Almunecar to Alhama de Granada.

A great day out into the countryside and up and over the mountains of Tejada, Almijara and Alhama. Bring a map just in case. There are villages along the way or just off to the left or right that may be worth a visit too.

Drive along the coast road to Almunecar, and then follow the signs for Jete and Ortivar, maybe calling in for a coffee or beer, then off and up the mountains. The road is very windy and the views are stunning, and as you leave Ortivar the number of houses on the mountainside just disappear to nothing. The scenery changes from lush green (even in Summer and this is why this is called the valley tropical) to almost bare mountainside. Even so the risk of fire here is very high and you can see fire breaks cut into the vegetation. Throwing a cigarette end out of the car here is just totally irresponsible and if seen will get you a stay in a Spanish prison - guaranteed!

As you drive over the other side of the mountains (app 3000 feet above sea level) you will come to a country restaurant that will be closed if it is August, but have a look at the pine forest here, the biggest pine cones ever!.

Back on the same road and on to Bermejales and the lake which is a busy Spanish holiday resort outside of August and there is a nice bar on the right at the crossroads that serves great Tapas and food at reasonable prices.
The lake is man made and I think these tracks were made by a wolf or very big dog.

On then to Alhama de Granada and maybe a visit to the hot springs which are signposted as you cross the bridge just before Alhama.

The choice then is to either go back the way you came, or better still follow the signs for Ventas de Zafaraya and then on to Velez Malaga, (the scenery changes from corn fields to to cabbage, cauli and tomatoes, courgettes and beans) then on to the motorway and back to Nerja.

We always do lots of stops for beers and Tapas or coffee and the total time is around five hours.