Further afield

Casa Carrasco is perfectly situated for you to enjoy many of the cultural centres and natural beauty that Andalucía has to offer.  We have provided information about these at the house but here are a few of the highlights:

> Granada  : 1 ½ hr drive

The Alhambra with its moorish palace dominates the city, and for many this is a must-see while on holiday.  Booking is essential in high season for timed tickets.  These can be obtained from: www.alhambratickets.com   Also worth visiting is the Albaicín, the old Moorish ghetto of alleyways and squares.  In the city is the Renaissance Cathedral which contains the remains of Los Reyes Católicos, Ferdinand and Isabel.

> Málaga : ¾ hr drive or with the bus from Colmenar

Málaga has transformed itself over recent years into a vibrant and dynamic city well worth a visit.  The new Picasso Museum housed in a 16th century palace sits in the heart of the old centre close to the magnificent cathedral.  

Their web-site can be found at: Museo Picasso Malaga.

The streets of Málaga are thronged with newly opened trendy bars, restaurants and Arabic tea houses, as well as traditional ‘bodegas’ and tapas bars.  Easter processions and the August Feria are not to be missed.

> Beaches : ¾ hr drive

The nearest beaches are at Torre del Mar,

about a ¾ hr drive away, where traditional ‘chirringitos’ or beach bars serve charcoal-grilled sardines and other great seafood. 

Other beaches ranging from ‘kiss-me-quick’ resorts to unspoilt coves are also easily reached.

> El Torcal National Park  : ¾ hr drive

This 1,100 hectare designated national park is a dramatic limestone nature reserve close to the ancient city of Antequera.  Wildflowers, including 30 species of orchid, can be seen in spring, while bird life includes booted and short-toed eagles, blue rock thrushes and black wheatears. There are various nature trails and a visitor centre.

Their website can be found here.

> Montes de Málaga Natural Park  : ½ hr drive

Originally created to protect Málaga from floods, this pine forest is nearly 5,000 hectares in size.  It is home to wild cats, pine martens and badgers.  Various nature trails and a museum.

A link to their website can be found here