Granada

Granada City also boasts a fabulous Cathedral and the labyrinth of narrow streets know as the Albaicin shows off the city's moorish history Granada was first settled by native tribes in the prehistoric period, and was known as Ilbyr. When the Romans colonized southern Spain, they built their own city here and called it Illibris. The Arabs, invading the peninsula in the 8th century, gave it its current name of Granada.

more info

Alhambra Palace

The Alhambra, in pace with its history, has become the destination of many tourists and probably the best treasure of the city of Granada. To enjoy the beauty of the palatine chambers, the scents of the courtyards and gardens, the games of light and colour of the richly decorated halls and the impressive views of the Albaycin and the Vega constitutes a privilege for our senses. www.alhambra-tickets.es

more info

The Sierra Pelada Equestrian Center
Cortijo Sierra Pelada is ideally situated for horse riding from stunning mountain top rides with amazing views of Sierra Nevada to secluded valley trails for a refreshing picnic then a gallop across a harvested corn field (for those who fancy it!).	more info

Sierra Nevada Ski Resort
The Sierra Nevada ski resort has numerous runs of varying difficulties to satisfy all levels of skiers. Natural snow is supplemented by snow cannons on some runs, and many skiers are pleasantly surprised to find that, because of its southerly position, the air temperature is usually warmer than other resorts.	more info

Alhama de Granada
Visit the spa town of Alhama de Granada and relax in the natural thermal springs or baths.This town is placed in the Tejeda Mountain range, hung on the steep and deep cliff over the Alhama river. It has a reputed spa already operated by the Romans and Arabs, and that at the moment offers modern treatments against arthritis, rheumatism and stress.	more info

Lake Bermajalis
The beautiful lake Bermajalis is just an hour away and a perfect setting for a family picnic and a swim in the beautiful clear blue lake and then a trip to near by Alhama de Granada with its ancient hot springs and its friendly andalucian restaurants.	more info

Aguola Water Park
Aguaola is Granada's water park. Aguaola is a water park with various swimming pools, water slides, a wave machine and a zero-gravity simulator "eurobungy".	more info

Parque de los Ciencias
The Science Park is an interactive museum of over 70,000 m 2 located a few short minutes from the historic city centre of Granada, with one of the most varied offers for cultural and scientific leisure in Europe. The Macroscopio is a new building which has been added to the Science Park installations. The different exhibition spaces extend out from the large entrance hall.	more info

Fiestas and Ferria's
Throughout Andalucia there is scarcely a day that does not have a celebration of some sort somewhere. Some of the main fiestas are listed below but please check with the local tourist office for more details. Information can also be found on andalucia.com.	more info

Montefrio

The landscaping diversity of its surroundings adds to this; from the road that links Montefrío with Íllora you can access to the Peña de los Gitanos, natural place that closes by the north a wide valley, limited to the south by the Parapanda Mountain range.

Las Peñas, rocky alignments parallel to the valley, offer a spectacular landscape of chalky nature, with abundant vegetation of oak forests and low mounts; ideal place for the practice of trekking, since there are many paths to wonder around this particular place, where you will find, in addition, a megalithic complex of first order, integrated by hundreds of dolmens of Neolithic origin.

A visit to Castillo De La Villa a Moorish Castle perched upon a rocky pinnacle overlooking Montefrio is a must.

Montefrio also boasts a 18th century round church and a further church, the Inglesa de Convento is set on the hillside opposite.

Just 20 minutes away is Pena de los Gitanos a rocky scarp containing an archaeological site of a megalithic settlement.

Excellent scenery and winding roads also provide an exciting ride for motorcycle touring.

The area is very popular with walkers/hikers, cyclist and artists; and is perfect for bird watching with some of our visitors being the Golden Oriel, various Eagles as well as Bee-eaters.

Granada

Just 1 hours drive away is the beautiful city of Granada. Granada City also boasts a fabulous Cathedral and the labyrinth of narrow streets know as the Albaicin shows off the city's moorish history Granada was first settled by native tribes in the prehistoric period, and was known as Ilbyr.

When the Romans colonized southern Spain, they built their own city here and called it Illibris. The Arabs, invading the peninsula in the 8th century, gave it its current name of Granada. It was the last Muslim city to fall to the Christians in 1492, at the hands of Queen Isabel of Castile and her husband Ferdinand of Aragon.

One of the most brilliant jewels of universal architecture is the Alhambra, a series of palaces and gardens built under the Nazari Dynasty in the 14th C. This mighty compound of buildings – including the summer palace called Generalife, with its fountains and gardens - stands at the foot of Spain's highest mountain range, the Sierra Nevada, and overlooks the city below and the fertile plain of Granada.

At the centre of the Alhambra stands the massive Palace of Charles V, an outstanding example of Spanish Renaissance architecture. Other major Christian monuments found in the city are the Cathedral, including the Royal Chapel where Isabel and Ferdinand lie buried, the Monastery of La Cartuja and many churches built by Moorish craftsmen after the Re conquest, in Granada's unique "mudéjar" style.

The hill facing the Alhambra is the old Moorish casbah or "medina", called the Albaicin, a fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and whitewashed houses with secluded inner gardens, known as "cármenes".

The Plaza de San Nicolas, at the highest point of the Albaicin, is famous for its magnificent view of the Moorish palace. The Sacromonte hill, which overlooks the city from the North, is famous for its cave dwellings, once the home of Granada's large gypsy community.

The name Granada is ancient and mysterious. It may mean "great castle", for the Roman fortress which once stood on the Albaicin Hill. When the Moors came here, the town was largely inhabited by Jews, for which they called it Garnat-al-Yahud - Granada of the Jews. The Jews are said to have been one of the first peoples to settle in Spain, even before the Romans.

Alhambra Palace

Just one hours drive away

The city of Granada The Alhambra, in pace with its history, has become the destination of many tourists and probably the best treasure of the city of Granada.

To enjoy the beauty of the palatine chambers, the scents of the courtyards and gardens, the games of light and colour of the richly decorated halls and the impressive views of the Albaycin and the Vega constitutes a privilege for our senses.

A place for cultural meeting and the destination chosen by millions of people worldwide lead us to rethink its value in a global world subjected to multiple stresses.

We all have to make an effort to preserve this extraordinary heritage and promote attitudes of respect and coexistence.

The Alhambra has lived, is living and will continue living, and making the heritage maxim possible as an evolutionary concept not anchored in time. Today the Alhambra will be a part of you, because it is ours, yours and everyone's.

Mª del Mar Villafranca Jiménez

Director of the Council for more information visit:

www.alhambra-patronato.es

www.alhambra-tickets.es

Alcala La Real

25 minute drive from Montefrio

Alcala La Real also has a wonderful castle and church set on a hillside overlooking the larger town. Definitely worth a visit and perhaps a meal in the park afterwards.

This delightful small town has a population of approximately 21,000 and is located on the N432 between Cordoba (85km) and Granada (47km) although, technically, it falls within the province of Jaen.

The town has an impressive fortress and was a strategic stronghold during medieval times, and subsequently occupied by the Moors in 713. Thereafter, Alcalá was the scene of frequent battles between the Moors and the Christians.

This tumultuous period lasted until 1341 when Alfonso XI gained control of the town. The crown established an abbey here which was deemed the headquarters from where to launch a major offensive on Granada.

La Mota Castle This magnificent castle dates back to 727 when the town was under Muslim rule. It was later expanded. The castle was badly damaged in the 19th century when battles were fought with France and it was thereafter abandoned. The three rows of fortifications are still in evidence, however, and there is a small museum open to the public.

The Sierra Pelada Equestrian Centre

Just 10 minutes drive from Montefrio

The Sierra Pelada Equestrian Centre is a family run business with over 30 years riding experience and a proud tradition of nurturing friendly natured horses and ponies.

We are based in the north west region of Granada in Andalucia, Spain. We are on the road connecting Íllora to Montefrio.

At Sierra Pelada equestrian centre I want everyone to enjoy their riding experience, whether you're a non rider that only wants to walk and see the scenery to an experienced rider who want a flat out gallop, my aim is for everyone to go away with a smile on their face, and feel they have ridden out with me on my horses not a horse devoid of character and temperament, the majority of my horses I've backed and broken myself in a natural based way with lots of voice commands

Cortijo Sierra Pelada is ideally situated for horse riding from stunning mountain top rides with amazing views of Sierra Nevada to secluded valley trails for a refreshing picnic then a gallop across a harvested corn field (for those who fancy it!).

Rides taken by the light of a full moon are a once in a lifetime experience, also climbing to the mountain top to watch the sun rise over the valley.

We have a number of horses ranging from a Friesian 'Spartan' who came with us from England 8 years ago, to Luna a beautiful grey cross breed Spanish mare. They make quite a stunning couple riding side by side. Red, our Spanish Vanquero caballo and Chico the cheeky gent.

Contact Liz at www.sierrapelada.com

Pena Los Gitanos Megalithic Necropolis at Peña de los Gitanos

5 minutes drive from Montefrio Cradle of Cultures

The impressive natural outcrop of the Peña de los Gitanos, in Montefrío, is set on a high rocky bluff with terraces and oak woods, and contains one of the most interesting archaeological sites in the Poniente Granadino.

This was an ideal habitat for Neolithic settlers due to its fertile land and abundance of wild animals, and almost a hundred Megalithic tombs can be observed here, with dolmens of up to 8 meters in length forming part of three necropolis: those of Castellón, la Camarilla and el Rodeo.

There are also numerous caves where flint arrowheads, bone combs and copper idols have been found together with cave paintings.

It has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest.

for more information http://www.xn--lapeadelosgitanos-ixb.es/index1.html

Sierra Nevada Ski Resort

Just one hours drive away near the city of Granada This is Europe's most southerly ski resort and it is small in comparison to other European resorts.

However, the facilities are considered top-rate and it has hosted numerous national and international ski and snow board events.

The Sierra Nevada ski resort has numerous runs of varying difficulties to satisfy all levels of skiers.

Natural snow is supplemented by snow cannons on some runs, and many skiers are pleasantly surprised to find that, because of its southerly position, the air temperature is usually warmer than other resorts.

In winter the http://sierranevada.es/ provides great Skiing and is a natural paradise during the summer.

It is possible to reach the ski slopes in just over an hour.

Perfect for a day trip. Sierra Nevada

Alhama de Granada & Lake Bermejalis

Visit the spa town of Alhama de Granada and relax in the natural thermal springs or baths.

This town is placed in the Tejeda Mountain range, hung on the steep and deep cliff over the Alhama river.

It has a reputed spa already operated by the Romans and Arabs, and that at the moment offers modern treatments against arthritis, rheumatism and stress.

Its historical patrimony is rich and its town centre has been declared Historic-Artistic Complex.

Its celebrations are varied and showy, as the romería of the wine during the September fair, the carnival, and the Young Music Festival.

The Romans, who also enjoyed the spas, left some rests behind like the Roman road, the Roman bridge and some villas. But, they were the Arabs who printed the dominant character to the settlement founding the town.

It owes to them the labyrinth and confusing design of its Arab neighborhood, the rests of the wall, the watch-towers and, most important, the Baño Fuente, with its splendid circular arcs.

The beautiful lake Bermejalis is just an hour away, perfect for a picnic and a swim.

Aguaola Water Park

Just under one hours drive away near the city of Granada

Aguaola is Granada's water park. Aquaola is a water park with various swimming pools, water slides, a wave machine and a zero-gravity simulator "eurobungy".

There are several water slides of different speeds: some fast and others slower. Some are straight and some steep. Others have lots of curves, bumps and tunnels.

There is a shop selling swimming costumes, bikinis, suntan lotion, towels, children's armbands and floats .

In the Black Pipe slide you shoot down floating on a rubber ring for two people. In here you are completely in the dark.

In the Baths of Venus there is a less active atmosphere more suited to younger children. In the warm water there are machines making bubbles.

For the smaller members of the family there is pirate galleon in Balu's Pool.

There is a pool with a wave machine that has a variety of six different types of waves

. The rapids of the River Bravo flow into Lake Iguazú where you can try the Tornado slide. http://granadamap.com/aquaola/

Parque del las Ciencias

Just under one hours drive away near the city of Granada

The Science Park is an interactive museum of over 70,000 m 2 located a few short minutes from the historic city centre of Granada, with one of the most varied offers for cultural and scientific leisure in Europe.

The Macroscopio is a new building which has been added to the Science Park installations. The different exhibition spaces extend out from the large entrance hall.

The Pavilion for Journey through the Human Body .

A trip from the origin of life and all the way to the human anatomy.

The Al-Andalus Science Pavilion . The scientific legacy of al-Andalus is placed within your reach.

The Prevention Culture Pavilion. To improve the perception of risks in the workplace and in daily life.

The Techno-Forum Pavilion . A space for new technologies, innovation and art.

The Museum Attic's Exploration Hall . Bring science closer to children through discovery and exploration.

Temporary Exhibition Pavilion . Large exhibition productions from Spain and around the world.

for more information visit: Parque del las Ciencias

Rio frio has excellent fishing and wonderful fish restaurants.
Malaga beach is just over an hour away ,Rhonda, Antequera, Seville and Cordoba are all within easy driving distance.

More information about the community of Montefrio please visit www.montefriointhesun.com and tell them jane at casa Miguel sent you.

Fiestas and Ferrias

Throughout Andalucia there is scarcely a day that does not have a celebration of some sort somewhere.

Some of the main fiestas are listed below but please check with the local tourist office for more details.

Information can also be found on andalucia.com

Check out the link below for dates of fiestas and ferrias and other information about the local area www.montefrio.org/paginas/fiestas.htm

Public and Regional Holidays 2012

January

Sunday 1st, Ano Nuevo, public holiday

Friday 6th, Reyes Magos, (3 Kings), public holiday

February

Tuesday 28th, Dia de Andalucia, regional holiday (day of Andalucia)

March

Thursday 8th, Day of the Working Woman (to be confirmed)

Monday 19th, San Jose (St Joseph), regional holiday

April

(All Saints Week)

Thursday 5th, Jueves santos (Maundy Thursday ), regional holiday

Friday 6th, Viernes Santo, (Good Friday), public holiday

Sunday 8th, Domingo de Resurrection, (Easter), public holiday

Monday 9th, Lunes de Pascua, (Easter Monday)

Monday 23rd, Saint Jorge (George), regional holiday

May

Tuesday 1st, Dia del Trabajo, (Labour day), public holiday

Thursday 3rd, Day of the Cross (to be confirmed),

Beautiful crosses are made and displayed around the village

Tuesday 15th, San Isidro, regional holiday

End of May (to be confirmed) , Montefrio, Procession of la Virgin de los remedios

June

Thursday 7th, Fiesta del Corpus Christi, regional holiday

Sunday 24th, San Juan, regional holiday

July

Etnosur Music Festival : is normally the Third weekend in July (to be confirmed)

August

Wednesday 15th, Asuncion de la Virgen, public holiday

14th - 18 August Ferria, (Variable)

September

Ferria, Virgin de los Remedios September Ferria, usually the 3rd week in September

Ferias occur in different towns throughout the spring and summer.

October

Friday 12th, Fiesta National de Espania, public holiday

November

Thursday 1st, Fiesta de la Todos los Santos, public holiday, (All Saints day)

December

Thursday 6th, Dia de la Constitucion, public holiday

Saturday 8th, La Inmaculada, public holiday (Immaculate Conception)

Tuesday 25th, Navidad, public holiday

Ferrias

Carnival, is 40 days after Semana santa (All Saints Week)

14th - 18 August Ferria, (Variable)

Spain Holiday