Rustic Properties is based Northwest of Granada, in the town of Alcalá La Real which in turn is situated in the province of Jaén. This area is probably best known for its abundance of olive trees which dominate the landscape and punctuate the horizon, interspersed by stark white-washed farms and houses. This province is the world's leading producer of olives and olive oil.


Alcalá la Real has a rich historic heritage. Its fortress known as Castillo de la Mota is the town symbol, at 1033 metres height, with its citadel and towers. Below, at the feet of La Mota, is a well preserved hamlet with a variety of shops, bars and restaurants in Alcalá la Real. There is also a large market on Tuesday between 9am - 2pm. Several primary and secondary schools can be found within the town along with dentists, a hospital and health centre. Alcalá La Real is ideally placed to visit most tourist spots, the beach being only 1.5 hours away. At the bus station in Alcalá la Real there are buses to Granada , Jaén and Cordoba where historical areas of interest can be found such as La Alhambra and Mesquite.

Jaén is the world's leading producer of olives and olive oil. The landscape of Jaén province is expansive, unspoilt and very beautiful. The small towns boast numerous magnificent Renaissance buildings - exuberant palaces, richly endowed churches and stately public squares. Just east Ubeda and Beaza lies the Sierras de Cazorla nature park, arguably one of the most beautiful nature parks in the Andalucia.

Cordoba is the Capital city of the Province. Its main attraction is the mosque. The N331 winds south to Antequera (Crossroads of Andalucia). This road passes Montilla (famed for its wine of the same name), Aguilar (visit the 8 sided Plaza de San José) and Lucena (famed for furniture making). Iznajar was transformed some years ago by the creation of a reservoir, below the promontory on which Iznajar sits in the River Genil valley. Zuheros, a village located not far south of Baena beyond Doña Mencía. The pretty village of Luque is perched on a rocky outcrop and crowned by a castle. The Subbetica of Cordoba is an area of cultural, natural and historic interest in this part of the province. Explore unspoilt villages and the mountainous terrain of the Sierras Subbeticas Natural Park.

Granada, although not nearly so well known for its coastline as its neighbouring province Malaga, has a similarly picturesque beachside. The Costa Tropical has sandy beaches and hidden coves. The town of Almuñecar has become increasingly popular with tourists. The Sierras are snow capped for much of the year and offer skiing from November until late May. During the rest of the year the Sierra Nevada nature park offers the walker endless opportunities . The desolate upper slopes of Mt. Mulhacen at an altitude of well over 3000m give the impression of being in a lunar landscape.  The Alpujarras is scored by long, sheltered valleys and occasional gorges, all good hiking territory .