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Our holiday home situated in Niguelas (Nigüelas) nestles at the foot of the Sierra Nevadas mountain range in Andalucia, southern Spain and at the head of the Lecrin Valley, which translates as the “valley of happiness” from the original Arabic. It is a small unspoilt traditional Andalucian village with a population of about 1500. Known locally as El Balcon del Valle, it is set at one of the gateways into the mountains to the East and North, but looks out across the lush and productive agricultural areas, Las Vegas, to the South and West,
As a base for a holiday full of interest and variety in Andalucia, Niguelas has a lot to offer. it is possible to ski in the morning at Sol Y Nieve, the ski resort near Granada in the morning, and then bathe in the Mediterranean sea in the afternoon.
You can explore the Alhambra (www.alhambradegranada.org) (to return to our web site, simply close their window) and the metropolitan delights of the vibrant city of Granada on one day, then wander into the wild and tranquil mountains the next, as you follow the GR7 or one of the numerous trails that lead out from the village.
There is a lot of wild life to see including ibex, wild boar or maybe even the rare Genet. The area is a twitcher's paradise too with hoopoe, serins, golden oriole, black redstart, nightingales, eagles, lesser kestrels, and warblers living among a variety of habitats.
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Our holiday accommodation, Casa Esquina is set at the edge of the village in a very peaceful and private corner, with a shady and verdant patio furnished for Al Fresco dining.There is a spacious roof terrace for sun bathing and for taking in the breathtaking views of the countryside and the Sierra Nevada mountains. The house is very conducive to complete relaxation, but there is no shortage of more active pursuits in the area. You can go mountaineering and scale the summit of the highest mountain peak in Europe, Mulhacen, at 3500 meters, go fishing, horse riding, or rock climbing. Or you may prefer to just wander around the twenty or so small villages within the Lecrin valley. You can learn to paint (see owner's website: www.arteandalucia.com), (to return to our web site, simply close their window) learn Spanish, or find out about the fascinating local history. There is a Roman amphitheatre, an olive oil museum, an ancient flour mill and troglodite cave dwellings to visit. Niguelas town hall is very interesting, housed within a fifteenth century mansion designed in homage to the Alhambra by a local nobleman. It is set in it's own rather beautiful formal gardens, and all of the complex is open to the public free of charge. In the third week of September there is a ten day Fiesta which highlights the classical music tradition of the village which has produced fine musicians for almost a century.
Granada itself offers much in the way of history and culture. It is a vibrant modern city with fabulous shopping and lots to see and do.
Niguelas is well provided with day to day amenities that include 7 bars, 2 restaurants, a bank, a pharmacy, a Doctors surgery, a fish market, a grocers, several small supermarkets, and 2 bakeries, one of which is reputed to be the best in Spain! There is a general household market on Mondays, and the nearby town of Durcal offers a wide range of shops and services and a market on Wednesdays.
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DISTANCES from Niguelas:
Granada 20 mins, Granada Airport 40 mins, Malaga 90 mins, Beaches/coast 30 mins, Ski Resort 40 mins, Alpujarras 20 mins, Golf Course 20 mins, Seville 2.5 hours, La Herradura 50 mins, Almunecar 45 mins, Nerja 60 mins.
TRAVEL
B.A., Monarch, and Ryan Air all serve both Granada and Malaga airports.
There is an economical and reliable bus service from Granada Airport to Granada city centre: www.autocaresjosegonzalez.com (To use their web- site, after entering their front page, press on the "Servicios", then "Aeropuerto" links, and finally "Ver Horario" to find the timetable) and thence from Granada to Niguelas: www.alsinagraells.com.
Car hire is recommended in order to see the best of the area. Help and advice on this is available.
(to return to our web site, simply close their window)
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BBC Weather
The BBC Weather Centre web site is clear and useful but only forecasts the weather in a few locations in Andalucía, most of them on the coast, not in the Granada region. This link forecasts the weather for Motril, the nearest coastal town to our area. Please see the map below. |
INM (Spanish Meteorological Office)
The "Instituto Nacional de Meteorología" has seven day forecasts for every town in Spain. The symbols and scripts are easy to understand. The above link shows the map for whole of Spain. Select the province you require by moving your curser (mouse) over the map and click on the region and choose the city/town of your choice. |
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The Olive Press
A locally produced bi-weekly newspaper offering both international and regional news items and features. Wide ranging and interesting topics which give great insight into life and activities in and around the province of Granada. |
La Chispa
Covering ecology, natural health, complementary medicine, alternative energy, personal development and much more, La Chispa is published in English and Spanish every two months. Visit their web site for fully updated news, articles and events as well as a comprehensive Resource Directory for all eco-holistic businesses and services.
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