Location in Spain

Costs are rising and times are tough.
Please consider a donation to keep this
place going.

Welcome to one of the most active flamenco sites on the Internet. Guests can read most posts but if you want to participate click here to register.

This site is dedicated to the memory of Paco de Lucía, Ron Mitchell, Guy Williams, Linda Elvira, Philip John Lee, Craig Eros, Ben Woods, David Serva and Tom Blackshear who went ahead of us.

We receive 12,200 visitors a month from 200 countries and 1.7 million page impressions a year. To advertise on this site please contact us.

Location in Spain

You are logged in as Guest

Users viewing this topic: none

Printable Version

All Forums >>Discussions >>General >>

Page: [1]

Message

<< Newer Topic Older Topic >>

rogeliocan

Posts: 811
Joined: Nov. 23 2009
From: Canada

Location in Spain

I wonder if anyone who's been or lives in Andalucia could give me some suggestions on towns that would fit the following.

I'm dreaming of a 3 month trip to Andalucia with my girlfriend. We would just stay in one place throughout our time there. The main goal is to practice guitar.

Here is what the town should have:
- affordable lodging
- a good teacher I could meet once a week
- a decent amount of flamenco shows (penas) or juergas I could watch.
- closeby hiking in the country, preferably accessible by foot.
So this last requirement points to a small town, although I don't think I would get enough flamenco life in such a place...

We love the Aracena region, a small town there would be perfect as we could hike right from our doorstep.
If no small country town can provide enough flamenco 'events' then I think Granada would be a good choice, there must be decent walking accessible by city bus... Seville would be great but hiking would be less interesting.

Bonus, for my girlfriend would be a farm or archeological site she could volunteer at (Cordoba would be good for that).

Thanks for your help.

_____________________________

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 22 2011 19:47:51

Adam

Posts: 1156
Joined: Dec. 6 2006
From: Hamilton, ON

RE: Location in Spain (in reply to rogeliocan)

For those criteria? Granada. Definitely, definitely Granada.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 23 2011 0:28:54

NeZ

Posts: 96
Joined: Feb. 14 2007

RE: Location in Spain (in reply to rogeliocan)

For your hiking needs, check out the GR7 trail. It runs through quite a bit of Andalucia. I think it's easily accessible from Granada.

http://www.andalucia.com/rural/walking/gr7.htm

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 23 2011 16:37:44

Escribano

Posts: 6417
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy

RE: Location in Spain (in reply to rogeliocan)

quote:

For your hiking needs, check out the GR7 trail. It runs through quite a bit of Andalucia. I think it's easily accessible from Granada.

I have a large furnished house in the Lecrín Valley near Granada city.

2 double bedrooms, 1 single, salon with balcony, large bathroom with double sinks and shower, large lounge/dining area, sofa bed, kitchen, private enclosed patio, garage. Hot water, gas cooking, fridge, washing machine, satellite TV, DVD, Bose stereo, lots of flamenco CDs and DVDs. Wood burning stove. Aircon downstairs and in master bedroom. You'll need that in August!

Comes complete with a modest Bernal blanca so you don't have to worry about flying with your own guitar.

The bus to Granada stops outside the door three times a day - 30 mins into the city for lessons - plenty of teachers.

It is a small village so no flamenco within walking distance. If you want more flamenco than you could ever eat, I would suggest Jerez, with 20 or so peñas.

There are small holdings and fincas all over, where one could offer help with harvests or pruning almonds, walnuts, membrillos, grapes, oranges, lemons etc. but larger ones tend to be very commercial enterprises. My neighbour there is one of these small scale farmers. You will need to learn Spanish/Andaluz very fast as there is no compromise for foreigners in these places.

It is right on the GR7 trail. It is not perfect but it is very cozy and habitable and that is a bargain. I would rather have someone in there than have it empty.

PM me if you are interested.

Agent's description

quote:

Great spacious village house in a quiet cul-de-sac, on the edge of the village of Restabal. The ground floor has a wide entrance hall with on one end a large dining/living room with wood burner and a half open kitchen with access to an outside patio. On the other side of the hallway is a spacious private garage with car access and internal doors to the hall and to the patio at the back. Comfortable wide stairs lead to the first floor with actually 4 good-sized bedrooms and a large bathroom. The top floor is a spacious 80m2 open plan area, with an abundance of possibilities. It could be converted into further living space, more bed- and/or bathrooms, or into a fantastic terrace providing views towards the Sierra Nevada Mountains, or both, further accommodation with access to a large terrace with views!

The ground floor is air-conditioned, as well as the master bedroom, with inverters (that can also heat efficiently). This large family house with excellent access and easy parking is ready to move into now.

Restabal is a pretty and picturesque village situated between Melegis and Pinos del Valle. It has 1400 inhabitants and various services are available such as one very good restaurant, two bars, a bank, and a pharmacy. Restabal offers the best views towards the lake, the villages and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Granada capital: 25 minutes, Sierra Nevada Ski resort: 45 minutes, Beaches: 25 minutes.

Images are resized automatically to a maximum width of 800px

_____________________________

Foro Flamenco founder and Admin

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 23 2011 18:16:03

mrMagenta

Posts: 942
Joined: Oct. 25 2006
From: Sweden

RE: Location in Spain (in reply to Escribano)

Looks beautiful, Simon!

That's a fantastic deal. Really tempting.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 23 2011 20:16:22

Ron.M

Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland

RE: Location in Spain (in reply to Escribano)

Jeez..you wouldn't want to bang your head on that headboard!

A&E job concussion stuff...

cheers,

Ron

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 23 2011 20:18:00

rogeliocan

Posts: 811
Joined: Nov. 23 2009
From: Canada

RE: Location in Spain (in reply to rogeliocan)

Looks like Granada is the place, I'll wait for other suggestions and I'll do a bit of searching, but I think that Granada will be the best place. Can't have it all in one spot obviously...

Thanks Escribano, nice place and nice location and at a really good price too.

_____________________________

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 24 2011 11:21:43

Argaith

Posts: 481
Joined: May 6 2009
From: Iran (living in London)

RE: Location in Spain (in reply to rogeliocan)

I would grab this offer with both hands!

Simon, is this offer open to other Foro members too? (half joking

)

_____________________________

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 24 2011 12:27:03

Escribano

Posts: 6417
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy

RE: Location in Spain (in reply to Argaith)

quote:

Simon, is this offer open to other Foro members too? (half joking )

I have to get someone in to clean before and afterwards, check on the water and electricity etc. so the price has to be more pro rata for shorter stays. Also, I am about to do a spring clean and repairs so that would all be done before a longer stay.

_____________________________

Foro Flamenco founder and Admin

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 24 2011 14:38:19

Escribano

Posts: 6417
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy

RE: Location in Spain (in reply to rogeliocan)

quote:

Thanks Escribano, nice place and nice location and at a really good price too.

It will be a compromise of course. In the city, you have a lot on your doorstep, though flamenco events are far from common, especially as Eshavira is still closed I think. Kate and Pimientito should be able to fix you up with a teacher and any juergas.

In the valley there are other advantages, such as peace (which is always relative in Spain), space, cheaper prices, great road connections for the beach and mountains etc. biking, hiking and all the outdoor pursuits.

If you were to come in the Summer months, you will really appreciate aircon.

Let me know.

_____________________________

Foro Flamenco founder and Admin

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 24 2011 14:44:18

Adam

Posts: 1156
Joined: Dec. 6 2006
From: Hamilton, ON

RE: Location in Spain (in reply to Escribano)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Escribano

It will be a compromise of course. In the city, you have a lot on your doorstep, though flamenco events are far from common, especially as Eshavira is still closed I think. Kate and Pimientito should be able to fix you up with a teacher and any juergas.

I don't know, Simon, when I was there this summer I was able to see flamenco more or less every night if I wanted; not always big concerts, of course, but there is a big local community and those guys are always playing somewhere. It's helped by the existence of places like Zoraya, Chien Andalous, the Platería, etc. which have shows a few times a week or every night. It's a lot of the same people so it can get old after a bit (and not having the Eshavira open is a drag) but it does mean you always know where to find a party late into the night :) Not to mention the Sacromonte which will of course always have something.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 24 2011 15:45:48

Escribano

Posts: 6417
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy

RE: Location in Spain (in reply to Adam)

Good. Being on the ground in the city is the best way of hearing about these things, of course.

_____________________________

Foro Flamenco founder and Admin

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 24 2011 15:59:49

Kate

Posts: 1827
Joined: Jul. 8 2003
From: Living in Granada, Andalucía

RE: Location in Spain (in reply to rogeliocan)

Just to add my tuppence worth Granada is great for walking, we are surrounded by national Parks. Where I live in the Albaicin I can walk 10 minutes and be in rolling open country just beyond the Sacromonte Hill or up the Alhambra to the forests and olive groves. I feel like i live in a village here, very easy to forget the city is bustling away down the hill.

Simon's place in Restobal is in a lovely situation but no nightlife so you may want to combine the city and the country. I agree with Ramparts there is no shortage of flamenco in Granada but you have to be on the ground to know what is happening and be prepared to hang out, stay up late and be spontaneous.

_____________________________

Emilio Maya Temple
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000CA6OBC
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/emiliomaya

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 24 2011 16:15:14

Adam

Posts: 1156
Joined: Dec. 6 2006
From: Hamilton, ON

RE: Location in Spain (in reply to Kate)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Kate
there is no shortage of flamenco in Granada but you have to be on the ground to know what is happening and be prepared to hang out, stay up late and be spontaneous.

One of my favorite nights this summer was when the flamencos at le Chien Andalous got kicked out at 4 AM when the bar closed, and a big band of people is walking down towards Plaza Nueva to move to a new venue. I ask one of the guys where we're going and he just says "ehhh, vamos a improvisar."

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 24 2011 16:19:07

Escribano

Posts: 6417
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy

RE: Location in Spain (in reply to Kate)

quote:

Simon's place in Restobal is in a lovely situation but no nightlife

Depends on the company

Granada is a great city, just the right size and stunning scenery all around.

_____________________________

Foro Flamenco founder and Admin

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 24 2011 16:19:11

rogeliocan

Posts: 811
Joined: Nov. 23 2009
From: Canada

RE: Location in Spain (in reply to Escribano)

quote:

It will be a compromise of course. In the city, you have a lot on your doorstep, though flamenco events are far from common, especially as Eshavira is still closed I think. Kate and Pimientito should be able to fix you up with a teacher and any juergas.

Yes, I am aware of that and that is the only caveat with this setup. Everything else about it is perfect. The way my girlfriend said it was that we currently live in the suburbs so since she will have a lot of time on her hands she wants to be walking distance to city stuff, also as we won't have a car it will easier to go to and from the nightlife.

Anyways, this is not for this year, have to look at all possible options.

_____________________________

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 24 2011 16:25:27

Escribano

Posts: 6417
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy

RE: Location in Spain (in reply to rogeliocan)

OK, as it is not for this year I have taken down my pricing, as that was a favour to you for this Spring/Summer.

_____________________________

Foro Flamenco founder and Admin

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 24 2011 16:32:14

rogeliocan

Posts: 811
Joined: Nov. 23 2009
From: Canada

RE: Location in Spain (in reply to Kate)

quote:

Just to add my tuppence worth Granada is great for walking, we are surrounded by national Parks. Where I live in the Albaicin I can walk 10 minutes and be in rolling open country just beyond the Sacromonte Hill or up the Alhambra to the forests and olive groves. I feel like i live in a village here, very easy to forget the city is bustling away down the hill.

Thanks Kate, if we end up in Granada I was thinking that the Albaicin would be the place to be close to action while not being in the real city. We only walked around in the town when we were there but I did not know if you access the green hills further up the Albaicin and the Alhambra, that would indeed be perfect.
I see you live there, if we decide to go there, I will most certainly contact you, if you don't mind to help me find a place to stay.

_____________________________

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 24 2011 18:29:38

Kate

Posts: 1827
Joined: Jul. 8 2003
From: Living in Granada, Andalucía

RE: Location in Spain (in reply to rogeliocan)

quote:

ORIGINAL: rogeliocan
I see you live there, if we decide to go there, I will most certainly contact you, if you don't mind to help me find a place to stay.

I always recommend rafa's hostel www.elnumero8.com they have some nice apartments in the Albaicin but you should also ask Anthony as him and his girlfriend always seem to find good value apartments when they come.

Have a look at google earth to see surrounding countryside, all close by.

_____________________________

Emilio Maya Temple
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000CA6OBC
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/emiliomaya

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 25 2011 10:27:14

Kate

Posts: 1827
Joined: Jul. 8 2003
From: Living in Granada, Andalucía

RE: Location in Spain (in reply to rogeliocan)

quote:

ORIGINAL: rogeliocan
I see you live there, if we decide to go there, I will most certainly contact you, if you don't mind to help me find a place to stay.

Yesterday I was asked if I would look after a friend's house while he is away, renting it out if I can. Last time he let two students live in it and it was an absolute disaster when he got back. Anyway its a great place, 2 beds with ensuite bathrooms, terrrace with views over the city, open plan kitchen/diner/lounge with french doors opening onto a patio. And it is in the Albaicin bajo, which is the part nearest the city, only 5 minutes down a narrow cobbled street but worlds away from the hustle and bustle. Just send me a pm when you are thinking of coming and I'll let you know if its available and the price and pics etc and location on google earth so you can get an idea if it is suitable.

_____________________________

Emilio Maya Temple
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000CA6OBC
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/emiliomaya

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 28 2011 14:27:42