OUTSTANDING SEA VIEWS: PRIVATE VILLA IN ALMUNECAR ON THE COSTA TROPICAL
ALMUNECAR is an all year round location, ideal for sea, and ski. The fascinating Granada, the last Moorish stronghold, with the fabulous Alhambra Palace and Sierra Nevada sliing, is just an hour away.
La Rijana sits on top of a headland, just below an ancient Moorish tower. It looks out over the sea from the bay of Motril, past the rocks of San Cristobal in Almunecar to Punta de la Mona. From the windows and terrace, you can watch sunrise and sunset, follow the fishing boats and at certain times of year, spot dolphins just off the coast.
Roughly 50mins. from Granada and 1hr Malaga airports, Almunecar is on a part of the Costa delSol known more specifically as the Costa Tropical, in the province of Granada.
The Costa Tropical runs from Nerja to Motril and is characterised by rugged cliffs falling to the sea and a sub-tropical climate that encourages the growth of chirimoyas (custard apple), avocados, mangoes and bananas.
OUR three BEDROOMED HOUSE WITH SEA VIEWS
La Rijana, newly built and entered through a remote-controlled gate, consists of 14 houses. At present, only three are occupied permanently and the rest are holiday homes for Spanish and British (roughly 3:1 ratio). There is a shared pool overlooking the sea.
Our house overlooks the pool and has breathtaking views across the ocean towards Africa and along the coastline.
It is 2-storey with three sea-view bedrooms, one double and two twin (one with pull-out bed).
The house is newly furnished and has television, DVD and Hi-Fi. There are books, games, cassettes, CDs and DVDs for your use.
The kitchen, has granite surfaces, ceramic hob, stainless steel combination-microwave oven, washer and large fridge-freezer.
There are two bathrooms (1 en-suite) with shower, basin and bidet.
The house is double-glazed and is equipped with AC and heating on the lower floor.
Patio doors open onto a terrace which stretches over two sides, giving superb sea and pool views. There is patio furniture and fold-up chairs for use by the pool (but please, not on beach trips).
Parking space is available outside the house.
ALMUNECAR:BEACHES, GOLF, RIDING and sightseeing.
The region offers a huge variety of beaches for diving, windsurfing, paragliding, jet-ski, scuba, snorkelling, fishing, pedalo, nudism or simply sunbathing and swimming. You will also find a water park, botanical gardens (jazz festival in July, followed by flamenco festival), bird park, castle, museum, Roman remains and Friday outdoor market. or just wander through the old town. Play golf at Motril, go riding by the Hotel Taramay and also by the Hotel Salobrena.
Drive into the mountains swim at Lake Bermejeles bathe in the hot springs at Alhama de Granada and return via Velez Malaga. Visit Salobrena, which is built on an outcrop of rock and topped by a Moorish castle.
Granada, less than an hour from Almunecar was the last capital of the Moorish kings and is well worth a visit, not only for the marvellous Alhambra Palace (book in advance), but also for the many other places of interest within the city. In the evening you can visit the caves in the gypsy quarter to see wonderful flamenco performances. Of course in winter (generally Nov. – Easter), there is good skiing to be had in the Sierra Nevada.
To the west of Almunecar, before Herradura, you can go to Marina del Este, an exclusive marina with smart restaurants, lovely boats to look at and the opportunity for scuba. Beyond Herradura you will come to Nerja, a popular resort for British holiday-makers, with a good beach (Burriana) and wonderful caves (International festival, featuring ballet, opera, flamenco in July).