{"id":6751,"date":"2021-12-10T11:30:56","date_gmt":"2021-12-10T11:30:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/casonagranado.com\/?p=6751"},"modified":"2021-12-10T11:38:48","modified_gmt":"2021-12-10T11:38:48","slug":"the-latest-news-and-views-from-casona-granado","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/casonagranado.com\/es\/the-latest-news-and-views-from-casona-granado\/","title":{"rendered":"Las \u00daltimas Noticias y Opiniones de Casona Granado"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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In this edition:<\/strong>
Snippets
Paws awhile \u2013 Pets at Casona Granado
Cooking with wood at Albar
Almeria \u2013 Spain’s Capital of Gastonomy
The Sierra de Los Filabres – mountains to mooch in
Calar Alto for amazing star gazing
A Copper Age Village to explore
Bird watching in Almeria Province
Take a hike or a bike
The Tabernas Desert
Gastronomic Tourism right on our doorstep
And…dare we mention it….Christmas… at Casona Granado<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\"1\"<\/figure>

Read all about it! Some snippets.....<\/h3>

Despite travel restrictions and other COVID issues, Casona Granado has welcomed over 700 staying guests of varying nationalities to the hotel this year. We have been scrupulous about our COVID cleanliness and are still thriving \u2013 even in these tricky times. The good news is that Andalucia has moved to Level 0 as of October 21, so, fingers crossed, we can all get back to some normality.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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For more about our COVID 19 hard work, go to: https:\/\/casonagranado.com\/bedrooms\/#covid-19
<\/span><\/p>

And following on from our \u2018Hoards of Awards\u2019 in the last edition, Casona Granado has reached a remarkable 9.4 in reviews on booking.com<\/strong> – an almost unheard of figure. We\u2019re feeling really happy and proud. Thank you so much to all of those who have left a lovely review.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Paws awhile \u2013 welcoming pets at Casona Granado<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Roger Caras said, \u201cFor me a house or an apartment becomes a home when you add one set of four legs, a happy tail, and that indescribable measure of love that we call a dog.\u201d<\/p>

The same goes for a hotel. Casona Granado welcomes your pet right along with you. Step right out of the door of the hotel for a gorgeous walk in the countryside with them, eat with them beside you on the terrace and see that happy tail wag in wonder and worship!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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We\u2019re making sure that everyone who wants to bring their pet on holiday can be sure of a really warm welcome. We\u2019re promoting ourselves on these websites \u2013 if you use other dog friendly sites, please let us know at casonagranado@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>

The dog friendly websites that we are going to feature in are the following:<\/p>

https:\/\/www.viajarconperros.es\/index.html<\/a><\/p>

https:\/\/www.conmiperro.es\/<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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What the \u2018fireman\u2019 knows<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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How wood is an essential ingredient in the kitchen at Restaurante Albar.<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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We\u2019ve found that there\u2019s a continuing appetite for authentic, real, low and slow cooked pizzas, lamb, bread, cabrito, vegetables and other dishes that benefit from the 6,000 year-old tradition of wood oven baking.<\/p>

Valoriani is one of the most prestigious wood oven brands in the world \u2013 Jamie Oliver used one of these ovens in his television series \u2018Jamie at Home\u2019, which, when it was screened last February on Channel 4, attracted 2.5 million viewers.
“It’s a lovely old wood oven,” says Oliver, talking on jamieoliver.com. “I’ve done a lot of cooking in it. I think it’s got fashionable because food tastes better in it. I love cooking in it. It’s the old fashioned way. I think if you master the personality of looking after coal or wood in one of these, naturally you become more sensitive to cooking. You don’t just turn it on, you are connected to it more. There’s something Medieval about it.<\/p>

We use olive and almond wood, which are particularly good for cooking or smoking food, as they naturally produce lighter, less dense smoke, and therefore gently infuse food rather than overpowering it. We have taken Centuries old local dishes, where the local people realised the fantastic appeal of taking food from the field to the fire, and it’s this simplicity and the sensational taste results that is our mark at Albar.<\/p>

Clayton at Albar says, \u201cThe oven possesses this incredible residual heat. We use it for everything from roasting shoulders of lamb and cabrito (local milk fed baby goat) to baking bread and cooking vegetables”. The oven is used to rustle up dishes which are sweetly caramelised, have a smoke –\u00a0infused crunch –<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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everything from roast pork cheeks, fish stew, made first by softening onions and peppers in the oven, spatchcocked quail simply rubbed with olive oil and garlic before it\u2019s set on a wire rack, scorched aubergines and freshly baked bread. Quickly roasting vegetables and side dishes in a pizza oven helps develop flavours quickly, offering crisp exteriors and juicy, tender interiors.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Clayton \u2013 who creates bespoke pizzas \u2013 says the oven is perfect for conjuring up a crisp-based pizza. “It is the way pizzas are supposed to be made,” he says. \u201cOlive or Almond wood gives a real authenticity when used in the traditional campo oven. Because the pizza cooks very quickly in a wood fired oven, it has the effect of imparting a delicious contrast on the finished article. The bottom of the crust will cook very quickly, giving it a really pleasant, charred flavour on the edges that makes it taste just a little smoky, in a great way\u201d.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The six best restaurants\/Bars in Almer\u00eda<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Spanish Capital of Gastronomy (2019)<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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For eating as well as for tapas.<\/p>

Almeria is an oft overlooked province. It has some truly stunning villages and beaches, amazing history and culture and, of course it has the most glorious gastronomic delights. Vegetables and fruit that supply the rest of Spain and Europe are grown in abundance here, the olive oil, goat\u2019s cheeses, red shrimp from Garrucha (just down the road) and all the traditional dishes that the region is known for.<\/p>

In 2019, Almeria, the Capital of the province, took over from Le\u00f3n, judged as the Capital of Gastronomy awarded by the jury for these awards comprising the Spanish Hospitality Federation (FEHR) and the Spanish Federation of Journalists and Writers of Tourism (FEPET). These and numerous organizations and institutions related to tourism and gastronomy took part in the judging.<\/p>

The jury also highlighted traditional dishes such as gurullos, migas or the thick wheat based soup \u201colla de trigo\u201d. The jury also wanted to make reference to the typical tapas of the city, which “allows you to eat very well for six or seven euros”.<\/p>

To enjoy its rich cuisine if you visit the city (and beyond), TripAdvisor recommends six of the top restaurant\/Bars that you can be rest assured to not miss out on the flavour of the Andalusian capital. And Albar is the only out-of-capital restaurant mentioned in the top six.<\/strong> The full article is here: https:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.es\/2018\/10\/17\/almeria-capital-espanola-de-la-gastronomia-2019_a_23563664\/<\/a>.<\/p>

Or take a look at this article: https:\/\/www.guiaturisticoalmeria.es\/en\/almeria-y-sus-10-restaurantes-esenciales\/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=almeria-y-sus-10-restaurantes-esenciales<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\"Pool\"<\/figure>

Here\u2019s what they say about Casona Granado\u2019s Albar:<\/h3>

Restaurant Albar\n
Try: Casserole with seafood and fish from Albar restaurant.\n
129 reviews and an average rating of 4.5 \/ 5<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The only restaurant to be chosen outside of the Capital, it is located in the small village of El Pilar. It is the place to visit with the 8 bedroomed boutique hotel ideal for families. In this restaurant you can find artesanal pizzas and traditional dishes made with local products. Visitors highlight the location, with a large terrace. It can be found amongst white-washed houses in the hamlet, that are the tradition throughout the province.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The Sierra Filabres... a leading destination in the mountains of Almeria<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The Sierra de los Filabres is the largest and most central mountain range in the province of Almeria and is part of a chain of mountains extending eastwards from Granada province. They form a surreal landscape of dramatic hills and valleys, rustic, whitewashed villages, abandoned hillside hamlets and deserted cortijos. The lower hills and valleys sport an abundance of almond and olive trees, higher up the mountains the countryside switches to woodlands, having been reforested, the area is abundant with holm oaks and pine trees creating an excellent habitat for bird species. The different seasons make the backdrop to Casona Granado change \u2013 in the Spring and early Summer, the verdancy is obvious, Autumn and Winter bring stunning changes, especially the snow peaks of deep Winter and in late January and early February when the Almond blossom appears and the lower hills are just delightful to behold.<\/p>

The Filabres offer mountain activities only half an hour or so from the stunning Almerian coast. We\u2019re in the South East of the range where the white washed villages are in abundance. Lubrin, Bedar, Uleila del Campo and Sorbas are all a stone\u2019s throw from the hotel and, of course, El Pilar, our own pretty, typical Andalucian village (or \u2018Pueblo Morisco\u2019, as the Spanish describe them) is snuggled in the foothills<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The Calar Alto, part of the Filabres, is the highest peak in Almeria and hosts an important astronomical observatory, which you can visit, (see below) just an hour\u2019s drive from El Pilar.
The sea used to come up to the foothills of the Sierra de los Filabres and you can still find reefs of fossil corals from this age remaining as testament, closely marking the position of the ancient coastline. The flora and fauna of the Filabres – too vast to list here \u2013 are abundant and folk still trawl the foothills foraging for wild garlic, thyme, mint, chicory and an abundance of other wild growing goodness.
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The Calar Alto Observatory \u2013 The Height of Amazing Science<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The Astronomical Observatory of Calar Alto is the largest of its kind in continental Europe, with professional telescopes up to 3.5 metres aperture. It is a joint venture in international science operated by the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia (Spain) and the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Heidelberg (Germany).<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\"Observatorio<\/figure>

You can visit the observatory, which lies an hour or so\u2019s drive from the hotel. The visit includes an instructive lecture about the observatory, the scientific use of telescopes in astronomy, followed by the visit to the building of one of the telescopes *. You MUST bring warm clothing because it can get mighty chilly at 2200 metres altitude \u2013 even in the Summer and the domes are cooled to the outside night temperature. The weather conditions at this height can be unpredictable and can change dramatically in a short period of time.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The tours are guided by qualified personnel with scientific training and last approximately 1.5 hours.<\/p>

* The telescope you visit will depend on the availability due to scientific and maintenance tasks. And usually the first choice will be the 3.5-metre telescope.<\/p>

Visitors can make reservations (visits only by reservation) and for groups, the Observatory ask that you email \u2013 for general public visits, you can book via the website. The visits are not suitable for children under eight because of security issues.<\/p>

Check on the website for dates and times \u2013 it\u2019s usually open at weekends and prices for individuals are around \u20ac12. Group bookings will likely be cheaper.<\/p>

More information here:<\/p>

https:\/\/www.azimuthspain.com\/calar-alto\/<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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A Copper Age Village in the Heart of Andalucia<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The Los Millares village is a Chalcolithic (between neolithic and Bronze age) excavation in the municipality of Santa Fe de Mond\u00fajar in Andalucia \u2013 about 45 minutes from Casona Granado.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\"Almeria,<\/figure>

It was discovered in 1891 whilst the construction of a railway was underway and excavations are still ongoing. The village probably supported around 1,000 people from 3200 and 2200 BC.\n

Los Millares presents an extraordinarily complex functionality for its time and is made up of four lines of concentric walls, a necropolis of tombs and no less than thirteen forts.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The village occupies an area of about 13 hectares and includes a number of ceremonial structures alongside the tombs, which are distributed in small groups, reflecting the family, social and symbolic relationships of the village at the time. The main economic activity seems to have been agriculture, livestock and hunting along with other specialised occupations like blacksmithing and metallurgy.<\/p>

When you visit, there\u2019s a visitor centre with loads of information about the site and its excavations and an audiovisual area to help you understand the site better. There are various possible routes through the site and it\u2019ll take you around 2.5 to 3 hours to discover it all. Bring comfie shoes, a hat, sun protection and water. You need to book in advance by phone or email millares.aaiicc@juntadeandalucia.es<\/a>. It\u2019s open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10-2 (closed on most regional and national holidays so check first) and entrance is free.
More information here:
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A Chronicle Crumb of Consequence<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Almeria Province – It\u2019s the driest place in Europe<\/strong>
The Tabernas is largely responsible for making Almeria the driest city in continental Europe, with annual rainfall of just 200mm. It is also the second-warmest city on the continent (first place goes to another Andalusian gem, Seville), with annual temperatures almost never dipping below 19C. As if that weren\u2019t enough to entice sun junkies, a temperature below freezing has never been recorded in Almeria.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Our feathered friends also love Almeria<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Almeria province offers a unique ornithological paradise. Our climate, varied landscapes and geology all contribute to an amazing abundance of our feathered friends. There is such a diversity of environments with differing vegetation, coastal wetlands, forests, rugged shorelines and, of course the desert and the mountains, that many areas have special protection to preserve the natural environment and encourage more birds and other fauna.\u00a0<\/p>

The \u2018Choose Almeria\u2019 site suggests, \u201cBirds of prey such as Bonelli’s Eagle and the Common Kestrel can be seen around the mountain ranges, while the coastal lagoons harbour Grey and Purple Heron, Storks, Cranes, Avocets, Plovers, Waders and Ducks and the rare Dupont’s Lark. Sea bird species include Yellow-legged Gulls, Terns, Razorbills, Shags, and the occasional Puffin\u201d.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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They suggest the following for particular bird watching destinations in Almeria:<\/p>

\u2022 Cabo de Gata Natural Park including the Las Salinas de Cabo de Gata wetlands
\u2022 Punta Entinas – Sabinar nature reserve – Almerimar – Roquetas de Mar
\u2022 Albufera nature reserve -Adra<\/p>

Go to: https:\/\/choose-almeria.com\/bird-watching.html<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Take a hike...or a bike<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Folk often ask us, \u201cYou\u2019re rural \u2013 what can we do around there?\u201d<\/p>

Well, to be honest, we\u2019d overload you if we listed everything all at once, but we\u2019ll talk about them all in future [newsletters]. Aside from what the hotel itself offers \u2013 yoga, massages, eating etc …etc, rest assured, there\u2019s heaps to do in and around the captivating locality.<\/p>

Today, we\u2019re going to focus on the walks, hikes and bike rides that criss-cross our beautiful area.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Whenever there are mountains, there are always views and that\u2019s certainly so very true of this region. But, you don\u2019t have to hike or bike up the glorious Filabres \u2013 the less than \u00fcber fit can still enjoy the rolling foothills, valleys, villages, quaint little bars and restaurants, unique geology, stunning views and experience the incredible peace and tranquillity that the region offers in abundance.<\/p>

Of course, you can just walk out of the door and wander for hours in effortless, or more demanding terrain, there are registered walks directly from the hotel depending on how you\u2019re feeling \u2013 check out the hotel website. But, there are a whole bunch of walks nearby too that are known for their particular views, interesting geology, history and awesome tranquillity.<\/p>

Just a twenty minute drive from the hotel, gets you to the start and end of, probably the most famous trek nearby – the Los Molinos de Rio Aguas trail<\/strong> \u2013 an 8.5 km loop hike. Rated \u2018moderate\u2019, it features a rarely seen (in this area) river and is best used for hiking between March and October. If you still have energy left, you could pop into the awesome Cuevas de Sorbas nearby and explore the more than 1,000 cavities and kilometres of galleries, all with a guide and specialist equipment.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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More information here:<\/p>

https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/trail\/spain\/almeria\/los-molinos-de-rio- aguas-circular<\/a><\/p>

and more about visiting the caves here:<\/p>

https:\/\/www.cuevasdesorbas.com\/<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Then, there\u2019s the \u2018Fuentes de Lubr\u00edn\u2019 route<\/b>. This is another looped path that begins next to the old Lavaderos in Lubrin (next to the AL-P-813 road) and only a ten minute drive from the hotel. It\u2019s described as \u2018easy\u2019 and it\u2019s 14 km in length. You\u2019ll see how the local people made the most of the Almeria water when it ran – ruins of water mills, old wells and beautiful old farmhouses and cortijos and some wonderful views. Then back into stunning, whitewashed Lubrin for a welcome taste of the local, award-winning honey, goat\u2019s cheese and olive oil at one of the myriad bars there. This is a lovely walk.<\/p>

Another fabulous walk is the Ruta de la Miner\u00eda de B\u00e9dar.<\/b> As the name describes, this really attractive hike is rated moderate and features the remains of the small gauge railway \u2013 tunnels and engine sheds etc., ancient mines with amazing-coloured rock, as well as some beautiful wild flowers. The hills and valleys around Bedar (another beautiful village worth visiting) are rife with the ruins of a bygone age when mining iron, lead, zinc and copper was a principal employment. It is fascinating. The hike is an 11.4 kilometre loop trail (we like a loop) located near B\u00e9dar \u2013 about a twenty-five minute drive from the hotel through gorgeous countryside.<\/p>

For more information on this walk try:\u00a0https:\/\/www.visit-andalucia.com\/one_post.php?id=802&title=bedar-walk-through-a-mining-landscape<\/a><\/p>

I\u2019ve just picked three of the many, many hikes, treks and walks in the area. There are a countless more!<\/p>

For the many and various trails, hikes and walks in the area \u2013 try\u00a0www.wikiloc.com\u00a0<\/a>or\u00a0www.alltrails.com<\/a><\/p>

And for walks directly from the hotel, go to;\u00a0https:\/\/casonagranado.com\/almeria-activities<\/a>\/<\/p>

These websites can also be used for discovering the area by bike.<\/p>

Again, there are some fabulous bike routes around the area. The roads are quiet and some are easier than others! You can jump on your bike and just explore the myriad Andalusian villages and towns, or follow some of the ideas featured in wikiloc, alltrails or one of these websites:<\/p>

www.epicroadrides.com\/cycling-spain\/almeria\/<\/a><\/p>

Almeria is relatively undiscovered for biking, which is fantastic for those who do discover it! For those hearty types, one of the best known rides is the Puerto de La Virgen and Valley of the Blocks ride<\/b>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Ten minutes from the hotel (or a 30-minute bike ride) is the village of Uleila del Campo where you start this ride. You ride on good quality roads through some quaint villages and see some amazing views. It\u2019s 55 km long and you climb 1,320 metres so it\u2019s not for the faint hearted. You can find more information here: https:\/\/www.epicroadrides.com\/cycling-spain\/almeria\/puerto-de-la-virgen-route\/<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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The Sierra Bedar and Antas loop can start in Mojacar \u2013 on the coast, or you could pick it up in Lubrin and do the loop and it features amazing hairpin bends, stunning scenery and some great villages and towns. It\u2019s 83 km long and you climb to an elevation of 1,390 m, so again quite a hard ride.<\/p>

https:\/\/www.epicroadrides.com\/cycling-spain\/almeria\/sierra-bedar-antas-route\/<\/a><\/p>

And then for those who want an easier life, the V\u00edas Verdes (literally, “green-ways”) are old, disused railway lines that have been recovered and reconditioned for use by walkers and cyclists (but no mopeds or motorbikes). They\u2019re dotted all around the region and more are opening all the time. They range from one kilometre long to 190 KM and are a great way to explore the province \u2013 cycling or walking and most are accessible.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Find out more at: https:\/\/www.viasverdes.com\/en\/principal.asp<\/a><\/p>

However you explore our beautiful area, it\u2019s easy to do from Casona Granado and after all your exertions, come back to the hotel for a delicious home cooked meal, a relax by the pool and maybe a massage!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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A Chronicle Crumb of Consequence<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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“Fiesta”<\/strong> is a single by The Pogues and was written by Jem Finer and lead vocalist Shane MacGowan. You\u2019ll know it if you hear it! It\u2019s based on a Spanish fairground melody that Finer had picked up in the fiestas of Almer\u00eda. The lyrics refer to Almeria, as well as former bassist Cait O’Riordan’s departure from the group, and subsequent marriage to Elvis Costello.<\/p>

“Fiesta” was the last Pogues singles to make the United Kingdom Top 30, while MacGowan was with the band. In typical Pogue lyricism, the chorus starts:<\/p>

Come all you rambling boys of pleasure<\/p>

And ladies of easy leisure<\/p>

We must say Adios! until we see<\/p>

Almeria once again<\/p>

To listen and watch: The Pogues – Fiesta<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Exquisite Visits<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Tabernas Desert<\/p>

A desert? In Europe?! Yep.<\/p>

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The Tabernas Desert is one of Spain\u2019s hidden gems. It\u2019s only half an hour or so from Casona Granado and is literally a hot spot for filming movies and TV shows (Game of Thrones, Sergio Leone\u2019s spaghetti westerns, Oscar winning \u2018Lawrence of Arabia\u2019, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade …I could go on!) because of its similarities with North American deserts, northern African and Arabian deserts, and its lunar-like landscapes.<\/p>

It\u2019s a nature reserve which spans 280 square kilometres and is sandwiched between the\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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mountains of the Sierra Nevada, Gador, Fiabres and Alhamilla. It’s honestly one of the most stunning, nay, startling landscapes in Spain, if not Europe.<\/p>

Strange rock formations, dried-up river beds and gullies and oddly eroded ravines meet desolate, weirdly angled and stark rises and dips, all formed more than eight million years ago when the sea covered the desert right up to the foothills of the Filabres.<\/p>

Low rainfall, followed by torrential downpours and temperatures between -5\u00b0C and 48\u00b0C have rendered the desert practically barren, meaning very little agriculture exists leaving the landscape barren and completely fascinating. But, a myriad of bird species makes their home here, especially around the arid gullies and dry river bed walls.<\/p>

But, look more closely and there\u2019s plenty to see and do in the desert.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Almeria,\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Right on the edge of the Desert is the town that bears its name \u2013 Tabernas, with its multitude of restaurants and bars, Moorish castle ruins (I recommend a walk up to the castle \u2013 fabulous views), and 15th century Mud\u00e9jar church.<\/p>

On the very edge of the desert is G\u00e9rgal, with its Lombard style 16th century, well preserved castle (today, a private residence) and Mudejar church, all harking back to its Moorish history. Within G\u00e9rgal\u2019s municipality, and just outside the town is the highest point of the Filabres at 2,168 m and the\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Calar Alto Hispano-German Astronomical Observatory (see earlier in the newsletter) sits atop it. You can visit the site and enjoy the invigorating scenery and guided tours of the grounds and facilities.<\/p>

A set that was built for Sergio Leone\u2019s \u2018A Fistful of Dollars\u2019 is now a reproduction American Wild West village called Mini Hollywood. The set was also used for \u2018The Good, the Bad and the Ugly\u2019 and the \u2018Magnificent Seven\u2019. There are live shows, a huge zoological reserve, pool areas and a large range of restaurants, educational activities and events and celebrations management.<\/p>

And, of course, there\u2019s an easy linear walk (or cycle) of 8km \u2013 16 km back and forth \u2013 called the Sendero Rambla de Tabernas. But, don\u2019t forget to load up with water and sunscreen! It\u2019s best to avoid this in the height of summer, but great in the Spring. You walk or cycle along the sandy bank of a seasonal river (rambla) \u2013 fascinating.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Gastronomic Tourism<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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an innovative option for visitors to Lubrin and only ten minutes from Casona Granado.<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Located on the slopes of the Sierra de Los Filabres, and very close to the Levante Almeriense coast, with very good communication from the Autov\u00eda del Mediterr\u00e1neo, Lubr\u00edn is a town very proud of its gastronomy.<\/p>

Its goat\u2019s cheese from the Los Filabres Cooperative, and its excellent olive oil, made in the Lubr\u00edn Oil Mill, are well-known products.<\/p>

There are two bakeries where breads and sweets are made every day with traditional ingredients and cooked in wood-fired ovens. In the two butcher shops in the town you can find artisan sausages and a range of excellent cuts, always of a high quality.<\/p>

Walking through the bars and restaurants of the oldest streets of Lubr\u00edn, you can have an endless variety of tapas and wines. Using local products such as vegetables, almonds, meats, oils and wines. You will also find restaurants with an excellent and tasty menu.<\/p>

Participation in the two largest festivals in Lubr\u00edn, which are linked to the food of this town, is another way to appreciate our local products and our gastronomy.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The feast of our patron, San Sebasti\u00e1n, celebrated on January 20, culminates in a shower of bread rolls, so this feast is colloquially known as the Feast of Bread. Lubri\u00f1enses share tables and have a great snack in the square.<\/p>

In October we celebrate the feast of the Virgen del Rosario, our patron saint, along with the Festival of Rural Food. There is a competition of typical dishes\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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and tastings not only of the dishes in the contest, but also of other products from the land.<\/p>

The local Tourism office can offer a bespoke package to lovers of gastronomy, but for visitors who would like to go it alone, there\u2019s an excellent tapas route which the tourism office can let you know all about.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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A Chronicle Crumb of Consequence<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"hoteles\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The crumbs stick to a music theme this edition. It’s not terribly well known that John Lennon wrote Strawberry Fields Forever<\/strong> in Almeria. He lived in the city in autumn 1966, filming the part of Private Gripweed in Richard Lester’s black comedy How I Won the War in the desert at Tabernas. Lennon first stayed in an apartment near El Zapillo, one of the\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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city`s beaches, then he moved to the more spacious 19th-century mansion,\u00a0Santa Isabel<\/b>, on Camino de Romero (known locally as Cortijo Romero), with his then-wife Cynthia.<\/p>

The city council has now refurbished the then derelict villa and it\u2019s now a Cinema museum called \u2018Casa del Cine\u2019 displaying 1960\u2019s and 70\u2019s film-making exhibits and an area dedicated to the Beatle.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Coming up at Albar<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Christmas of course!<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Christmas is very nearly upon us and we\u2019re getting excited at Albar (especially Rachel AKA Mother Christmas)<\/p>

We are once again offering our Christmas Day menu exclusively to our loyal V.I.P. customers.<\/p>

So don\u2019t delay and miss the sleigh!<\/p>

Reservations being taken<\/p>

Call Rachel on 0034 647 877 091<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In this edition:SnippetsPaws awhile \u2013 Pets at Casona GranadoCooking with wood at AlbarAlmeria \u2013 Spain’s Capital of GastonomyThe Sierra de Los Filabres – mountains to mooch inCalar Alto for amazing star gazingA Copper Age Village to exploreBird watching in Almeria ProvinceTake a hike or a bikeThe Tabernas DesertGastronomic Tourism right on our doorstepAnd…dare we mention […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":6560,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6751","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-destinations"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/casonagranado.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6751","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/casonagranado.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/casonagranado.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/casonagranado.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/casonagranado.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6751"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/casonagranado.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6751\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6799,"href":"https:\/\/casonagranado.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6751\/revisions\/6799"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/casonagranado.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6560"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/casonagranado.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6751"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/casonagranado.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6751"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/casonagranado.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6751"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}