our favourite region to unwind

The province of Granada

Welcome to the stunning province of Granada, a diverse region in the heart of Andalusia. From the rugged coastline of the Costa Tropical to the charming pueblos blancos in the mountainous La Alpujarra, from the lush, peaceful Lecrín Valley to the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada, and not forgetting the beautiful city of Granada itself. Johan and I are continually amazed by the landscape's beauty, rich culture and welcoming people. We truly feel at home here and are happy to share our personal discoveries and favourite spots with our guests.

Curious to know more? The January 2022 edition of ESPANJE! Magazine dedicates 30 pages to the Lecrín Valley, Granada and the Costa Tropical, with a modest feature including us in one of the articles.
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Playa Cantariján – stunning sea views between La Herradura and Nerja
Costa Tropical

Sunbathing,
walking and enjoying the sea
A colourful crocheted shade cloth in Nigüelas with the church in the background.
Lecrín Valley

Unwind
in the green oasis
Panorama of the ski resort in the Sierra Nevada with modern lifts, skiers and fresh snow.
Sierra
Nevada & Alpujarra

Mountain landscapes
and authentic villages
The Palacio del Partal reflected in the water with a palm tree.
Granada
& Alhambra

Spain's most beautiful city nearby
Playa La Guardia in Salobreña – top 10 beach in Andalusia
Touring the Costa Tropical in a classic Renault
Traditional life in La Caleta on the Costa Tropical
Fishing harbour of Motril with traditional fishing boat
View of Playa Pozuelo in Almuñécar towards Salobreña and Motril
Beautiful walks in the Mediterranean nature park behind Almuñécar
Street leading to the Castillo of Salobreña with cobbled steps
Coastal view from Salobreña towards Almuñécar and Nerja
Cityscape of the Casco Antiguo of Salobreña
Arab castle of Salobreña on the rock
Playa Cantariján – stunning sea views between La Herradura and Nerja
Seaside walking path at La Caleta with views of Salobreña
Swimming in the natural pools of the Rio Verde
The Mediterranean Sea, hills with Mediterranean forest and a red-and-white walking trail marker.
A horse stands outside a village bar in La Caleta de Salobreña while the owner enjoys a beer on the terrace.
Sun, walking and enjoying the sea

Costa Tropical

The Costa Tropical is a perfect destination to relax. The charming, authentic Spanish seaside towns and the tropical nature create a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're lounging on the sun-drenched beaches or exploring the picturesque coves, you'll immediately feel at ease here. The rugged coastline offers countless pristine spots where you can enjoy views over the Mediterranean during a walk, such as the fishermen's path between Almuñécar and La Herradura or around Cerro Gordo near the idyllic Playa Cantariján.

The inland also has plenty to offer: the cooling Rio Verde river, where you can walk and swim, is a refreshing experience. We love to lose ourselves in the narrow, winding streets of Almuñécar and Salobreña, continually discovering new cityscapes and viewpoints.

When you're here, we're happy to guide you to our favourite beaches, the most beautiful coastal walks, and the cosiest restaurants, from the best chiringuitos to the freshest fish in Motril's colourful harbour. We also provide tips for driving routes, canoe rentals, and other water sports activities not to be missed!
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A colourful crocheted shade cloth in Nigüelas with the church in the background.
Blue water of Béznar Lake, surrounded by green hills
Reijer and Johan wading through the Río Dúrcal with mountains in the background.
Old olive and carob trees with the Sierra Nevada in the background
A narrow walking path through pine forests and alongside an irrigation canal.
Reijer cycling near the old olive mill in Pinos del Valle.
A Renault 4 driving over the dam of Béznar Lake
Bright red pomegranate blossom against a green background.
A plate of tostada con tomate with coffee on a terrace in the morning sun.
Citrus and olive orchards with the white villages Melegís and Restábal in the distance.
Roman soldiers leading the Semana Santa procession in Pinos del Valle
The Ermita on the hill above Pinos del Valle with panoramic views.
A flamenco artist performing at Béznar Lake
Two sailboats on Béznar Lake, one decorated for San Juan.
Purple jacaranda blossom in May around the church of Melegís.
The owner of the watersports centre and Reijer carry a kayak to the water.
The 15th-century church in Pinos del Valle with the snowy Sierra Nevada in the background.
A crate full of fresh vegetables and fruit from neighbours in the valley.
La Conca, a bohemian spot by Béznar Lake with views of the Sierra Nevada.
A ripe mango on a rooftop terrace with views over the Lecrín Valley.
Walk between Conchar and Dúrcal past a waterfall and hot springs
The old Roman bridge between Béznar and Lanjarón, once the only passage to the Alpujarras.
A crate of oranges for the Renault 4, with our podenco dog barking through the window.
Pink and white almond blossom colours the valley in early spring.
A jump into Béznar Lake at sunset, with a sailboat in the background.
Hands on the steering wheel of a classic Renault 4 as hairpin bends lead to Béznar Lake.
A walker with a hunting dog enjoys panoramic views over Béznar Lake.
A Moorish gate above Restábal, with green hills and a white cortijo in the distance.
Unwind in the green oasis

Lecrín Valley

For us, the Lecrín Valley is one of Andalusia's most beautiful hidden treasures and the place where we found our first Spanish holiday home in 2015. Surrounded by mountains and with the Béznar Lake at its heart, this valley even inspired us to swap the Netherlands for Spain. It's a peaceful, green oasis with friendly locals where time seems to stand still – the perfect place to unwind.

The valley has a central location. Our Casita Little Switzerland is just a 20-minute drive from both the coast and Granada, with La Alpujarra and the Sierra Nevada close by. It's ideal for walks through orange groves and picturesque villages with white houses. We often cycle, walk and drive through the valley, discovering new eateries, from restaurants in leafy gardens to terraces with the best winter sun. Always with stunning views, fresh local produce and delicious Granada wines.

Want to know more about the best walking routes, driving tours and restaurants in the Lecrín Valley? We're happy to share our personal tips and a comprehensive information brochure.
Holiday homes Surroundings
Panorama of the ski resort in the Sierra Nevada with modern lifts, skiers and fresh snow.
Podenco dog looks out over the mountain landscape along the Vereda de la Estrella.
Narrow walking path with suspension bridges through the Los Cahorros gorge near Monachil.
Reijer stands by the sign of Puerta de la Ragua, surrounded by snow.
Monument and view at the O Sel Ling Buddhist monastery.
Group photo with mountain guide Ron Fonville, Cloe Sterk and Claudia Bottinga on the summit of Mulhacén.
White chimney with flat cap and stone on top, against a background of hills and white houses in Mecina Bombarón, Alpujarra.
Vineyard on the slopes of La Contraviesa, with the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada in the background
Syrah vineyard with large, antique terracotta wine barrels at the edge of the field, under a blue sky.
Reijer and Johan in a rustic room with wooden wine lockers, where wine lovers store their stock.
An impressively shaped, centuries-old olive tree along a walking route in the Alpujarra
Panoramic view from Soportújar over the Alpujarra, with the Mediterranean Sea in the distance.
Snowy landscape in the Sierra Nevada with skiers and a deep blue sky, while Granada lies 1000 metres below in the distance.
Person with a podenco dog at the summit of Pico Veleta, with rocky high mountains in the background.
Mountain pass La Puerta de la Ragua at 2000 metres altitude, surrounded by pine trees and snowy landscapes.
A bottle of red wine and a plate of olives on a table, with snowy mountains and pine trees in the background.
A narrow irrigation canal runs through a whitewashed alley with geraniums at the windows.
Wooden signposts with village names point the way past whitewashed buildings with slate walls
A living area reinforced with wooden poles above a narrow street in the Alpujarra.
A walker captures the summit of the Alcazaba on his phone. Behind him rise the rugged peaks of the Sierra Nevada.
Whitewashed facade with hooks for draft animals, wooden beams and blooming geraniums
Through a gate, view of a shop with dried hams hanging from the ceiling, one of the typical products of the Sierra Nevada.
Whitewashed cottage with slate roof, surrounded by vegetable gardens in Mecina Bombarón.
White house with blue frames, shutters and a double front door, surrounded by geraniums and green potted plants.
Mountain landscapes and authentic villages

Sierra Nevada & La Alpujarra

From several of our holiday homes, you have a stunning view of the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada or the mountainous La Alpujarra. The Sierra Nevada is ideal for active outings, whether you enjoy walking, skiing or simply relaxing on your terrace. Within an hour, you can be on the slopes, and throughout the year the mountains offer perfect walking routes. I fondly recall ascents of Mulhacen (3,482 m) and Veleta (3,398 m), as well as our recent walk along La Vereda de la Estrella, a medieval path with views of the impressive Alcazaba (3,366 m), and the adventurous Los Cahorros gorge walk with suspension bridges near Granada.

In La Alpujarra, time seems to stand still. The area, with its white villages nestled in the mountains, brings you closer to traditional Andalusian life. Many of our favourite walking routes (from easy to challenging), a driving route through the La Contraviesa wine region, and towns worth visiting are here. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for walking inspiration – I regularly share Reels of our hikes through La Alpujarra.
Holiday homes Surroundings
Facade of the Fajalauza ceramics factory in Granada, decorated with colourful azulejos and the name "Fajalauza, Fabrica de Ceramica Granadina" under a bright blue sky.
Stacks of colourful Fajalauza tiles with different patterns in the ceramics factory of Granada.
Facade of Bar Aixa in the higher part of the Albaicín, decorated with a Fajalauza facade tile and blue terracotta flowerpots.
A street scene in the Albaicín with a Moorish gate, a wooden door and an orange tree.
Two street musicians play at Plaza Aliatar in the Albaicín, with two trendy men with sunglasses and tattoos in the foreground.
View of the Alhambra from the square in front of the Great Mosque of Granada, with cypresses, a fountain and the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada in the background.
The Alhambra as a silhouette against the blue sky, seen from Plaza de San Nicolás, with crowds of visitors in the foreground.
Richly decorated room of Bar Castañeda with azulejos and wooden barrels, an empty room awaiting guests.
A glass of beer and a tinto de verano on a crowded bar in Castañeda, with plates of paella as free tapas.
View of the cathedral tower from Plaza de la Romanilla
Shop window with brightly coloured statues of Mary and baby Jesus in the centre of Granada.
City facades, palm trees and terraces with people on Plaza de la Romanilla in Granada.
Johan and dog Mèlo at the table during lunch in Granada.
View from the Alhambra citadel over the Albaicín.
The Palacio del Partal reflected in the water with a palm tree.
Patio de los Arrayanes with its water feature and the Torre de Comares in the Alhambra.
Courtyard of the Generalife with water feature, flower beds and galleries.
View from the Generalife with orchards, vineyards, a flowering tree, the Alhambra and Albaicín
View from the Generalife over the illuminated Albaicín at dusk.
The river in Granada near the Cervantes district with a park in the background.
The owner of Taberna Malvasía behind the bar, surrounded by wines.
A wall full of wines in Taberna Malvasía in Realejo.
A cosy street in Realejo at dusk, with café bars on both sides.
A square in Realejo decorated with Christmas lights.
Fajalauza tile with "Patio Braserito" and decorative frames on the wall.
The restaurant area of Bar Patio Braserito with wooden ceiling and modern bar.
The courtyard of Hospital Real with a black grand piano ready for a concert.
Performance by Anna Lucia Richter and Ammiel Bushakevitz at Hospital Real.
Spain's most beautiful city nearby!

Granada & Alhambra

Granada is truly our city! The Alhambra is of course a highlight, and we recommend booking your tickets well in advance on the official website to experience the splendour of this Moorish palace and the Generalife gardens. But Granada has so much more to offer. We often stroll through the historic Albaicín, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where narrow streets lead to hidden squares. Here we have discovered some cosy tapas bars and authentic restaurants that we love to share with you.

In 2023, Granada was voted the most beautiful city in Spain by Spaniards themselves, but it is also a real working and university city, with proud residents who have their own character (malafollá granaína). It has a lively, genuine atmosphere that we sometimes find missing in other tourist cities.

At Plaza San Nicolás, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada. The Realejo district is perfect for an evening stroll and a drink in one of the squares. In summer, you can enjoy open-air concerts in monumental patios and flamenco in the Generalife gardens.

Come and enjoy everything Granada has to offer, just like we do.
Holiday homes Surroundings

Reijer Staats & Johan Pastoor | +31(0)6 - 28 27 1492 | contact@villa-andalusia.com | www.onthaasten.es