La Vinuela is situated forty-five kilometres north-east of Malaga and a fairly short distance from the coastal resort of Nerja. It is a small village with fifteen hundred permanent residents whose economy is based on agriculture rather than tourism. Surrounded by low hills with a backdrop of the Almijara Mountains and lying very close to the reservoir, Lake Vinuela, La Vinuela is in an area of outstanding natural beauty. A La Vinuela holiday promises a relaxing break in pretty surroundings and is close enough to the coast for days of sand and sea.
La Vinuela holidays offer peace and relaxation in a beautiful mountain village which has retained its traditional atmosphere. Here you can bask in the warmth, not only of the sun but in the welcoming hospitality of the local people. Here you can explore the surrounding countryside, play a round of golf at a nearby course or enjoy the beaches with their golden sands and warm clear waters which provide a variety of water sports. Non-motorised water sports are also permitted on the lake.
La Vinuela is popular with couples of all ages who enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the village. There are plenty of interesting sights in the area including many historical sites and the world famous Nerja Caves.
Although La Vinuela is a year round holiday destination the summer holiday period is the most popular time to go, with guaranteed sunshine. Those who wish to walk or cycle in the hills would find early or late season a better time to visit when the temperature is a little cooler. La Vinuela is also popular with those wishing to escape from the dreary British winters.
La Vinuela has a fairly short history as it dates from the eighteenth century. The village is on the road from Granada to Velez where a settlement expanded around a staging inn where travellers would rest on their journey. It is a fertile area with an agricultural economy and the surrounding land has vineyards and olive groves as well as fields of cereals.
There are many places of archaeological interest in around La Vinuela with sites from prehistoric times through to the Roman occupation and on to the medieval years. The Torre de la Atalaya was constructed by the Moors.
The hills surrounding the village provide opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding and jeep safaris. The reservoir offers a range of non-motorised water sports.
La Vinuela is only a short distance from the coast where there are several kilometres of beaches and small coves. Here holidaymakers can relax in the sun or try out water sports including water skiing, fishing and scuba diving in the crystal clear water. It is worth visiting the Caves of Nerja which are a most amazing sight with their huge stalactites and stalagmites all dramatically illuminated. One column is the incredible height of thirty two metres. Imagine how many drops of water were needed and how many years it took to grow into such a size. The largest cavern is a concert hall and there are many performances through the summer months.
In order to make the most of your La Vinuela holiday, car hire is recommended.
The nightlife in La Vinuela is very low key reflecting the popularity of the resort with couples. Evenings are spent wandering its charming streets and alleyways, enjoying local hospitality in the company of friends. There are some excellent restaurants serving mainly traditional food.
The narrow streets of La Vinuela have many small craft shops where the goods are made by local people. These include pottery, embroidered linens, basketry and jewellery. Holiday provisions can be purchased at local mini-markets.
La Vinuela has a number of good restaurants serving mainly traditional cuisine. A good way to try Spanish food is to order a plate of tapas which consists of a medley of bite-sized dishes. Tapas are also ideal for filling the sometimes long gap between lunch and dinner, which is served later in Spain than at home.
Children are always made very welcome in Spanish restaurants and their tastes and portion sizes are usually accommodated.
Spanish wines are pleasant and inexpensive.
