Spacious Andalusian Country House with Pool Near Cabo de Gata

Near the sandy beaches of the Cabo de Gata, close to the village of Níjar, is a much-loved family estate with eco pool and exotic gardens.

Bask beneath the palms, relax on the jasmine-scented terraces. Crickets hum, birds sing, and lush gardens drop to a plant-filtered pool. There are plenty of things for groups of all ages to enjoy at Finca del Alamo and in this part of Spain.

30 acres of olive and citrus groves make up this big relaxed finca, which is wonderful for a group. Inside the house, rooms are bright with tapestries, antiques and books, and a sense of airy comfort prevails. There’s air con in the bedrooms, en suite bathrooms, dining areas inside and out. There’s even a yoga studio in the grounds – ask Caroline about their group yoga retreats.

Almería is one of the sunniest, warmest regions in Europe, so pick a book from the library and soak up the glorious sunshine around the pool, even in the winter. It’s a 30-minute drive to the sandy beaches and coves of the Cabo de Gata for swims in crystal clear waters, such as on the Playa de los Genoveses. For watersports, head for pretty Agua Amarga.

Visit the traditional village of Nijar for tapas, a coffee or a cocktail, with the old church square, artist studios, delis, and traditional ceramics studios.

The Tienda de los Milagros is the studio/shop of ceramic, print and textile artists Mathew Weir and Isabel and has beautiful textiles, prints and ceramics.

The Cactus Nursery has a kind of sculpture garden/cactus garden that is fun to see. There is also a Butterfly House next to the village.

Visit Almeria
Almeria is full of history from the centuries of battles between Moorish and Catholic rulers. The Alcazaba (Moorish fortress, and used as the palace of Dorne in Game of Thrones) is stunning and it’s close to the Cathedral and old city centre.

The Alcazaba is a fortified mini-city constructed when Almeria was under Moorish control. It has quarters for soldiers, governers, and civilians contained within three separate enclosures, as well as squares, a mosque and houses.

Oasys Mini Hollywood
A theme park comprised of the sets used in Spaghetti Westerns. There are dramatic live-action re-enactments of bar fights and village brawls on the set at specific times of day. It has a pleasingly Lynchian surrealness to it and is well worth a visit. Enjoyed by all age groups and the water park is a definite bonus in the summer months. Visit the saloons, the town square, the museum of cinema, and then cool off in the adjacent water park. It has restaurants on site. It’s about a 40 minute drive from the finca.

Stargazing walks, quad biking in the Tabernas Desert, boat trips, watersports.

Ruta del Cine – this is a tour of all the locations used in films over the years, from Lawrence of Arabia to Dr Who. There are published routes you can follow, and there are various companies that will take you 4 x 4s to locations that are bit less accessible

Stargazing walks – Hikes of different lengths after sunset with a guide who interprets the night sky for you; or telescope observation (not hiking) with a description of what you’re seeing.
Quad-biking in the Tabernas desert – some adventurous off-roading.
Horse-riding around San Jose area and beaches.
Kayaking
Assorted boat, sail boat, jet ski and watersports

Good To Know
Almeria airport is 25 mins drive to the house and there are many direct flights from the UK – Gatwick, Stanstead, Southend all serve London.
The kitchen is fully equipped with a pro grade range plus a separate electric oven, magimix and vitamix. There is air conditioning throughout.
Luigii and Silvana are the caretakers and live in an adjoining apartment, and can help you if you need a new lightbulb or anything like that. Luigii cleans the pool daily.
There is a health centre in the village