Rural villages, delicious food and artisan visits
Guided Walking Holidays - The Good Life in the Alpujarras
When the Moors were expelled from Granada, they retreated to the Alpujarras, the southern foothills of the Sierra Nevada, and signs of their existence still show today in buildings, and place names. Immerse yourself in this hidden gentle region of rural Andalucia, sampling the food, enjoying the wines and walking through olive groves and vineyards. Peppers and corn dry in the sun against white-washed walls – this is simply another way of living.
The village of Mairena, where we are based for the week, is a small rural community in the western Alpujarras, a less visited part of the region. It was here that writer and Hispanist Gerald Brenan lived the rural life and entertained his literary friends from London. On some of our dates, one of our walks takes us on a path below the village of Yegen and we’ll spend
time in the village he chose to live in, and see where the Serrano ham is dried, gaining an insight into the production of this local delicacy.
The scenery here is splendid and a great accompaniment to the walks and activities. At Jubar, we’ll visit its church and discover how the area has been infuenced by the Moors, not to mention the Civil War; explore the Laroles Valley and stroll to the village of Ugijar through almond and olive groves. One of our walks finishes at a bodega, with a short visit and a wine tasting. At our hotel’s finca we explore the several hectares of land, picking seasonal produce and savouring the home made paella our chefs will prepare. In Valor, we visit a weaving workshop and one evening we will visit the Mairena olive mill and learn all about local olive oil production and farming.
The British hosts of our hotel, Las Chimeneas, have planned our activities for us, taking in the best of the area with a real insight to rural Andalucian life. Their restaurant’s evening menus offer the best of local produce in tasty local dishes.
Las Chimeneas has published a book that combines dozens of the tried and tested recipes which you will sample at their restaurant in Mairena, together with a series of essays and interviews with local characters which will bring insight into this region that the owners love so much, and add flavour to the reading experience. A copy of the book is included for all 2019 bookings.
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Our May 11-18 2019 departure includes a special visit to the author Chris Stewart's house for lunch and to learn about his own "Good Life" experience when he moved to the Alpujarras