CHIPIONA, CADIZ Take a peek at this lovely, artistic town west of SanLucar, tucked away in a corner at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River. It has a 13th century castle, Roman ruins nearby and lovely clean beaches with huge lighthouse at the end of one. Enjoy a browse round town, a great seafood lunch with a glass of the famous Moscatel and then swim or stroll on one of the beaches. LOS INFIERNOS DE LOJA The town of Loja on the Genil River has some hidden delights. Enjoy a walk round the old part to see the octagonal tower of the Church of Santa Maria de la Encarnación, the baroque Hermitage of the Virgin of Caridad and the Alcazba before heading out to Los Infiernos de Loja, very pretty rapids and waterfalls with prehistoric sites nearby at La Esperanza and Manzanil. You can take your car or walk the 13 kms if you are feeling energetic! ALMUÑECAR CASTLE POTTERY Spend a lovely morning exploring the town and visit the Alfareria del Castillo (the castle) where you will find the town´s last pottery. They specialise in chicken and fish shaped dishes. Admire the views while there! Open Mon to Fri 11.30 to 2, 4 to 7pm There´s a History Museum too then after a scrumptious fishy lunch while away the afternoon on the beach. The coastline here is lovely with coves and headlands to explore. MONDA Delightful, historic Monda, set on the sides of a small hill upon which perches the castle (now a luxury hotel) is surrounded by olive groves and farmland. The Museum Mari Gloria was a bakery for many years and now houses utensils and furniture and artefacts from the past. The 16th century Parish Church was restored a few years ago and is worth a visit for its chapels and a baroque vault. The Fuente de La Jaula is a covered public washing place with open archways at the front and a permanent flow of water feeding it. Try lunch in Monda castle or even clay pidgeon shooting at tthe Marbella Gun and Country Club. Tourist Info in the Town Hall on C/ Jose Macias. CARCABUEY, SUBBETICA While away an enjoyable time in the lovely town of Carcabuey. Walk the walls of the medieval castle for stunning views and the Hermitage of Virgen del Castillo with its beautiful cupola. See the Fuente de los Caños made out a single piece of rock. Visit the renaissance church of La Assunción for the baroque statues and Tuscan pillars. Don’t miss the Pieta in the 18th century Temple of Angustias or the 17th century church of San Marcos. In the centre of town is the Hermitage of Santa Ana which is home to Virgen de La Aurore celebrated in the Fiesta del Toro Cuerda in August. Taste local potato dishes, Scrambled Eggs, Gazpacho, Porra and Migas with Orange. From the A333 to Priego de Córdoba take the A339 to Carcabuey. CAC MALAGA Need a break from the sun and sand, then visit the CAC Malaga in C/ Alemania for an exhibition of work by German artist Daniel Richter. His oil paintings are abstract based on a critique of society, history and politics. Something a little different. Open Tues- Sun 10am-8pm till 13th July. NEW MUSEUM IN CAMPILLOS Newly opened in April, the Centro de Interpretación de Campillos is an exhibition on the history and culture of the villages in the Guadalteba area. It compares past rural and urban life and work with the present in the form of photographs, displays and hands-on artefacts. It also focuses on the work of women and children´s games ISTÁN Set between the coast and the hills of Ronda, Istán is a place of water and light! Fountains and aquifers cool the air as you take a tour. There´s the Church and Hermitage of San Miguel, lots of lovely fountains and, best of all, several lovely miradors each with its own views. Enjoy a meal in a bar or restaurant where they serve Cod, Rabbit and Cabbage Stew. ST. JOHN´S NIGHT ON THE COAST This is a great celebration to join in if you are on the coast as bonfires are lit on the beaches, stuffed cloth figures are burnt at midnight and there is music, dancing and feasting. The Fiesta dates back to the pagan festival of the Misummer Solstice. When the fires have died down, people jump over them. According to tradition, St. John´s is magical and they say if you swim in the sea or wash your face with sea water at midnight you will be eternally beautiful! PATIO FESTIVAL IN CÓRDOBA This annual event offers the chance not only to see some wonderful patios filled with the most beautiful flowers and scent, but to enjoy flamenco, guitar and dance concerts in patios, squares, churches and parks. The Festival runs from 7 to 18th May. Get details from the Tourist Office or from the internet where patios and events are listed. There is also a Flamenco Festival ´Cruzando El Rio´on 16th and 17th May in Parque de Miraflores at 11pm. Nigüelas (Lecrin Valley) Off the N323 Granada to Almuñecar follows signs for Dorcal then Niguelas. There are good walks from the village, into the national park. A good walk can be found down in the valley, across the river towards the head of the gorge. You can take a route to the Alpujarras town of Lanjaron from here which is about 4,5 hours. The “Almazara de las Laerillas”, olive mill from the 15th century is well worth a visit. Also the church “San Juan Bautista” in a mudéjar style at the end of the 15th century, Nigüelas town hall is an old mansion from the 17th century and has a beautiful garden named “Jardín Romantico” where you can rest and step back in time with the fountains and pine trees. There are other Moorish buildings like the “Aljibe” (rainwater reservoir), Break the day up by going to the outskirts of the village on the road towards Durcal for lunch in a picturesque old water mill, converted to a restaurant called Alqueria de los Lentos for good food and a friendly atmosphere. PEPIS REFUGE CAR TREASURE HUNT Saturday 24 May Starting from Fuente de Piedra at 11 am. 10 euros per person. Including Lunch A choice of main course and dessert + coffee For more information and to reserve tickets, please come and see us at one of our Book Stalls at:- Tuesday Farmers market, Velez Malaga, Wednesday Market Saydo Hotel, Mollina to book BY telephone call: Pat 952 03 18 21, Lynda 658 14 72 91 or Hilary 952 73 61 56 All proceeds raised go to looking after the 51 abandoned dogs currently housed at the refuge.

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