 45 mins - 1hr 15 mins, depending on conditions. Ski hire and ski passes are available either in the resort itself or in the centre of Granada, next to the bus stop for the Granada-Sierra Nevada bus (which runs regularly). An international ski school is available on site. There are 70km of ski runs, 45 pistes (with more than enough variety to suit all levels), 300 snow machines and views of Africa from the top. Night skiing by floodlight!

There are two golf courses in Granada province, plus a new one to be completed soon. The 18 hole Granada Club de Golf in Las Gabias is 30 mins away and is signposted from Armilla. No reservations necessary. Clubs can be hired and if you play in the morning, the cost for 18 holes is approximately 20 euros (more on Sundays and festivals). The 9 hole course Los Moriscos is 40 minutes away in Motril.

Lecrin Valley area

The lower barrio of Albuñuelas has a bar/restaurant of some character and the local bread van and fish hawkers visit each morning to sell their wares in the street just below the church. The upper barrio, a short walk away, has several shops, a bank, bars and restaurants and a weekly market on Thursday mornings. There are several nice swimming pool/restaurants in nearby villages. Guided walks are available from local English residents which start from the village and can take in items of historical interest (Moorish, Roman, Iberian) as well as the flora and fauna of the valley. Ideal for relaxation and perfect for walkers or bird watchers. The epic GR7 walk from Algeciras to Istanbul passes the door and one of the GR7 markers can be seen upon the wall. The lush valley just beyond the house is rich with oranges, almonds, grapes, figs, pomegranates, persimmons, and prickly pears. In the spring the air is perfumed with orange and almond blossom. The higher slopes of the gorge abound with olives and the scent of wild herbs. In the evenings one can sit upon the roof terrace and watch the eagles soaring as the sun sets over the gorge. The Moors christened this place the Valley of Joy.

For intrepid travellers there is magnificent drive from the village, over the Camino Forestal until you hit the back road from Granada to Almunecar (via Otivar and Jete). Turn South on this road to drive through dramatic limestone scenery down to the coast (or stop off to see the waterfalls near Otivar). Alternatively cross straight over the Granada road and carry on to warm waters of Lake Bermejales or the thermal pools of Alhama de Granada.

There always seem to be fiestas going on somewhere in the area. The main events in the Albunuelas village calendar are Semana Santa (Easter Week) - every town and village has its own processions (the ones in Granada are stunning and justly famous); the day of the Virgin - a week-long summer fiesta with sangria parties, children's activities, marching bands and processions - culminates on August 15th; & May Crosses - when the village is decorated with flowers and crosses of all sorts. Corpus Christi is also a big celebration in Granada and there is also an annual music festival. To see real flamenco, visit some of the many cave-restaurants in the Gypsy area of Sacromonte.

The beautiful Lecrin Valley is also great base for fishing with huge carp in the Embalse de Beznar and barbel fishing in the Rio Santo. Nearby, the Embalse de Quentar, north-east of Granada & further into the Sierra Nevada, is easily accessible despite its remote location. It has steep sides but with several flat areas ideal for a range of fishing styles. A little further still on the same road is the Embalse de Frederico Abellan. This is bigger and more open in aspect with large shallow coves all round. Both have carp, barbel, trout and bass & the restaurant built into the cliffs at the Frederico Abellan has a fantastic view to boot.
Contact us for details on how to easily obtain a Spanish fishing licence.

How to get there

DIRECTIONS FROM GRANADA AIRPORT
From Granada Airport, follow the signs for Granada and you will see after about 11 Kilometres the signs for the CIRCUNVALACION DE GRANADA (ring road around Granada). Take the Circunvalacion following signs to Motril A-902 / A-44. Do not turn off the ring road into Granada or take the road to Almeria and Jaen. Pass the sign for Sierra Nevada, junction 138 for Armilla, 139 for La Malaha and Otura and 141 for Otura/Alhendin. You will now follow the new route south to MOTRIL. 35 kilometres from Granada you will see the sign for LECRIN / EL VALLE. Directly after the viaduct over the Rio Torrente, take turn-off 160 to MONDUJAR / LECRÍN.

7. Lecrin to Albunuelas (15 mins)
Having turned off the N-323, go right at the end of the slip road (or if on the other side - coming from the direction of the coast – follow the slip road under the motorway and straight on). Don’t take the turn signposted Mondujar. Follow the road to the right. There is a signpost on your right announcing Lecrin , and the first of two signs indicating Talara, Chite & Murchas. You need to follow these signs. When you come to a roundabout you will see the second sign marked Talara, Chite & Murchas – which indicates that you should go left. Go left – pass the pizzeria on the right and the petrol station on the left, and take the next right opposite Bar Garvi.

Bar Garvi is on the left hand corner of the crossroads and as you turn right you will pass another Coviran supermarket and Bar El Valle on your left. Continue downhill out of the village (Talara). As you leave Talara you will pass another petrol station on your left hand side. Further on you pass the turning for Chite on your left and continue downhill and straight on through the village of Melegis. As you leave the village you pass the restaurant/bar 'Los Naranjos' on your right.

After Melegis the road through the valley continues downhill until it crosses a small bridge, after which it bends to the left and begins to climb uphill. It then turns to the right, back on itself, still rising. This is followed by a sharp turn to the left heading into Restabel - just at that
point there is a right turn-off with official road-signs to Saleres & Albunuelas. Unofficially, painted on the wall beside it, in large black lettering someone has helpfuly written Albunuelas. Take this turn.

Follow the twists and turns of the road as it heads towards Saleres. Just on the very edge of Saleres with the village straight in front of you, the road forks - the flat part straight in front goes into Saleres. Take the fork to the right which goes up a steep incline (the two roads are divided by a lamp-post. Albunuelas is signposted, but the sign can be hard to spot at night. Follow this road which runs up along the ridge to Albunuelas. Pass a white walled cemetry on the right and carry on until you reach a junction at which, written in English, is a stop sign. Give way to the right and take the left turn. 300 yards further on you'll be entering Albunuelas. There is a bus shelter to your left. 10 ft beyond the bus shelter is the entrance to the carpark at the top of the village. Park here.(Should there be no parking places - continue on the main road past the car park as it sweeps around to the left. More often than not you will find spaces just here outside Bar Careto). I suggest that you call the keyholders before you arrive at this point so that they can meet you with the keys and show you the way down to the house.

8. Car Park to Idrisi
To walk from Albunuelas Car Park to La Joya (5 mins or less)
Turn left out of the car park and take the narrow street which runs along the left hand side of the car park - Calle Alta

Follow the street down the hill and at the bottom turn left. This little street then bears right and then left where you join a wider street with houses numbered 12, 16 and 22 on the right and a fountain ahead on the left.

Opposite the fountain turn right into Calle Doctor Emilio Duran. This is very steep, straight and downhill.

At the bottom the street turns to the left into Calle Lavedero – follow this. Ignore the turn off which goes back on itself past the laundry (several stone sinks set back)

Looking straight ahead in Calle Lavedero the street divides - the left hand option going uphill and the right hand option dropping down and curving to the right. Follow the right hand curve (past a house with a small courtyard in front on the left). This is still Calle Lavadero. Pass a small open area to the left (with washing line). Just after this there is a tall house on the left with steps up the front and at right angles to it, facing you - a smaller house with a balcony on the first floor. Carry straight on down the street past this and on the left hand side you will find the front door to another tall house behind. This is Casa Idrisi.

Activities near Lecrin Valley

Facilities

Further details indoors:
Accommodation Features

* 2 Bedrooms - Sleeps 4
* Roof terrace with amazing 360 degree views of Lecrin Valley, Rio Santo Gorge, Sierra de Albunulas and Sierra de los Guajares
* Stunning living/dining area with balcony and views (South and East) of the Lecrin Valley and the Rio Santo Gorge
* Master bedroom with comfortable double bed, Moorish alcoves and views to the gorge
* Moorish bathroom with bath/shower and hand-made local tiles
* 2nd double bedroom with beautiful, new, en-suite shower room. Plenty of hot water
* Heated towel rails and underfloor heating in winter. Fans in summer
* Use of garden and free fruit in season
* Children welcomed
* Cot available on request

Conditions

Not suitable for the infirm

Rental rates

Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Peak Seaon	1 Jul 07	1 Oct 07	450£  357	0-	0-	1 Week
Mid Season	1 Oct 07	11 Nov 07	390£  310	0-	0-	1 Week
Low Seaon	11 Nov 07	18 Dec 07	290£  230	0-	0-	1 Week
Peak Season	18 Dec 07	8 Jan 08	450£  357	0-	0-	4 Nights
Low Season	8 Jan 08	11 Feb 08	250£  198	0-	0-	1 Week
Mid Season	11 Feb 08	1 Apr 08	350£  278	0-	0-	1 Week
Peak Season	1 Apr 08	22 Apr 08	450£  357	0-	0-	4 Nights
Mid Season	22 Apr 08	1 Jul 08	380£  302	0-	0-	4 Nights

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.

Availability notes

To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/15232

Contact owner

To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/15232

Contact details for home 15232 Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:	Denise Guest
Tel:	+44 (0)1929 481229
Mobile:	+34 610 939954
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Advertiser joined: 22 Jun 2006 This property added: 11 Sep 2006

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