The Area
Finca las Encinas is situated on the edge of the small hamlet of Puerto del Barco and can be reached by car from Malaga airport within 35 minutes. Directions are provided on booking. If you have a portable satellite navigator this will facilitate your journey.Upon arrival at Finca las Encinas, you will be provided with a factfile containing all the information you require about the area to help you make the most of your stay. To give you some idea of what to expect, the following may entice you to this breathtaking area.
El Torcal
The outstanding natural attraction of the area is the National Park of El Torcal. This Nature Reserve is known for its unusual limestone rock formations. Located about 30 km north of Málaga city in the direction of Antequera near the village of Villanueva de la Concepcion, the 17 sq. kms of the Torcal National Park contains some of the most beautiful and impressive limestone landscapes in Europe. The whole area was under sea until one hundred million years ago. You can leave your car at a small hotel in the middle of the national park and follow one of two footpaths which encircle the park. The shorter of the two takes 45 minutes and the other about 2 hours. There are magnificent and extensive views over the countryside down to the coast of Malaga.Further information on El Torcal National Park can be found in the link below:
http://www.andalucia.com/antequera/torcal/home.htm
Antequera
The city of Antequera is approximately 15 minutes by car from the house. This ancient city is one of the architectural showpieces of the region. With Roman origins it also possesses an impressive collection of C16th to C18th buildings. A mid C19th bullring houses an elegant bar and restaurant in its basement. The town hall occupies a late Baroque monastery.On a more mundane note, Antequera has several large supermarkets as well as smaller shops. There is also an 18 hole golf course on the outskirts of Antequera.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antequera
http://www.andalucia.com/antequera/
Malaga
Malaga central is approximately 30 minutes by car from the finca. The port has many good fish restaurants. The city centre has a good selection of shops including Zara, Mango and El Cortes Ingles which is a large department store.Malaga itself has a beach with several chirringuitos or beach restaurants serving wonderful barbecued fish.
In August Malaga hosts a fine fiesta or 'feria'. During the day the city centre is transformed, with horses carrying people dressed in typical costume. Thousands of locals and visitors dress up and line the streets. Decorated food stalls offer local delicacies (which should be accompanied by a vino fino (sherry) or a sweet Malaga wine) and there's plenty of music and dancing.
In the evening the real de la feria (the feria proper) shifts south-west of the centre to Cortijo de Torres, with more than 200 pavilions open to the public. There are nights dedicated to flamenco dance and music, peña music groups, pop and flamenco bands and competitions. The port is lit up by a firework display, turning the city into an explosion of light and colour. This is also Malaga's main bullfighting season, so you can catch the matadors at the Plaza de Toros.
http://www.andalucia.com/cities/malaga/
Local Villages and Towns
The nearest village is Villanueva de la Concepcion and is an 8 minute drive from the finca. Here you will find a 24 hour medical centre, bank, pharmacy, tobacconist, small supermarkets, fishmonger and a selection of typical Spanish style restaurants and bars.http://www.andalucia.com/province/malaga/villanuevadelaconcepcion/home.htm
Further Afield
The cities of Granada, Cordoba and Ronda are all approx 1.5 hours from the finca by car.Seville is approximately 2 hours by car.
Special Interest
A birdwatching and botanical guide can be recommended. The finca itself is a haven for birds and wild flowers particularly in the Spring.Skiing is available in the Sierra Nevada approximately 1.5 hours drive.