The area in between Cordoba and Granada isn't often mentioned on this forum but it should be. It is absolutely beautiful and really not off the beat and track....except that it is. It is not overcrowded. You will need a car or some kind of transportation for this area. I saw people using taxis and transport services. We had a car and drove on really nice roads. In this area you will see miles and miles of olive groves. You will see castles and pristine white villages. In the spring you will see lots of colorful wildflowers. If you like to walk, as we do, you have lots of lovely and interesting trails to choose from. Sometimes to a Moorish Watchtower, sometimes village to village, sometimes through a canyon with views of a castle and always views of white villages and mountains in the distance. If you are a stargazer this is the place to come. There are no city lights here and so you can view the night sky unhindered. Years ago I had read about a b&b called Casa Olea. I made note of it and finally was able to visit while in this area. We were enchanted! We woke up to bird song every morning (if you are a birder you will love this place). We listened to the Nightengale every night. The property is a lovingly restored ruin and the setting is gorgeous and you can enjoy views from your window or anywhere on the property. There are gorgeous sunsets! They have a beautiful swimming pool for relaxing. The owners, Tim and Claire work hard to keep the property immaculate and make sure their guests are comfortable. They both take time to visit with each guest, getting to know them and recommending ideas of places to go. They are very organized and made up cards describing many walks that guests can take to explore the area. I think there are 28 walks listed, we did 4 in the week we spent there. Tim serves up drinks from the bar on demand and Claire cooks amazing meals which they offer to the guests, if they so choose. There are several restaurants nearby that one can try as well but Claire's meals were the best! This is a place to come to relax and recharge. We loved it here and I think you won't want to miss out! So, remember Casa Olea and book with them early. It will likely be the best part of your trip!
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2708 posts
Totally agree! I read about Casa Olea on this forum last fall. Although Spain was not on our list, we were intrigued and ended up going to Spain in November just so we could stay there. We spent the last six nights of our trip at Casa Olea and loved every minute. It’s a beautiful facility with gorgeous scenery, and the food is fantastic — both breakfast, which is included, and dinner, which we opted for all six nights. We did three of their suggested hikes three of our days there, drove to the Alhambra one day, and spent the fifth day on the property because I was feeling under the weather (fortunately not Covid). We took a nice walk right from the property that afternoon. We had a wonderful time at Casa Olea!
Posted by
OP
Spokane Valley, WA
199 posts
I agree that it's a destination in itself! Total relaxation!