LA ALPUJARRA - PLACES TO STAY

Top: Los Piedaos. Middle: Cortijo Opazo. Bottom: Hotel Los Bérchules

You've read reviews about places to stay by people who have stayed there.

Well now read about three where I have never stayed.

But, if I were you, I would.

I love La Alpujarra. I doubt I could live up there all year long. Winters are too cold for me down below in the warmer Lecrín Valley, so it is unlikely i could survive a cold one up in the mountain villages that form La Alpujarra.

The first time i went there, in a December, I left the coast in 17 degree sunshine and arrived in Capiliera with the temperature at just 3 celsius and surrounded by sleet.

I spent a few days trying, and failing, to get a log fire going. I was heard to utter the words: "I can do this on a hill in Yorkshire. I didn't come to Spain to spend days starting a fire."

We moved on. Hence how I come to live in the ever so pretty, but milder, Lecrín Valley.

That was some years ago. Since that time I have fallen in love with so very many locations in the La Alpujarra mountains. Too many to mention here. I have still probably only seen 30% of the area as a whole. One day I will get to see more and, perhaps, one day I will get to stay at some of the well run places I know exist in the vicinity.

Here are three to choose from in very different locations.

Each day I see a bus at the end of my road. It has as its final destination Bérchules. I've never been there. I must get on that bus one day and enjoy the long journey. Should I make it I would have to stay overnight. There is only so much time I can spend on a bus, even the very comfortable Spanish kind.

I'm told I should stay here http://bit.ly/hX9FNs

True, Everton fans run the place and Everton beat my football team in the 1966 FA Cup Final. But, like the Murphy's, I'm not bitter. It is time i forgave the club nicknamed 'The Toffees' for ensuring the Owls came unstuck all those years ago.

If you do get there before me, please report back.

Near the ever so pleasant town of Pitres is the wonderful garden, and raved about accommodation, run by Robert and William at Cortijo Opazo http://bit.ly/8NpuNO

The gardens are gorgeous. Hard work has paid dividends there. Likewise with the meticulous way they look after their guests. Don't take my word for it.

You only have to meet those who have stayed there, as I have done. Or read the comments on the website and blog. The blog is written by a resident, Oskar the dog. He's biased of course, and he does what his owners tell him - sometimes. But he is a witty writer and he knows his onions. Indeed he has probably planted some.

In every sense Cortijo Opazo is a breath of fresh air.

I know people living in the province of Granada who have never been to La Alpujarra due to their fear of heights. Boy! - are they missing out.

My third selection doesn't require you to go as high above sea level as the first two. It is located close to the town of Orgiva. Not that you would know it when you stayed in the delightful grounds of Los Piedaos http://bit.ly/6sBdIM

Its location means it is that bit closer to the coast and the great city of Granada. Though, frankly, when you get here there seems no reason to leave.

The place is run by an excellent writer and her hubby, who thinks of himself as a bit of a cook and a rather good photographer. In my experience, he is brilliant at both.

They run cooking courses there. Or you can learn more about photography while staying in the distinctive accommodation, including the Honeymoon cottage. Though I doubt people staying in that room are interested in exposing anything other than themselves!

Take your pick. Or, even better, experience La Alpujarra by doing a road trip and staying at all three.

They are all good places to stay. Take it from one who has never stayed at any of them!