Creative Arts Learning Vacations in Southern Spain

Everyone is welcome even if you don’t choose to paint or cook.

Spending time exploring the grounds or relaxing with a book, your time is your own. Share the culinary delights at mealtimes, the comfortable accommodation and join us on our escorted excursions to explore some of Andalucia’s culture and heritage. For more see Activities for Non Painters or Non Cooks.

With plenty of prior notice we provide Spanish lessons at the mill for beginners or intermediate. It’s a delightful and easy language to learn and even a few phrases will add to your cultural experience.

Spanish Lessons for Beginners and Intermediate

Walking in Andalucia

Swimming

Boule/Petanque

Mountain biking

AVAILABLE NEARBY

Horse riding

Golf in Andalucia

Bird-watching

Taxis

Massage

Spanish Lessons for Beginners and Intermediate

We can arrange for Spanish conversation classes if you would like to brush up on your Spanish, or even start with the very basics. As long as we know in advance, these classes are included for non–painters or non–cooks.

Walking in Andalucia

El Molino is located in a valley filled with olive groves and a meandering quiet country road that criss-crosses the valley stream. There are many countryside walks across the rolling Andalucian countryside and these vary from 3 km to 12k. At El Molino there is a folder with maps and directions. One of the walks might take you over the hills to Los Pajaritos bar, which takes about an hour ( excluding bar time!).

Another goes down past some captivating old ruins on the way to the lake, and this takes about 2 hours. Or you might choose to take the track through the olive groves to the village of Villanueva de Tapia where you can grab a coffee and mingle with the locals in the village square. If it’s a Thursday morning then wander through the local street market. Incidentally the village is on the famous trans-Europe GR7 hiking route which starts in Athens and ends at the western tip of Spain, near Gibraltar.

There are also dramatic hikes in some local National Parks, many within 45 minutes of El Molino. Try walking in the amazing high wind-eroded limestone scenery of El Torcal, near Antequera, with it’s lunar-like landscape- about 45 minutes away. This is about 45 minutes by car or taxi from the mill.    

Swimming

In the pool, or just relax on the pool terraces. There is also swimming from a beach at the local lake, which is about 10 minutes away by car.

Boule/Petanque

This is a fun game rather like the game you see villagers in France playing where participants bowl at a target ball but on a sandy surface. We have a court at the Mill where we often arrange tournaments. No previous experience is necessary!

Beautiful – would like to go back, Lari and Mike obviously love what they do
   —R Leithal May 2009

Mountain biking

I was soooo spoiled with the wonderful food we were served. I can’t wait for Mike’s cookbook
   —D Qualls May 2009

Borrow one of the mountain bikes at the mill and follow local routes which can range from 2k to 30k and more. There are routes taking in the lake, some sheep droving paths, and some Mediterranean Holm-oak woods, and if you are feeling adventurous you can take in the scenic Sierra Nevada ride, overlooking Granada.

AVAILABLE NEARBY

Horse riding

Horse riding can be arranged at a small friendly family run Equestrian Centre nearby, about 10 minutes by car or taxi from El Molino. Here we can arrange short or long escorted rides through fabulous landscapes in superb riding country or lessons with the owner, Dorcas .The stable has more than 20 horses mainly Andalucian thoroughbreds, a marvellous selection that provide rides for all levels of ability.  www.ecuestrelasminas.com

Thank you for your wonderful hospitality in such a memorable place as El Molino. Your warmth was as amazing as your multi-tasking abilities! I hope our paths cross again.
   —A Bakewell

Golf in Andalucia

There are many beautiful golf courses in all categories along the Costa del Sol, about an hour or so away. Or why not try our local one at Antequera which has some gorgeous mountain views, and they say that the back 9 are just wonderful.  www.golfantequra.com

You two are truly an inspiration. Hospitality is wonderful, food is gorgeous, wine delicious. The atmosphere that you foster is incredibly comfortable. Obviously we shall never forget this experience
   —D and C Maxwell

Bird-watching

The hobby of ‘Twitching’ has become popular here, and from Flamingos which appear in early spring from Africa, to Bonelli’s Eagles, and so many other varieties of birds to be found around the mill. Locally Montague Harriers, hunting in pairs may be seen throughout most of the year, along with the occasional Nightingale, crested lark, wren, collared dove, Spanish sparrow and many other species.

Taxis

For those of you who would like to be more independent there are taxis available, with English drivers, who charge very reasonable rates to take you on personal excursions to some of the delights of Andalucia.

Massage

Massages are arranged at the Mill with an Ex English RN, who is a qualified massage therapist as well as a certified Reiki Master and alternative health practitioner.  Facials, manicures and pedicures are also available.