Los Valverdes -
the Green Valleys - where our farm and yurts are situated, is a series of undulating
terraced hills with plantations of olive, almond, mango, avocado trees and grape vines. These low-growing vines produce a Moscatel
variety of grape used to make strong, sweet wine or are dried on raisin beds transforming them into the dried fruit known
here as the
pasa. Goats graze the hills, under the watchful eye of their goatherd, and their milk is collected daily
some of which is used to produce delicious cheeses.
A river runs through the valley, a trickle in the summer but fully flowing in the late winter months when snow that has capped
local mountains begins to melt. Bamboo canes, traditionally used in local building, and oleanders grow along the river banks and
terrapins inhabit the pools.
The old olive mill is no longer in use so our olives are taken to the cooperative in the nearby town of Arenas; an indication of
changing times. A building which was once a church, school and housed a bar is now a private house but locals recall the many nights
they danced and sang the night away here.
THE WIDER AREA
Los Valverdes lies in the middle of the Axarquia region, within the Province of Malaga and east of Malaga City.
The Axarquia is sheltered by mountains to the east, west and north and borders the Mediterranean Costa del Sol to the south. It is
known for the best climate in Europe.
Our yurts were designed for extreme Mongolian climes so
will certainly keep you sheltered and comfortable in the Axarquia´s sub-tropical climate.
Our farm lies on the edge of the Tejeda Mountain Range and National Big Game Reserve
in an area that is perfect for walking, mountain biking, climbing and horse riding amidst a richness of
nature and spectacular scenery. More intrepid walkers can attempt the slopes of La Maroma,
an interesting round trip of about 10 hours taking you up to 2,065 metres and well worth the effort.
We are close to a half dozen white villages with typical Moorish architecture and a short drive away from the coast. Seville,
Granada and the Alhambra, Cordoba, Ronda, Antequera, El Torcal, Malaga and the Picasso museums are within a day-trip´s drive
and there are a multitude of places in between for visits to the many fiestas and ferias which take place throughout the year.
