Things to do
Besides visits to places of interest, Cortijo El Peso offers a variety of activities for those who don't just want a relaxing holiday.
Horse-riding and
lessons are available nearby, and the local area is criss-crossed with
paths for
country walks. The farm is bisected
by one of the long distance sheep herding trails of Spain, the Cañada Real.
Birdlife abounds.
Eagles, buzzards and kites soar overhead. Migrating birds often use the farm as a stopping off point.
For serious bird watchers, the area around Tarifa, approx. one hour’s
drive, is well known for bird spotting during the Spring and Autumn migrations.
Wild flowers are also abundant,
especially during April and May.
Places to Visit
The coast is only half
an hour’s drive away – nearest resort is Sotogrande, famous for its marina,
and its proximity to Valderrama golf course.
But if you want to visit a proper Spanish coastal town, we recommend
Estepona, about 40 minutes drive, which besides being relatively undeveloped
compared to the rest of the coast, has a long, sandy ‘blue flag’ beach.
And of course everything else you associate with a Spanish town: bars,
restaurants, nightlife, markets, busy marina, and a lovely palm-lined
‘paseo’ along the sea front.
The famous, historic
town of Ronda is approx. 45 minutes drive.
Or you can take a picturesque train ride from Estación Gaucín , which
confusingly is in El Colmenar. The
train journey takes almost an hour through a pretty river valley.
A relaxing alternative to a mountain drive. Ronda is worth several
visits. Besides being a beautiful,
historic town, built overlooking a mind-boggling gorge, it’s also the home of
bullfighting, with Spain’s oldest bullring,still used, and featuring a
fascinating bull-fighting museum. There
are plenty of other interesting sights and museums.
The views of the
Serranía de Ronda from the town’s terrace are stunning at any time of year,
and a wander through the town’s old streets, dropping in at tapas bars along
the way, is another good reason to visit.
Within two hours’
drive are: Sevilla, Jerez, Cádiz, Córdoba – all with wonderful things to see
and do. There are several other
white villages within an easy drive of Gaucín: Casares, Jimena de la Frontera,
Benalauría, Grazalema, Ubrique, and more. Arcos
de la Frontera is approx. one hour’s drive, and well worth a day trip. They
all have their own character.
The Cueva de la Pileta
is a big prehistoric cave within easy reach of El Peso.
Wall paintings and rock formations are a feature of this famous cave.