Cortes de la Frontera, Andalucia
Cortes
is without doubt a magical place for nature lovers and what better way
to explore the area than on foot or horseback? The Cortes
valley is made up of a whole network of footpaths (some of them still
with sections of ancient stone paving) and there are walks to be enjoyed
for people of all levels of fitness....... The truly keen may want to
hike their way to the top of the Sierra Blanquilla (1,400m) -
the limestone range of hills above Cortes. The views from the top are quite
staggering and on a clear day you can look out to the Mediterannean
and the Rif mountains of Northern Morrocco.
However, if you prefer more of a gentle stroll, you could decide to
take a meander along the river Guadiaro that snakes through the Cortes
valley, looking out for kingfishers and turtles along the way.
As well as self-guided route notes of the immediate area there is also
a reference copy of Walking in Andalucia in the cottage. The author has
focused on some of the most beautiful areas of Southern Spain and
staying in Cortes you will have easy access to 2 or 3 of the areas featured.
There
are stables just outside Cortes with horses for all levels and Melanie
can organise rides from 2 hours to all day!
Generally the shorter rides are at a gentle walking pace, giving you
plenty of time to take in the magnificent landscapes all around you.
The longer routes normally involve some cantering, although the horses are very well behaved and the saddles are similar to Western saddles so they are safe and very comfortable.
Similar to the walks, the riding routes around the valley are superb,
usually following tracks and trails with very little road work. There
are several restaurants and bars within a 2 hour radius on horseback,
so another fun day out is to ride over to a local "watering hole",
tie the horses up while you have lunch and a few drinks, then jump on
board again and set off back to the stables. There are no hard hats
so riders must bring their own if they want to wear them.
Other activities:
Swimming:
There are a number of large outdoor swimming pools in the immediate
area and a couple of freshwater swimming options in lakes and rivers
not too far away. There is also a heated indoor swimming pool in a hotel
nearby.
Cycling:
Bikes can be rented in Ronda at a very reasonable rate, or if you prefer
to bring your own mountain bike the cycling tracks through the cork
forests around Cortes are endless.
Bird
watching:
Cortes is on the migratory route for birds flying to and from Africa.
There are reference books in the cottage for you to consult, otherwise
day trips can be organised with a specialist ornothologist.
Relaxing:
There are several massueses who live locally that can give Reiki, aromatherapy
or Swedish style massage in the cottage.
