Friday

El Torcal.....




El Torcal de Antequera is a nature reserve in the Sierra del Torcal mountain range located south of the city of Antequera, in the province of Málaga off the A45 road in Andalusia, Spain.

 Address: Centro de Visitantes del Torcal de Antequera, Paraje Natural Torcal de Antequera Ctra. 7075 s/n, 29200 Antequera, Malaga, Spain
Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 10am-7pm
Fri-Sat 10am-11:30pm
Phone: 952 24 33 24

The extraordinary limestone rock formations of El Torcal, Antequera

35 kilometres north of Malaga and 10 kilometres west of Antequera, near the village of Villanueva de la Concepcion, lies another world.  A world of fantastical limestone formations and flower covered valleys, of fragrant pine forests and rugged canyons.  
This is a world where time has stood still, where eagles soar on thermals and Ibex roam.  
El Torcal Park is a haven of peace and tranquility, 17 square kilometres of some of the most beautiful and impressive limestone landscapes in Europe.

 The whole area lay under the sea until one about hundred million years ago. Then the violent movements of the Earth's crust forced it upward into hills and mountains reaching 1,300 metres in height with the limestone retaining a layered horizontal formation.  After this, over the millions of years, the rain and wind chiselled away at these layers to form incredible shapes. 

To reach the heart of the park the road winds up to 1,100 metres above sea level with spectacular views all along. At the end of the road is a parking area with an information centre, a small observatory and a small museum exhibiting the flora and fauna of the park.
 Orchid enthusiasts will be captivated by the 30 varieties growing in the park. 


There are three marked walking routes through the park marked with coloured arrows.


The green route  is the shortest and easiest at 1.5 kilometres and taking about 30 minutes.
 

The yellow route  is 2.5 kilometres, taking you to "Las Ventanillas" (The Windows) at 1,200 metres for panoramic views of the valley of Malaga.
 

The red route  is the longest and most difficult, at 4.5 kilometres it takes about three hours, with a viewing point 1,339 metres altitude where you can see the whole of El Torcal Park and the African Coastline.


 

Thursday

Laguna de Fuente de Piedra.....



In the north of Malaga province 19km from Antequera is the Laguna de Fuente de Piedra, a famous, beautiful lagoon. 



The largest natural lake in the Iberian Peninsula at 2.5km wide and 6.5km long, it is a haven for birds with over 170 different species recorded here. 

Apart from its abundant aquatic birds, it is well known for its flamingo population, the second largest colony of these birds in Europe after the French Camargue region and the only inland site on the continent where they breed. 
In spring flamingos flock here in their thousands to reproduce, attracted by the water's high salt content and the fact that it is shallow. 




Although in winter the lake fills up and covers around 15km², it is seasonal, so it virtually dries out in summer. During times of scarcity, the flamingos may go as far as the Doñana National Park to find food. 

During Roman times, salt was extracted here and flamingos were hunted for their tongues, considered to be a delicacy. 
In the early 19th century people believed that the lake water had medicinal qualities, so the Laguna de Fuente de Piedra was not allowed to dry out completely, unlike other wetland areas in Spain. 

In the 1930s a salt company that owned the lake undertook a campaign to reduce the flamingo population, which was threatening their salt production. 

Luckily, the lake's ecological value was publicised and it became a magnet for birdwatchers and naturalists.
 In 1988 it was a declared a zone of special interest for birds (Zepa). The protected area covers 8,543ha. 

The best places to see the lake include the viewpoint by the visitors' centre, the Mirador de Cerro del Palo, and anywhere along the footpath Sendero de la Vicaría


The Pink Lagoon

Surrounded by a vast, monotonous terrain, the Lagoon of Fuente de Piedra appears like a glorious oasis in the extensive Llanure de Antequera, considered to be one of the largest natural lagoons in Spain. Measuring more than six kilometres long and nearly three kilometres wide, the lagoon provides an ideal breeding spot for what surely must be one of the most elegant and exquisite birds in the world. 



 
This setting of the Fuente de Piedra is significant, in part because of its geographical location which is very close to the African continent and is thus a strategic point for migrating birds seeking rest before crossing the Mediterranean to spend the winter in Africa. Also, this locale is situated beside the French Camarga which is one of only two places in the entire Eastern Mediterranean where flamingos typically breed. It's not surprising, therefore, that this lagoon is deemed a protected zone in an international treaty, as the loss of this unique enclave would cause a serious set back for the flamingo population. 
 
One of the characteristics of this lagoon is the salinity of the water. Normally this does not constitute an attraction for a non-marine bird, however in the case of the pink flamingo it is this very concentration of salt in the water which determines the presence of microscopic organisms, such as seaweed and crustacea which are the basis of their diet. 



 
The optimum time to observe these magnificent birds is around the end of January, which is when they arrive from their winter quarters to spend the spring and summer months engaged in the all consuming activity of breeding. Naturally, this depends on the amount of rainfall earlier in the year however, as if the lagoon is dried out or is at a low level this would result in a risk for breeding and the flamingos would essentially disappear.

Towards the end of summer, mainly during the months of July and August, an impressive example of technical expertise takes place which closely resembles a military operation, rather than a purely scientific activity. 
This is due to the precise and calculated work which is carried out according to the orders of Manuel Rendon, the Conservation Manager of the reserve in Fuente de Piedra supported by a party of a trained professionals in the field. 
 Typically, a team of more than 200 people advance on the lagoon before daylight; their mission being to label the thousands of young flamingos which are still unable to fly. To be able to accomplish this task, the birds are driven into a type of pen where they are huddled together and labeled. Sometimes blood is extracted for later analysis, after which the birds are set free. 
This activity has been in effect since the year 1986 when the reproductive activity of these birds was appreciated as being of vital importance in order to understand and analyse the life of the flamingo. Thanks to such labelling it is now possible to learn the flamingos migrating routes, their ages and other biological aspects. 






Information
There is a lakeside visitors' centre (952 111 715) at the Cerro del Palo, just off the Sierra de Yeguas road out of the Fuente de Piedra village. Here, there is plenty of information on the lake, much of it audiovisual. There are also guided tours available, for observing the birds and other wildlife, but these only run when the lake has water.




Access
Take the A45 north of Malaga and then the A92 towards Seville. 

The Fuente de Piedra is situated next to the exit for Fuente de Piedra and the information centre is located between the village and the lake, close to the shore. 
The MA454 road to Sierra de Yeguas from Fuente de Piedra runs around the lake.
Alternatively, take the Cordoba or Seville train to Malaga and get off at Fuente de Piedra, only 500m from the visitors' centre. 



 
Accommodation
There is a hotel in Fuente de Piedra or try Antequera, 20km away.

La Casa de la Fuente is a luxury B&B situated in Villanueva de Algaidas.
Finca Carihuela is a farmhouse 5km from Antequera offering B&B.
Humblebee Home is a B&B located 3km from Valle de Abdalajís.
 
Camping
Laguna Fuente Piedra overlooks the lake and has wooden cabins to rent, a campsite and a swimming pool.

http://www.camping-rural.com/en_tarifas.html


Flora
The presence of halophytic plants (those adapted to a saltwater habitat) is in abundance. Amongst many others, there are saltwort, Mediterranean brushwood and African tamarisks, the latter an important area for many species of birds during the breeding season.

There are also freshwater reeds and rushes by the site of an old canal, which is now used to control the inflow of freshwater to the lake and to prevent the overflow of saltwater into nearby crop fields. All these plants form the basis of the ecosystem of the lake and surrounding area and upon which the aquatic bird life survives.
Beyond the lake shores are holm oaks and wild olive trees, along with Mediterranean scrub.
 
Fauna
From late February onwards, thousands of flamingos fly in and take up residence, building nests on the small island on the lake, known as La Colonia, and by the end of April or beginning of May the flamingo chicks appear beside their parents to wade the shallow waters of the lake and learn to feed. 





In midsummer the flamingos and their chicks migrate to Africa or take up residence in other sites in Andalucia, like the saltpans in the Marismas del Odiel, Cabo de Gata or the Bahía de Cadiz.

As well as the greater flamingo, the lake is also home to many other species of birdlife the whole year round. There is freshwater running in a channel surrouding the lake, attracting other wetland birds that also breed here like avocets, Montagu's harriers, black-winged stilts, white-headed ducks, little bitterns, red-crested pochards and black-necked grebes. 

Many aquatic birds, some in danger of extinction and including several protected species, fly here to spend the winter months in this mild climate. From November to February, visitors come to see the thousands of waterfowl congregated here; among them are cranes, grey herons, black-necked grebes, great crested grebes, teals, mallards, shovelers, red-crested pochards, white-headed ducks, marbled ducks, wigeons and flamingos. 

During migration times, terns and waders, as well as birds of prey like short-toed eagles and black kites, can be seen, whilst in the fields around the lake are bee-eaters, crested larks, yellow wagtails, stone curlews, great grey shrikes and hoopoes. 

The lake supports a wide range of reptiles, such as spine-footed lizards, ocellated lizards, Spanish sand lizards, Algerian sand lizards, southern wall lizards, three-toed skinks, grey-borrowing lizards, horseshoe snakes, ladder snakes, water snakes and grass snakes. In the fields surrounding the lake are rabbits, hares, garden dormice, foxes and badgers. 


Villages nearby:
Fuente de Piedra


 

Tuesday

Eye to Eye with the Wolves.....


Iberian Wolf in the Lobo Park


Are you looking for a new destination for a day out? 
Witness wolves in an exceptional environment that lets no doubt that animals in captivity do have a chance to live in a semi-natural habitat. 
A short distance from Antequera you will find the Lobo Park, where you may look at a wolf eye to eye for the first time in your life.  
An unforgettable emotional experience!
 

 Wolf Howl Night

WOlf Howl Night in the Lobo Park


Come and hear our wolves during a Wolf Howl Night!See the pack when they are most active. You even get the chance to howl along!

We serve a dinner that is followed by a guided night tour.
The guided tour teaches about wolves in general, but we also focus on their vocalizations and specifically why wolves howl!
Audiences are always thrilled when they let out a howl, and the wolves howl in return especially in a night with a clear sky full of stars or even during full moon.
Definitely an unforgettable evening!

Price for the diner and the guided night tour (7:30pm – mid night):
Adults 32,00€ and children (from 3 – 12 years) 25,00€
Reservations necessary please call tel. +34 952031107 or send an email to: info@lobopark.com
At request special booking for groups (min. 15 persons) also on other evenings.

  
These are the dates for our Howl Nights in 2012:

January: Monday 9 (full moon)
February: Tuesday 7 (full moon)
March: Thursday 8 (full moon)
April: Friday 6 (full moon)
May: Sunday 6 (full moon), Saturday 19, Saturday 26
June: Monday 4 (full moon), Saturday 16, Saturday 23, Saturday 30
July: Tuesday 3 (full moon), Saturday 7, Friday 13, Saturday 21, Friday 27, Saturday 28
August: Thursday 2 (full moon), Saturday 4, Friday 10, Saturday 11, Friday 17, Saturday 18, Saturday 25, Friday 31(full moon)
September: Friday 7, Saturday 15, Sunday 30 (full moon)
October: Saturday 6, Saturday 13, Monday 29 (full moon)
November: Wednesday 28 (full moon)
December: Friday 28 (
full moon)
 
To ensure your reservation we recommend making a 50% down payment for your booking -
 Please follow this Link:




  Lobo Park




Sunday

Capileira.......A Village in La Alpujarra



Capileira

       ....... is the highest and most northerly of the three villages in the gorge of the Poqueira river in the La Alpujarra district of the province of Granada, in Spain.  Its altitude is officially recorded as 1436 metres, though there is a considerable altitude difference between the oldest part of the village, which is at the lower, southern end, and the highest part.
                                                                                                            


Although the Sierra Nevada Highway runs through Capileira and out across the Sierra Nevada mountains towards the city of Granada, motor traffic is no longer permitted to continue across the mountains; Capileira is therefore the highest village that public traffic can reach, although you can continue to a car park where the National park begins and the road is barred to normal traffic. The National Park runs a limited bus service on the now-closed road (reservations handled by office in the village) in summer. A track leads northwards from the village to the abandoned settlement of La Cebadilla, built to house the workers who developed the hydro-electric installation at the upper end of the Poqueira Gorge.














 Capileira has developed a significant tourist trade, acting as a centre for walking and for accessing the mountains especially Mulhacén, generally treated as a two-day climb from Capileira with an overnight stop at a mountain refuge en route. A bus route connects the village to Granada (via Lanjarón and Órgiva) and Alcútar (via Trevélez and Juviles); as of 2011 there were 3 services per day in each direction. The village has good facilities for visitors including a number of restaurants,a market on Tuesdays, hotels and apartment blocks, but retains a typical Alpujarran character especially away from the main road.


On Calle Mentidero is the village′s museum, the Museo Etnológico Pedro Antonio Alarcón, which has exhibits of local handicrafts and dress and a display on the 19th-century writer Alarcón, from Guadix, who published an account of the Alpujarras, Viaje a la Alpujarra. It′s open 11am-2.30pm Tuesday to Sunday.





                                                                            


 For the most outstanding views of the village and the Poqueira gorge, head north towards the river and you′ll come to the Eras de Aldeire, a series of old threshing floors that were used for wheat and barley. On the southeastern edge of the village is a viewpoint (mirador) from where you can see down the Poqueira valley to Bubión and Pampaneira and north to the Veleta peak.










At the top of the village is the best hotel in Capileira, the three-star Finca Los Llanos, with magnificent views from all of the rooms and apartments and from the attractive swimming pool. Just beyond Capileira is Cortijo Catifalarga (958 343 357), a stone guesthouse on a farm with fabulous views and occasional live music in its bar. There are also several basic accommodation options in the centre, including Mesón-Hostal Poqueira. There are good restaurants at all these hotels. If you′re vegetarian, eat at the Casa Ibero on Calle Parra.
For a truly away-from-it-all experience, you can stay in the mountain refuge beyond Capileira, the Refugio Poqueira (958 343 349). Located at 2,500m en route to Mulhacén peak, there are spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada and the Alpujarras.












If you want to hike up to Mulhacén you can take a bus from Capileira (in summer only) to the Mirador de Trevélez. From here (2,700m) you can climb up to the peak (3,479m) and down, in time to catch the return bus.
For tourist information, contact the village hall (ayuntamiento) on 958 763 051.

Wednesday

It’s Chestnut Season!






Órgiva held its third year of the Castañada Alpujarreña, which was organised by the Ayuntamiento de Alpujarra de la Sierra, with a helping hand from the Ayuntamiento de Órgiva.

 The result was hundreds of kilos of chestnuts were roasted and handed around to locals and tourists.



















The event kicked off in the Plaza Alpujarra in Órgiva on Saturday 17th November at 7.30 p.m. and the locals gathered around the roasting chestnuts despite the rain.

As the chestnuts sizzled the Cuerda San Miguel chorus sang.

The mayors of both towns took part and the cultural association, La Casa de la Alpujarra, awarded the la Castaña de Plata to the Asociación Cultural Abuxarra, which is considered the oldest association (club) in the area and one of the hardest working ones that strives to keep this kind of cultural activity alive.

October, November and December are chestnut season and many villages celebrate with their own roast-chestnut fiestas, accompanied by plenty of anís or the year’s produce of country wine.


Tuesday

Playa La Rijana.......


Playa La Rijana, or La Rijana beach, is situated in the province of Granada on the South Coast of Spain just outside of the village of Castell de Ferro some 20 kms east of Motril.

The beach has consistently been voted as being one of the best on the Costa del Sol - despite being situated on the Costa Tropical.  These minor technicalities apart, for beach lovers, you couldn’t hope for a more beautiful spot.






The pebble beach offers exceptionally clean waters and is a favourite with divers.

Situated in a little cove that you need to walk down to,  the access is quite easy to miss, adding to its appeal.




 This part of the coast has not opened up to foreign tourism.

Nestled between the clear, blue waters of the Mediterranean and the Las Alpujarras mountains, the lack of regional infrastructure has always ensured that the area is relatively untouched.

Hopes for a more buoyant local economy based on foreign tourism have given way to intensive agriculture. The area produces high quality vegetable crops such as cucumbers, courgettes, peppers and avocados, most of which are for export to Northern Europe or other areas of Spain.
All of these factors combined, ensure that visitors get an authentic impression of the ‘real Spain.’

During the busier summer months, the beach can be crowded with local Spaniards from the neighbouring villages and Motril but, generally speaking, you can always find a quiet spot for yourself.

What is there to do?
 
Not much.   The beach is not within walking distance of the village. There is, however,  a small bar/chiringuito on the beach in July & August that offers some spectacular views, is reasonably priced and a fantastic spot to have a drink and contemplate the natural beauty that surrounds you.

The geological conditions along this stretch of coastline make it very rich in marine life. Bring a mask and snorkel – the beach and the surrounding coves are excellent for snorkeling.

Getting There!
 If coming from the Malaga direction, the beach is situated several kms before the village of Castell de Ferro.      

Pass through the villages of Torrenueva, Carchuna and Calahonda and keep following the old coastal N-340.
The road winds up and down, goes through several tunnels and passes some spectacular coves/beaches.

Keep your eyes peeled for the exit - see picture - which you will see  on your left-hand side when coming from Malaga.


Rijana exit looking towards Malaga


Be careful, people drive very quickly and the old N-340 is renowned for being dangerous.

If you miss it first time round, which is very likely,  just drive into Castell and double back on yourself.

Park at the top and walk down. You have to walk back under the motorway through a tunnel. Its not far, some 200m from the car park to the beach.

Bring plenty of suntan cream, water and prepare yourself for a fantastic day out on one of the Costa Costa Tropical’s best beaches!!