Activities in and around Molino la Ratonera

There are a wide variety of activities available in the area around the mill and as this is a developing holiday area prices, where applicable, are often considerably less than you would pay nearer the coast.

Walking

We offer a range of self-guided walks to enable your group to explore at its own pace. We provide detailed instructions with distance, duration, historical information and maps to enable you to enjoy this beautiful environment entirely on foot. Click for our short walks and long walks to download our walks guides. Our town hall has also produced instructions for a range of walks that will take you farther afield. Click here to download their guide. Some of these itineraries can be joined to make long 'round trips'.

There are also a number of walks with set itineraries around Loja. Ask us for more details.

Further afield is the Sierra Subbética, a mountainous region in the south of Córdoba province, with many well marked walks, 8 of which are either round trips or suitable for a day's walking. Visit the website for more information.

Beach

The beach at Iznájar The beach at Iznájar, located on the far side of the lake, provides safe, freshwater bathing, water sports and a selection of bars. Nearby is the historic and attractive town of Iznájar with a selection of bars and restaurants.

Cycling

The network of rural tracks on which the mill is situated is ideal for exploring by bike. We have a number of mountain bikes together with helmets for guests to use free of charge and have put together a selection of rides. Click on cycle routes to download the guide.

Horse riding

Enjoy the beautiful countryside round Montefrio on horseback. Horse riding can be booked directly with the stables at Sierra Pelada equestrian centre.

Archaeology

Sierra Martilla, within 15 minutes drive from the mill, is the renowned archaeological site of a necropolis dating back 6000 years. Farther afield is the Peñon de los Gitanos near Montefrío. This site is an area of terraces in the rock where more than 100 megalithic burials have been discovered.

Fishing

Riofrio near Loja is well known for trout fishing where the reserve is open all year, Tuesday-Sunday.

Sierra Loja

Sierra Loja is a centre for active tourism with a permanent station for hang gliding, climbing, caving and signposted itineraries for walking and mountain biking.

Skiing

The Pradollano ski resort in the Sierra Nevada mountains provides excellent skiing from December until April or May dependant on snow conditions. Prices for lift passes and equipment hire are appreciably lower than many other European resorts. Visit the website for more information.

Flamenco

Granada is a centre for flamenco. The gypsy area known as Sacromonte is the heart of this very Andalucian tradition.

Courses

We run a course called "Interactions" - a short course in literary appreciation with optional creative writing several times per year. Read more…

Accommodation

We have 3 houses available. Two four person properties and the beautifully restored Cortijo which will comfortably sleep five guests, with a rental price of £720 high season.

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Facilities

We have the bar located in the mill room complete with old mill machinery, internet access and UK television. Above this is the restaurant serving evening meals from a range of traditional Spanish dishes. In the lower mill, dating from the 16th century, is the gym, library and tourism information centre while the favourite place for most guests in the long hot summer days is the large pool which uses an eco friendly system to clean the water, reducing the chemicals required and making the water silky smooth.

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Walking and other activities

Molino la Ratonera is an ideal walking centre as it is located on a network of tracks. We offer a range of self-guided walks to enable your group to explore at its own pace. We provide detailed instructions with distance, duration, historical information and maps to enable you to enjoy this beautiful environment. Click on short walks and long walks to download our guides. We have a number of mountain bikes together with helmets for guests to use free of charge and have put together a selection of rides. Click on cycle routes to download the guide.

Read more…

Location

Although offically part of the municipality of Algarinejo, the nearest village, 2.5 kilometres away, is Zagra with shops, banks, bars, restaurants, swimming pool and castle. Both Zagra and Algarinejo embody the charm of Spain as it has been for decades where friendly, easygoing people welcome you into their lives.

The area is known as El Poniente Granadino (the west of Granada) and is rich in evidence of Andalucia's Moorish past with castles and watchtowers (atalayas) ever present on the horizon.

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