Cookery, culture and walking in the land of the Moors
South-east of romantic Granada, on the sunny southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada, mainland Spain’s highest mountain range, are scattered numerous pretty, whitewashed villages surrounded by olive and almond groves.
This is an area of outstanding beauty known as Las Alpujarras, whose dramatic and very varied scenery makes it perfect for centre-based and hotel-to-hotel walking holidays in southern Spain.
It is also the setting for a very special week (23-30 June) of cookery, cultural insights and walking based at the delightful Casa las Chimeneas in the traditional village of Mairena. Owners Emma and David Ilsey have invited Tom Ryalls, senior chef at the stylish, award-winning Moro restaurant in London, to take over the hotel kitchen for a number of informal, hands-on cookery demonstrations. Moro specialises in Moorish dishes from both Spain and North Africa, and you will be shown how to cook popular recipes flavoured with spices such as saffron and cinnamon, which then form part of your dinner that evening.
Beyond the hotel kitchen, your charming hosts will show you around their own organic farm and provide you with real insights into local life as they accompany you on visits to a variety of local producers for further gastronomic delights: learn how Adolfo makes his golden olive oil; watch Carmen at work producing deliciously creamy goat’s cheese; and savour Juan and Nola’s award-winning white wine at their bodega.
There is plenty to feast your eyes on, too – not only the glorious scenery which you discover on the guided walks, but also the intricate and highly ornate architecture of the world-famous Alhambra in Granada. June is a wonderful time to visit: the landscape is alive, the songs of nightingales often drift on the breeze, and the evenings are warm enough to sit out on the terrace with a relaxing drink and watch the sun set in the distance.
For further information about this fascinating week, as well as our special walking weeks with Chris Stewart (of “Driving over Lemons” fame), which are also based at Casa las Chimeneas, call our expert reservations team on 01653 617001.