The town of Alhama itself, the gorge alongside the town, and the local landscape, alternating between gently rolling hills and dramatic crags, offer limitless opportunities for outdoor leisure. There are walks in and around Alhama itself, and the hot springs that give the town its name warrant a place on anyone’s itinerary, especially during the winter months. Lake Bermajales, about ten kilometres away, offers beach swimming in clear fresh water. Alternatively, the beaches of the Costa del Sol are about an hour’s drive away. Right: early March - the gorge, a kilometre or so south of town, with the snowcapped Sierra de Almijara in the distance.
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Serious climbers will find enough on Sierra de Loja, about 30 minutes’ drive away (that’s our son up there, opposite) to keep them occupied for a few weeks. The crags at El Torjal, and the vast El Chorro, are both within a couple of hours’ drive, as are the mountains of Sierra Nevada and the Alpujarras. During the winter, there is skiing at Sierra Nevada as well. The Alpine Skiing world championships were held here in 1996. There are slopes for a range of abilities, with classes and equipment hire available.
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We can arrange horse-riding with June and Clive Wolfe who run a natural horsemanship establishment not too far away, where you can ride through olive groves and beneath pine trees on the rocky mountainsides of Sierra de Alhama. You can visit their website via our Links page. Right: the Rio Alhama in the gorge below the town.
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The quiet roads and numerous tracks that criss-cross this tranquil area are ideal for cyclists, and we can arrange for cycle hire and/or guided tours with Geoff Norris and Maggi Jones at Cycling Country. If a dedicated cycling holiday is more your thing, we can provide the accommodation and Geoff and Maggi the cycling support, but they’ll be just as happy to help you out for a day or afternoon out. Again, there’s a link to their website on our Links page. Left: one of the paths down into the gorge.
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This area of Andalucia is blessed with some stunning scenery, as well as architecture in a range of styles, reflecting the varied history of the area. Those interested in either painting or photography will find themselves overwhelmed by the range of subjects available. Anyone interested in photography tuition may be interested in looking at Alex Wolfe Warman’s website. Alex lives here in Alhama and can be available by arrangement for instruction sessions. Right: the Rio Alhama, about a kilometre upriver of the town.
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Within easy driving, on good, relatively traffic-free roads, there are a number of places worth a visit. Alternatively, just drive and admire the scenery. This was the sky from the mountain road north of Granada in February.
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There is a nice open air swimming pool in town, or the one above at a small hotel called Pato Loco, the Crazy Duck, just outside town - a five minute drive or a fantastic twenty minute walk down through the gorge. When you’re done with all that, or if it all just sounds like too much effort when you’re on holiday, there are Alhama’s numerous friendly bars and restaurants in which to wile away lazy hours.
If you wish to hire a car for your holiday we will provide you with directions and meet you when you arrive in Alhama.
If you prefer, we can pick you up at either Malaga or Granada airport, and return you to the airport for your flight home. We can also provide day trips to the Alhambra Palace in Granada or to the coast (or, indeed, anywhere else that takes your fancy, within reason!). Rates are 50 Euros plus expenses per half day.
Below, almond trees in blossom with the Sierra Nevada in the background, about ten kilometres from Alhama, March 2006.
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