Spain

Hiking trails and horseback riding

Day 1. El Acebuchal

There is still no telephone service or Internet here, and mules walk the narrow streets. El Acebuchal is called a &quot;ghost village,&quot; which has been abandoned for half a century. After the Civil War, General Franco expelled the locals for allegedly collaborating with the rebels. The village was restored only at the end of the last century thanks to Antonio and Virtudes Garcia Sanchez, who rebuilt the roads, installed a water supply and breathed life into El Acebuchal with their own hands.

The manager is the son of the very same Antonio and Virtudes Garcia Sanchez.
Try wild game dishes such as rabbit, wild boar, venison, and partridge. The menu includes traditional pastries, tinctures and muscat wine, as well as homemade olive oil. Tourists and residents of neighboring cities come here on weekends, so the bar is very crowded. The restaurant is cash only!

Bar El Acebuchal

El Acebuchal

The village is crossed by a single pedestrian street lined with white houses and mountain ranges. It is not difficult to imagine El Acebuchal at the beginning of the 20th century, buildings and roads were restored from the old photographs.

The village is located at an altitude of 490 meters above sea level and offers a picturesque view of the valley of the Sierras de Tejeda Park, Almijara and Alhama. Admire the mountain panoramas from the El Fuerte lookout point. Going for a walk, you should wear comfortable shoes and take water.

El Fuerte Observation Deck

At the farm, tourists rent horses and take a ride through the Sierras de Tejeda park. Professional guides will show you the most beautiful corners of the valley and tell you about the local inhabitants: golden eagles, foxes, badgers and wild boars.

Los Olivillos Olive Farm

Casa Antonio is a striking example of Andalusian architecture. A white cottage with welcoming blue shutters on the windows and flower pots. The interior is dominated by natural materials, wood and stone. There is a large balcony with mountain views, an interior patio and a pool.

Casa Antonio

The guest house complex includes five traditional huts connected by a pool and a relaxation area. The white huts are restored from ruins, decorated with flowers, colorful azulejo tiles and hand-painted wooden furniture.

Medieval architecture and flowering valleys of Ja&eacute;n

Day 2. Hornos en Segura

A medieval village surrounded by pine forests and part of the Sierra de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Natural Parks, the largest protected natural areas in Andalusia. No more than 650 people live here, and the whole village can be walked around in just half an hour. Hornos is located on a hill, so get ready for stunning views, there will be plenty of them.

Dine at Adarve Café-Pub, which is located in a residential apartment complex. Renting a place to eat here is optional. Choose a seat on the outdoor terrace and end the evening with local tapas and views of El Tranco.

Cafetería & Apartamentos rurales Adarve

Warm rural reception and traditional food and local wine! The restaurant's signature dish is lamb, cooked here in different ways: grilled, stewed, added to burgers. Don't miss the opportunity to sit on the terrace overlooking El Tranco and Hornos.

Restaurante Las Celadillas

Walking around the city, don't miss Nora's Bakery. Trying local pastries is like visiting a Spanish grandmother. Here you will find baked products familiar to every Spaniard since childhood: homemade bread, tortillas with butter, nuts or peas, creamy montecados cookies, pizza, wine donuts and bagels.

Panadería Nora

Hornos

The arch is the only thing left of the fortress walls. It was the only entrance to the village during Almohad rule. Even today you can walk through it and feel like a resident of a medieval town.

Ancient Arch

It was originally a strategically important Arab fortress. After the expulsion of the Arabs, the castle passed into the possession of the Order of the Knights of Santiago in the first half of the 13th century. Today it is home to a planetarium, open all year round. Exhibitions, workshops, film screenings and guided tours are regularly held there.  The castle terrace offers a breathtaking view of the El Tranco Reservoir and the Segura y Las Villas Natural Park.

Castle of Hornos

While walking through Puerta Nueva, stop at the observation deck, from which you can clearly see El Tranco Reservoir, olive groves, and mountain ranges covered with dense forests.

Puerta Nueva Observation Deck

The rugged appearance, coupled with the mountain scenery, only adds to the charm of the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Pay attention to the arch above the entrance, it is decorated with the faces of angels and the silhouettes of two saints - St. Domingo de Guzmán and St. Catalina of Siena, the first female preacher. The ancient spiral staircase takes you up to the bell tower, the roof of which is decorated with gargoyles.

Church of Our Lady of the Assumption

The country cottage is located among olive plantations. Inside there is the flavor of the Spanish countryside with cozy decor, and outside you can see the curves of the valleys and the azure El Tranco Reservoir, to which the forest trails lead.

Mesoncillo NEO

Seven rustic houses are ready to welcome large groups and families! On the territory there are gardens, an outdoor pool, a playground, a pond with ducks, a park with deer, ponies and peacocks. If you are traveling with pets, the owners will provide you with the necessary bowls, food, and beds for your pets.

Casa Rural la Loma del Carrascal

Legacy of Arab domination and the Knights of the Order of Santiago

Day 3. Segura de la Sierra

In Arab times Segura de la Sierra was considered the main citadel of the region, and with the arrival of the Christians it became the seat of the Knights of the Order of Santiago. &nbsp;In the early 19th century the town was almost completely destroyed and burned by the French. Some of the buildings were restored, and in 1972 Segura de la Sierra was declared a historical and artistic monument.

There is a large selection of tapas, drinks and desserts. Here you will try the traditional delicacies of the region: fried lamb and gachamiga, a bread dish that is fried in lard, with the addition of potatoes, and served with sausages or ribs.

Mirador De Peñalta

The restaurant offers the Mediterranean cuisine and tapas. It is a part of the tourist apartments, but like in Hornos, you will be served even if you don't rent a room here. The building is located on a hill, if you want a beautiful view in addition to the dinner, we advise you to sit on the terrace.

Restaurante Messia de Leiva

Segura de la Sierra

The church was damaged under the French in 1810, and was rebuilt again a few years later. Archaeologists believe that the temple is of Romanesque origin, and was erected around the 14th century. This makes Nuestra Señora del Collado the oldest church in the province. Many interesting relics are preserved inside, such as the fourteenth-century Gothic sculpture "Virgen de la Peña".

Church of Our Lady of Collado

A drinking fountain in the Gothic style was built in 1511 at the foot of the temple of Nuestra Señora del Collado. You will recognize it by the royal shield and stone gargoyles.

Imperial Fountain of Carlos I

The church was built by the Jesuit order at the end of the 16th century. The temple was used until the second half of the 18th century, until the expulsion of the order. The building now serves as an assembly hall, where various exhibitions and events are held.

Jesuit Church

This is one of the few remaining Arab baths in Jaen.  Researchers suggest that the original construction took place between the 11th and 12th centuries, although it is difficult to determine a more precise time. The baths were restored in 1971. They have three large halls: cold, warm and hot. For ancient people it was a symbolic place, they bathed here, held religious rites and public meetings.

Arab baths

On the approach to the castle there is one of the oldest bullfighting arenas still in use today! Curiously, the spectators do not sit on tiered benches, but right on the hillside. Locals hold a bullfight on October 6th and 8th in honor of the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. And admission to the bullfight is free.

Bullring

Initially, it was a military fortress, which was built by the Arabs on the ruins of a Roman tower. After the expulsion of the Moors in the 13th century, the Christians reconstructed the castle. It was the residence of the Master of the Order of Santiago in 14th and 15th centuries.  Here you will see the Gontar Gate serving as the entrance, the Tower of Honor built by the Knights, the Chapel of Saint Anne, the refectory and the Patio de Armas. Climb the castle tower, and see the olive plantations from a bird's eye view.

Castle of Segura de la Sierra

It is a family-friendly apartment hotel where each individual room is a cute little apartment reminiscent of a grandmother's cottage in the countryside.

La Mesa Segureña

In addition to the equipped two-bedroom apartments, guests of Peralta get free parking lot and a spacious balcony with magical views of the valley.

Apartamentos Rurales Peralta

Country home with a pool is just what you need for a leisurely outdoor getaway without sacrificing comfort. Spacious two-bedroom cottage accommodates necessary appliances and is suitable for a family vacation.

Casa Rural Curtidores

Volcanic beaches and sea panoramas

Day 4. Cabo de Gata

Cabo de Gata Nijar Natural Park is a treasure in the southeastern province of Almer&iacute;a. The scenery here is reminiscent of the deserts of Nevada and Texas and flashes in Hollywood films. In ancient times, military towers were built here and useful minerals were mined. Today, this magnificent coast stands back from major tourist centers. Visit the village of Agua Amarga, which attracts even members of the royal houses of Europe with its privacy and original charm.

It serves grilled meat and fish, as well as shrimp and shellfish traditional for the region. The restaurant is in the Michelin guide.

Asador La Chumbera

After a busy day, you can relax and dine at a table by the pool. If you don't know what to choose, order the famous pasta with scallops and shrimps.

Restaurante La Villa Agua Amarga

The restaurant is about home cooking according to traditional recipes. We advise you to try squid croquettes, tuna tartare and paella with black rice.

Restaurante Aljibe 19

A rustic bar where grilled meat and fresh seafood are served for you. The portions are very large, so you won't leave hungry. When in doubt, take the paella with shrimp and mussels!

Bar Carimón

Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park

The city beach is about 500 meters long with all the necessary facilities. At its eastern end there are ruins of docks that were used to load minerals onto ships.

Agua Amarga Beach

It is a must-visit place among the beaches of Almeria. It is sandwiched between two dunes that form natural pools. Despite the golden sand, beautiful views and convenient descent into the sea, the beach is hardly ever filled, even at the high tourist season. The reason is the inaccessibility of Cala de Enmedio beach. The easiest way to get to the beach is by boat. The land route to the beach is along the road AL-5106.

Cala de Enmedio Beach

Despite its rough name, the Beach of the Dead has already broken records on the lists of the most beautiful beaches. Its main feature is the black cliffs and azure water. In fine weather, you can swim and dive here. But swimming on the beach in a strong wind is dangerous because of the sharp descent into the water. Even if you're unlucky with the weather, don't miss your chance to enjoy the wild scenery. The descent to shore is among the bushes and can be steep in places, so be careful!

Playa de los Muertos Beach

The 18th century watchtower is located on the volcanic plateau of La Mesa Roldan. It can be accessed on foot by walking up an asphalt road.  The ascent is not steep and takes about half an hour. When you get to the top, you'll see the lighthouse of the same name on the right side and a turnoff to the watchtower on the left. The hill offers stunning views of the coastal cliffs, Punta de la Media Naranja, Enmedio and Sorbas bays, and in the distance there will be the whitewashed cottages of Agua Amarga.

Mesa de Roldán Tower

Casa Serene is the brainchild of Patricia and Martin, a couple living in Edinburgh. The guest duplex is located 200 meters from the beach, however there are pools inside the complex as an alternative. Each room is complemented by a miniature terrace, and in the common area you will find a patio and a palm garden.

Casa Serene

Residents of rural Andalusia in the 18th called the remote farms "cortijo". Today the house is completely rebuilt for the needs of vacationers. Among the attractions there are a barbecue gazebo, jacuzzi, Phoenician pool and massage room. The owners use solar energy to heat the water, there are containers for separate waste collection, and abrasive, toxic and synthetic detergents are not used when cleaning the rooms.

Cortijo La Joya de Cabo de Gata

Those who do not tolerate noisy neighbors should take a closer look at the suburban finca. Inside, everything is according to the canon of Spanish villas: wicker furniture, stone tiles, azulejo pattern, forged candlesticks, abundance of white and dark wood.

Finca los Tigres

Infernal beaches, Cabo de Gata Nature Reserve and traditional cortijos

Day 5. San Jose

Cabo de Gato Nijar Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wild bays win the hearts of travelers and lead the list of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Several centuries ago, the black shores of Cabo de Gata belonged to the Barbary pirates who controlled the bays of Genoves and San Jos&eacute;. On the coast, you can hear legends about pirate treasures, hidden in the vicinity of the traditional village of San Jose, which descends to the sea with snow-white cascades of houses.

Welcome to 4 nudos, an elegant harborside restaurant. Sit on the terrace and pay attention to seafood, the restaurant has a large selection of fresh shellfish and fish.

4 nudos

Fans of fish and seafood will not miss the opportunity to dine at Restaurante mediterraneo, which serves delicious grilled squid in seafood sauce and classic paella!

Restaurante mediterraneo

As you stroll along the San José promenade, stop for a lunch at the Bahía del Sollarete. In addition to a wide selection of local fish and seafood, pizza is also cooked here. Therefore, if your hearts is not in seafood, look at Bahía del Sollarete.

Bahía del Sollarete

The main ingredient of the restaurant is the octopus. The culinary repertoire of the bar also includes other seafood, but you should definitely try the local grilled octopus!

Octopus

For a refreshing cocktail, don't miss the Moka San José Bar! For starters, try seafood tapas and desserts. The cocktail list includes soft drinks and milkshakes for children.

Moka San José

The interior of the restaurant is dedicated to cinema, and in particular to films shot in Almeria. Casa Miguel is recommended by the Michelin Guide for its rich selection of traditional fish and seafood delicacies.

Restaurante Casa Miguel

La Mandragora specializes in original tapas made from fresh vegetables, meat and fish. The place is popular with locals and is also suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

La Mandragora

A very cozy place where you will be served local wine and craft beer! You only need to add crispy sardine toast, jamon and a cheese platter. If you are hungry, they also serve more hearty food: paella, burgers, soups and salads.

Abacería Avesivá

Pirata Maimono is a pirate-themed tapas bar! The menu includes hearty burgers, sandwiches, juicy tortillas, local seafood tapas and vegetarian options. We advise you to book a table on the terrace overlooking the sea.

Pirata Maimono

The beach is perhaps the busiest place in San Jose. It is covered with fine sand and is equipped with showers, rental of sun loungers, umbrellas, kayaks and boats. In the local sailing club you can take diving lessons, rent a fishing boat and sea excursions. Lifeguards monitor safety, so San Jose Beach is especially popular with families with children.

San Jose Beach

This is a pristine beach over a mile long. On windy days it is a great place for windsurfing or kitesurfing. At the southern end of the beach, on the hill of Morrón de los Genoveses, there is an observation deck, a must-see for lovers of spectacular sea views.

Genoveses Beach

The beach is surrounded by dark stone dunes of frozen lava. The place is very popular with filmmakers, for example, Steven Spielberg captured Monsul in the movie "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade". The beach with fine sand, clear water and a gentle slope into the water is suitable for families with small children, as well as swimming, diving and snorkelling.

Monsul Beach

The beach is a small crescent shaped beach with dark sand. If you want to be in the shade, we advise you to pay attention exactly to the Media Luna Cove. On weekends, it can be crowded. To get to the beach from the neighboring beach of Monsul, you can go around the cliff of Punta del Monsul.

Media Luna Cove

The guest house resembles a space station on Mars. It rises on a volcanic cliff and is open to seascapes. The secluded location makes this villa a great option for a quiet holiday in perfect harmony with nature.

Casa de la Media Luna

A night in a real old mill is filled with romance! Cortijo El Molino looks atmospheric, because the elements of the mill, supporting beams and mechanisms, are integrated into the new design, both outside and inside the house.

Cortijo El Molino

Stay in a traditional Andalusian house from the 18th century. The Cortijo el Sotillo is the perfect complement to Almería's extraterrestrial landscapes and is like an oasis in the middle of the desert. The decor in the southern Spanish style complements the modern interior. It features an outdoor pool, tennis court, playground, horse riding and mini golf. Relaxation will be complemented by a Mediterranean dinner on the terrace.

Cortijo el Sotillo

Three amazing provinces of Andalusia and five villages are waiting for you, where you will try local delicacies and take a break from the noise of big cities, plunging into the flavor of the Spanish south.

Rural Andalusia