Upon Arrival

Water

Nearby waterfalls Tajos Cortes, within walking distance from the cortijos

Our house water comes from an old source four km up the mountains. It used to come through an acequia (irrigation channel) but due to high demands of water, it is now brought in an underground pipe to the underground reservoir. For drinking, you may drink the water from the tap which is from melted snow water from Mulhacen, however, in order to avoid any stomach problems, either use water tablets, boil it or alternatively take empty bottles (available in both houses) and fill them up with water from the water fountains that exist in all the villages or on the side of the road. We normally use the one just outside Busquistar. In the cortijos there is no shortage of water, use what you need, but if possible, try to keep usage to a minimum. The driest months are May to October and the hottest, July and August.

Also close by on the way to Busquistar you will find the spring on your right. Try the water…it comes as fizzy water. This is a tourist attraction and the story has it that if you want to get pregnant and you can’t, then try this water. It has a very high percentage of minerals.

Gas

The water is heated by gas in Walnut. However if you are in Almond it is heated by gas, solar energy and, in the winter by a boiler powered by olive stones which is located in the building behind the cortijo. Normally, the gas bottles should be full, next to each gas heater. However, in case the gas bottles run out, there are spare full gas bottles next to the bathroom. To change the gas bottles, switch the little knob on the top of the regulator to the off position, put both hands around the regulator plate and pull it up until it clicks. Now you can remove the regulator. To connect, do the reverse. No adjustment to the bottles is required to heat the water.

Please switch off gas before departure (Black switch).

Wood for the fire

We will supply you with sufficient wood. You can always chop your own wood or you can buy firewood anywhere, especially in Busquistar.

Food

Almost all the villages offer mini supermarkets (supermercado), bakery, butcher and of course Trevelez is the biggest centre for curing ham and making sausages. If you need a very big supermarket then Motril or Granada are the nearest places.

If you are around during October and November do help yourselves to chestnuts, almonds and walnuts. We normally cultivate a small amount of vegetables around each cortijo do also help yourself. You will also find pears and wild black mulberries. Everything is for sharing and when it comes to food, it is a present from mother earth for all of us.

There is a far more detailed manual upon arrival in each cortijo.

Do remember that everything (except restaurants) closes 2 – 5 pm.

Doctors

All the villages have doctors. In Pitres there is an excellent clinic with 24 hour service. All treatments for Europeans is free. Do make sure you carry your EEC medical form obtained from post offices in the UK prior to your departure.

Guest Book

If we have the pleasure of having you at our cortijos, your comments on our website or the book left at the cottages are always most welcome.

We would love to see you again and again and carry on improving our services.

Have a pleasant stay!

The Fini family