Local Activities

This area is packed with things to do — whether you're up for a hike, a lazy lake day, a horse ride through the hills, or just a scenic stroll with a sneaky vino stop. From peaceful rambles to proper adventures, there’s something here for every kind of holiday mood — and the best part? It’s all right on your doorstep, all year round.

Things to do in the local area…

There’s something happening all year round in this beautiful part of Spain — with an incredible number of public holidays and festivals, you’re never far from local celebrations! But if you’re looking for things to do any day of the year, here are some ideas to get you started.

Walk from the House

One of the simplest pleasures here is the 5-mile loop walk that starts right from the front door. It’s all on a quiet road, winding around the mountain with stunning views the entire way.

I recommend turning right out of the house — get the steep section done first! After around 2 miles, you’ll descend through peaceful olive groves to a road at the base of the hill. Turn right here and follow the road for another 2.5 miles. You’ll eventually pass an old school building on the right — turn right again here to head back up towards the house.

Want to pause for a glass of vino? Carry on just 2 minutes further than the last turning and you’ll reach a local bar — the perfect little reward before heading home.

Hikes Nearby

If you fancy a more adventurous hike, there are plenty of scenic routes nearby — some will require decent footwear. You’ll find many listed on Komoot and AllTrails.

My favourite hike is in the Sierra de Rute, about a 20-minute drive away. It’s listed as ‘medium difficulty’ on Komoot, but I’d say it’s on the tougher end of medium — a solid pair of walking shoes is a must! The trail climbs steeply to around 1,100m, with the option to continue to 1,250m if you’re up for a challenge. The panoramic views are absolutely worth the effort. On a clear day, you might even spot the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada in the distance (usually snow-capped from November to April). And keep your eyes peeled for eagles or vultures soaring overhead — a real highlight!

Iznájar Lake

Just a 10-minute drive away, Iznájar Lake (Embalse de Iznájar) is beautiful all year round. It's a peaceful spot for a walk or even a paddle, but in the summer months (typically May to October, weather depending), it comes alive with activity — from kayaking and paddle boarding to pedalos and more.

You can also enjoy a fantastic boat tour with Andalucian Laketours. Jim, the captain, is a wealth of local knowledge and offers fun, informative trips around the lake. You can also book private tours — or even enjoy cocktails at sunset aboard!
Find him on Facebook under Andalucian Laketours or message him directly on WhatsApp: Jim – +34 643 388 404

Horse Riding

Just down the road in Salinas, there’s a brilliant horse-riding centre that caters to both experienced riders and complete beginners. It’s a lovely way to explore the area from a different perspective.

Let me know if you'd like this version formatted for your website or printed guest materials — or if you'd like help adding maps, links, or activity photos!

Cortijo Las Minas Equestrian Centre
info@centroecuestrelasminas.com
Whatsapp – +34682727899

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Further Afield… Go Explore!

This part of Andalucía is surrounded by gorgeous little Spanish towns just waiting to be discovered. Honestly, grab a coffee, open Google Maps, and follow your curiosity — you’re bound to stumble on something charming. But if you’re up for a proper day trip, here are some bigger must-see spots you won’t want to miss:

Málaga – (1 hr drive)

An absolute gem of a city! Think ancient castles, cobbled old town streets, sweeping sea views, a buzzing marina, sandy beaches, rooftop bars, tapas everywhere, and fantastic shopping. Whether you're into history, food, or just people-watching with a cocktail in hand — Málaga delivers.

Beaches & Watersports

The coastline on both sides of Málaga is packed with beaches to suit every vibe — from relaxed and local to lively and sporty. One of the nearest beaches even has kitesurfing all year round, and in summer you’ll find paddleboarding, jet skis, and beach bars galore.

Granada & The Alhambra – (just under 1 hr)

If you’re even slightly into architecture, history, or jaw-dropping views, the Alhambra Palace is unmissable. Granada itself is a beautiful city full of charm and tucked-away tapas bars — definitely worth a wander after your visit to the palace.

Sierra Nevada Mountains – (1 hr to the base)

Right by Granada, this stunning mountain range offers amazing hiking for most of the year, and in winter (Dec–April), it transforms into the southernmost ski resort in Europe! It’s about 1 hr 20 mins to the slopes — perfect for a spontaneous ski day, just make sure to check snow conditions and access before heading up.

Córdoba – (1 hr 10 mins)

A gorgeous, traditional Spanish city packed with history and striking architecture. The Mezquita-Catedral is the headline act here — a mesmerising blend of Islamic and Christian design. Quietly elegant and full of character, Córdoba is perfect for a relaxed cultural escape.

Seville – (2 hrs)

Yes, it’s a bit of a drive, but so worth it. Seville is overflowing with history, beauty, flamenco energy, and delicious food. If you’re short on time, hop on a bike tour — it’s the perfect way to see the city’s highlights in a day and soak up the sunshine as you go.