Cortijo Balzaín
La Zubia
Every now and again, we come across a place which may not have inspired us too much before we set out to visit it but which leaves us wildly enthusiastic about it once we have done so.
This is exactly what happened to us with Cortijo Balzain. What a fabulous place! It really is one of those true little gems you would never have discovered yourself.
The cortijo dates from the 17th century and has a very rural setting surrounded by olive, almond, walnut and lemon trees. The cortijo consists of 9 spacious casas rurales, cosy little cottages, some of which are detached. The decor is simple which is very in keeping with the rustic style of the local area.
Children will have a whale of a time here, with country paths shooting off in all directions, there is a swimming pool with sunbathing area, a small farm with plenty of different animals, a playground, a small river that runs through the estate and you are totally surrounded by overwhelmingly beautiful countryside. The cortijo is situated high up, overlooking Granada and Alhambra on one side and the snowcapped mountains of the Sierra Nevada on the other side. In the evenings, the views are totally breathtaking.
In 2000, the Cortijo Balzain was awarded the title of "best rural tourism initiative" by the Andalusian authorities and it was held up as an example of a renovation project which had succeeded in maintaining the authentic character of the place whilst also blending in perfectly with its awe-inspiring countryside surroundings.
All the cottages have a basic kitchen, offering you a self-catering option. However, there is also a small restaurant on-site where you can enjoy simple but good honest food.
Set a bit further into the grounds, there is also a fantastic big house, with room for groups of 20 to 30 people. So if you have something to celebrate, this could be a really original idea. The house comes with its own swimming pool and sunbathing area.
There are plenty of opportunities for daytrips: Granada is just around the corner, as are the Sierra Nevada mountains and the stunning Alpujarras region to the South of the Sierra Nevada. And if you prefer to stay a bit nearer to the cortijo, there are little winding footpaths which will take you directly from your cottage into the stunning valley and mountains.
What a brilliant place to stay!
Cons:
• The cottages are not very luxurious but they are totally in keeping with the style of the cortijo
• After your stay here, it will take you some time to acclimatise once you get back home...
Pros:
• A wonderfully charming and above all beautiful location
• Children will have a whale of a time here
• Rustic, spacious cottages with plenty of original features which remind you of the cortijo's history
• The cottages are spotless
Cortijo Balzaín
facilities
Hotel
- There is a restaurant where you can have lunch or dinner. Menu € 10,-- p.p. Drinks € 1,--.
- Swimming pool.
- Garden.
- Cortijo has an internet connection (in restaurant).
- Children are welcome.
- One apartment for wheelchair access.
- No lift.
- Pets are welcome (on request).
- Hotel has its own parking facilities (free of charge).
- Hotel is located in the countryside, at about 5 kms from the village of La Zubia.
Rooms
Each apartment has a ceiling fan, heating, TV (with DVD), safe, kitchen (fridge, microwave, hob, oven) and its own terrace.
Fully-equiped bathrooms (simple).
Hotel has 9 houses/apartments, made up of 7 for 4-6 persons (living room; kitchen; 2 bedrooms; bathroom) and 2 for 6-8 persons (living room; kitchen; 3 bedrooms; 2 bathrooms).
Cortijo Balzaín
surrounding area
La Zubia
A quiet base camp for a visit to Granada. La Zubia is situated about 10 kilometres from Granada in the Sierra Nevada Natural Park, a beautiful mountainous area with valleys, waterfalls, gorges and lovely villages.
Granada (10km; 15min):
Anyone visiting Granada will have heard of the Alhambra, the city’s main attraction. The Alhambra was the part of town where princes, nobility and court staff dwelled, on the hill right in the middle of Granada. The Alhambra is a huge complex, 720m in length and 220m wide. Clever use of space, light, water and decorative features are the Alhambra’s defining features. A miniature town in its own right, a world of palaces, beautiful gardens with ponds and fountains, a fortress, baths, museums, a church, and even a hotel.
The Generalife, to the north of the Alhambra, was the Nasrid sultans' country retreat. They would find some welcome relief from the intrigue at the court here, and enjoy some peace and quiet. Generalife translates as ‘the garden of heavenly paradise’.
On the hill opposite the Alhambra, the Albayzín quarter, is where Granada’s Moorish past is still most tangible. Stroll around its narrow streets, past villas with Moorish decoration and gardens, up to the Mirador de San Nicolás. This is where you will have the best views, of the roofs of Granada, with the Alhambra behind them, which makes for a stunning view, especially at sunset!
When you get tired of strolling, you can take an Arab bath at one of Granada's 2 hammans, the Aljibe Baños Arabes or the Hamman Baños Arabes.
And Granada also happens to be one of the hippest cities in Andalucía, with great nightlife, lively flamenco shows and tapas culture.
Granada is also a good place to learn Spanish or take dancing lessons.
Active
At about 25 km from La Zubia you will find the Sierra Nevada ski resort. The Sierra Nevada mountain range has the highest peaks in Europe, after the Alps. In Pradollano, at 2100 metres, there is the Sierra Nevada Ski Station, with around 70 pistes (mainly blue and red ones), with a total length of 80 km.
During the summer months you can go for walks here.
Cultural
Granada is a cultural city, with plenty on offer! Be sure to catch the Alhambra and the Generalife (it is recommended to reserve tickets well before you head for Granada, because the number of visitors admitted every day is limited to a maximum).
Anyone with an interest in Spanish literature will have heard of Federico García Lorca. This world famous poet and playwright is closely intertwined with Granada. His birthplace in Fuente Vaqueros, about 20km west of Granada, is open to the public. And there is also the Lorca Museum, the Huerta de San Vicente, an estate on the edge of Granada.
And to top it all off, Granada also makes for a great destination for shopping, and to take in a few flamenco shows.
Family
The Parque de las Ciencias is a great place to introduce children to science. You will find it 2 km south of Granada. There are numerous activities on offer here. Including experiments that let you experience, for example, what it is like to be inside a beehive or a mini-tornado.
The following villages/towns in the area are definitely worth a visit:
Guadix (75km; 1h):
The ‘Barrio de las Cuevas’ (cave-dwellers quarter), with 2000 caves, which have been inhabited for centuries, is the main attraction of this town. A museum has been established in one of the cave dwellings near the church, in order to give you a good idea of what life in such a house is like.
Alhama de Granada (59km; 1h):
Alhama de Granada is beautifully situated, balancing on sprawling rocks over a gorge, and it has a compact, nicely renovated Moorish centre. The village received its name, derived from the word alhamma, from the hot springs that you can still visit at the Hotel Balneario on the edge of the village.
In the higher part of the village, behind the Iglesia del Carmen church, a plateau offers stunning views of the deep gorge of the Alhama river.
And you can, of course, head for one of the other 2 world famous cities for a day trip:
Córdoba (211km; 2h30min):
Visit the Mezquita, Córdoba's huge mosque, which has seen various different developments throughout the years to become a fascinating blend of styles and religions. And you can also go for a stroll through the districts of San Lorenzo, Judería and San Basilio, where you will encounter the most beautiful Moorish patios. Other sights include the palace/fortress Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos with magnificent gardens and fountains; various museums, such as the Museo Arqueológico, Museo Taurino, Museo de Bellas Artes; a string of great squares, such as the Plaza de la Corredera, Plaza del Potro.
Seville (262km; 3h):
The capital of Andalucía is a compact city with a rich past. Most of its major sights are in or near the city centre on the Guadalquivir river’s left bank. And they also know how to party and have a good time in this city of flamenco and tapas.
As you wander through the old Jewish quarter, the Barrio Santa Cruz, through a maze of white streets and patios, you should not forget to take in the imposing cathedral, the Moorish bell tower, La Giralda, and the royal palace Real Alcázar.
You can unwind in the María Luisa park, where you can spend the hottest part of the day under orange trees and palm trees.
The museum Museo de Bellas Artes, one of Spain’s best museums of art, is a real must. And then there are its magnificent palaces and other sights, such as the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza (bull ring); Casa de Pilatos and the Torre del Oro.