In 2015, Sonja and René bought a holiday home just outside Canillas de Aceituno. They still live and work in the Netherlands, but they visit as often as possible. From their “second home” they regularly make short trips throughout Andalusia to explore their new hinterland.   

´It is always a treat to go to our casa in southern Spain. While I work remotely from there and my love entertains himself with chores in and around the house, we promise ourselves an occasional mini-vacation to get to know beautiful Andalusia better. This time in May, it was that time again!  

Our first stop was Laguna de Fuente de Piedra, Andalusia's main lagoon and home to Spain's largest flamingo colony. Its shallow, salty waters attract not only flamingos, but also countless other bird species that come here to nest, hibernate or rest. From several vantage points, such as Las Vicarias and Madriguera, you can admire the birds in all their splendour. Although the water level was a bit low, we still spotted some flamingos; always a special experience! After our visit, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at a newly opened establishment in Sierra de Yeguas, close to our Hotel Rural Andalucia.  

The next day it was time for Setenil de las Bodegas, but first we made a stop in the charming town of Campillos. Coincidentally, it was market day, so we walked back to the car with full bags. Campillos is really worth a longer visit, with its natural beauty and rich history. We then drove on to Teba, where the battle of Teba took place in the year 1330 under the Castillo de la Estrella. My love, who used to work in archaeology, asked all kinds of questions in his best Spanish to the archaeologists working there, really incredibly interesting and informative!  

We had booked a cottage in Setenil de las Bodegas. This town is known for its whitewashed houses built under huge hanging rock formations. The Cueva del Sol and the Cueva de la Sombra, the two main streets, is what this town is all about: one street is always shining in the sun, while the other is always in the shade. Both streets are bursting with cosy restaurants and cafés with terraces under those rocks. It is touristy though and it feels like a big open-air theatre, but definitely a must-visit during your (mini-)holiday on ´this´ side of Andalusia!    

On the last day, we took our time driving back home, avoiding the motorways and opting for picturesque shortcuts. This is how we ended up in the charming village of Cuevas del Becerro for breakfast, where we were the only tourists. Via Ardales, which is well known as the start of the hiking trail “el Caminito del Rey”, we had no choice but to take the motorway and ended up behind a slow-moving caravan traffic jam with police escorts. Quickly we took another exit to Pizarra, which didn't have much to offer, and then north to Antequera, with a lunch stop in the mini-village of La Joya.  

Back into the car with a full belly, enjoying the beautiful flowers along the way; fields of poppies were the icing on the cake of this mini-holiday.   

Travelling through Andalusia in spring is highly recommended: the temperatures are perfect for visiting towns and villages, and the colourful flowers and green planting make everyone cheerful. Who can't smile at the sight of such a beautiful landscape....´  

Sonja & René