A Competa Christmas

Competa

This trip was a welcome escape to enjoy Christmas and New Year in the sun, with walks amongst nice scenery and in pleasant and interesting company.

Competa is an attractive Spanish hill town that celebrates Christmas in a traditional and low key way, whilst the New Year celebrations are much more lively and a chance for the locals, and visitors alike, to enjoy some real party fun. Suffice to say that if one chose to, there was no problem at all in welcoming the Spanish New Year, and then the British one an hour later on! In fact, I think the Spanish continued to try and go on covering as many times zones as possible as the party went on throughout the night!

The daily walks gave lots of interest too, with things ranging from an old hilltop Arabian fort, opportunities to explore many quaint villages and wandering past long deserted hillside vincas, and along trails leading through fine Andalusian scenery. The mornings tended to be very cool and with deep shadows that eventually gave way as the sun rose higher, and on to pleasantly warm days.

We also enjoyed fine sunsets as the sun sank below the horizon and, on some days, silhouetted the mountain ranges in Northern Africa.

The hotel and its staff did a fine job in looking after us and were very welcoming – as were many locals we encountered as we wandered along our various routes, and into shops, cafes and bars where non touristy prices still prevail.

In all a great way to enjoy an alternative type of Christmas and New Year holiday.