RURAL RETREAT: CANILLAS DE ALBAIDA

Finca El Cerrillo
Situated in the heart of the southern Andalucian province of Axarquia, and on the edge of the Tejeda National Park, the recently restored Finca el Cerrillo is an absolute gem of a place to stay. It’s just 30 minutes’ drive from the coast, yet feels a million miles away!

There are just eight individually styled air-conditioned en-suite rooms – all south-facing – and tea/coffee making facilities are provided in all. The living areas include a wonderfully atmospheric beamed lounge – cool in the summer and kept cosy on winter nights with blazing log fire – dining room, small library and 'honesty' bar. Outside, the terraced gardens, with 100-year old carob and palm trees surround both sunny and shaded patios. The pool affords stunning views of the valley below and the pretty Moorish village of Archez with its 13th century Moorish tower.

The best option for a stay here is to fly into Malaga and pick up a hire car – it’s just a 50 minute drive up to El Cerrillo. During your stay, you might fancy doing nothing other than relaxing by the pool, but if you want to explore further afield, then there are many lovely white villages right on your doorstep: Competa, Sedella, Salares and Frigiliana to name but a few. Your hosts, Gordon and Sue Kind, will also advise on local walking routes. If you want to visit the beautiful city of Granada, then it’s about 90 minutes’ away by road.