Sierra de las Nieves Vacation Rentals

The Sierra de las Nieves.
The real Spain? What is it, where is it.
The term Real Spain is a term that has been used, or over used for quite some time and usually by companies trying to sell holidays.
Actually it is a reasonable phrase to describe the way of life in those parts of the country that have not been adversly affected by tourism. In fact just 30 mins drive inland from the hustling & bustling Costa Del Sol you can find a Spain as real as it gets and as a bonus within an area of great natural beauty.
The Sierra Las Nieves is a nature reserve stretching from just behind Marbella (believe it or not!) in the west to Casarabonela in the east, some 40 klm,s of mountains, with spectacular and sometimes dramatic countryside. There are 9 traditional White washed villages within the reserve each with its own charm. We will take Casarabonela as an excellent example.
The name Casarabonela translates as beautiful houses and it is a particularly pretty village some 600 metre`s above sea level and with views to both the sea and Malaga. The village literally tumbles down the mountainside and dates back to the moorish occupation of Spain and beyond.
Andalucian people must rate as amongst the most open and friendly people of europe and if anything it is amplified in these small villages. The way of life is very attractive in many ways and very noticably, much slower. Everyone has time to talk and pass the time of day. Such a simple thing, but very pleasant. It is interesting that the Costa Del Sol was in many ways constructed by workers from these villages, but they prefer to live in their little villages in the hills.

The local people are very communicative, they will not be ofended in the least as you try to ask a question, or a direction in broken Spanish and will (very often) use their hands, or facial expressions to express themselves. There remains a strong sense of heritage and cultural pride in this part of Spain and this is displayed in the many fiestas celebrating everything from Andalucia day to the olive.
There are many small bars and restaurants scattered throughout the village and even in the cooler Winter months you will find people out and about and socialising. The way of life here is very outdoors.
So what can you do if you decide to stay in or near Casarabonela? Well for the active there is horse riding, para gliding, mountain walking, or climbing and organised bike trips, but maybe simply soaking up the warm, friendly atmosphere is best of all.
If you feel like travelling further afield you can be on the beach in 45 mins, or visit the lakes and the dramatic gorge of El Chorro in 15 mins. During November until May (usually) you can ski in the sierra Nevadas near Granada 2.5 hours. A trip to the city is also highly recommended, try the Plaza de Andalucia and the moorish sector. A maze of narrow streets teeming with bars, restaurants and cafe`s and the tradition in Granada is that with each drink you will receive a free tapa (small plate of food) and many are delicious. Across the valley is the world famous Alambra Palace. The palace of Moorish kings that ruled this part of Spain for hundreds of years.
Maybe the greatest surprise will be discovering the charms of Malaga. Whilst for many it is only an airport it is actually in part a very beautiful city, but, like a shy lady, you must discover it`s beauty with patience. The centro Historico is well worth visiting. About a square klm of narrow winding streets, plaza,s and hundreds of bars, retaurants and cafe`s. From around midnight the tempo changes and the night begins. There is a wide range of clubs, music bars and discos to suit all tastes, but do not bother to visit much before midnight. Friday and Saturday night you can party until 5 in the morning………..
You can learn more about the Sierra de Las Nieves national Park at:-
http://www.sierranieves.com/