Things to see and do
Casa de la Luz is a tranquil haven; hours can be lost just sitting on the terrace, glass in hand, admiring the view. The breathtaking scenery, particularly of the lake and mountains, will inspire artists and photographers.
The house is a perfect base for outdoor activities: walking, climbing, rambling, fishing and birdwatching, or just relaxing on the terrace. Sailing and canoeing on Lake Vinuela, and horse riding in the countryside, can all be arranged for guests.
There is a wonderful choice of local beaches and coastal spots to explore. The local whitewashed villages or 'pueblos blancos' are very traditional still, and offer historical and gastronomical delights!
The country's many colourful fiestas include Easter with it's processions rolling through every local town, (Velez Malaga is particularly spectacular at Easter) and numerous village celebrations taking place all summer long.
You can be as busy or relaxed as you wish!
Walking
There are beautiful walks – start at the front door of the house and you can literally head off in any direction. The highest point is the Moorish watch tower, 200 metres up above the house.
From here you can see for miles across the surrounding countryside, and down to the coast. These towers used to be beacons, lit with fires to warn of enemy approach! Continue walking on beyond the tower and through the almond grove, and you will reach the Buddhist Stupa, which is a beautiful sight to behold.
Find out more here: Karma Guen Buddhist Retreat
Our great friend Marta is a trained Andalucian ranger. She can arrange hikes, day walks, horse riding, mountain biking, overnight camping treks, and many more fun things if you feel the urge. Please contact Marta on:
[email protected]
Beaches
Torre del Mar This is the closest beach – around 25 minutes by car. The town is a Spanish holiday town and has all the shops, restaurants and amenities you could need. The beach is long and clean, but a little unimaginative! It's always lovely to join the Spanish families as they promenade along the beachfront walkway at tea time.
Nerja Around 40 minutes' drive, you'll find pretty beaches and great beach bars here. Burriana Beach is a little 'English', but head to the farthest end for better bars and a less crowded sandy stretch.
Maro The next small hamlet beyond Nerja, and the best beach around. Drive through the village and down through the polytunnels. Park the car and walk down to this secluded bay, with its brilliant snorkelling.
Around Motril Continue on further down the coast road from Nerja travelling east towards Motril. There are many secluded beaches that you have to walk down to, lovely coves and hidden gems – all of which are worth the journey!
Swimming Pools
During the summer months most local villages have wonderful outdoor public pools. The closest and best is situated just behind Hotel Vinuela, on the lake. Follow the signs for Hotel Vinuela and ask at reception. This is around a five- to 10-minute drive. Other great pools are situated at Benamagosa and Triana, both around 10 minutes' drive.
Day Trips
We are surrounded by stunning countryside and small, pretty villages – some of the best to visit are Comares, Alcaucin and Canillas de Acietuno.
Nerja – around 40 minutes by car, heading east
Nerja is a lovely Spanish holiday town, the old town is very pretty and offers lots of great places to eat or have a drink. There are several good beaches here, and an amazing walk up the riverbed too. As a result of its community of English expats, there is a greater choice in the range and quality of the restaurants in the town.
If it is raining, the Nerja Caves make a great morning out.
Frigiliana – around 40 minutes by car, heading east
One of the prettiest of the pueblos blancos (white hilltop villages), and just inland from Nerja, this lovely village is full of flowers and offers a great walk up and down the steps admiring the typical whitewashed mountain houses. There are also some good gift shops and tapa bars here.
Malaga – around one hour
Old Malaga town is an atmospheric, vibrant place. Points of interest include the excellent Picasso Museum (Malaga was Picasso’s town of birth), around which is a warren of little streets packed with great tapas bars and independent shops.
Bar El Pimpi is the best spot in our opinion – ancient and full of character. You can drink wine and sherry from the barrel, watch your jamon being professionally carved, and mingle with the fascinating crowd. At lunchtime order a little platter of bocadillos (mini sandwiches) – delicious!
Bar Manzanilla is a more modern place, and is similar to the bars found in Barcelona. The tapas here are seasonal, but try the local tuna
sashimi or the oxtail burger.
A new tourist attraction has opened in Benalmadena on the Costa del Sol and has proved a great success, a Butterfly Farm. The Butterfly farm is the largest one of its kind in Europe and is a perfect choice for a day out with the family. The 1,500 m2 park is inspired with an Asian design which is very appropriate to its location; next to the Westerns World’s largest Buddhist Stupa, located on the outskirts of Benalmadena. Inside the park one can roam around freely observing the behavior of about 1,500 butterflies from all over the world of more than 150 different species.
Granada – around two hours
Granada is a beautiful, historic city – it is a pleasure to amble around the old town, through little alleyways and into the African quarter. With its exotic, ancient feel, we think it really is worth the journey. Concentrate your exploration to the area around the cathedral, which is perfect for wandering aimlessly and discovering old tapas bars.
The Alhambra, Granada If you've never been, try to make a visit, but make sure you book tickets online as there are always queues, especially in high season. This ancient palace is full of mystery and magic. In recent years the Alcazaba and the bathing area have been lovingly restored. The gardens are especially beautiful.
Alhama de Granada – one hour, between Casa de la Luz and Granada
This inland town is very Spanish and has some wonderful walks down in the gorge. But the main attraction here are the hot springs. Drive just out of the town towards Granada and look out for a small sign reading Banos (baths). In the river down below the hotel, locals have made small rock pools which fill up with the fresh steaming hot spring water – a rejuvenating way to spend an afternoon.
Ronda and Córdoba can also both easily be visited in a day.
Skiing
Sierra Nevada, Granada – around two-and-a-half hours
Sierra Nevada is one of the highest ski resorts in Europe, so the ski season is really long. You can hire everything, they have snow making machines and lots of different runs. Everything from beginners to advanced and a kids ski school. Iain has been skiing in March, while Anna was on the beach in the sunshine – the perfect mix!
Other Attractions
Water Park, Torre del Mar
Wolf Park, Antequerra
Golf, Malaga
The house is a perfect base for outdoor activities: walking, climbing, rambling, fishing and birdwatching, or just relaxing on the terrace. Sailing and canoeing on Lake Vinuela, and horse riding in the countryside, can all be arranged for guests.
There is a wonderful choice of local beaches and coastal spots to explore. The local whitewashed villages or 'pueblos blancos' are very traditional still, and offer historical and gastronomical delights!
The country's many colourful fiestas include Easter with it's processions rolling through every local town, (Velez Malaga is particularly spectacular at Easter) and numerous village celebrations taking place all summer long.
You can be as busy or relaxed as you wish!
Walking
There are beautiful walks – start at the front door of the house and you can literally head off in any direction. The highest point is the Moorish watch tower, 200 metres up above the house.
From here you can see for miles across the surrounding countryside, and down to the coast. These towers used to be beacons, lit with fires to warn of enemy approach! Continue walking on beyond the tower and through the almond grove, and you will reach the Buddhist Stupa, which is a beautiful sight to behold.
Find out more here: Karma Guen Buddhist Retreat
Our great friend Marta is a trained Andalucian ranger. She can arrange hikes, day walks, horse riding, mountain biking, overnight camping treks, and many more fun things if you feel the urge. Please contact Marta on:
[email protected]
Beaches
Torre del Mar This is the closest beach – around 25 minutes by car. The town is a Spanish holiday town and has all the shops, restaurants and amenities you could need. The beach is long and clean, but a little unimaginative! It's always lovely to join the Spanish families as they promenade along the beachfront walkway at tea time.
Nerja Around 40 minutes' drive, you'll find pretty beaches and great beach bars here. Burriana Beach is a little 'English', but head to the farthest end for better bars and a less crowded sandy stretch.
Maro The next small hamlet beyond Nerja, and the best beach around. Drive through the village and down through the polytunnels. Park the car and walk down to this secluded bay, with its brilliant snorkelling.
Around Motril Continue on further down the coast road from Nerja travelling east towards Motril. There are many secluded beaches that you have to walk down to, lovely coves and hidden gems – all of which are worth the journey!
Swimming Pools
During the summer months most local villages have wonderful outdoor public pools. The closest and best is situated just behind Hotel Vinuela, on the lake. Follow the signs for Hotel Vinuela and ask at reception. This is around a five- to 10-minute drive. Other great pools are situated at Benamagosa and Triana, both around 10 minutes' drive.
Day Trips
We are surrounded by stunning countryside and small, pretty villages – some of the best to visit are Comares, Alcaucin and Canillas de Acietuno.
Nerja – around 40 minutes by car, heading east
Nerja is a lovely Spanish holiday town, the old town is very pretty and offers lots of great places to eat or have a drink. There are several good beaches here, and an amazing walk up the riverbed too. As a result of its community of English expats, there is a greater choice in the range and quality of the restaurants in the town.
If it is raining, the Nerja Caves make a great morning out.
Frigiliana – around 40 minutes by car, heading east
One of the prettiest of the pueblos blancos (white hilltop villages), and just inland from Nerja, this lovely village is full of flowers and offers a great walk up and down the steps admiring the typical whitewashed mountain houses. There are also some good gift shops and tapa bars here.
Malaga – around one hour
Old Malaga town is an atmospheric, vibrant place. Points of interest include the excellent Picasso Museum (Malaga was Picasso’s town of birth), around which is a warren of little streets packed with great tapas bars and independent shops.
Bar El Pimpi is the best spot in our opinion – ancient and full of character. You can drink wine and sherry from the barrel, watch your jamon being professionally carved, and mingle with the fascinating crowd. At lunchtime order a little platter of bocadillos (mini sandwiches) – delicious!
Bar Manzanilla is a more modern place, and is similar to the bars found in Barcelona. The tapas here are seasonal, but try the local tuna
sashimi or the oxtail burger.
A new tourist attraction has opened in Benalmadena on the Costa del Sol and has proved a great success, a Butterfly Farm. The Butterfly farm is the largest one of its kind in Europe and is a perfect choice for a day out with the family. The 1,500 m2 park is inspired with an Asian design which is very appropriate to its location; next to the Westerns World’s largest Buddhist Stupa, located on the outskirts of Benalmadena. Inside the park one can roam around freely observing the behavior of about 1,500 butterflies from all over the world of more than 150 different species.
Granada – around two hours
Granada is a beautiful, historic city – it is a pleasure to amble around the old town, through little alleyways and into the African quarter. With its exotic, ancient feel, we think it really is worth the journey. Concentrate your exploration to the area around the cathedral, which is perfect for wandering aimlessly and discovering old tapas bars.
The Alhambra, Granada If you've never been, try to make a visit, but make sure you book tickets online as there are always queues, especially in high season. This ancient palace is full of mystery and magic. In recent years the Alcazaba and the bathing area have been lovingly restored. The gardens are especially beautiful.
Alhama de Granada – one hour, between Casa de la Luz and Granada
This inland town is very Spanish and has some wonderful walks down in the gorge. But the main attraction here are the hot springs. Drive just out of the town towards Granada and look out for a small sign reading Banos (baths). In the river down below the hotel, locals have made small rock pools which fill up with the fresh steaming hot spring water – a rejuvenating way to spend an afternoon.
Ronda and Córdoba can also both easily be visited in a day.
Skiing
Sierra Nevada, Granada – around two-and-a-half hours
Sierra Nevada is one of the highest ski resorts in Europe, so the ski season is really long. You can hire everything, they have snow making machines and lots of different runs. Everything from beginners to advanced and a kids ski school. Iain has been skiing in March, while Anna was on the beach in the sunshine – the perfect mix!
Other Attractions
Water Park, Torre del Mar
Wolf Park, Antequerra
Golf, Malaga