Edward’s guidebook for Casa Alba Nueva in Castillejar
Food scene
For some two-wheeled atomosphere head to El Rincon. This place is like a mini museum for all things motorcycle. It has a big following with locals and visitors and is extremely family friendly. El Rincon serves great tapa, pizza, refreshing beer and Tinto de Varano (similar to Sangria) It is a spotlessly clean bar with so much charm. El Rincon also has a spacious outside eating area for you to enjoy the buzzy atmosphere in the the summer months. The staff are very friendly and attentive.
Biker Bar El Rincon
2 Barrio GonzalaFor some two-wheeled atomosphere head to El Rincon. This place is like a mini museum for all things motorcycle. It has a big following with locals and visitors and is extremely family friendly. El Rincon serves great tapa, pizza, refreshing beer and Tinto de Varano (similar to Sangria) It is a spotlessly clean bar with so much charm. El Rincon also has a spacious outside eating area for you to enjoy the buzzy atmosphere in the the summer months. The staff are very friendly and attentive.
A quirky cave restaurant in Huescar serving traditional spainish cuisine in its restaurant. Cuevas Alkadima use the best of local produce including delicious olive oil. The cave restaurant also has a beautiful terrace for outside dining. You’ll receive a warm welcome.
Cuevas Alkadima
A quirky cave restaurant in Huescar serving traditional spainish cuisine in its restaurant. Cuevas Alkadima use the best of local produce including delicious olive oil. The cave restaurant also has a beautiful terrace for outside dining. You’ll receive a warm welcome.
One of my favourite restaurants. You’ll find lots of choice on the menu here. The ensalada especial is beautiful and could easily be served between 4 people as a starter. The restaurant has a lovely terrace for outside dining or a peaceful coffee break. You’ll also enjoy beautiful mountain views. The staff are very attentive and friendly. The menu also has very clear dietary/allergy information and also will list when a local ingredient is used, which I think is a nice touch.
LA FUENTE
1 Av. del PortilloOne of my favourite restaurants. You’ll find lots of choice on the menu here. The ensalada especial is beautiful and could easily be served between 4 people as a starter. The restaurant has a lovely terrace for outside dining or a peaceful coffee break. You’ll also enjoy beautiful mountain views. The staff are very attentive and friendly. The menu also has very clear dietary/allergy information and also will list when a local ingredient is used, which I think is a nice touch.
Neighborhoods
Castillejar is a charming whitewashed village which lies on the banks of the river Guardal, the land is rich in archaeological remains of prehistoric times. Rich in Iberian culture, such as: the Iberian necropolis of Castro de la Balunca, from the 6th and 7th centuries BC, and the interesting remains of prehistoric habitat found in the caves of the Guardal. Castillejar was a fortress against invasion from Murcia in Moorish times in times gone by and still shows links with its historic past. Over the centuries it has been witness to the passing of important historic settlers of many different cultures. Castillejar was conquered by Catholic Monarchs in 1488. As with all the villages in this area its Parish Church was built in above the remains of an Arab Mosque. The church was build in 1657.
Today you will find a very friendly welcome, great views, quiet village life, great hiking and bars with traditional Spanish food offerings and local beers. The Castillejar visitor reception centre and eco museum is well worth a visit which showcases the interaction between nature and human activity, illustrating their evolutionary history and traditional ways of life and using the land. You can relive the customs, trades and history of the castillejar area and its bad-lands and customs of the Antiplano of Granada. You may also get the chance to experience a vibrant Fiesta when the village really comes to life, family return from their work in bigger towns to celebrate with loved ones.
In Castillejar you can enjoy a peaceful walk close to fragrant Almond groves, Olive plantations and fruit orchards. Castillejar has a local market each Saturday, with traders selling amazing local produce such as olives, olive oil, fruit and vegetables. Castillejar has two bakeries selling bread and sweet treats and also a few well stocked grocery shops. Well worth a stay!
Castilléjar
Castillejar is a charming whitewashed village which lies on the banks of the river Guardal, the land is rich in archaeological remains of prehistoric times. Rich in Iberian culture, such as: the Iberian necropolis of Castro de la Balunca, from the 6th and 7th centuries BC, and the interesting remains of prehistoric habitat found in the caves of the Guardal. Castillejar was a fortress against invasion from Murcia in Moorish times in times gone by and still shows links with its historic past. Over the centuries it has been witness to the passing of important historic settlers of many different cultures. Castillejar was conquered by Catholic Monarchs in 1488. As with all the villages in this area its Parish Church was built in above the remains of an Arab Mosque. The church was build in 1657.
Today you will find a very friendly welcome, great views, quiet village life, great hiking and bars with traditional Spanish food offerings and local beers. The Castillejar visitor reception centre and eco museum is well worth a visit which showcases the interaction between nature and human activity, illustrating their evolutionary history and traditional ways of life and using the land. You can relive the customs, trades and history of the castillejar area and its bad-lands and customs of the Antiplano of Granada. You may also get the chance to experience a vibrant Fiesta when the village really comes to life, family return from their work in bigger towns to celebrate with loved ones.
In Castillejar you can enjoy a peaceful walk close to fragrant Almond groves, Olive plantations and fruit orchards. Castillejar has a local market each Saturday, with traders selling amazing local produce such as olives, olive oil, fruit and vegetables. Castillejar has two bakeries selling bread and sweet treats and also a few well stocked grocery shops. Well worth a stay!
When you stay at Casa Alba Nueva, Castril, former Castril de la Pena is a must for a visit. Castril has been formally recognised as a place of historic interest. Castril is a charming white village with narrow cobbled streets, charming whitewashed houses which use Arabic tiles. There are a few cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy local wine and delicious cuisine. There is a village market every Friday. The experience here is truly Andalusian, unlike the coastal regions very few people speak English which adds to the charm. However, visitors are made very welcome and the town does have a tourist centre with information on the many activities and interesting information on the local wildlife including birds such as eagles and vultures.
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Castril
When you stay at Casa Alba Nueva, Castril, former Castril de la Pena is a must for a visit. Castril has been formally recognised as a place of historic interest. Castril is a charming white village with narrow cobbled streets, charming whitewashed houses which use Arabic tiles. There are a few cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy local wine and delicious cuisine. There is a village market every Friday. The experience here is truly Andalusian, unlike the coastal regions very few people speak English which adds to the charm. However, visitors are made very welcome and the town does have a tourist centre with information on the many activities and interesting information on the local wildlife including birds such as eagles and vultures.
City/town information
Baza is a town in the province of Granada. The dome- shaped mountain Jabalcón overlooks the town to the north-west. The municipality lies at the southern edge of the Antiplano de Granada. The town gives its name to the Sierra de Baza mountain range close to the city and its highest point is 2,269 m high Calar de Santa Barbara. There is plenty to see and do in and around Baza such as the Sierra de Baza Natural Park, Bodegas Jalbacon wineries and vineyards, churches and Cathedrals, Historic sites, and Bars and restaurants.
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Baza
Baza is a town in the province of Granada. The dome- shaped mountain Jabalcón overlooks the town to the north-west. The municipality lies at the southern edge of the Antiplano de Granada. The town gives its name to the Sierra de Baza mountain range close to the city and its highest point is 2,269 m high Calar de Santa Barbara. There is plenty to see and do in and around Baza such as the Sierra de Baza Natural Park, Bodegas Jalbacon wineries and vineyards, churches and Cathedrals, Historic sites, and Bars and restaurants.
Sightseeing
This lake is one of Andalusia’s largest freshwater lakes. You might want to bathe in the hot springs or get out on the water in a canoe.
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Negratín Reservoir
This lake is one of Andalusia’s largest freshwater lakes. You might want to bathe in the hot springs or get out on the water in a canoe.
Consejos para la ciudad
Antes de que te vayas
Thankyou = Gracias Please = Por favor
If you are vegetarian make sure you say you don’t eat fish as you frequently get tuna on salads.
Buses are reasonably priced, very clean and definitely leave on time.
Most shops will close for siesta around 2 pm opening again around 5/6 pm. Cafes, bars and restaurants stay open during this time.
If you need something specific best to check if the shop etc. is open as lots of shops don’t open on certain days.
Facilidad para moverse por la casa
A car is the best way to explore the hamlets of this area.
At 766 metres above sea level, the picturesque little village of Castillejar is one of the six hamlets that make up the region of Huescar in the North east corner of the province Granada. This idyllic place is tucked away and yet easily accessible at just 15 minutes of the A-92 Mediterranean autovia (motorway). It is some 120 kilometres from Granada city.
This region is one of contrasts and is one of the prettiest and least spoilt areas in Andalusia.
Other points of natural beauty in the area are the lakes of Nagratin and San Clemente and Baza Natural Park.
Qué debes empacar
Comfortable walking boots
Most essentials can be purchased easily even small villages and towns. If you intend to get out in Nature I would recommend comfortable walking boots, layers and a large bottle of water. Nice Restaurants are still quite casual so you can pack light. For convenience you might want to bring a travel adapter. As you could be traveling a lot I would recommend a mobile phone. It is usually easy to find an ATM cash machine but it is ideal to have a little cash at all times for small purchases such as coffee. Some small establishments are cash only.