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jxävéåx àé \àütué [ ÄÄá 1. General Information 2. Highlights of the Area 3. Orientation Maps 4. The Alhambra Palace and Gardens Granada 5. Scenic Drives and Places of Interest 6. The Tejeda Natural Park 7. Local Walks 8. Flamenco

ZxÇxÜtÄ \ÇyÉÜÅtà ÉÇ Welcome to Itrabo Hills. Please read the information below so that you can make the most out of your stay. OUR ADDRESS: Calle Federico Garcia Lorca 43, Itrabo, Granada, 18612. Itrabo A small village just a few kilometres from Salobreña, Ítrabo has a population of around 1500 many of whom are employed in agriculture in the area, in particular the cultivation of Tomatoes, Avocados, Almonds, Grapes, Nispero (Loquats) and Chiramoya (custard apples). The town itself has as an unmistakably north-african feel with its flat roofed, white washed houses that huddle tightly onto the hillside. History Although a small in size Ítrabo has a long history starting with the arrival of the Phoenicians who settled in the area due its fertile soil, fresh water and the proximity of the sea. A sea faring nation the Phoenicians established a trade network that spanned much of the Mediterranean and it was during this expansion that Ítrabo was born. A small farming settlement continued until the arrival of the Moors in the 12th Century. With their superior knowledge of irrigation the Arabs improved the primitive irrigation systems and created an extensive canal network which fed orchards and crops throughout the region. In Ítrabo in particular the Moors brought new varieties of vine enabling the production of more diverse wines. After a period of instability and war during the 15th Century, the Catholic Kings declared their conquest of the Moors and expelled them from the region. This expulsion marked the depopulation of Ítrabo, along with other villages in the area, which was further exacerbated by repeated attacks by pirates. Today Ítrabo remains secondary to its coastal neighbours, Salobreña and Molvizar, although the cultivation of tropical fruits, such as mangos, nisbros, chiramoyas (Custard Apples) and avocados, and the influx of few tourists and foreign workers have swelled the village's numbers a little. Attractions In addition to festivals during August and February, Ítrabo also celebrates Culture week each April; an event that includes a wine festival in which local wines and foods are enjoyed. Without doubt the most important historical site in Ítrabo is the main church, la iglesia de 'Nuestra Señora del Carmen' and the Hermitage of the 'Virgen de la Salud'. Built in the 17th Century, the church and hermitage house the image of the saint which is paraded through the village during festivals. Also of note is the town's pretty square and public wash place which is still used as a meeting place by many residents. There are two grocery stores in Itrabo open from 9-2pm and then 6pm-8pm. The bread van (Panaderia), visits daily at around 12pm and will honk his horn outside the house. The fish van visits 2-3 times a week and will call out his fish further up the hill. There is an egg lady who calls in the street once a week and a vegetable man. The market in Itrabo sells dried fruits, clothes and household products on a Monday morning. Larger supermarkets can be found in Motril, Salobrena and Almunecar, all 15 mins drive away approx. The Caja Rural bank has a 24 hour ATM and the bank itself is open from 8.30-2pm.The bar nearest the square serves very basic

food. The other bar (Bar Picacho), is multilingual and serves free Tapas with every drink and has entertainment nights, such as Flamenco, through the week. Parking Please refer to the map of Itrabo for parking spaces. Please make sure you park within the white lines of dedicated parking bays, otherwise you will get a parking ticket. There is also parking just yards from the house in a small area as you come down Federico Garcia Lorca from the top of Itrabo. This is an ideal place to turn your car around if you just want to drop your bags off and is not recommended for parking full time.

[ z{ä z{àá Éy à{x TÜxt 1. Walk the spectacular rugged mountainous landscape of the Tejeda Natural Park. (see Tejeda Natural Park and Local Walks section). 2. Swim in the natural pools, waterfalls and cascades of the local RioVerde, a local natural oasis. (see Tejeda Natural Park section) 3. Feast your eyes over the intricacy of ancient Moorish architecture and art at the Alhambra Palace and Gardens. (see the Alhambra Section) 4. Relax on one of many natural park beaches between Herradura and Nerja or the bustling beach resorts of Salobrena and Almunecar. 5. Shop in the pueblo of Almunecar, crammed with boutique shops, café s and shaded squares. 6. Dine in one of many beachside café s in the local coastal towns of Almunecar, Salobrena or Herradura. 7. Climb/ski/Trek/Bike the mighty slopes of the Sierra Nevada. 8. Explore the pretty mountainside villages and scenery of the tranquil Alpujarras. 9. Visit the world famous caves of Nerja. 10. Explore the villages and rolling countryside of the Lecrin Valley. 11. Relax in the Roman spa hot springs of Alhama-de-Granada. 12. Explore the hills and old ruins via ancient mule tracks around Itrabo with spectacular coastal and mountain views.

bü xçàtà ÉÇ 9 `tñá MAP 1 - ITRABO Parking here, if no spaces elsewhere 1. Itrabo Hills B&B: Calle Federico Garcia Lorca 43, Tel: 0034 648662072 2. Church 3. Main Square 4. Grocery Store 5. Bar 6. Grocery Store 7. Bar 8. To Octiva, Almunecar, Malaga, The Cabra Montes Road. Fantastic views of the mountains and sea and route to the beautiful Tajeda Natural Park (natural park with, waterfalls and natural pools: see Tajeda Natural Park section). Road continues to Granada (Alhambra etc, see Granada section). Also, Alhama de Granada, picturesque town with Moorish castle and valley walks with mill ruins (1.5 hour approx scenic drive). 9. To Salobrena picturesque town with hill top castle and beaches (see Salobrena section), Motril, Almeria and Granada. 10. Direction for local walks (Walks Itrabo 1 and 2) (see walking section for details of walks). 11. School and direction to local swimming pool, local walks. 12. Old Mill Ruin and local walks. Please Note: The route to the B&B from the square is the flattest. The route on the road prior to the square is quite steep with a few steps.

MAP 2 - LOCAL AREA Drive times approx on main routes 1. Itrabo 2. Octiva (5 mins drive from Itrabo), restaurants and bars 3. The Cabra Montes Road. Fantastic views of the mountains and sea and route to the Tajeda Natural Park (beautiful natural park with mountains, waterfalls and natural pools: see Tajeda Natural Park section). Road continues to Granada (Alhambra etc, see Granada section). 4. Almunecar: Boutique shops, beaches, bars and restaurants, castle and gardens (see the Almunecar section). 5. Salobrena: Beaches, castle and old pueblo (see the Salobrena section). 6. Granada Road and route to Sierra Nevada and the Alpajarras. 7. Mountain Walks, Pine Woods, views of Sierra Nevada and the Alpujarras. 8. Road to Motril, (shops, café s and restaurants), and Almeria 9. Short cut to Salobrena, turn right after La Cumbre restaurant. 10. Rio Verde, short walk, along river with deep natural pool for swimming and picnic spot (see Junta de los Rios walk 7). 11. Road to Natural, unspoilt beaches, Nerja, the Axarquia region and Malaga.

MAP 3 - WIDER LOCAL Drive times approx on main routes 1. Itrabo 2. The Cabra Montes Road. Fantastic views of the mountains and sea and route to the beautiful Tajeda Natural Park (beautiful natural park with mountains, waterfalls and natural pools: see Tajeda Natural Park section). Road continues to Granada (Alhambra etc, see Granada section). 3. Unspoilt Natural Beaches. 4. Alpajarras region (National Park) for walking, mountain villages, mountain biking and horse riding. 5. Lecrin Valley, tranquil landscapes with views towards the Sierra Nevada, pretty villages and orange groves. 6. Motril, large town with beaches. 7. Beaches and old coastal towns to explore. 8. Alhama de Granada, picturesque town with Moorish castle and valley walks with mill ruins and Roman hot springs (1.5 hour approx scenic drive). 9. Road to Nerja and Malaga and the Costa del Sol. 10. Sierra Nevada region for skiing, pretty villages, spectacular mountain scenery and mountain activities. 11. Tajeda Natural Park 12. Pine forests and mountain walks

MAP 4 - REGIONAL Drive times approx on main routes 1. Itrabo 2. Granada and airport 3. Almeria and airport 4. Malaga and airport 5. Sierra Nevada and Alpajarras Region for skiing, walking, mountain villages, mountain biking and horse riding. 6. The Tajeda Natural Park (beautiful natural park with mountains, waterfalls and natural pools: see Tajeda Natural Park section). Road continues to Granada (Alhambra etc, see Granada section). Also, Alhama de Granada, picturesque town with Moorish castle and valley walks with mill ruins (1.5 hour approx scenic drive, alternative route back along the coast, see MAP section). 7. Rhonda (3hours approx) 8. Road to Jaen and Madrid 9. Road to Gibraltar and Cadiz. 10. Roads to Cordoba and Sevilla

MAP 5 SALOBRENA Salobrena is a whitewashed town, with a population of 10,500, that clambers over a rock, crowned by a Moorish castle. The area is surrounded by sugar cane plantations and sub-tropical fruit trees. Settlement of the town dates back 6,000 years. The old, predominately Moorish, area of the town encircles the castle and rock, with newer developments spread out below. From the top of the old town there are spectacular views of the Sierra del Chaparral and Sierra Nevada mountains to the north and the coastline to the south. Salobrena has 8 kilometres of well kept beaches and, to the west, many little coves and smaller beaches. A few years ago an artificial reef was created off of the Penon rock where snorkelling and diving is permitted. Sightseeing: o o o o The Moorish Castle - built in the 10th century. o The Iglesia de Nuestra Senora del Rosario - a 16th century Mudejar church built on the remains of an old mosque. The Town Museum - housed in the former town hall in the old town. The Parque de la Fuente - a shady park beside the coast. The Penon - a large rock jutting out to sea that was a prison in the 1st and 2nd centuries and then a Christian burial site.

MAP 6 ALMUNECAR Positioned between the Rio Verde and Rio Seco river estuaries, Almunecar stands on a promontory separating two alluvial flood plains, whose coastlines comprise the principal beaches of Playa Puerta del Mar and Playa San Cristobal. These beaches are breached by cliffs, which support the Arab quarter, and several large rock formations leading out to sea forming interesting coves. The layout of the old part of town is typically Moorish with steep winding streets leading from the central square, the Plaza de la Constitucion, where the town hall stands, towards the castle and highest old quarter called Barrio San Miguel. Sightseeing:. o o o o o o The Castillo de San Miguel - a Moorish castle. Originally a Roman castle in the 1st century BC, it was rebuilt by Moors in the 10th century and became an impressive fortress. The Castle Museum - housed in the Castillo de San Miguel. The Archaeological Museum - not far from the castle. It is located in the cellars of a Roman construction known as the Cave of the Seven Palaces. The museum houses some interesting finds from the area, including a 3,500 year old Egyptian vase. The Parque de Majuelo - close to the castle, with shady botanical gardens and a colourful display of exotic plants. In the centre of the park there are remains of Roman fish salting pits. The Aqueduct - 7 kilometres in length, built by Romans, much of which still stands. Excavations near the new Plaza Mayor - recent finds of Roman water channels and hot baths.

g{x TÄ{tÅuÜt ctätvx tçw ZtÜwxÇá ZÜtÇtwt Tickets: Buy your tickets in advance as they are often sold out days/weeks ahead. You can buy tickets with a credit card by phoning: 902 22 44 60 within Spain or +34 915 37 91 78 from outside of Spain. Or visit http://www.servicaixa.com/ to buy tickets online and type in Alhambra in the search facility. You are given a ticket number and you have to state the day and time of your visit. You can pick up the tickets in the special queue at the Alhambra ticket office. The name of the queue is the "Taquilla de reserva" and it will be much faster than the normal queue. Using this system you can buy your ticket up to a year in advance. You can't buy the tickets on the same day as your visit using this system. They accept visa, mastercard, Eurocard and Maestro (American express is not accepted.). New machines issue pre-booked tickets automatically. Ensure you take the same credit card you booked with to use in the machine. On the Day With this system you can only buy tickets for the same day as your visit. You can buy the tickets at the ticket office at the Alhambra itself. Here you have to pay in cash: they do not accept credit cards. The queue may be long and if you don t get there very early, tickets are often sold out and your wait in the queue will be in vain. Prices Day visit (General: Nazrid palaces, Alcazaba, Generalife): 10.88 eurosday visit (Gardens: Paseo de los Cipreses, Secano, SanFrancisco Gardens; Alcazaba; Generalife): 5.88 euros People over 65 and pensioners withing the EU: 7.88 euros (you'll have to prove it). Children less than 8 and handicapped people: 0.88 euros Opening Times Morning and Afternoon visits (Day visits): For a day visit you have to choose a morning or afternoon visit. With a ticket for the morning you have to arrive before 2pm and with an afternoon ticket you have to arrive after 2pm. You can stay in the grounds until closing time whatever time of day it says on your ticket. Entrance to the Nazrid Palaces: You are given a window of half an hour to arrive at the Nazrid Palaces. Apart from this you are free to visit the other parts of the Alhambra without time restrictions. March to October 8:30 am - 8pm Monday to sunday The ticket office is open from 8am to 7pm November to Feberuary 8:30 am - 6pm Monday to sunday The ticket office is open from 8am to 5pm Closing days: 25th December and the 1st January. NIGHT VISITS This is only to the Nazrid palaces March to October 10pm - 11:30pm Tuesday to Saturday The ticket office is open from 9:30pm - 10:30pm November to Feberuary 8pm - 9:30pm Only Friday and Saturday The ticket office is open from 7:30pm - 8:30pm Other Options: The Bono Turistica (Granada City Pass) allows access to the Alhambra and other attractions around the city: http://caja.caja-granada.es/apli/bononuevo/mainen.htm

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Scenic Drives Route 1: Granada Province Route of the mountain goat. This route follows the old road to Granada with fantastic views, rolling countryside, lakes, an historic town and Roman spas fed by natural hot springs. From Itrabo take the road straight ahead over the roundabout heading up the hill. Continue along this road until you reach a junction. Turn right sign posted Otivar. This is the A4050 Cabra Montes road and fantastic views can be had of the Tejeda Natural Park and coast as it carves its way up and over the Sierra del chapparral. At the top of the road eventually flattens out through rolling countryside and pine forests. Before the road leaves the pine forest area take a left at the T junction, sign posted Jayena. Just after Fornes is a lake Embalse de losbermajales where you can take a quick swim or take in the views with a picnic. Continue onto Arenas del Rey. There is an ancient olive mill and a mural made by the prestigious ceramist Virgilio González at the village entrance. The centre has typical narrow streets, squares and corners adorned with flowers and potted plants. There are three different areas to the town. The Barrio Alto is an interesting area where craftsmen, ceramists and blacksmiths live. The urban centre is where the better-off residents of the town live, and the area which houses the Town Hall and a square with the 12th century church-mosque of Santa Catalina. The third area is the Barrio Bajo where the more humble workers of the town live. From any point in the village one can see the hill of Bentomiz, with its ancient fortifications. The peak can be reached on mule or on foot, from where the coastline and the Rif mountains of North Africa can be seen. After Arenas follow signs to Alhama de Granada noticing the rolling countryside and meadows to your left and Views of Sierra de Almijara in the distance. Alhama de Granada is an ancient spa town. It perches precariously at the top of a ravine where the Rio Alham carves through otherwise rolling countryside. It is well worth a visit for its picturesque location, Moorish castle and, thermal springs just outside of the town. After driving through the town, the springs are found by taking the turn-off to the left before the bridge over the Rio Alham. Follow for a kilometre or so, through a dramatic gorge to the end of the lane. The therapeutic, thermal springs at Alhama have been channelled into baths since Roman times. During the spa's opening season (June to October) you can go inside the Hotel Balneario to look at the horseshoe-arched Muslim bath house. In front of the spa hotel is a small woodland park with a natural hot pool open to the public all year round. After Alhama de Granada follow the scenic A402 south towards Velez Malaga. This road takes you along straight roads passing one road villages before snaking down the other side of the Sierra de Almijara towards Lake Vinuela. Continue past Velez Malaga for the N340 road, direction Motril, Almeria. At Almuncar, follow signs to Jete and Otivar off the N340 and you will once again be on the Cabra Montes road. Take a right sign posted Itrabo after Jete.

Scenic Drives Route 2: Granada Province Route of the rugged mountain This route takes you deep into the Alpujarras, offering rolling countryside, traditional stone built houses, white washed villages and fantastic walking/picnic opportunities, and for those with 4 wheel drive vehicles, a drive up and over the Sierra Nevada. The Alpujarras covers an area of 2,500 square kilometres and contains 40 villages, only six of which exceed 2,000 inhabitants. Mountain villages over 1,000 metres above sea level hug the slopes overlooking gorgeous scenery and the sparkling Mediterranean 40 kilometres away. The snows of the Sierra Nevada form a magnificent backdrop feeding the mountain streams with an unending supply of water. The countryside is scoured with stark canyons contrasting with green valleys and fields of wild flowers. Turn left out of Itrabo passing Molvizar turning left onto the Granada road (N323) direction Granada. Turn right off the main road sign posted Velez de Benaudalla and follow the road into the town and through it. Continue along this scenic route, passing the reservoir towards Orgiva. Orgiva is the administrative capital of the Alpujarras. Known for its artist and hippy inhabitants, Orgiva s main attraction is the church of Nuestra Señora de la Expectación. A 16th-century temple, its two identical towers can be seen from the distance to your right as you ascend the southern slopes of Sierra Nevada towards Pampaneira. After Orgiva take the Lanjaron road but take a sharp right after the bridge leaving Orgiva sign posted Bubion. You will first come to the pretty village of Pampaneira, well worth a visit. After Pampaneira continue up the hill and turn left sign posted Bubion. Café s, narrow streets and tradional stone houses, with walking tracks into the Sierra Nevada. After Bubion continue on to Capiliera. All these villages are well worth a visit and you will understand why I call this drive Route of the Rugged Mountain and nice rugs they are too!. Pampaneira, Bubion and Capiliera: The picturesque building traditions of these villages brought here by the Moors are found only in the Alpujarras and the remote Berber villages of the Atlas mountains. The streets are narrow, steep and twisting with wide gutters in the middle designed for melting snow. The houses are made from uncut stone with flat grey roofs of stone laid horizontally across wooden beams and covered with a thick coating of decomposed slate. Long open galleries on the first floor are hung with drying maize and peppers, and terraces full of flowers have been built across the narrow streets to form a labyrinth of connecting bridges and tunnels. Bubion has several workshops and galleries displaying the work of the resident artists and Capileira has a small museum depicting local life and customs. 4 Wheel Drive Vehicles Only (Brown route) (Summer Only!). From Capileira an aspalted road continues for 3 kilometres to the snow line at 1,800 metres. A rough track, suitable only for 4-wheel drive vehicles, leads over the mountains to the Sierra Nevada ski resort 30 kilometres away. After the ski resort take the road down the mountain into Granada for dinner or continue onto the E902 A44 in the direction of Motril, back to Itrabo. Alternatively, turn off at junction 144 sign posted Otivar for the picturesque Cabra Montes (black route) route back to Itrabo, turning left after Otivar signposted Itrabo. Other vehicles continued Turn back along the road after Capileira and head east towards Trevelez nestling at 1,500 metres below Spain's highest mountain, the Mulhacen. Further east again are Valor where mock Moorish/Christian battles are staged, Ugijar with stark, dramatic scenery and Cadiar where at fiesta time the village fountain spouts wine. Local specialities to choose from are roast kid, partridge, fresh trout with serrano ham, papas a lo pobre (poor man's potatoes), cheese with honey, almond filled meringues and fig ice cream with walnut sauce. After Cadiar continue along the A348 along the picturesque valley floor towards Orgiva continuing into the bustling town of Lanjaron, famous for its spring water. Continue past the wind turbines and onto the E902 sign posted Motril taking the Molvizar, Itrabo turning on your right.

Scenic Drives Route 3: Axarquia Route of the Raisin The Route of the Raisin is 62.5 kilometres long, taking in villages and regions of the south-western area of Axarquia through the foothills of the Montes de Malaga. It traverses the municipalities of Totalan, Comares, Cutar, El Borge, Almachar and Moclinejo. All are small towns and villages with Moorish remains and ambience. The chief crop is the vine from which the grapes are used to make sun-dried raisins and quality muscatel wine. The landscape is dotted with drying beds for the fruit. The route begins in La Cala, an area of Rincon de la Victoria, on the coast and leads, after 9 kilometres, to the first stop at Totalan. The landscape is lowland with soft rolling hills filled with bushes, shrubs, vineyards and almond trees. After 7 kilometres, the road from Totalan leads through Olias where there is a 16th century church of Sant Vicente Ferrer. Ascending for 20 kilometres, the road passes the peak of Mount Santopitar which has an altitude of 1,020 metres and has beautiful views over the Bay of Malaga and Axarquia, past the ruins of Masmullar to reach Comares. After 7 kilometres from Comares there is a T-junction at the hamlet of La Zubia. Riogordo is in the direction to the left and north on the Route of Oil and Mountains. To follow the Route of the Raisin we travel right and south through Benamargosa, which is part of the Route of Sun and Avocado, through countryside characterised by gullies and hillocks to Cutar which is 17 kilometres fom Comares. The next stop on the route is a further 5 kilometres where El Borge is found. Another 2 kilometres brings us to Almachar. The landscape between the two villages is one of gentle slopes covered in vines and fincas with drying beds. The last stop on the Route of the Raisin is a further 8 kilometres of rolling hillsides from Almachar to Moclinejo. From here it is a further 11 kilometres to reach the coast and Rincon de la Victoria.

Scenic Drives Route 4: Axarquia The Route of Sun and Avocado The Route of Sun and Avocado is 75 kilometres long. It is largely a coastal route of unspoilt sea-side villages between Rincon de la Victoria and Torre del Mar, where the cultivation of sub-tropical products such as avocado and sugar cane takes place. It traverses the municipalities of Rincon de la Victoria, Macharaviaya, Velez-Malaga, Benamargosa, Benamocarra and Iznate. The route begins in Rincon de la Victoria in the far south-westerly point of Axarquia. From here we take the N-340 coastal road in an easterly direction toward Torre del Mar. After 3 kilometres we turn left on to a 9 kilometre road to Macharaviaya. On leaving Macharaviaya the route returns to the N-340 heading easterly once more for 14 kilometres. This coastal road is dotted with watchtowers built in the 16th century for defense over the beaches. These are just beginning to be restored and are floodlit at night. Four of these watchtowers are passed on route to the next stop. These are at Chilches (Torre de Chilches), Benajarafe (Torre Moya), Valle Niza (Torre Jaral) and in the delta of the River Velez (Torre Manganeta). At Valle Niza the road passes the 18th century Castle of the Marques on the left. On a hill to the left, after the village of Almayate and opposite the go-kart track just prior to the River Velez, a huge Osborne bull stands. Close to the mouth of the river, three important archaeological sites containing remains left by Phoenicians have been discovered. These are Toscanos, Alarcón and a necropolis at Jardin, all of which are dated from the 8th to 6th century BC. Just after crossing the river the route takes us to the coastal resort of Torre del Mar. Five kilometres inland we follow the Route of Sun and Avocado to Velez- Malaga. Leaving Velez-Malaga the route takes the C-335 through the small village of Trapiche. Here there is a junction on the left signposted to the next stop of Benamargosa which is 8 kilometres from Trapiche. The route then returns to the C-335 until a junction on the right, 2 kilometres before Velez-Malaga, where the road leads 4 kilometres to Benamocarra. Another 5 kilometres brings us to the last stop at Iznate. The return to the coast road N-340 is a further 10 kilometres passing through the small village of Cajiz to Valle Niza.

Scenic Drives Route 5: Axarquia Route of oil and mountains The Route of Oil and Mountains is 62.5 kilometres long. It runs entirely inland through mountainous terrain in the north-west of Axarquia. The climate here has a different influence than at the coast resulting in slightly hotter summers and a little more rainfall in winters. The 'oil' in the name of the route is, of course, olive oil grown from the verdial trees of the region and producing one of the best olive oils in the world. The route traverses the municipalities of Vinuela, Alcaucin, Periana, Alfarnate, Alfarnatejo, Riogordo and Colmenar. The route begins in the village of Vinuela on the C-335, 14 kilometres to the north of Velez-Malaga. The next stop is reached by following the C-335 for a further 4 kilometres before turning right to take a 5 kilometre road to Alcaucin. To reach the third stop on the route we return to the C-335 travelling north until the bridge of Puente de Don Miguel where the road branches left on the C-340 to Periana, a distance of 13 kilometres from Alcaucin. After leaving Periana we continue on the C-340 until taking a road on the right to Alfarnate which is 15 kilometres from the last stop and the most northerly village of Axarquia and the Route of Oil and Mountains. The road to Alfarnate has some of the most spectacular views in Axarquia, rising with the small hamlet of Guaro and Mount Maroma on the right, taking in Lake Vinuela and stretching down to the long coastline. Just 3 kilometres from Alfarnate is the village of Alfarnatejo. The route continues from here with a return to the C-340 travelling alongside the Sabar River for 7 kilometres. At the T-junction with the C-340 we turn right and continue for another 8 kilometres to Riogordo in the valley of the Cueva River. The last stop on the route is a further 6 kilometres along the C-340 to Colmenar. A return to Velez-Malaga is possible via a choice of roads, or to Malaga along the mountain road C-345 or N-321 passing through Casabermeja.

Scenic Drives Route 6: Axarquia Route of Mudejar Architecture The Mudejar Route is 75 kilometres long, entirely inland. It traverses the municipalities of Arenas, Archez, Salares, Sedella and Canillas de Aceituno, each within the foothills of the Almijara and Tejada Sierras. All are small towns and villages with Moorish and Mudejar remains in good repair. Mudejar architecture is the name given to Muslim architecture developed by Muslims in Christian areas (as opposed to Mozarabic architecture which was developed by Christians in Moorish areas). Some Mudejar buildings are indistinguishable from Muslim buildings but they did evolve distinguishing features of their own. One was the use of brick for many churches and mansions. Another was extravagantly decorated timber ceilings, often ornately carved. Mudejar style is often found side by side with Christian Gothic in the same building. Arenas is the starting point of the route and is found 10 kilometres from Velez-Malaga surrounded by countryside containing olives, almonds and vines. The road between Arenas and Archez runs via the two small villages of Daimalos and Corumbela, each of which have church towers that were formerly mosque minarets. Daimalos also has a Moorish fountain. Travelling through green mountain foothills for 7 kilometres, the next stop of the route is Salares. After this stop a short distance of 4 kilometres takes the route to Sedella. The River Rubite, a tributary of the River Velez, runs through this area, as do numerous mountain springs and streams. The last stop on the Mudejar Route is a further 8 kilometres from Sedella at Canillas de Aceituno. The route passes through the Rahiges Nature Reserve and past a spring and waterfall on the right hand side of the road where bathing is possible and barbeque and picnic areas are provided. Although there are no further official stops on this route, the road back down to Velez-Malaga from Canillas de Aceituno is an enjoyable ride with spectactular views over mountains, valleys and Lake Vinuela.

Scenic Drives Route 7: Axarquia Route of Sun and Wine The Route of Sun and Wine is 55 kilometres long, running through the eastern area of Axarquia. It passes both inland and along a stretch of coastline. It traverses the municipalities of Algarrobo, Sayalonga, Competa, Canillas de Albaida, Torrox, Frigiliana and Nerja. The route includes important tourist resorts at Nerja, Torrox Costa and Algarrobo Costa. The inland villages lie within the foothills of the Sierra Almijara mountain range and have retained much of their original Moorish structure. The main agricultural product in the areas surrounding these villages is the grape, from which many very good wines are produced. Algarrobo is the starting point of the Route of Sun and Wine. It is found 5 kilometres to the east of Torre del Mar, along the coastal road N-340, and then 4 kilometres inland. The next stop is a further 5 kilometres on at Sayalonga. The same road takes us another 9 kilometres until reaching Competa. After this stop a short distance of 3 kilometres takes the route to Canillas de Albaida. To reach the next village on the route we return to Competa and take the road for Torrox which is 15 kilometres on. From Torrox Costa the route follows the coastal N-340 in an easterly direction. Two watchtowers built in the 16th century for defense over the beaches are found here; the Torre del Morche and the Torre de Calaceite. The fortress of Castle Bago previously stood between these two towers. After 8 kilometres of following a coastline of cliffs to the left and coves, rocks and small beaches to the right, just before reaching Nerja, a road to the left leads 6 kilometres to Frigiliana. Two more watchtowers are seen on the coast road before turning off to Frigiliana; these are the Torre Macaca and the Torrecilla. The last stop on the Route of Sun and Wine is reached by retracing the road from Frigiliana down to Nerja.

. gx}xwt atàâütä ctü~ Designated a natural park in 1999, this large and rugged mountainous region of 40,663ha stretches across the provincial border of Granada and Malaga. Its western part in Malaga province is known as the Axarquía and is famous for its attractive villages dating from Moorish times. It is also superb hiking country and its numerous steep mountainsides make it ideal for climbers. Its highest peak is La Maroma, at 2,080m. There are many caves, the most famous being those at Nerja. Others are near the sierras' highest peak, at La Sima de la Maroma, and close to the village of Canillas de Aceituno. Its relative remote nature has meant that it has a high number of endemic species of flora and is rich in wildlife, particularly raptors and mountain birds. Its inaccessibility has also meant that historically, it has harboured bandits and later on, anti-franco guerrillas during the Civil War. Its inhabitants were part of the Morisco rebellion.

The vast majority of this superb walking area has now been designated a Natural Park and has therefore some protection regarding the need for planning permission, hunting, dog control, wild animal protection and goat/sheep grazing to name but a few. It is unlikely that you will meet a single other soul except possibly on a Sunday. You can enjoy the silence and solitude and perhaps, if you are lucky, hear the cry of a bird of pray, a Bee-Eater, or even a Golden Oriole. You need to stick to the paths though, as going off them can mean very hard work struggling through thick undergrowth that often includes thorn bushes. Going off route, in particular, away from the established footpath in the Sierras, as in many other areas in Spain, is not a good idea as navigation is not easy compared to the UK. Most cortijos in the Natural Park have now been abandoned but their overgrown gardens and orchards still exist, so one can find large Apricot, Almonds, Orange and other fruit and nut trees seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Who is to say anything if you sample the odd fruit? But don t blame me if you are caught as some apparent ruins are still farmed from the towns and villages, particularly at weekends! The Suggested sierras are Walking well known Routes for their population of mountain goats, an endemic species that was under The centre threat of of the extinction park isn't a easily century accessible ago. In by the car. last There 25 years, are, however, its numbers roads have around increased the edges tenfold of in the the park, region the and, main with one being around on 2,000 the park's mountain western goats, side. it There is now are home spectacular to one views of the throughout biggest the populations of its type in Spain. area, of the snow-capped Sierra Tejeda in winter and the blue of the Mediterranean away to the south. For an alternative route, which hugs the western border of the park, take the A335 north from Torre del Mar, off the N340 coastal road. Five kilometres off the A335 is Alcaucín and then head south through Canillas de Aceituno, Sedella, Salares, Canillas de Albaida and Cómpeta. From Cómpeta to Frigiliana there is a detour south towards the coast and Torrox. If you want to follow the eastern edge, the edge nearest Itrabo, take the road to Otívar that heads north from the N340. Then take a left to Jayena, which crosses a small section of the park, before skirting around it via Fornes and Alhama de Granada. When heading south on the A335, it's possible to go to Alcaucín and continue on the route described above (see Scenic Drives Route 1). Junta de Los Rios Walk Walk 1Please see the leaflet on the next page. This walk starts at the very top of the Sierra del Chapparral 16km north of Otivar. Unless you have two cars you will have to double back on yourself, which can make this route quite challenging in the summer months. Walk 2Please see Walk 7. This walk starts just 4km from Otivar. You have to gain access to the path from a private road for which there is a charge payable at the entrance gate. The advantage of the private road is that you miss a large section of walking and can access the first waterfall from just a short walk. Access to the other waterfalls, are a short walk through some beautiful terrain. Although you have to retrace your route the distance is a much shorter which will give you more time at the waterfalls for swimming and picnics. The entrance, which is a beige hut to your right 4km from Otivar, be vigilant as it is easily missed.

ZÜxtà _ÉvtÄ jtä~á= *Please see the information pack on arrival and our books and maps for an extensive selection of walks in the area.

Walk 1: Lower Sierra de Itrabo Walk (1.5 to 2 hours approx) This walk begins with taking you through Nispera and Chiromoya plantations, along old stone paths that date back to the Moorish period. The paths climb higher towards the lower slopes of the Sierra de Itrabo, with views across the valley towards Salobrena and the sea before winding back down to the village. Directions Take a right out of the front door and walk towards the church. Take a left before reaching the church at the tobacco sign and take the first left up the narrow lane. Map of lower Sierra de Itrabo. Walking tracks not marked. Red line as a guide only. As you come out of this lane continue straight on (not left) along the wider road for about 10 metres and take a left immediately opposite the house with the blue window frames (No.53). Continue straight along this road. You will pass an old ruined building on your right (a derelict olive oil press where the courtyard housed the press driven by mules. Notice the wide old wooden door). This road eventually takes you out of Itrabo and becomes a narrow path, and eventually an old stone path, taking you into the fruit plantations. Continue along this path that follows around the valley. Eventually, you will come to a shed type building on your right with a wide driveway leading to it to your left. Continue straight across this driveway to rejoin the path. The path ends at a tarmac road and you will see a small church with palm trees ahead. (You can visit the outside of the church and sit outside on one of the stone seats with views across the valley to Itrabo). Continue along the main road, past the track to the church, and after a short climb take the first left. This track takes you through Nispera, Chiramoya and olive fruit plantations. Follow the main path and after a small climb you will come to a T junction surrounded by Pine trees. Take a left and continue along this track. The track sweeps around the hill and the small valley. You eventually you arrive at a tarmac road. Turn right onto the road and continue up the hill until you reach a small, newly built Cortijo (Small house) on your right. Immediately after the Cortijo at the bend of the road, there are two paths on your right. Take the narrower second stone path. This path is a continuation of the old Moorish path. Continue along this path until it eventually arrives at a wider track at a T junction. Take a left onto the wider

track and you will eventually come to a tarmac road. Take a right onto the road and follow this road up the hill. After a while climbing the hill becomes steeper and then levels out. At this point there will be a small narrow path to your left (the first possible left turning on this road). The path is also identified by being next to a small dry stream bed with a couple of large tree trunks lodged into it (at time of writing). Opposite, and below you the road is supported by a stone wall to the side of the hill. Take this narrow path and at the top of the climb the path continues in a straight (more or less) westerly direction. You will have great views across the hills to Salobrena and the sea. Keep to the track as best you can as it traverses olive groves and meanders through scrub land often looking like a mere animal track at times. The path eventually comes to a not so obvious Y junction. Keep right and you will eventually come to a small quarry ahead of you. Keep on the path that takes you around to the top of the quarry. You may have to climb over the odd fallen pine tree. The track then begins uphill a little once more and you will eventually come to a more dominant track. Take a left onto the wider track. There are great views from here of the Tajeda Natural Park, the Axarquia region and views towards Almunecar and the sea. Continue along this track down the hill and you will come to a road. Continue along this road straight down, passing two newly built houses on your left. You will eventually come to a small water tower after passing the two newly built houses on your left. Now you have a choice of routes. Route A: Take the path straight on that runs alongside the plastico (large covered greenhouse). Do not deviate off this path and you will eventually see Itrabo below. Or Continue along the road until you come to a steep bend with a track that leads off to your left. Take the track to your left and you will eventually come to another track to your immediate left opposite a plastico. Take this track down the hill and you will see Itrabo below. Continue down the hill and take a right at the back of the School. Walk down the steps and right again along the road until you come to a hill on your left that descends further into the village. Follow this road until you come to Itrabo Hills B&B on your right.

Walk 2: Upper Sierra de Itrabo Walk (2 to 2.5 hours approx) This walk is a continuation of walk 1 but at a higher level of the Sierra De Itrabo. The walk begins with taking you through Nispera and Chiromoya plantations, along old stone paths that date back to the Moorish period. The paths climb higher towards the lower slopes of the Sierra de Itrabo, with views across the valley towards Salobrena and the sea before winding back down to the village. Map of village and Sierra de Itrabo. Walking tracks not marked. Orange line as a guide only. Directions Take a right out of the front door and walk towards the church. Take a left before reaching the church at the tobacco sign and take the first left up the narrow lane. As you come out of this lane continue straight on (not left) along the wider road for about 10 metres and take a left immediately opposite the house with the blue window frames (No.53). Continue straight along this road. You will pass an old ruined building on your right (a derelict olive oil press where the courtyard housed the press driven by mules. Notice the wide old wooden door). This road eventually takes you out of Itrabo and becomes a narrow path, and eventually an old stone path, taking you into the fruit plantations. Continue along this path that follows around the valley. Eventually, you will come to a shed type building on your right with a wide driveway leading to it to your left. Continue straight across this driveway to rejoin the path. The path ends at a tarmac road and you will see a small church with palm trees ahead. (You can visit the outside of the church and sit outside on one of the stone seats with views across the valley to Itrabo). Continue along the main road, past the track to the church, and after a short climb take the first left. This track takes you through Nispera, Chiramoya and olive plantations. Follow the main path and after a small climb you will come to a T junction surrounded by Pine trees. Take a left and continue along this track. The track sweeps around the hill and the small valley. You eventually you arrive at a tarmac road. Turn right onto the road and continue up the hill until you reach a small, newly built Cortijo (Small house) on your right.

Immediately after the Cortijo at the bend of the road, there are two paths on your right. Take the narrower second stone path. This path is a continuation of the old Moorish path. Continue along this path until it eventually arrives at a wider track T junction. Take a left onto the wider track and you will eventually come to a tarmac road. Turn right onto the road and follow this road up a long hill. The hill eventually flattens out running to the side of a partially dry river bed in a valley to your right. You will eventually reach a picnic area surrounded by pine trees with a mountain drinking water fountain on your right. To the otherside of the picnic area is a water tower. Face the steps that lead down to the picnic area and directly behind you is a narrow path that climbs the side of the hill. Take this path. The path gently winds up the hill with great views across the hills to Salobrena and the sea. Continue along the path as it begins to level out a little and you eventually arrive at a small stone built shelter, used to protect farmers and goat herders from unsuspecting turns in the weather. Just after the shelter the path drops down a few metres and continues up a slightly steeper ascent through dead pine trees and bushes. Continue climbing and the path, eventually arrives at several olive terraces, where the path takes a westerly (Left) direction. Please note the new direction of the path is subtle but leads onto an obvious, well trodden thoroughfare (not along an olive terrace). Continue along the path and you will eventually see great views ahead of the Tajeda Mountain Range, the Axarquia region and views towards Almunecar and the sea. The path gently descends off the Sierra de Itrabo and you come to a track that services olive groves. Continue along this track and you will arrive at a road. Continue along this road straight down, passing some newly built houses on your left. When the road comes to a water tower on your left, either, take the path straight on that runs alongside the plastico (large covered greenhouse) and continue straight down the hill to Itrabo. Or continue on the tarmac road until there is a sharp down hill bend. At this bend take the left turning onto the dirt track and follow it past the new cortijo on your right until you come to a cross roads. Take the turning right that descends straight down the hill to Itrabo. Do not deviate off this path and you will eventually see Itrabo below. The path eventually leads into the village directly onto a residential road. Continue down the hill and take a right at the back of the School. Walk down the steps and right again along the road until you come to a hill on your left that descends further into the village. Follow this road until you come to Itrabo Hills B&B on your right.

Cerro de Itrabo Walk. Walk Time: 1-2 hours approx. This walk provides fantastic 360 degree panoramic views of both Itrabo and surroundings, with the Sierra de Itrabo flanked by the Sierra del Chaparral and the Sierra Nevada to the North, the Sierra Almijarra de Tejeda to the North West, and miles of coast line to the south. You ll pass Nispero orchards but mostly almond trees and grape vines. This walk is very colourful in February with the Almond blossom. Drive 2 min up the main road from Itrabo to the track that leads up the Cerro de Itrabo, (Unless you want to walk along the main road from Itrabo). The track is situated on your left just as the main road reaches the top of the hill, before the cutting and the descent down the other side. There is a layby just before the track where you can park your car. Begin walking up the track passing various newly built houses along the way (including one known locally as the coffin!). The track will begin to become enclosed by the steep hill on one side and shrubs and fruit crops on the other. The road will then eventually flatten out as you near the top then drop down towards a fork in the road with a dry stone wall providing shelter for grape vines. Take the middle track running alongside the wall, up the short hill. At the top there are fantastic coastal views looking down onto Almunecar to the south west and Motril Harbour to the south east and the mountains to the north. Double back to the fork and turn right down the hill towards the cortijo. Take a left before reaching the cortijo just after a hut and water tower. Continue along this track. After abut 10 mins you will pass a Cortijo on your left. You will then eventually come back to the dirt track you walked up earlier. Take a right onto this track and follow down to the parking area at the main road.

YÄtÅxÇvÉ Andalucia is the home of Flamenco and a visit to a Flamenco show is a must whilst exploring this part of Spain. Venta Luciano offers very professional performances in tradional surroundings and has been staging Flamenco since the 1950s. Opening Times: The doors open at 8.30pm on Fridays in the winter months and Tuesday and Fridays in the summer months. Location: Situated in a traditional Spanish coaching inn, Venta Luciano is located on the old Granada Road. From Itrabo follow the rout to Almunecar and the venue is on your left 4km from Almunecar. Look for the sign and the entrance gate. Cost: The cost for food, drink and dance is 27 euros inclusive. The food includes barbequed meats, bread and salads. After the dinner you are invited to the dance theatre for a dramatic Flamenco show.