Why not treat yourself to a professional relaxing massage in the comfort of your home (Lecrin Valley and beyond…)
Pascale has over 15 years experience and speaks English, Spanish and French.
For more details > click link below http://southfromgranada.com/webads/massage-with-pascale-2/
Happy New Year
There is always a little shop in the Lecrin Valley that you maybe never knew existed, here are just a few to explore…
Herbolario Origenes, Durcal
An Ecological Shop selling health foods, organic and ecological products with some unique gift ideas
Jamonzar, Marchena
Selling Traditional Hams, Sausages & Cheeses
(whole or vacuum packed)
SHOP Delicatessen, Durcal
Selling English food products and locally produced goods. Also open Sunday mornings
Carniceria David, Pinos del Valle
Supermarket and Butcher (next to church in the ‘upper bario’) Also open Sundays
Carniceria Terron, Talara, Lecrin
Butcher plus hams, sausages & cheeses. On main street next to church
Le Mans, Talara, Lecrin
Convenience store – English Newspapers – Petrol Station – Open 365 days
Further details of these and much more can be found in www.southfromgranada.com
July and August never disappoint with Flamenco shows in and around the Lecrin Valley and Granada.
Flamenco Restábal
The Lecrin Valley is hosting its IV Festival de Flamenco el Valle in Restábal on 22nd July at 23:00 – entry is free and if the last 3 years is anything to go by then this should be worth a visit.
La Casita de Papel bar/restaurant has a ‘Fiesta de Flamenco’ on Friday 15th July at 22:00, situated at the entrance to Lanjarón.
In Nigüelas, La Osa Mayor has a Flamenco Fusion night on 29th July at 23:00, also free entry. A summer bar and terrace in an open-air setting.
Corral del Carbón
The Corral de Carbón, Granada opens its doors again on 18th July to 11th August for Los Veranos del Corral 2011 for the 13th year of absolute spectacular flamenco in quite an amazing open-air setting.
Lorca y Granada
Then there is the Lorca Ballet Flamenco season from 20th July to 22nd August at the Teatro del Generalife, another fabulous open-air setting with the Alhambra as a backdrop!!
Details of these and more can be found on www.southfromgranada.com on our ‘What’s On’ page with links to the relevant sites giving more details and ticket purchases where necessary.
ENJOY!
Our ‘Summer Accommodation Collection’ in the ‘Lecrin Valley and La Herradura’ is here - full details of all these on our accommodation page on www.southfromgranada.com
House Rentals in Pinos del Valle
2 Bedroom Village House in Pinos del Valle
4 Bedroom Village House in Pinos del Valle
Bed and Breakfast in Pinos del Valle and Albuñuelas
Casa Aire, Bed & Breakfast in Pinos del Valle
Casa Amelia, Bed & Breakfast in Albuñuelas
Rural Lodge in Dúrcal
El Molino del Puente, restored 18th Century Mill in Dúrcal
Villas & Apartments in Pinos del Valle and La Herradura
Self Catering Private Apartments in Pinos del Valle
A Selection of Villas & Apartments in La Herradura
Hostal in Melegís
Los Naranjos Hostal in Melegís
Full details of all these and more can be found on our accommodation page at www.southfromgranada.com
Between Capileira and Pampaneira lies the village Bubión in the Poqueira gorge. Here you will find “Poco Picante” – two Scotsmen selling curry up a mountain! A bar and restaurant with stunning views of the Alpujarras.
A Sunday lunch ‘open buffet’ of Thai and Indian curries + vegetarian dishes and live music on their terrace. All this is less than an hours drive from the Lecrin Valley and 30 minutes from Órgiva.
Poco Picante Terrace
- Poco Picante Terrace view
Poco Picante Terrace view 2
‘Something for the weekend’ – Lecrin Valley (Valle de Lecrin) area has a host of events this weekend and there must be something to entertain everyone.
Just go to www.southfromgranada.com for details of everything that is happening in and around the area.
Probably the most up to date live site for the area. Constantly updated.
For further details of these and many more events (Flamenco, Exhibitions, Concerts, Fairs, Markets, Festivals, Fiestas…) in the Lecrin Valley/Valle de Lecrin and beyond
go to www.southfromgranada.com > What’s On
We are constantly updating.
| March | 18 | Nigüelas | Concierto de Bluegrass Jennifer Bennett and the Fire Circus Atalayi, Nigüelas 23:00 |
| 19 | Nigüelas | Cena a Ciegas- Blind Dining Atalayi, Nigüelas 17:00 to 20:00 (Reserve a place) Read more about this experience on website |
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| 19 | Nigüelas | Queimada – Noche de Luna Llena With live Music Atalayi, Nigüelas 21:00 |
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| 19 | Nigüelas | Del Alma (Flamenco Fusion) Casa de Lino, Nigüelas 22:00 Entry Free |
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| 20 | Nigüelas | Mercadillo de la Casa de Lino, Nigüelas Casa de Lino 13:00 to 14:30 |
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| 25 | Nigüelas | Funky Theme Costume Party Casa de Lino, Nigüelas 22:00 |
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| 26 | Nigüelas | III Ciclo de Conciertos del Valle de Lecrín La Casa de la Cultura, Nigüelas 19:30 |
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| 26 | Nigüelas | Ortega Pose Delciotto Trio(Tango Jazz) La Casa de Lino, Nigüelas 22:00 Entry Free |
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| 26 | Nigüelas | Fiesta Motera – Biker Party Atalayi, Nigüelas 13:00 – 16:00 |
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| April | 03 | Saleres | Monthly Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market Plaza de Saleres 11:00 |
| 07 | Órgiva | Mercado de las Artes Plaza de la Alpujarra 10:00 – 15:00 25 stalls, live demonstrations, live music |
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| 29 | Guájar Faragüit | Laberintho B in Concert Guájar Faragüit 22:00 |
British historian Bettany Hughes examines a long-buried chapter of European history–the rise and fall of Islamic culture in what is now Spain and Portugal. Although generations of Spanish rulers have tried to expunge this era from the historical record, recent archaeology and scholarship now shed fresh light on the Moors who flourished in Al-Andalus for more than 700 years.
You’ll discover the ingenious mathematics behind Granada’s dazzling Alhambra Palace, trace El Cid’s lineage to his Moorish roots, and learn how the Iberian population willingly converted to Islam in droves.
A brief report courtesy of the Ayuntamiento de El Valle (Granada)
Almost 400 people ran in the ‘IX Carrera Campestre de La Naranja’ (Melegis to Saleres). The competition was organized by the City of El Valle on the Day of Andalusia (28 February). Many of the runners belong to the major clubs across the province and beyond, such as the ‘Trotacalles’ of Córdoba, the ‘Cuevas de Nerja’ and ‘Pegalajar’ of Jaén. The race has become a must for the greats of athletics from Granada, Andalusia and the Moroccan territory. In addition, this year the competition took a leap in quality, coordinated by the company Global-Tempo, by using the latest technology - the microchip.
The overall winners – A Moroccan marriage - Mounir Elouardi again took first place on the podium for the third year running, with a time of 21 minutes and 15 seconds. His wife, Nazha Machrouh, for the second year running and got a winning time of 24 minutes and 46 seconds. Both athletes took their weight in oranges.
On reaching the village of Saleres, the efforts of the participants were awarded by medals and cups. And finally – enjoyed a ‘popular food’.
The event was funded by the Diputación de Granada and a total of 27 local companies, provincial and national, such as Cruzcampo, Coca Cola, Lanjaron, Sport Garrido and Contenedores Alhambra
My points:- Our local friend and photograher Paul Kelly and his son Jenson completed the run in 42 minutes – yet his lovely wife Dana managed it 36 minutes!!
Paul’s quote ” A very hilly run – 6,660 metres!”
Next year, 2012, the race celebrates its tenth anniversary
For further details of these and many more events (Flamenco, Exhibitions, Concerts, Fairs, Markets, Festivals, Fiestas…)
go to www.southfromgranada.com > What’s On
| March | 03 | Órgiva | Mercado de las Artes Plaza de la Alpujarra 10:00 – 15:00 25 stalls, live demonstrations, live music |
| 04 | Nigüelas | Carnavales 2011, Nigùelas Music by duo Kosta 20:00 |
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| 04 & 05 | Padul | Carnaval Padul 2011 |
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| 05 | Nigüelas | Noche Latina Atalayi, Nigüelas 23:00 |
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| 06 | Saleres | Monthly Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market Plaza de Saleres 11:00 |
3 litres of freshly squeezed mandarin and clementine juice from a few minutes of picking earlier in the week in Pinos del Valle. Oranges next week…
Picking is the easy part, squeezing not so.. but so tasty and the house smells fruity
The old bridge
This was the original bridge (The old bridge) and in 15th century the only link between the Alpujarra and the Lecrin Valley and the plains of Granada. Destroyed in 1500 during the Mudejar revolt of the Alpujarra. In 1502 it was repaired. In 1569 it suffered significantly during the War of the Alpujarra against the Moriscan uprising of Aben Humeya. At the end of 16th century it was rebuilt but in 19th century it was declared ‘ruinous’.
Bridge of the Road of Isabel II
The Bridge of the Road of Isabel II was built in 1859 below the existing bridge. The hermitage at the end of this bridge was added in 1957 to honour the Granadine patron Saint, the Our Lady of Sorrows constantly adorned with fresh flowers and lit oil lanterns.
Access bridge to the Lanjaron road
In 2002 a metal framework bridge was completed providing easier access to the Alpujarra road based on foundations that rest on each side of the gorge.
For further details of these and more events (Flamenco, Exhibitions, Concerts, Fairs, Markets, Festivals, Fiestas…)
go to www.southfromgranada.com > What’s On
| February | 19 | Dúrcal | Carnival Day, Dúrcal 17:00 Children’s 22:00 Adult’s |
| 19 | Nigüelas | Noche celta-Celtic Night Atalayi, Nigüelas 23:30 |
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| 26 | Melegís | Carnival Day, Melegís |
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| 26 & 27 | Padul | Carnaval Padul 2011 |
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| 28 | Melegís & Saleres | Andalucía Day, Melegís & Saleres |
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| 28 | Dúrcal | Andalucía Day, Dúrcal |
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| March | 03 | Órgiva | Mercado de las Artes Plaza de la Alpujarra 10:00 – 15:00 25 stalls, live demonstrations, live music |
| 04 & 05 | Padul | Carnaval Padul 2011 |
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| 06 | Saleres | Monthly Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market Plaza de Saleres 11:00 |
Yet again another year of spectacular Almond Blossom has lit up the hills of the Lecrin Valley.
I have included a photo from our local Photographer Paul M Kelly, as mine would never be as good as his!
And another stunning photo by Mel Kidby from Telly Addicts
Cabalgata de Reyes Magos or Three Kings Parade was celebrated everywhere last week (5th January) from the largest cities to the smallest villages. A major celebration in Spain starting on the evening before Twelfth Night (Epiphany) with parades and sweet distribution and then the exchanging of gifts on the 6th.
Even the ski resort village had the traditional celebrations.
Cabalgata de Reyes Magos from Freestylefilms.tv on Vimeo.
Granada’s celebration consisted of 20 floats and distributed over 16,000 kilos of sweets to the children and adults and ended with a firework extravaganza.
Located twixt the ski resort and the beach, it is often tricky to decide which way to go on a sunny day at this time of year!!
For the past 3 years it has been the ski resort on Christmas day, no queues……This time the weather was not ideal (cloudy and drizzle) so it had to be Boxing day (blue skies and full sun) and unexpectedly less people than on previous Christmas days with fresh snow - perfect.
Another beautiful day and another visit beckoned on the 29th. This time it was busy and the car park was full, but determination ruled. Found a back road which led straight to a remote chair lift less than a minutes walk from the car which was now parked on an almost empty road and free of charge.
Monday beckoned a visit to the last day of the annual Food, Tourism and Art Fair in Padul. The perfect way to have lunch on the move, tasting/savouring all the regional produce - from cheese, salami, pate and chorizo to honey, olive oil, cakes and sweets all nicely washed down with wine, mosto(!) and malt whisky.
Artisan stalls were also abundant with some interesting handmade gift ideas for all ages and tastes. On leaving managed to pick up some free books - a tapas directory to every bar in the area – with some recipes and a well presented book of walking routes complete with maps and colour photos.
The Sandpit Club in Chite was the place to be on late Sunday afternoon. Gym Halama launched her book, Zigzag, Flashbacks of a painter – An erratic journey through fifty short stories and her illustrations
Zigzag, Flashback of a Painter by Gym Halama
Then there was an incredible display of Lala Ema’s Paperie Show.
Bought these three little boxes to use as Christmas gifts to put cheques in, no wrapping required.
Wine and Tapas were good too!
Braved the sunny weather to visit the monthly Artisans’ market in Orgiva. There were not that many stall holders this month but the ones that were there were worth the visit.
Yes it is true – we are coming to the stage where everywhere is getting covered in lemons. They are no longer being picked due to their low market value and we poor mortals are having to drive, walk and even trip over them. Such a waste!
Now on the look out for endless things to do with them. The first is…
A moist and rather tasty lemon cake.
To open a pdf file quickly – hold done the ‘Ctrl’ button at the same time as clicking the file to open and it will open in a new tab on the same page but so much faster
You too could be the proud owner of one of these bowls (set of 4 designs) when you fill up with fuel at any BP station in the area!
On Saturday La Salerosa put on another performance for us.
This was flamenco in the square but it was not your ordinary show- take a look
Yacimiento Medieval del Castillejo in Guájar Faragüit is not actually a castle but a fortified settlement.
Walked today to see this town’s medieval Islamic settlement abruptly abandoned during the late thirteenth and early fourteenth century. Outside are the remains of a pool and an aqueduct. Inside the south wall are numerous remains of houses of different constructions of surface and shape. This site was declared to be of Cultural Interest in 1989.
It is well signposted from the main road through Guájar Faragüit, takes about 3/4 hour and is just over 3kms to the top.
Culminated in a hearty lunch at Bar Carmen in Guájar Alto (the next village). No menu just vegetable or fish soup, choices of meat with patatas pobres and a pudding all served with the local wine(!).
An official press release was made this week announcing the opening of the winter ski season 2010-11, the 27th November (next weekend). Whilst the number of runs expected to open has not yet been revealed, the snow cannons have been working almost ceaselessly over the past week and fresh intermittent snowfall is expected throughout the coming week.
Drove to Orgiva to get some hand made tiles and visit the weekly market (Thursdays). Whilst there discovered there is a large monthly Artisans’ Market on the first Saturday of each month.
Went to the Saleres Farmers’ and Artisans’ market yesterday afternoon and whilst there entertained by this incredible flamenco performance outside La Salerosa Bar. Market is every first Sunday of the month.
