Friends & Family Walking/Activity Holidays
Friends and Family Walking/Activity is an option to have a holiday especially designed for you, your family and friends. You let us know what you’d like to do, and we’ll arrange a programme of the best walks in the area, plus any other excursions you’d enjoy, such as a day in Granada, or a trip to the nearest Mediterranean beach. As well as the activities, every day you’ll sit down to beautifully prepared meals, and the lovely terraces at Casa Ana will be there for you to relax after a day out exploring the area.
Bring a group of 8 – 16 people including friends, family or walking group members and we’ll arrange the perfect walking/activity holiday.
You’ll have exclusive use of the accommodation at Casa Ana, your personal chef for dinners in the evenings, and walks in the hills with experienced guides. Or take a trip to Granada or the beach, or just spend a sunny day relaxing on the terrace.
Come at any time of year – we can put together a programme that chimes well with the seasons as well as the needs and wishes of your group.
Email Anne at Casa Ana for an initial chat to explore ideas.
Some circular walks from the door of Casa Ana
Here is a small selection of the walks we can lead for you:
A stroll to the village of Atalbeitar
An ancient footpath takes you through woods and meadows to Atalbeitar, and back via the historic threshing ground and a hidden spring in the woods.
45 minutes. Easy
La Taha and the Trevelez Gorge: a panoramic walk
Cross the Trevelez river below Ferreirola, climb the ancient path (built by the Moors) on the other side, then follow the forest track with stunning views of the Taha villages across the valley.
4.5 hours. Medium
Exploring the Taha Villages
Start in Ferreirola and take in Atalbeitar, Capileria, Pitres, Mecina, Fondales – paths and lanes and plenty of village bars along the way.
3 hours (plus stops). Easy
Busquistar and the Hidden Gorge
Follow the GR142 to Busquistar and across the Trevelez river where the gorge narrows dramatically then climb for fabulous views of La Taha. Return by way of the old mill near Ferreirola.
3 hours. Moderate
Along the Trevelez Valley to Fondales and Mecina
Stunning views as you follow the Trevelez Valley to Fondales then an easy walk back through Mecina (and the bar).
45 minutes. Easy
Portugos and the Junta de los Rios Picnic Spot
Climb through the holm oak woods above Portugos to a wonderful mountain stream picnic spot. Ideal for lunch and a siesta before the descent back to Ferreirola.
6 hours plus stops. Moderate
Drive and walk in the Sierra Nevada National Park
Here are just a few ideas:
The Seven Lakes (Siete Lagunas)
High above Trevelez, pass through the alpine meadows of La Campinuela to the Seven Lakes. Breathtaking views make it worth the climb.
8/9 hours. Demanding. Ferreirola – Trevelez: 25 minutes by car
Explore the Sulayr
The Sulayr (“mountain of the sun”) is a 300km footpath that makes a complete circuit of the Sierra Nevada mountains. You can easily drive from Casa Ana to pick up parts of this path.
Walking above Capileira
High above the Poqueira Valley you’ll find excellent hiking country, including the path to the summit of Mulhacen, which at 3,479 metres is the highest mountain in the Iberian Peninsula.
Ferreirola – Capileira: 25 minutes by car
Excursions and other activities
If you want a break from walking, there are many excursions and activities to choose from:
At the house: daily yoga classes on the terrace, as well as therapeutic massage and Spanish and Alexander Technique lessons.
Mountain biking and horse riding available locally.
A day in Granada. A gentle guided stroll through the historic city, taking in the Moorish city walls, the Arab and Jewish quarters, the old silk market and other landmarks including the oldest minaret in Spain. Alternatively your day in Granada could include a visit to the Alhambra Palace.
A day on the beach. The nearest Mediterranean beaches are just over an hour’s drive from Casa Ana. Take a picnic or have lunch at a beachside chiringuito (fish restaurant).
Winery visit. Local wine expert and blogger Tom Goetz will take you to one of the award-winning wineries of the area, with lunch included.
Garden visit and al fresco lunch: there is a wonderful garden to visit near Casa Ana. The owners are also excellent chefs and prepare sumptuous meals on their outdoor wood-fired oven.
Outdoor cooking class: by arrangement with the garden owners. Learn to use a wood-fired oven and make the perfect pizza.
Cooking class at Casa Ana: learn to make paella and authentic Andalucian dishes with a local cookery teacher specialising in Spanish cuisine.
Explore the local white villages: take a trip to the historic white villages of Pampaneira or Capileira. Browse the shops selling crafts, clothing, ceramics, jewellery and local produce. Sample delicious local cheese, wines and hams at a village bodega.
Winter activities: with the Sierra Nevada’s ski station within driving distance, you can take a break from hiking with a day of ski-ing or snow-shoeing. In mid-February you can also spend a day walking through almond groves in full bloom.
Summer swimming: there is a swimming pool within 20 minutes’ walk from the house.
Prices
For 2024 prices contact Anne at Casa Ana for a quote.
Prices will include exclusive accommodation at Casa Ana for your group, plus breakfasts and dinners with wine.
The cost of walking guides, excursions, lunches, local transport etc will be added, according to the programme you have chosen.
Prices do not include flights, airport transfers or some refreshments.
Minimum number in group: 8 people
Minimum stay: 4 nights
Email Anne for an initial chat to explore ideas.
See also Walking over Lemons with Chris Stewart, Winter Walking, Wildlife Walking, Self-guided walking holidays.
“A group of 12 of us used Casa Ana as a base for a week’s walking holiday in October and it exceeded all expectations in terms of location, views, accommodation and exceptional food/wine. I had a lovely room overlooking the main terrace. Anne herself is delightful and the staff couldn’t have been more helpful. It is beautifully designed with several terraces so you can be sociable or have peace and quiet. We also appreciated the sitting/kitchen room area where you could make a cup of tea or enjoy a drink at any time. All the arrangements for the week’s walking were also excellent. I would highly recommend it.”
The House
Staying at Casa Ana is like staying at a private house, simple, comfortable and welcoming. A place where you can feel at home.
The old Alpujarra-style buildings are arranged around a Moorish courtyard garden, planted with wisteria and roses. A few steps through the garden take you to the terraces with breathtaking views along the valley and into the mountains.
In the bedrooms we’ve kept the original chestnut beams with white walls and terracotta floors, comfortable beds, quality linens and a scattering of rugs.
The bathrooms are modern with rain showers, huge mirrors and hand-made tiles inspired by the Moorish designs of the Alhambra. A large sitting room gives onto a shady terrace with superb mountain views.
The Architect-designed dining room and kitchen are open plan and welcoming, giving onto a secluded south-facing terrace. For winter warmth there is underfloor central heating throughout (even in the bathrooms) and a wood-burning stove in the sitting room.
“Casa Ana is a perfect place to bring a small group, especially for walking, writing, or personal development – you can have the place to yourselves. The mix of indoor and outdoor spaces provides a conducive and pleasing environment for this kind of activity. If you bring a group of 6 or more, you can opt to have lunches and dinners included, as we did, and I highly recommend this.”
The Garden
Casa Ana was made for outdoor living. Everywhere rooms open onto the Moorish garden, the courtyard or the terraces.
There are big shady pergolas where you can relax with a glass of wine, or a cup of coffee and a good book and secluded sunny corners where you can soak up the Andalucian sun and do nothing at all. At night you can sit out, gaze at the stars and watch the moonrise over the mountains.
Everywhere there are panoramic views, the scent of jasmine and orange blossom, and maybe the sound of goatbells or a nightingale or the river far below.
It’s what makes Casa Ana special.
“The Casa itself is beautiful, and has been lovingly and sympathetically restored... Anne and the staff couldn’t possibly be any friendlier. The surroundings are also stunning.”
Food and Wine
At Casa Ana we prepare meals with an abundance of fresh, seasonal and local produce. We buy fruit and vegetables locally whenever possible, including oranges and summer fruits for jam-making, and organic free-range eggs. We also source delicious cheeses, jamon serrano, honey, olive oil and wines from producers in the area.
Casa Ana breakfasts
Breakfasts are a feast of fresh orange juice, cereals, yoghurt, fruit, breads, ham and cheeses from the region, home made jams and honey from Jose the bee-keeper.
Lunches and dinners
For groups of 6 or more, we offer 2-course lunches and delicious 3-course dinners by arrangement.
Picnic lunches
We provide tasty picnic lunches, ideal for carrying in rucksacks, with filled rolls, crudités, dried fruit and nuts, cake or chocolate, fresh fruit and juice.
Eating out
There is a surprising number and variety of restaurants within easy reach of Casa Ana ranging from traditional Alpujarran to gourmet Spanish, plus pizzas, vegetarian, Moroccan and more. We can give you suggestions on places to eat.
Wines of the region
With around 35 regional bodegas, and some prize-winning wines, this is an up and coming wine area. We provide a selection of wines at the house and we can help you plan a wine-tasting day trip.
Local produce
The Alpujarras is the home of the world-famous jamon serrano (mountain ham) with its centre in Trevelez, a short drive from Casa Ana. Alpujarran honey is also a prized culinary delight. You can buy quality Alpujarran and Andalucian produce including olive oils, wines and sherries at excellent delicatessens in Pampaneira, Capileira and Trevelez.
“You walk into an attractive courtyard to a warm greeting by Anne, hostess, and you take it from there. Lovely quiet location overlooking the Taha Valley, a real gem of a place. The views are quite breathtaking, and the accommodation very comfortable.”