TODO GRANADA

LUNCHTIME IN GRANADA

2012-02-20T20:51:00.002+01:00

PALADAR - LIFE AND LUNCH AT A GRANADA TAPAS BAR from Vernon Grant on Vimeo.

Produced by Vernon Grant of

www.vern-on-spain.blogspot.com for www.thetapaslunchcompany.co.uk

Life and lunch at one of the finest tapas bars and restaurants in the city of Granada, Spain.

This film interviews Jose who, together with his brother, has run this modern and popular tapas bar and restaurant since 2005.

He talks about changing tastes in Spain. About the difference between Spanish food in the north and south of Spain. About modern tapas and the more traditional Granadino food. He tells us what his last supper or menu del dia would be. He offers advice on cooking the perfect paella.

In his kitchen Jose prepares for us 3 very different tapas for us.

He is interviewed, and the food is tasted by, Gayle Mackie of www.granadatapstours.com

She takes visitors to the city of Granada on personalised tours of the best tapas bars in the great city.

GAYLE'S GRANADA TAPAS TOURS

2011-10-05T13:11:00.000+02:00

RIDE SIERRA NEVADA

2011-06-19T14:28:00.003+02:00

If you love to see Spain on a bike, then be sure to contact http://bit.ly/laZLP5

There is some wonderful scenery around Granada and the Sierra Nevada. Shaun knows where to take parties large and small on cycle tours of this mountainous region. Spectacular rides that have had people coming back for more.

You are in good hands as Shaun knows routes that take in the best sights as you climb towards the often snow covered peaks of the Sierra Nevada ski resort above Granada in Spain. So if you are looking for fresh cycling territory, be sure to get in touch with Shaun via the website.

GRANADA is GREAT

2011-03-14T16:56:00.000+01:00

Holiday information video about Granada

10 MINUTES IN THE LIFE OF GRANADA

2011-03-02T13:26:00.001+01:00

5 BED HOME FOR SALE NR GRANADA 249.000 EUROS

2010-11-24T18:30:00.006+01:00

For Sale - a superb, large house near Granada.

Located in the pretty Lecrín Valley. A home, village and area that is as authentic Spain as it gets.

In General: A 5 double bedroom home that is full of character. Located in the historic village of Mondujar, 20 minutes south of Granada. Modernised to the highest standard, yet retaining its Andalucian and Moorish charm.

It has five double bedrooms located over three floors. Three of them en-suite. It is a big house. It's an old house. First registered as a dwelling in the year 1801.

Ground Floor: Wide entrance hall with tiled floor. Large open plan and airy Lounge and Dining Room. Floors are tiled with antique tiles. Large wood burning fire and storage cupboards and shelves. Fully fitted, all electric kitchen with oven and hob. Large en suite bedroom the bathroom of which is exquisitely tiled. Bath with shower over and WC and sink. A charming bedroom that is located on the ground floor, with traditional Spanish/Portuguese bed and bedroom furniture.

Also on the ground floor is the pretty Andalucian patio that leads from the lounge. Full of character you walk across the patio to enter the adjoining 'Bodega' building.

On the lower ground floor of this is the bodega lounge. A superb room with built in wine storage. This is a big lounge which is very cool in summer but easily heated in winter. Above the bodega is a further en suite double bedroom. Here is a large, stand under power shower, toilet and basin. From this bedroom stairs lead to an open sun terrace with views towards the main house and the hills of Mondujar. That is just the ground floor of the main house dealt with.

First Floor: Stairs from the entrance lead to a large floor with open plan lounge and dining room. Wood burning stove. All electric and modern kitchen. Tiled bathroom with bath, shower over, toilet and basin. Views to the Andalucian patio. From the dining room there is a 'juliet' balcony looking towards the patio and bodega. The lounge also boasts a recessed seating area. On this floor there are two large double bedrooms. One with fitted wardrobe. Both have "juliet" balconies with views towards the mountains of Mondujar and the other villages of the Lecrín Valley. This floor is very light and airy and stays cool in summer.

Top Floor: From the first floor the staircase continues to the large open roof terrace. This is vast and enjoys the sunshine from dawn until dusk. Leading off the roof terrace is a superb large bedroom with en suite stand under shower room, toilet, bidet and basin. Again this has been tiled very tastefully. Many windows offer plenty of light in this room and excellent views.

The Location: The property is located in Mondujar, close to the motorway that runs between Granada and Motril - each of which are 20 minutes from your front door. This is the most historic village in the Lecrín Valley. The last Moorish Queen of Spain is buried under the church of Mondujar, just a two minute walk from this house. Opposite the house is a distinctive ceramic museum that is open at weekends and holidays. It is a splendid building. Therefore, the house benefits from having no house opposite, offering clear views of the mountains opposite and is in a tranquil setting.

The Alhambra Palace is a 20 minute drive. The beaches of Salobreña and Almuñécar are 30 minutes away. Granada Airport is the same distance. Property summary: This house has been lovingly and carefully renovated and modernised but, crucially, it retains its historic Andalucian characteristics. The top two floors have been rented out as a separate entity as it has its own secure front door. Summer holiday letting brings in up to 350 Euros per week.

The Lecrín Valley: Ever beautiful, the Lecrín Valley is ideally situated being equidistant from the glorious City of Granada and from the coastal town of Motril. The Valley remains popular and represents everything that is best about the more authentic side of Spain.

The Price: This large property is for sale at the small price of valued at 249.000 Euros. Be quick. Bargains on classic Andalucian properties like this come along rarely.

For more photos and information go to www.forsaleinspain.blogspot.com

or call 00 34 958 788 252 or 00 34 677 143 489 or e-mail verninspain@gmail.com or contact via www.twitter.com/lecrin

GRANADA TAPAS BOOK - SELLING OUT

2010-11-24T18:27:00.006+01:00

The only English written book guiding people to 100 of the best tapas bars in the city & province of Granada is selling out. Only 6 copies left now. So if you are visiting Granada, or living in the province, be quick and buy a copy now.

The book takes the visitor to the city by the hand and offers 18 routes of 4 bars each. That's 72 of the best tapas bars in the city where tapas comes free. The book leads you from one one authentic bar to the next and points out other places of interest en route.

Granada is a great city and is full of tapas bars. But knowing which ones to go to is the skill. This book avoids the more touristy traps where you might only get a plate of crisps or olives. Instead it directs you to the atmospheric bars that serve tasty tapas with your drink.

The book also includes 28 bars in the wider province of Granada. Bars in areas such as the Costa Tropical, La Alpujarra, the Lecrín Valley and villages close to the Sierra Nevada ski resort.

The book fits in pockets and handbags and costs just 10 Euros or Pounds (plus postage). You can buy it via the PayPal buttons on the right hand side of this page.

GRANADA VOTED NUMBER 1

2010-05-05T11:03:00.006+02:00

The Travellers Choice Destination Awards have been announced and Granada is number one in Spain. It tops the desired destination chart of 25 locations throughout Spain. It was also voted number 6 destination in Europe and 14th in the entire world. The poll of travellers was organised by the popular travel review website TravelAdvisor.

Granada came number one, Seville was second, Santiago de Compostela 3rd and Barcelona only in 4th position.

It confirms what we have been saying for years. Granada is the most authentic city to discover throughout Spain. Despite being home of the most visited tourist attraction in Spain, the Alhambra Palace, the worst side effects of mass tourism have not made their mark in Granada. The city is so varied and there is so much to experience and savour.

Including, of course, free tapas. Don't forget the guidebook to 100 of the best tapas bars in Granada can be bought via this website for only 10 euros or pounds.

THE LECRÍN VALLEY, SOUTH OF GRANADA

2010-03-09T19:14:00.006+01:00

Just 20 minutes south of Granada is the picturesque Lecrín Valley. Full of oranges, lemons, olives and alomonds, the so called valley of happiness is as unspoilt as Andalucia gets. Peaceful, pretty and picture postcard perfect.

If you need a break from the city of Granada, drive the short distance south on the motorway towards Motril. Come off at junction 160 and sample the pretty white washed villages of the Lecrín Valley.

GRANADA TAPAS BARS - BUY THE BOOK NOW!

2009-10-22T16:08:00.003+02:00

The only English written book guiding people to 100 of the best tapas bars in the city & province of Granada is selling out. Only 30 copies left now. So if you are visiting Granada, or living in the province, be quick and buy a copy now. The book takes the visitor to the city by the hand and offers 18 routes of 4 bars each. That's 72 of the best tapas bars in the city where tapas comes free. The book leads you from one one authentic bar to the next and points out other places of interest en route.
Granada is a great city and is full of tapas bars. But knowing which ones to go to is the skill. This book avoids the more touristy traps where you might only get a plate of crisps or olives. Instead it directs you to the atmospheric bars that serve tasty tapas with your drink.
The book also includes 28 bars in the wider province of Granada. Bars in areas such as the Costa Tropical, La Alpujarra, the Lecrín Valley and villages close to the Sierra Nevada ski resort.
The book fits in pockets and handbags and costs just 10 Euros or Pounds (plus postage). You can buy it via the PayPal buttons on the right hand side of this page.

METRO BOOKS IN GRANADA

2009-09-20T16:17:00.003+02:00

The essential guide to 100 of the best tapas bars in Granada can be bought via a variety of methods. One is at the excellent shop Metro Books in Calle Gracia,31 in the city centre. Friendly, efficient and bi-lingual staff will sell you this book and many others in the English language. It is the best place to buy English written books in Granada. It stocks many books about Tapas and it is the bookshop with the exclusive right to sell the Granada Tapas Tour book in the city itself. Their telephone number is (00 34) 958 261 565 or e-mail them via metrolibros@terra.es

GRANADA IS HOME TO ZARA HOME

2009-09-20T14:24:00.001+02:00

At last! Zara Home has made it to the splendid Spanish city of Granada. On my travels around Spain i have envied people living in those cities that boast a Zara Home store. In the days before living in Spain took any money i once had, i drove back from the likes of Alicante with various goodies from these superb shops. Ironic, therefore, that they open a branch on Reyes Católicos in Granada at the very time when i have been living off the same 4 Euros 42 cents for the past fortnight or more!
For those of you living in Spain and who still have money under the mattress (if you put it in the bank it will have vanished under a sea of charges); then get along to Zara Home. Lovely items for all ages. Bedding, clothing, colourful tablecoths, comfy slippers for winter, items for babies and grown ups. Lovely smelling soaps and candles. There is much to attract customers and, based on my first visit to the Granada branch, the Spanish customers are loving it. The cost of living in Spain has grown exponentially at an alarming rate in the past couple of years, so it was reassuring to see that some people living in Spain still have disposable income.

SEPTEMBER SNOW

2009-09-14T15:35:00.006+02:00

Sunday September 13th. The snow fell above Granada & continued to fall the next day, when temperatures plummeted.

Astonished Granadinos stood amazed and bemused on the streets of Granada on Sunday evening. Their eyes were drawn to a shocking revelation. The low and heavy clouds that had brought so many hours of rain to the city streets lifted to reveal an early arrival. Snow. Yes, snow!

Lots of it covered the Sierra Nevada mountains including Mulhacén, at 3477 meteres (11407 feet) the highest peak in Spain. People were pinching themselves. Wiping their glasses. Shaking their heads in disbelief. Temperatures plummeted from the mid 30's celsius on Friday to as low as 16 celsius on Monday morning - when more snow fell at the highest levels.

Winter has arrived it seems. Summer is over. Autumn is AWOL. The warm sunshine will return and the Granada area looks at its best when the snow is on the mountains and the sky is blue.

GRANADA METRO

2009-07-27T23:05:00.004+02:00

All those who, like me, love the city of Granada have been putting up with all the various roadworks for years now in the knowledge that they are in aid of constructing a Metro service for the city. It will relief much traffic from the city and - if like similar systems in Valencia, Malaga and elsewhere in Spain - it should be a great new service for Granada.

It is a massive missed opportunity that they are not taking it out to the airport. I know from landing at Valencia airport how great it was just to be able to step on a metro train into the city centre.

Those who planned the Granada Metro, and the folk who are in charge of tourism, are short sighted to miss out on the benefits to all from having this new service go beyond its terminal at Armilla. It should terminate at Granada airport. But, of course, that would be logical and that would not be keeping in character with how things are done in Andalucia. A few years after the Metro is up and running some bright spark working for the Junta de Andalucia will say "hey, why don't we extend the Metro out to the airport." And so will begin more upheaval on the roads.

The website http://www.metropolitanogranada.com/ tells you more, in Spanish, about the new Granada Metro. I am not going to either believe or predict a completion date. In Spain it will be finished when it is finished. I just hope the final service is a whole lot better than the promotional video. I produced better promo videos than that 20 years ago!

AT LAST! A ROAD TO SOMEWHERE

2009-07-23T16:37:00.005+02:00

Almuñécar - soon to be reached easier thanks to new motorway link

Stand by your beds those of you who live along the Costa Tropical. The long awaited stretch of new motorway between Taramay outside of Almuñécar and La Herradura has opened. I kid ye not!
Queen Victoria was likely on the throne when this road was first planned.
There have been so many setbacks for this road but perhaps now those who drive between the Costa Tropical and Granada/Almeria can look forward to fewer tailbacks as traffic approaches Taramay on the coastal road.
This follows the recent opening of the new motorway between Motril and Granada. All that remains is the link between the two, the so called Molvizar flyover. Sadly work only began on that stretch of new road recently. Begs the question: why was that not planned and passed at the same time so that the entire road could open in the same year? Or even decade!

A TAPAS TOUR OF GRANADA - PART 3

2009-07-05T14:47:00.006+02:00

Top: Starting point for the tour - the statue of Don Quixote on Avda Cervantes. Middle: Bar Sandokan. Bottom: If tapas is not enough, the menu de la dia at Meson Labrador changes daily and costs just 8 Euros

Just ever so slightly out of the city centre is Avenida Cervantes. The road takes you between the aforementioned Rio Genil and the Ronda Sur road that leads to the Sierra Nevada ski resort.
It is a splendid residential area with plenty of good tapas bars to sample.
Start off at the statue of Don Quixote and his trusted horse, Rocinante. It is in the middle of a roundabout and you cannot miss the bright white statue.
Cross the road from the statue so that you are on the left hand side of Avenida Cervantes as it runs down to Granada. Look out for the bright yellow exterior of Sandokan. Like many of the bars around here, they will have seats outside in the summer. The buzz of the place though is indoors. Free sports papers so that you can catch up with the latest Spanish football results and there is tasty tapas for meat and fish lovers alike. Turn right out of there and head back to the junction with the statue. Turn right and follow the road called Sancho Panza. On the left hand side of the road is the very popular Meson Juan Ramos. It's smart inside and serves excellent tapas. On leaving that bar cross the road at the nearest zebra crossing and walk past the Coviran shop. Very soon on your right is the Meson Labrador - a favourite with those living locally. Again you can sit outside in summer or sample the atmosphere at the bar indoors. The Menu of the Day is 8 euros including one drink. It offers good value for money. The tapas alone is also good quality and the Albondigas (meatballs) is a home made speciality of the house.

Also visit www.todogranada.blogspot.com and www.granadatapas.blogspot.com

A TAPAS TOUR OF GRANADA - PART 2

2009-07-05T14:27:00.003+02:00

Walking the streets of Granada proved to be the ideal antidote to the consumption of all that tapas during my research for the guide to the best bars in the city. In part one we left you at Las Titas bar and restaurant, the glass conservatory like building close to the Rio Genil. From there you can stroll through the back streets of Granada to the square known as Plaza Mariana Pineda. Cross the road from Las Titas and stay on the narrow winding streets that run parallel with the rear entrance to El Corte Ingles on El Paseo del Salón, which will be to your left. You should emerge from the backstreets close to the Chikito bar and restaurant, a place favoured by the rich and famous. Run by a former professional footballer, it is the place where the stars of today’s game visit when they are in town. The bar is always lively and never more so than on the night last summer when Spain won the European Football Championships. A night those of us who were in Granada will never forget. Come out of Chikito and turn right and you are in Plaza Mariana Pineda, which is home to one of the main tourist offices of Granada. The square is one of the last in Granada where you can get your shoes shined. The statue of Mariana Pineda looks down over the Plaza and, now that Granada has cottoned on to the interest in its history, the former political activist is to be remembered each last Sunday in May with a day of festivities in her honour. You see Mariana was a bit of a rebel in her heyday. That was the 19th century and she was a young widow and mother and was very active in liberal politics. The statue marks the spot where she was garrotted for the “crime” of sewing the Liberal political colours on to a republican flag. Makes being slapped by a policeman seem like a walk in the park! Today the only gore in the plaza comes from the pigeons. Once you have had your shoes shined you will be ready for more refreshment. A very short distance away is Calle Rosario, location of all four bars on one of the most popular routes in the Granada Tapas Tour book. The lack of walking required may have something to do with its popularity! The bars are the family run El Patio Brasserito, the lively at night La Pajuana, the ever popular Diamantes and the splendid wine bar, Taberna La Tana. Each has something different to offer the tapas tourist. Strolling the streets of Granada, stopping off for a snack on route, is the best way to see the real heart of the city.

*The book “Granada Tapas Tours – 100 tapas bars in Granada” can be purchased via 958 788 252, by e-mail tapasbook@hotmail.com , via the website http://www.guiribooks.blogspot.com/ or at various outlets in the region.

GRANADA MUSIC & DANCE FESTIVAL

2009-07-03T15:37:00.009+02:00

The 58th International Festival of Music and Dance is underway in Granada. Plenty of free events for you to attend in the city itself, on the coast and in the villages and towns throughout the Grnada province. Here is a link http://www.granadafestival.org/folletofex.pdf to the programme.

Predictably, this involving those folk who run tourism in Spain, it is not translated into English or any other language other than Spain. Why would they do that? It might attract tourists and then those people in tourist offices would have to do some work! Anyway, you can figure out where, when and whether or not you will be seeing dance or listenting to a wide variety of music. Enjoy!

IKEA GRANADA UPDATE

2009-06-30T14:36:00.002+02:00

It seems plans to construct a new shopping mall based around a large IKEA store on the outstkirts of Granada have been postponed. In the current economic climate, when Granada has the highest unemployment rate in the country which itself has the highest unemployment in the EU, perhaps it is not surprising that the Swedish superstore have put plans on a back burner.

A disappointment though for expats and Spanish alike who must now continue trudging to the branches at Malaga, Seville or Murcia for their closes IKEA fix. And a blow to the already beleagured construction industry in Andalucia.

A TAPAS TOUR OF GRANADA - PART 1

2009-06-26T15:53:00.006+02:00

One aspect of life in the province of Granada that never ceases to amaze me is how little time many expats living in the area spend in the city of Granada itself. For me, it is the chief reason for living here. Many people who have visited Granada often come away feeling they have not seen the heart of the place. “Where is the centre?” they ask me. That is a tricky one. But my answer is always the same. Why would you want to find the actual centre of a city? Usually it consists of a burger chain outlet and the worst aspects of tourism.

Granada is great because it is so varied. When you add together all the distinctive barrios, you have a city that has much more to offer than many others I have stayed in throughout Spain. It does take time to appreciate all Granada has to offer. You cannot get to experience it all in one day. I always tell people to pull out a map and choose a barrio. Draw a circle around a certain area and aim only to explore that part of Granada. Each time you visit the city, tick off another barrio or district.

One area that lies outside the centre is El Zaidín. For those travelling to Granada from the south, come off at the Ronda Sur exit and point your car towards the football ground. You cannot miss it. Alternatively you can walk to El Zaidín from the city centre or jump on the number 4 bus (Palacio de Deportes) This is an area where young families choose to live. It is a thriving and increasingly pleasant part of Granada to discover. Plenty of wide avenues, shops, parks and bars.

If tapas and beer are high on your priority list, then the bars near the football ground are among the best on offer. The portions of tapas are larger than in the city centre and many bars serve bottled beers from all over the world. Football matches take place usually late on Sunday afternoons at the vast Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes stadium. None of the Granada teams are good enough to attract big attendances so entry is cheap and parking easy. The football on offer can be entertaining. Larger crowds gather around the football ground on Saturday mornings when a big local market takes place. All the usual suspects of Spanish fashion are on sale along with food and items for the home. High street supermarkets are nearby for anything you cannot buy at the market. The main street that runs from El Zaidín into the city centre is rough around the edges but has some good value shops, comfortable cafes and bodega like bars.

It is a pleasant walk into Granada and, unless you have got lost, you will arrive at the Rio Genil and the stand out fountain, Fuente de las Granadas. From there turn right and call in at the glasshouse like building that is Las Titas bar and restaurant for a rejuvenating coffee, or something stronger.

*To rent a large, two double bedroom apartment located within a traditional Andalucian village home; close to Granada and the beach, visit www.lecrinlet.blogspot.com

GRANADA FERRIA

2009-06-13T09:29:00.010+02:00

It's that time of the year again. Granada Ferria. The week saw processions for children and the religious parade in honour of Corpus Christi day. When you have been in Spain a while all this passes you by. Seen one fiesta, seen them all?

Well, yes. Up to a point. Granada ferria is one of the best (Cordoba lays claim to the best ferria).

Out on the fairground site close to the Granada coach station, there will be hundreds of horses, even more bars and casitas and flamenco dresses of every colour. It will, of course, be too hot. Yesterday, Friday, it reached over 40 celsius in Granada. Today will be around the same mark. Sweaty horses, people and dancers. Oh, and beer in plastic glasses. Marvellous!

GRANADA TAPAS BOOK - IN BOOKSHOPS NOW!

2009-03-21T14:26:00.008+01:00

The new guidebook, "Granada Tapas Tour - 100 tapas bars in Granada" is for sale at an increasing number of outlets throughout Granada province. The book features 72 of the best bars in Granada city. We map out 18 routes of 4 bars each and lead you by the hand from one authentic bar to the next. The book also includes 28 other bars in the wider province of Granada. These might be along the Costa Tropical, in La Alpujarra, close to the Sierra Nevada ski resort or deep in the beautiful countryside of Granada.
In Granada itself, go to Metro Books in Calle Gracia. Dave runs this shop that includes a fine selection of books in both the English and Spanish language, many of which you cannot buy elsewhere in Granada. Metro Books has the added advantage of being close to some of the best tapas bars featured in the Granada Tapas book. The full address for the shop is c/ Gracia 31 - Granada 18002. Telephone 958 261 565. E-mail metrolibros@terra.es
In Almuñécar, on the Costa Tropical, the ever friendly and efficent Delfin Books is stocking the guide to 100 of the best tapas bars in the city and wider province of Granada. The shop is close the sea and across the road from Solbank. Their telephone number is 958 634 120 and the e-mail address is delfinbooks@kasbah28.com
Also selling the book in Almuñécar is the internet shop Zen Net, which is a haven of peace and tranquility. One of those rare beasts, an internet shop that is so quiet you can hear yourself think. Nicolas and Louisa offer a vast array of services, including language courses, translation and help with all things computer based.
You can also find the book at Tropicana Properties at the top of town. If you need help with renting or buying property, you can trust the professionalism of Martin, Bernard and Jose.
In the Lecrín Valley the Granada Tapas Tour Guidebook is available at both bookshops in Durcal, at the Le Mans petrol station in Talara, at Los Naranjos restaurant in Melegis and at the offices of Lecrin Valley Property also in Melegis and right opposite the church.
In La Alpujarra you can buy the book at the information shop in the plaza of Pampineira and at the La Urdimbre shop in Capiliera.
Alternatively, buy the book direct from this site via the "Buy Now" buttons opposite.

RENT nr GRANADA SPECIAL OFFER - BEAT THE EURO EXCHANGE RATE - REDUCED PRICES

2009-01-23T16:29:00.002+01:00

So you are fed up with the Pound-Euro exchange rate. Who can blame you? What can be done so that you can enjoy a holiday in authentic Spain but still get value for money? We have a solution. Stay with us here in the Lecrin Valley, Granada. The smell of orange blossom will soon be filling the Valley with a wonderful aroma. It is time to make that booking. With us you are a 20 minute drive from the Alhambra Palace, from the centre of Granada and from the beaches of the Costa Tropical. An ideal location. More photographs of the property can be seen on www.lecrinlet.blogspot.com It will be available to rent again from early March. Short term prices have been reduced to take account of that ghastly exchange rate. You can now rent the superb 2 double bedroom apartment, plus large sunny roof terrace, for just 250 EUROS OR POUNDS per week. For as long as the currencies are close to parity , this weekly rental rate will apply. You choose in which currency you pay. Take advantage of this special offer now! Long term letting is also available. Contact verninspain@gmail.com for more information and to make your reservation.

HOUSE FOR SALE near GRANADA, 3 FLOORS, 5 BEDS, 4 BATHS, 2 ROOF TERRACES, ANDALUCIAN PATIO - 285.000 EUROS

2009-01-02T16:41:00.004+01:00

WANT TO BUY A HOUSE IN THE LECRIN VALLEY, GRANADA, SPAIN?
On this site are two of the best value homes currently for sale in the Lecrin Valley, Spain.
The first is a top quality, FIVE DOUBLE BEDROOM home in the historic village of Mondujar, in the beautiful Lecrin Valley. Modernised to the highest standard, yet retaining its Andalucian charm, it has five double bedrooms located over three floors. It is a big house.
THE GROUND FLOOR:
Wide entrance hall with tiled floor. Large open plan and airy Lounge and Dining Room. Floors are tiled with antique tiles. Large wood burning fire and storage cupboards and shelves. Fully fitted, all electric kitchen with oven and hob. Large en suite bedroom the bathroom of which is exquisitely tiled. Bath with shower over and WC and sink. A charming bedroom that is located on the ground floor.
Also on the ground floor is the pretty Andalucian patio that leads from the lounge. Full of character you walk across the patio to enter the adjoining "Bodega" building. On the lower ground floor of this is the bodega lounge. A superb room with built in wine storage. This is a big lounge which is very cool in summer but easily heated in winter. Above the bodega is a further en suite double bedroom. Here is a large, stand under power shower, toilet and basin. From this bedroom stairs lead to an open sun terrace with views towards the main house and the hills of Mondujar. That is just the ground floor of the main house dealt with.
Now to the FIRST FLOOR:- Stairs from the entrance lead to a large floor with open plan lounge and dining room. Wood burning stove. All electric and modern kitchen. Tiled bathroom with bath, shower over, toilet and basin. Views to the Andalucian patio.
From the dining room there is a "juliet" balcony looking towards the patio and bodega. The lounge also boasts a recessed seating area. On this floor there are two large double bedrooms. One with fitted wardrobe. Both have "juliet" balconies with views towards the mountains of Mondujar and the other villages of the Lecrin Valley. This floor is very light and airy and stays cool in summer.
THE TOP FLOOR: From the first floor the staircase continues to the large open roof terrace. This is vast and enjoys the sunshine from dawn until dusk. Leading off the roof terrace is a superb bedroom with en suite stand under shower room, toilet, bidet and basin. Again this has been tiled very tastefully. Many windows offer plenty of light in this room and excellent views.
THE LOCATION
The property is located in Mondujar, close to the motorway that runs between Granada and Motril - each of which are 20 minutes from your front door. This is the most historic village in the Lecrin Valley. The last Moorish Queen of Spain is buried under the church of Mondujar, just a two minute walk from this house. Opposite the house is a distinctive ceramic museum that is open at weekends and holdiays. It is a splendid building. The house benefits from having no house opposite, offering clear views of the mountains opposite and is in a tranquil setting.
The Alhambra Palace is a 20 minute drive. The beaches of Salobrena and Almunecar are 30 minutes away. Granada Airport is the same distance.
THE PROPERTY This house has been lovingly and carefully renovated and modernised but, crucially, it retains its historic Andalucian characteristics. The first floor has proved to be a popular rental apartment, as it has its own secure front door. Summer holiday letting brings in up to 550 Euros per week. Long term letting brings in 500 Euros per month.
THE LECRIN VALLEY
Ever beautiful, the Lecrin Valley is ideally situated being equidistant from the glorious City of Granada and from the coastal town of Motril. The Valley remains popular and represents everything that is best about the more authentic side of Spain.
THE PRICE
This property has been recently reduced for sale at 285.000 Euros and includes some furniture and many fittings. Be quick. Bargains on classic Andalucian properties like this come along rarely.
THE CONTACT - for more photos and information
Please call Vernon Grant on 00 34 958 788 252 or 00 34 677 143 489
or e-mail verninspain@gmail.com or martin@tropicanaproperties.com

WRITE IN SPAIN

2008-10-20T16:26:00.001+02:00

Above: Where you will stay during the writing holiday

Want to write about Spain? Want to learn from an expert how best to construct a location guide? Would you like to write about attractions such as the Alhambra Palace in Granada?

This is not an ever so stuffy writing course. There are plenty of those on offer - often provided by people who barely know how to write their own name!

These are personal, relaxed and constructive lessons on travel writing. We offer live in accommodation for 1-4 persons.

I have produced many television travel shows and have written travel features for numerous publications in the UK and Spain. Magazines such as "Spanish Homes", "Spain", "Viva Espana" and "Inland." Newspapers such as "The Olive Press" and "Spanish Times."

I have travelled all over Spain writing features on this marvellous country.

On these courses, there will be no blackboards, no text books to buy, no lectures from someone who once wrote a book on living in Spain and is being paid a small fortune to talk to you for half an hour.

Instead we will travel together to locations and attractions in Andalucia. We will discuss on site what we see, what aspects should be written about and in what style. Then you will return to your traditional Andalucian home and write. How much and how often you write is up to you. The temptations of the marvellous city of Granada are on your doorstep - free tapas and all that. The beaches of the Costa Tropical are only 20 minutes away and are not for the easily distracted.

If you want to learn how to write interesting, entertaining, enlightening copy that will be noticed, and possibly published, then come and learn from someone who has been there and done it.

Contact verninspain@gmail.com for more details and bookings

RIOFRIO RESTAURANT

2008-08-14T15:46:00.003+02:00

Just half an hour from the centre of Granada is the pretty hamlet of Riofrio, near Loja. Just 4kms within the province of Granada, Riofrio has much to offer. In October 2007 storms and floods destroyed my favourite restaurant there. It also destroyed the trout farm for which Riofrio was famous. Much of the Caviar produced in Spain came from Riofrio. Sadly many sturgeon and trout were killed during the floods and work to rebuild the area alongside the river in Riofrio has yet to get underway. For years the local economy has been dependent on the coachloads of tourists. Far fewer are now visiting Riofrio. That is a mistake as there is much more to this place than a trout farm.

One bar and restaurant worth visiting is Meson Casa Raimundo, close to the centre of the village. Francisco runs this smart establishment. Menus are available in both Spanish and English. The food is excellent.

On our last visit, three of us enjoyed a leg of lamb, a perfectly cooked steak and a tasty trout. The starters included a tropical salad, home made croquetas and some superb large prawns covered in rock salt. With three puddings and two (yes two) bottles of white wine and one bottle of water, the total bill came to a very reasonable 110 Euros. Good quality food, a friendly welcome and a restaurant that both looked and felt like a restaurant. If you live in Andalucia, you will understand what i mean by that revelation! Get to Riofrio and support the community during their times of trouble.

MIRADOR de MORAYMA, GRANADA

2008-08-09T15:50:00.009+02:00

This is a restaurant with lots of history. Plenty of class. A view to cherish. Efficent and friendly service. It also boats that culinary rarity in Andalucia - consistently good food.

Located on Calle Pianista in the historic Albayzin area of Granada, you gain access to the restaurant by ringing the bell on the outside wall. When you enter you are in the grounds of one of the finest carmens in the city.

It was to here that Morayma ,the wife of Boabdil (the last Nasrid King of Spain), was first exiled after her all too brief reign as Queen of Spain. She sat in this building staring out at the Alhambra Palace - a place she once called home. The structure of the building is much as it was in her day. For example the ladies restroom is a "loo with the view" of the Alhambra Palace.

The food served is excellent and, unless you spend lots on wine or champagne, it does not have to be an expensive night out. My last visit saw Nola and I enjoy a bottle of Alpujarran Rose, a good portion of Habas con Jamon, a Hojaldre Esparragos, a bottle of water and two delightful postres. The total bill was 50 Euros. When there is so much overpriced mediocrity on offer in and around Granada, I believe the Mirador de Morayma offers quality food and service at a very reasonable price. The superb views come free of charge! Unlike the woman after whom the restaurant is named, I hope its reign is a very long one.

***** www.alqueriamorayma.com

Tel: (00 34) 958 228 290

IKEA COMING TO GRANADA

2008-08-01T08:25:00.002+02:00

The department store IKEA is coming to Granada. Popular with Spanish shoppers - and much loved by ex pat Brits and Germans alike - the opening of a new store in Malaga in 2007 proved to be a huge success.

This October construction work gets underway on a vast new shopping mall on the site at Pulianas, Granada. It will be called the IKEA shopping mall and despite the current economic crisis, many retailers are applying to have an outlet in that mall.

Currently this out of town site is home to a Carrefour supermarket, a Media Mkt electrical store, a Makro wholesale store, a vast cinema and restaurant complex and some other good indidvual shops. So far trading on this site has been poor. That is in part because ex pat Brits seem to get a nose bleed if they go too near the splendid city of Granada and also because the road access to the site is not great. Improvements are planned for easier access to what will become the largest shopping complex in the city of Granada.

Thousands of jobs will be the most positive result of this news. In the summer of 2008 Granada reluctantly claimed the title as the city with the the highest unemployment rate in all of Spain. It is anticipated that the ailing construction industry will receive a boost with 2000 jobs being created in the autumn. A further 2000 retail jobs are expected to be advertised in 2009.

IKEA say they hope to open the doors of the new superstore in time for Christmas 2009.

AT LAST! - A NEW ROAD OPENS

2008-07-29T19:19:00.005+02:00

Those who travel between Granada and Motril have become used to delays on the N323 road, especially in summer. For literally years now a new road linking Motril to the existing motorway near the Lecrin Valley has been under construction.

Tonight 3.5 kilometres of a new section of the A44 road opened. Two lanes in opposite direction on the lower end of the road close to Motril. On August 4th another new section of the combined bypass and motorway will open.

The link between the town of Velez de Benaudalla and the start of the existing motorway at Izbor will take a little longer to open.

Predictably there was much confusion during the first hours after the new stretch of road opened. Drivers were unsure where they would end up if they followed the new signs so many opted for the N323. Officials said that the infamous cones would still be used on the old road for the remainder of this summer. They are supposed to ease the traffic queues to the coast and reduce accidents.

It's great that there is progress at long last. Just a pity the new road was not completed before the summer as the traffic queues on what will soon be known as "the old road" to Motril, have been truly horrendous.

Let's hope that the new road significantly reduces the truly awful death toll on the single old road. It is a scenic route but one favoured by those speeding lunatics who like to overtake at the last possible moment.

In time a motorway from Malaga will link up with Almunecar and this new road at Motril, as will one coming from the opposite direction of Almeria.

COSTA TROPICAL CAR PARKING

2008-07-29T19:09:00.005+02:00

Almunecar is a costal resort within the Granada province and located on the ever popular Costa Tropical.

The local mayor, known to all only as Benavides, is a controversial figure. He has ruled over the towns of Almunecar and La Herradura for many years.

Now he has infuriated local residents, business people and shopkeepers by widening the parking areas covered by the so called Blue Route. In short, where you see blue lines on the road, you have to pay for parking at a meter at peak times (but not during traditional siesta hours... YET!)

At a time when those who depend on the tourism industry have been reporting vastly reduced numbers of people visiting the Costa Tropical, there is much anger at Mayor Benavides vastly increasing parking charges and having blue lines painted in areas where parking was previously free. In some parts of Almunecar it will now cost up to 7 Euros to park for the entire day. To those of you reading this from the UK, that may seem cheap. Believe me when i tell you that in this area of Spain, that is high.

What has really angered people is the response of Benavides to complaints. He said: "For people who think it's too expensive to park here, then i say they should not be here in the first place. They should find somewhere else to spend the summer. I am convinced that anywhere else will receive them happily."

You will gather that charm is not high when it comes to the public relations skills of this notorious Mayor.

RYANAIR & GRANADA AIRPORT

2008-06-14T14:39:00.002+02:00

A deal has been struck between authorities in Granada and the low cost airline Ryanair - one that will ensure the airline continues to fly to Granada-Jaen Airport until 2010.

After long neogtiations money has changed hands and the airline will continue to fly to Granada from Liverpool and London Stansted all year and from East Midlands in the summer. There will, however, be two fewer flights per week. From which destination is, at present, a mystery. So 22 flights from the UK per week instead of 24.

Ryanair Chief Executive had threatened to withdraw all London flights unless local goverment officials coughed up higher subsidies to attract the airline to Granada. So it is that an additional 220.000 Euros has been offered to the airline and all is now well... at least until the next time! Handshakes have been exchanged, smiles posed for the cameras and contracts signed. For residents of, and visitors to, Granada this is good news. Say what you like about Ryanair but if it prevents many people from having to deal with the war zone (sorry, building site) that is Malaga airport - then all well and good.

GRANADA TAPAS TOUR GUIDEBOOK

2008-05-13T12:51:00.003+02:00

Gayle Mackie, co-author of the guidebook

I doubt there is one cultural aspect of living in Spain that is more misunderstood than the concept of Tapas. Why is it free in provinces such as Granada but not free in other places? Just when do you get a free tapas with your drink and which drinks qualify you to receive a dish of free food? Can you pick and choose which tapas you receive?

All these questions and more will be answered in a new book to be released early in 2009. The Granada Tapas Tour Guidebook is co authored by a young Scottish lady who has lived in the Andalucian City for eleven years.

Gayle organises tours of the more authentic bars in the City of Granada via her website www.granadatapastours.com She takes small groups of people around a few bars that are off the tourist trail. Many are hidden in the cobbled, atmospheric backstreets of Granada. Now she has put all that knowledge in a handy pocket/handbag sized book.

She says: "Going out for tapas is an essential part of Spanish life, and maybe even more so in Granada. There is nothing better than having a nice glass of wine and a chat with an old friend over a tasty tapa. The social side of eating tapas is so enjoyable. I hope to let all visitors to Granada in on this special social scene, so they can come to love the experience, just as I do."

The book will offer 18 different tours each including four bars. Add to that total a sprinkling of the best tapas bars outside of the City walls and Gayle will be pointing you in the direction of the best 100 bars in the province of Granada. It is an exhaustive exploration of some of the finest bars and, yes, it has been an exhausting process.

Gayle says: "We have had a lot of laughs researching the book, and I must say I don’t think there is a tapa dish that I haven’t tried – with the exception of brain omelette, which is only for the very brave! On occasion my fellow researchers drank a little too much but it did not spoil their enjoyment of the food."

Whilst many people have heard the tale of the origins of Tapas (a glass of wine or beer being covered by a plate of food so as to prevent a fly landing in the glass); there are some popular misconceptions about Tapas. In her introduction to the book Gayle offers some helpful hints for the hungry.

She says: "There are two systems for tapas. They are the choosing style and the rounds system. If you are allergic to any foods then look out for the "choosing" tapas bars where you can get up to 50 different options to try out. Also, it’s worth noting that "tapas time" tends to be from 1pm-3.30pm and from 8pm until midnight. Don’t expect to get a tapa at 12:30 no matter how hungry you are.

Another tip. Do perch at the bar or just stand in a corner by a wooden barrel. If you see a table and sit at it, the staff will think you want a full sit down meal. Finally, don’t forget to pay! The rounds are added up at the end in all but a few places and it’s very easy to assume you’ve paid and just walk out. It can be rather embarrassing."

Comfortable feet are essential if you are to do justice to all that Granada has to offer, including a wide variety of tapas bars. That is where this quality guidebook comes into its own. It does the hard work for you by directing you on differing routes. There is something for everyone. Two aspects remain constant. It is cheap to go on a tapas tours and children are welcome to join in. Three people each drinking a cool glass of shandy will be served a dish of tapas and, upon leaving the bar, will be charged less than 5 Euros.

Granada is popular with Spaniards living elsewhere in Spain – places where they have to pay for their tapas. The City has a culinary history and there are establishments that have served fine food for decades. In recent years more modern tapas bars, aimed at a younger crowd, have opened in the City.

Their décor may be minimalist when compared to the older bodega style tapas bars, but they also serve tasty dishes – often with modern interpretations of classic Spanish dishes. Whether you use her forthcoming book as a companion, or pay Gayle to take you on an enjoyable tour, it’s great in Granada – especially when you are eating tapas!

* To place an advance order for the Granada Tapas Tour Guidebook, or to advertise in the book, please e-mail verninspain@gmail.com

HAY FESTIVAL SUCCESS

2008-04-07T11:44:00.011+02:00

Top: Historian David Starkey presents an excellent speech. Bottom: Crowds gather at the Carmen de los Martires for the final day of the Hay Festival

Congratulations to the organisers of the Hay Festival for a splendid 4 days of culture staged in Granada. It was pleasing to see so many British residents of the City attending the many and varied events.
So often one finds that expats think culture is the name of a new chocolate bar, or that they think holding a quiz night makes them culture vultures and intellectuals.

It was reassuring to me - and a pleasant surprise to the organisers - that so many Brits relished a variety of discussions on Spanish food, music, poetry, history and literature.

On the final day the splendid house and grounds of the Carmen de los Martires staged a handful of events including a discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of Spanish food. The star of the day though was, predictably, the enigmatic British historian David Starkey. Known to past listeners of "The Moral Maze" on BBC Radio 4 and, more recently, to UK television viewers of his numerous history programmes, David spoke elegantly and wittily on the history of Catherine of Aragon and her links to Granada. Inevitably he went on to speak about one of his favoured figures, Henry V111.

Spanish students in the audience were busy making notes for their studies and all attending were amused by Starkey's dry wit and acerbic comments. He even managed to get in jibes about some of the public figures he has so publically criticised in the past, including the late Princess Diana and Tony Blair. His lecture ran over time and yet he still left the audience wanting more. Well done David and i have one message to the organisers of the Hay Festival. Please, please come back to Granada next year. The City needs such intelligent events.

GARDENS OF GRANADA

2008-03-10T02:09:00.004+01:00

I'm delighted that good old Monty Don covered both Granada and Cordoba in the latest edition of his excellent series "Around the World in 80 Gardens" (BBC2). Too many people living in Andalucia are blind to the many beautiful gardens open to the public in this area of Spain. Not just the fabulous Generalife at the Alhambra Palace but also splendid gardens in Cordoba, Malaga and Jaen. For more information on gardens in Spain, and articles on the best in Andalucia, visit www.granadagardens.blogspot.com

GRANADA PROPERTY MARKET

2008-02-28T21:04:00.001+01:00

One in three of all property buyers in the province of Granada are not Spanish. The Granada Real Estate Association confirmed that Brits and Germans have kept the property market in the province buoyant. The Lecrin Valley, La Alpujarra and the Costa Tropical are the most popular areas for buyers.

SNOW, SUN & SEA

2008-02-15T10:39:00.003+01:00

Just in time for the managers of the Sierra Nevada ski resort, more snow fell on Valentine's Day, February 14th. With temperatures dropping, yet more of the white stuff is expected in the coming week. What with that and the good news from Ryanair (see previous post), there is now nothing to stop those who love to ski or snowboard from visiting the most southerly ski resort in Europe. If you do not want to stay in the resort itself check out www.lecrinlet.blogspot.com for outstanding accommodation that is a one hour scenic drive from the slopes and just 20 minutes from the beaches of the Costa Tropical.

RYANAIR FLIGHTS TO GRANADA WILL CONTINUE

2008-02-14T21:44:00.007+01:00

It's Valentine's Day and Michael O'Leary, CEO of budget airline Ryanair, has denied that he plans to pull his planes out of Granada-Jaen airport. Fears had grown that he may react badly to the withdrawal of subsidies from local government.

The outspoken but enigmatic O'Leary chose Valentine's Day to deliver not a massacre, but instead, to send his love to the people of Granada and those customers who use his flights. He said that the airline would continue to fly to Granada from London Stansted, East Midlands and Liverpool.

LOVELY in LECRIN & GREAT in GRANADA

2008-02-04T17:56:00.000+01:00

Blue skies. Sunshine. Snow. Lack of crowds. Culture. Temperatures in the late teens in January and February. All good reasons to visit Granada in Spain NOW!

The tourist buses and crowds have gone. Now is the time of year Granada comes into its own as a truly Andalucian City full of wonder. Excellent tapas bars, classy shops, theatres, fiestas, the Sierra Nevada ski resort. Sunbathe there. Ski there. Snowboard there. The choice is yours.

The stunning Lecrin Valley (pictured above), 20 minutes south of Granada, is also exceptional at this time of the year. The beaches of Motril, Almunecar and La Heradura are deserted.

To rent quality accommodation in this area on a short term or long term basis, visit www.lecrinlet.blogspot.com for more details and photographs or contact verninspain@gmail.com Be quick, this is a popular time to rent in Granada, Spain.

SPANISH GARDEN READY FOR SPRING?

2008-02-04T17:49:00.001+01:00

Following a remarkably mild winter in the province of Granada, it is once again time to think about getting your garden or roof terrace pots in good order

Nola Lyttle is for available for action should you have a garden that needs maintaining, or one you wish to create from scratch. This is a crucial time for all gardens in Spain. The garden centres re-stock with many wonderful plants and trees. Many are unique to the country. Knowing which ones will thrive in the drier climes of Andalucia is essential.

So if you live anywhere in the Granada province, including along the Costa Tropical, then do contact Nola via nolainspain@gmail.com

Nola works in the suburbs of Granada, the Lecrin Valley, La Alpujarra and along the Costa Tropical, as far West as La Herradura and as far East as Motril. So if you require her experience, knowledge and hands on planting skills, be sure to get in touch via e-mail or call her on (00 34) 958 788 252.

CABLE CAR PLAN GROUNDED

2007-12-13T09:35:00.000+01:00

The proposal to construct a cable car system that would link the City of Granada to the Sierra Nevada ski resort has been dropped. It looks as though those who like to ski will have to drive up to the slopes in private cars for many years to come.

The Ministry of the Environment effectively buried the initiative by the Society Teleferico Sierra Nevada S. A., and it now seems certain that transport authorities will not allow the construction of this form of transport along the nearly 20 miles between the City centre and ski station.
The negative impact on the fauna, flora and landscape of the national park of Sierra Nevada was the chief objection to the cable car plan. Those who campaigned against the plan claimed that it would only reduce the amount of cars using the A-395 road by 6%.
The area that would have been altered by any construction of the cable car system covers 64 hectares and includes 134 species of birds, of which 107 are endangered species. Flora was also under threat from the plan. It would have had a direct impact on six endangered species, while seven habitats of community interest would have been threatened.
One plan to reduce the number of cars driving to the ski slopes is to increase the level of public transport serving the ever popular ski resort - the most southerly such resort in all of Europe.

GRANADA TAPAS TOURS

2007-12-12T07:29:00.001+01:00

Photo: Gayle Mackie (left), Nola, Annie, Sandy and Rob taste tapas in Granada.

Recently I joined a party of folk on a Tapas Tour of Granada. Some places I knew and some excellent, new destinations. This was all thanks to Gayle Mackie of www.granadatapastours.com

A magnificent seven of us followed Gayle from bar to bar. Not the tourist haunts that serve a plate of crisps as a tapas. Instead we went through the back streets of the City and worked our way towards my favourite barrio, Realejo. Gayle has lived in the City many years and takes small parties of visitors to Granada on entertaining and informative tapas tours. Her fluent Spanish, and the fact that she has established such a good working relationship with many of the bar owners, all make for a superb culinary experience. Go with Gayle and sample real tapas in one of the few locations left in Spain where it is free. Her service comes highly recommended by this site. Call her to book a tour on (00 34) 619 444 984.

In 2008 a book detailing the top 100 tapas bars in Granada will go on sale via this site.

La ALPUJARRA, GRANADA PROVINCE

2007-11-12T15:55:00.000+01:00

As the splendid November weather shows no sign of abating in the province of Granada, I spent Sunday in the fresh air and mountains of La Alpujarra. It is a beautiful area all too often overlooked by those living in the Lecrin Valley, on the Costa Tropical or Granada.

To get to the top of the village of Capileira is just a 45 minute drive from Lecrin and you can drive or walk to the Sierra Nevada Natural Park information centre. Thereafter the road is closed to cars and only the fittest can make the 4 hour walk to the peak of Mulhacen - the highest mountain in all of mainland Spain.

Yesterday, Sunday, the temperature was perfect in the usually cooler climate of La Alpujarra. The tasty fresh mountain water glinted in the sunshine. At certain points one was above the cloud base looking down on it.

It is possible to walk through the La Alpujarra mountain range for hours and not see another person. The villages of Bubion, Pampineira and Capileira have splendid shops, including the best place to buy that Alpujarran rug, jumper or curtain.

La Urdimbre De Aracne is on the left hand side in the village of Capileira, opposite restaurant Asador. Go to www.laurdimbre.com for more information on this friendly and well supplied shop. The website is in three languages, including English.

There are also some superb bars and restaurants in which to relax.

The aforementioned Asador in Capileira has an excellent restaurant, as does Tieda in Bubion.

Since living in the province of Granada I have to say i believe those who live in La Alpujarra to be the friendliest people in this neck of the woods. Whether i could live there is debatable. When it is cold, windy or wet up there, the climate cuts through you like a knife through butter. I once had to leave a rental house there days early because i could not bare the damp and cold. You would also have to know that you could not just pop to Granada for half a day, or to the beach for a few hours. The drive to either takes time and requires maximum concentration on the winding, narrow roads.

Two other things to have in mind when strolling through the fields, pine forests and mountains of La Alpujarra. The weather can change very quickly so keep a regular eye on the skyline. Secondly, yesterday, at the same time as Nola and I were enjoying peace and tranquility, two sisters walking outside a neighbouring village were not so lucky.

According to our excellent local newspaper, www.ideal.es , they were attacked by a vast wild boar. It was running away from hunters who, as ever, were accompanied by a pack of attack dogs. The wild boar panicked and attacked the two teenagers who were out strolling with their parents. The animal inflicted deep and serious wounds with its tusks and the girls underwent emergency surgery at a hospital in Motril.

As it seems that all forms of barbaric hunting, (sorry, here they call it sport!), are certain to continue in Spain for many years to come, it is worth having in mind that if you hear packs of dogs and gunfire in the woods, it may be wise to leave the area immediately.

My heart goes out to those girls and their family. If one cannot even have a peaceful day out in La Alpujarra then that really is a sad state of affairs. Fortunately for us we had a blissful day of sun and silence. The scenery is spectacular at all times of the year.

DANCE in GRANADA

2007-09-19T14:31:00.000+02:00

What better place to learn how to dance than in a Spanish City? Do you long to Salsa with the Spanish? Would you like to learn how to flamenco whilst staying in the Andalucian City of Granada? Are there dance steps you wish to master so that you can be the envy of your friends? If so contact us via this site or e-mail nolainspain@gmail.com

The very experienced, fit and enthusiastic dance tutor Gayle Mackie (pictured above) will teach you one on one, or as a group. It's great fun to learn dance steps that may not come naturally to you. The achievement of mastering even the most basic movements is very satisfying.

If you need somewhere to stay we can also assist with comfortable accommodation that is located 20 minutes from Granada and 20 minutes from the beach (www.lecrinlet.blogspot.com)

WALK GRANADA

2007-09-19T13:54:00.000+02:00

It is a constant source of amazement to me, writes Vernon Grant, why so many British people move to the Granada province and then proceed to spend so little time in the magnificent City of Granada. I know of people who bought in the area but have never actually been to this spectacular and mesmerising City. They never get to know all that Granada has to offer. I cannot fathom this attitude. Wasn't the very existence of Granada one of the reasons they moved to the area in the first place? Village life is fine but limiting. The backstreets of Granada are full of character and should be explored. Simply stroll or amble the cobbled streets. You do not have to climb high into the historic Albaicin quarter. Wander the narrow lanes that are behind the main streets of the City. Or sample the barrio of Realejo and the more authentic tapas bars in the area.

If you want someone to hold your hand and show you more of what is on view by foot in Granada, then e-mail verninspain@gmail.com