Castril and the Altiplano de Granada
I have just come back from visiting friends in Castril, (October 2007) a typical white washed Andalucian village located in a little known area of the province of Granada in Andalucia called the Altiplano de Granada. What a beautiful and diverse place. It is surrounded by a number of mountain ranges and natural parks. A brilliant location for all types of outdoor activities, mountain biking, climbing, walking, birdwatching - I saw some fantastic vultures (Griffon) often 40 or more in the air! - painting, photography etc. There is little about this area in travel books which is a shame as it has a lot to offer - you still get free tapas with your beer and the people are all very friendly. It is also an area that has a lot of cave houses, very unusual and unique. There is a restaurant and hotel located in these wierd and wonderfull caves!
If you are looking for a holiday location that is peaceful and tranquil and that allows you to explore the great outdoors then this is a perfect location for you. I had a fantastic time and thoroughly enjoyed the activities on offer and also the gorgeous scenery. It seems quite diverse as I was told that it snows in the winter (must look gorgeous) but gets really hot in July and August. While I was there I also managed to see the local fiesta, which involves a bull run in a man-made bull ring, constructed out of beams and rope - whatever happened to health and safety!? While I was there I managed to locate a few people offering different things.
That there is a large variety of property here in this area, Caves, Cortijos etc. My friend lives in a cavehouse which I must admit I found kind of claustraphobic as it was weird not having windows in your bedroom. And if was very difficult getting a sense of time. They love it though and wouldn't live in anything else! Property is still reasonable compared to the coast but from when my friend bought 3 years ago or so, prices are now creeping up.
For more information visit: http://www.sierracastril.com/
