Iberianature: The travel guide to Spain » Others

Environmental art in Almeria

nick — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 18:22:56 +0000

High in the Parque Natural Sierra María-Los Vélez in northern Almería a new and cultural weapon has been unveiled to combat the hearts and minds of those not convinced that urgent action needs to be taken to preserve our landscape, flora and fauna.

Cortijada Los Gázquez, in the heart of the natural park, runs a project called ‘Joya; a residency for artists working within transition culture‘. The term ‘transition’ refers to the transition from our planet’s reliance on crude oil to ecological systems. The term culture refers to a grass roots dynamic group of people who are putting the future of the planet first and are working towards a sustainable way of living.

So far the residency has attracted internationally know artists from California, New York and Canada as well as most countries within Europe. Phase two of the Joya project is called ‘Joya; tierra‘ which seeks to turn the 19 hectares of Cortijada Los Gázquez’s land into a space for land and environmental art. Simon Beckmann (developer of this project along with his wife Donna) says…

‘Unlike politics, art has the power to change the way we perceive the world we live in and Almería, at the forefront of European desertification, is unique for artists, being at once so beautiful and yet under so much environmental pressure. The artists that come to the Joya project are people who have dedicated their work to issues surrounding our environment. In these desert mountains, as elsewhere, the entropic influence of mankind can be seen in every vista and it is the perception of artists and the enduring works of their imagination that will articulate the reasons to change, the reasons to live sustainably for all our futures’.

The Joya project has been officially endorsed by the University of Granada, Faculty of Fine Arts with an official relationship between the two entities as well as validation for the creative courses run at Cortijada Los Gázquez. For more information visit their web site http://www.losgazquez.com/en/

Hotel in Benalup-Casas Viejas, Cádiz

nick — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:35:25 +0000

Hotel Utopía**** Evoking the 30’s and located among patios, gardens and terraces facing Los Alcornocales Natural Park, Utopía is a collection of small old cottages, which offers an interesting cultural and leisure experience. More information.

Rural hotel in the Sierras Subbeticas Natural Park (Córdoba)

nick — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:10:28 +0000

Hotel Zuhayra** Small rural hotel situated in Zuheros, one of the most picturesque of the “White Villages” of Andalusia. The Moors influence is reflected in the narrow streets of this village, which is right in the centre of the Sierras Subbeticas Natural Park. More information.

Small hotel in the heart of Úbeda, Jaén

nick — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:12:29 +0000

Hotel Nueve Leyendas*** Small hotel, recently opened, located right in the heart of the historical centre of übeda. The name of the hotel, Nueve Leyendas (Nine Legends), comes from nine local legends, the building dates back to the 18th century and has been carefully renovated to become a comfortable hotel 3-star hotel of contemporary, stylish design. More information.

Log cabins and camp site in Güejar Sierra, Sierra Nevada

nick — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:45:34 +0000

Cortijo Balderas*** Log cabins and camp site within beautiful and rugged landscapes as part of our unique project of sustainable development and environmental education. Established in 1992, our aim is to be completely self-sufficient and to teach our guests, children and adults, how to forget about the material world and the stress of city life and to live in harmony with the natural world. We have a restaurant, bar, staff on hand 24-hours a day, free parking and free internet access. More information.

Small hotel in the Albayzín quarter, Granada

nick — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:42:09 +0000

Hotel Carmen de Santa Ines*** Small hotel full of charm situated in the Albayzín, the historical area of Granada declared as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. The building was originally an Arab house reformed in the 16th and 17th century. It has a magnificent patio that leads to a garden full of myrtle bushes, fountains and fruit trees. Its 9 rooms are all different and are furnished with antique furniture and overlook the Alhambra or the hotel’s private garden. More information.

Apartments in the Albayzín, Granada

nick — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:08:51 +0000

Apartamentos El Que Te Dije** Charming apartments located in the World Heritage district of Albayzín and only a few minutes from the most visited monument in Europe. The apartments boast a homely atmosphere and are located in a 16th century Moorish house, protected by UNESCO. More information.

Hotel in Las Negras, Cabo de Gata

nick — Sat, 31 May 2008 18:04:13 +0000

Bitacora** Apartment hotel complex situated in the heart of Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, bordering the fishing village of Las Negras. The establishment offers 7 modern, comfortable and spacious apartments, from which you can enjoy views of the beautiful Mediterranean and the spectacular Cabo de Gata. More information.

Holiday townhouse in Mora d’Ebre

nick — Thu, 29 May 2008 15:27:43 +0000

Casa Gregory (Sleeps 6) Traditional Spanish townhouse just 600yds from the banks of the River Ebro. Two bedrooms, lounge, separate dining room, fully equipped kitchen. More information.

Hotel in Broazas

nick — Mon, 12 May 2008 18:19:49 +0000

Rio Convento De La Luz**** Tastefully converted convent dating back to the 16th century, the hotel is surrounded by breathtaking countryside in one of Extremadura’s most attractive areas. Now a carefully restored, striking 4-star hotel, this former Franciscan convent is the ideal spot for a relaxing retreat. During your stay you can visit some of the surrounding towns and villages with unique combination of history, artistic and cultural heritage and stunning natural surroundings; the centre of Brozas is just 1 km away and the station in Caceres is 40 km. Alternatively you can while the day away by the pool and come the evening enjoy quality, regional cuisine in the hotel’s restaurant, Toro de San Marcos. More information.