Hostal Avalon

We've just returned from a short three night break to Nerja, a town just over two hours drive from Olvera, about 45kms east of Malaga on the Mediterranean coast.

We had pre-booked our accommodation at the Hostal Avalon, situated about 2kms outside of the town and what a fantastic choice it was to turn out to be.

The Hostal is very intimate with only six rooms, all with balconies and sea views.

The outside terrace offered excellent views to the east looking towards the town of Nerja.

Views above and below from the terrace.

Perfect headgear for the warm sunshine.

The house cat who constantly taunted Calcetines.

Angela, Carlos, Sara and Alex, staff at the hostal whose friendliness and smiles contributed greatly to the enjoyment of our stay.
Owners Kevin and Alix were also fantastic and we cannot speak highly enough of the delicious cuisine. From the breakfast menu to dinner, it was absolutely superb.

Not least of all David, who was so helpful with information on places to visit in the area.

Tea and scones were a treat in the afternoon.













And Calcetines came too of course.































Here, looking west on a walk along the nearby clifftops.

The Avalon is ideally situated just across the road from the beach.

We were so pleased to have found such a special place. Don't take our word for it, just read the reviews here on TripAdvisor where we'll shortly add ours.

Mix of pics

A change in the weather today after yesterday's rain, cooler now but still quite warm in direct sun.
A few pictures on a wander into town this morning, here looking up Calle Maestro Amado.

Calle Vereda Ancha.

Yes, the jumpers are out of the drawer, a sure sign of the changing season.

The Jardines de la Victoria.

Looking down Calle Cantillos.

Rain at last

Well, as forecast the first real rain we've had since April arrived overnight, along with fairly strong winds that are continuing this morning.

So what was to be a walk this morning to the bank turned into a car trip and then on to the supermarket.

Here, Avenida Julian Besteiro.

A few pictures from our terrace when we returned home, looking out over the nearby mountains at the passing rainclouds. Good news for the farmers though who desperately need the rain to fatten the olives before harvesting.

Late tourists

Walking home from the library this morning, it was unusual to see a Japanese tour group heading up the steps towards the Church and castle.

Could it be that word of Olvera as a tourist destination is spreading??.

There is a report here that NHK, a major Japanese TV station, have also recently been filming along the Via Verde as part of a series on Andalusian horses.

Calcetines y amigos

A walk out this afternoon and a chance for Calcetines to catch up on the news and gossip with her friends along the way.

Here, with her brother "Hermano", catching up on family business.

Near to the library, a chat with "Lolo"......."and did you hear about what happened then?. Oooh, it doesn't bear thinking about".






Finally "Coco", her three legged friend from the Bar Copacabana came up for a chat.

Another lovely day today, a nice warm 29°C but temperatures are definitely falling quickly as evening sets in.

Here and below, looking north towards the pueblo of Pruna.

Los veterinarios y las vistas

Vets and views this morning. We drove the short distance to the nearby pueblo of Algodonales to renew Calcetines's bi-monthly flea protection treatment at the veterinary practice there.
A lovely morning, some cloud around but temperatures still pleasant at about 26°C.

After our short visit to the vets, we sat for a coffee in the busy plaza nearby.

These pigeons were enjoying a bath in the water at the base of a tree across the road.

Looking up to the peak of the Sierra de Lijar that dominates the town, a popular jump off point for the many hang and para gliding enthusiasts that come to this area.







Driving home on the A-384, we stopped off at the km65 marker to take in what I think is one of the best views of Olvera.