AS I dipped my toe into the water and admired the stunning mountainous scenery around me, the charms of the Genal Valley were all too apparent. By Wendy Williams From my vantage point in the municipal swimming pool in Parauta, I was surrounded by a vast landscape of oak and chestnut forests and craggy peaks. [...]

For those based in Andalucia there is a great way to have the holiday of a lifetime with little carbon footprint JUST a ferry ride away – which means no flying – Morocco offers the potential for a fascinating road trip. For green explorers, a trip to Essaouria to discover the wonders of argan oil [...]

DOTTED around Andalucía are some charming hotels designed with sustainability in mind. If you are concerned about the environment, are conscious of your carbon footprint and want to be an all round greener holiday guest, then here, the Green Guide reveals some of the top ecofriendly options right on your doorstep… Casa Verde Sur This [...]

An organic farm in Huelva is attracting visitors with a tasty incentive MIGHTY oaks not only provide the bellota – a staple for the herds that create Andalucia’s finest jamon – they also help oxygenate the planet. To that end, the eco-aware owners of an organic pig farm in Huelva are offering a free bocadillo [...]

BICYCLE-POWERED washing machines are just one of the initiatives that have contributed to the 25 year success story of an eco-holiday destination. Celebrating its silver anniversary in October, Sunseed has worked hard to keep its carbon footprint low and give holidaymakers a break to remember. Visitors to the community in the village of Sorbas can [...]

JON CLARKE takes a trip along the Costa de la Luz, Andalucia’s most unspoilt, if sometimes rather breezy, coastline. OVERLOOKING rows of vines and a sea of undulating umbrella pines the restaurant high up in the hills above Tarifa is extremely hard to beat. With no signs, apart from a warning that you are entering a [...]

LOOKING for somewhere to explore this weekend? There is nothing better than having all the latest insider knowledge to pinpoint the hottest new restaurant, or most charming local hotel. Written exclusively by our team of local journalists and writers – including celebrities such as Driving Over Lemons author Chris Stewart (‘All about the Alpujarras’) or [...]

A HOTEL made entirely out of rubbish has opened in Madrid. Over 12 tonnes of debris recovered from Europe’s beaches was transformed into a five-bedroom hotel in the Plaze de Callao. It was designed and created by German artist HA Schult to highlight the environmental damage being caused to beaches all over the continent. Schult [...]

  CREEPING along the narrow exposed pathway hugging the El Chorro gorge I accidentally looked down through one of the glaring gaps in the concrete. EXCLUSIVE: By Anatoly Kurmanaev A river rumbled over 100 meters below me while a vulture, perhaps knowingly, circled overhead. It was absolutely terrifying and for a couple of seconds I [...]

IT is, without a doubt, one of Andalucia’s most evocative valleys. But despite being discovered by British Prime Minister David Cameron, few people have unearthed the true secrets of the Guadiaro Valley By Wendy Williams So it is no surprise, that British Prime Minister David Cameron recently told his Spanish counterpart Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero that taking holidays in [...]

THERE is so much more to see and do around Andalucia than just sit on the beach. One of Europe’s biggest and most diverse regions, there are literally thousands of secret spots to get away from the crowd, or lap up a bit of class-A culture. We hope you enjoy 26 of our favourites … [...]

ARE you concerned about the environment? Would you rather take the train than travel by aeroplane, or car? Are you looking for some green, sustainable places to stay? Well, as the summer holidays loom, the Green Guide finds 15 eco-friendly options right on your doorstep around Spain. Cuevas del Pino An organic farm for over [...]