Our local area
Cortijo de Los Caños is your ideal escape from the stresses of modern life; enjoy a well-deserved vino or cervesa by the inviting swimming pool looking at gorgeous views or escape further afield into the surrounding Andalucian countryside or to the beaches of the Costa Del Sol.
Just five minutes from the traditional white town of Villanueva del Trabuco itself, discover authentic Spanish restaurants, tapas bars, shops and supermarkets plus a tourist office. Explore the places to visit during your holiday. We have selected a few of our favourite things which we hope may help give you a flavour of your holiday at Cortijo de los Canos.
Villanueva del Trabuco (5km)
At the foot of the Gorda and San Jorge sierras sits our traditional white village. All the amenities you need are to be found here, including bars, restaurants and shops. Most village life is centred around the Plaza de Prado – with its beautiful fountain at the centre – this is a great place to sit and eat tapas and enjoy a slice of Spanish life.
Archidona (19km)
Located in in the foothills of the Sierra de Gracia, Archidona was declared a Historic-Artistic Site for Baroque urban and architectural heritage.The municipality is home to several archaeological sites from different periods and areas of ecological interest such as the Natural Lagoons Reserve of Archidona and Hoz de Marín. We can see the lights of the Monastery on the hill in Archidona (where you can buy pastries) from our home too. We’ve enjoyed wonderful evenings here in the stunning Ochavada Square and can recommend Bar Centrale in Calle Nueva and Arxiduna in the Square for great food, drinks and service.
Antequera (31km)
Antequera became an important commercial town at the crossroads between Málaga to the south, Granada to the east, Córdoba to the north, and Seville to the west. Because of its location, its flourishing agriculture, and the work of its craftsmen, all contributing to the cultural growth of the city, Antequera was called the “Heart of Andalusia” by the early sixteenth century. Steeped in history, the town gets its name from its Roman origins (Latin for old town). There’s a fabulous Roman baths ruin here dating back from the 1st century.The Antequera Dolmens – Bronze Age burial sites –is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The saltwater Fuente de Piedra Lagoon, which is one of the few nesting places of the greater flamingo in Europe is also nearby as is Lobos Park with real-life wolves.
The limestone rock formation of the Torcal, a nature reserve and popular spot for climbers, is a short drive south from Antequera. The landscape has been formed from the accumulation in successive layers of marine life since 200 million years in the Jurassic period and then subjected to erosion; giving it its singular look in this “karstic” landscape.
Lake Iznajar (35km)
30 minutes’ drive is the stunning lake (Andalucia’s largest reservoir) complete with small sandy beach on its shore, where you can swim, rent sunbeds, pedalos, canoes and dingeys. We love it here for a short day trip with lunch, something a bit different to the coast but with great facilities. The town itself offers great tapas bars, an historic Castle, churches and traditional barrio (neighbourhood).
Malaga / Costa del Sol (47km)
Head to the coast for a piece of sun, sea and sand – just 45 minutes away. Not just central to a great stretch of beach and all the tourist facilities you can think of, Malaga is culturally rich – being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and home to well renowned festivals during Holy Week at Easter and of course the annual Fiesta in August. Head to the Mercado on a Saturday for lots of fresh fish, meat and vegetables and eat at one of the cafes on site for ultra-fresh fayre at reasonable prices.
There are plenty of diverse museums and art galleries (the CAC is free every day whilst the Centre Pompidou in the Muelle Uno at the Port has plenty of different exhibitions on and has a great space for children to learn). We can’t possibly list all the different choices here, but we recommend a day out in Malaga, one of our favourite cities in Europe.
Granada (80km)
Being just an hour away this makes a great day trip – the city of Granada is famous for the Alhambra – a Moorish citadel and palace, one of the most famous items of the Islamic historical legacy that makes Granada a hot spot among cultural and tourist cities in Spain. Culturally rich but has a strong reputation for shopping and night-life – a fantastic contrast to the slower pace of the surrounding countryside.
Cordoba (135km)
Historically rich, Cordoba is another culturally important city in Andalucia. As well as the unique mosque-cathedral, Cordoba’s treasures include the Alcazar, or Fortress, built by the Christians in 1328; the Calahorra Fort, originally built by the Arabs, which guards the Roman Bridge, on the far side of the river from the Mezquita, and the ancient Jewish Synagogue, now a museum. Cordoba’s medieval quarter, once the home of the Jewish community, is called “La Judería” (The Jewry), a labyrinth of winding, narrow streets, shady flower-filled courtyards and picturesque squares such as La Plaza del Potro. In early May, homeowners proudly festoon their patios with flowers to compete for the city’s “most beautiful courtyard” contest.
Seville (185km)
It’s worth travelling the 2 1/2 hours to the capital of Andalucia. Although it has a strong medieval, renaissance and baroque heritage, the city received heavy influences from Arabic culture, which can be seen in the most famous monuments and places. It is famous for its architecture and museums plus parks and gardens but if you tire of culture you can always shop ‘til you drop – Seville boasts all the top stores and brands plus some designer boutiques for the serious fashionista.