Cortijo La Presa

The Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park is a haven for walkers – and in fact you can hike to the summit of Tiñosa straight from the pitches. You can of course also hit the countryside by bike, and follow trails for all levels of ability through the olive groves and mountain foothills. Horse riding, rock climbing or bouldering can also be arranged by request. Iznájar Reservoir (15 minutes’ drive) is the hub for water sports off sandy Playa de Valdearenas beach (20 minutes), as well as birdwatching for eagles and vultures playing high in the thermals. In the waterside town of Iznájar, the impressive cliff-top Castillo de Iznájar (also 20 minutes) was built in the eighth century, and is open for explorations of its ramparts and ruined courtyards. Cortijo La Presa also makes a handy base for a touring holiday of Andalusia’s best-known attractions, as the historic cities of Granada (the spectacular Alhambra), Córdoba (the Mezquita) and Málaga (Picasso-related art museums) can all be reached in under 90 minutes. If you’re looking to visit a famed Andalusian ‘white village’, pretty flower-bedecked Zuheros and its landmark Moorish castle are just under an hour away.