Stunning Cave Home available for holiday let  "Cuevas Cantona"

• Walking and hiking locally or in the mountains of the natural parks
• Cycling or mountain biking
• Fishing in the local lakes and rivers
• Swimming in Lake Negratin
• Bird watching
• Water-sports on the Lake
• Star-gazing from your own private terrace
• Painting the amazing local landscapes
• Photography
• Paragliding and Hand-gliding from Mount Jabalcón
• Skiing at the Sierra Nevada
• Horse-riding
• Visit the Alhambra palace in Granada
• Enjoying local fiestas and delicious tapas
• Unwinding in the local thermal baths
• Soak up the slower pace of life in this part of Spain and just relax
• Cooling off in the cave swimming pool

Freila is a charming white washed Andalucían village in the Granada province of Spain, 106 km from the regional capital Granada. The village is 804 mts above sea level and has panoramic views over the stunning Lake Negratin. Just over 1000 of us live in the village, with the majority of the old part of the village made up of Troglodyte cave dwellings. There is a fabulous mirador (viewing point) from the 16th Century church square. From here there is a panoramic view of the surrounding lunar landscape and Lake Negratin. In the old part of the village there is a tower and remains of a Moorish fortress, which can be seen from each of our cave terraces. At night the tower is illuminated and adds a wonderful backdrop to evenings relaxing out on the terrace.

Cuevas Cantona is situated on the edge of the old part of the village, and all local amenities are within easy walking distance. There are two small supermarkets, a butchers, bakers, fishmongers, post office, bank and pharmacy in the village. There is a good restaurant and several bars in the village. Just minutes away there are three excellent restaurants all of which have wonderful views over the lake. Tapas with drinks in this area is the norm and generally delicious.

The cave is in the perfect position on the edge of the village to enjoy walks through the surrounding countryside. You can stroll along the old river bed through the canyon lined olive and almond groves or walk higher and enjoy panoramic views of the village and Lake Negratin.

Stunning Lake Negratin is just 5 minutes away by car. There are lakeside beaches to relax on and the lake is fantastic to swim in. Fishing is popular on the lake and licences can be organised locally. Various water sport activities are available at the lake during the summer. There are three great restaurants over looking the lake providing the perfect setting for a relaxing meal and a few glasses of your favourite tipple.

The thermal baths at Zújar are well known for their therapeutic and healing properties. The water maintains an average temperature of 39 degrees centigrade. The baths sit on the hillside of Jabalcón overlooking Lake Negratin, providing a unique experience for your peace and well being. The baths open at 9am and close at sunset offering the perfect start or finish to every day. Restaurant "Los Baños" is on site offering local specialities and is well worth a visit. This is a must any time of the year, especially as it is only 15 minutes away by car.

Mount Jabalcón lies on the shores of Negratin, overlooking our neighbouring town of Zújar. The summit of Jabalcón is 1492 metres above sea level and houses the church of the "Virgen de la Cabeza" who is the patron saint of Zújar. You can drive or walk to the summit and it is well worth the visit as the views over of the Sierra Nevada, Sierra Cazorla and the Sierra de Baza are stunning. There is also a picnic and barbeque area near the summit. Jabalcón is also really popular for hand-gliding and para-gliding. Jabalcón has even hosted the Spanish hand-gliding championships.

This is the nearest of the natural parks and is only 15 minutes away by car. There are seven sign-posted walks within the park and it is not unusual to see one of the many species of birds of prey recorded in the park such as golden eagles, egyptian vultures, pereguines, kestrels and eagle owls. The network of paths takes you through pine clad slopes and over jagged limestone peaks lined with fragrant thyme, majoram, lavender and rosemary. There is a picnic and barbeque area amongst the pines. Other wildlife to be spotted in the park are wild boar, roe deer, badgers and foxes. The park can be fully explored on foot, bicycle or by car.

Just north of the pretty village of Castril is the Sierra Castril Natural Park. The park has a dramatic landscape of gorges, vertical cliffs, underground caves, numerous springs and waterfalls. There are 9 sign-posted walks within the park. Each varies in difficulty and takes between 45 minutes and 8 hours depending on which one you choose. Once again this stunning park can be explored on foot, cycle or car. The drive into the park to "walk" starting points offers breathtaking views of the Rio de Castril and Lake Portillo. Within Castril there is a lovely recreation area, with picnic, play area and swimming pool. From here you can do the stunning gorge walk along the Rio Castril. The scenery during the drive from Freila to Castril is wonderful and it's well worth stopping for refreshments at the road side restaurant overlooking Lake Bolera.

Sierra de Carzola, Segura y las Villas Natural Park is Spain's largest protected area and covers one fifth of Jaén province. This area was designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1983 and a natural park in 1989. This areas botanical importance is only matched by the Sierra Nevada. The southern tip of the park is only 30 minutes away from Freila. The main gateway to the park is Carzola Town which is about 1 ½ hours away. Carzola is well worth a visit and the majority of the drive there is inside the park and consequently very scenic. The Cueva de Agua (water caves) in Tiscar and the town of Quesada on the way to Carzola are well worth a stop off. The park boasts an abundance of flora and fauna, including over one hundred varieties of butterflies. There also a wealth of activities available in the park including: hiking, horse treks, mountain biking, 4 wheel drive tours, canoeing, fishing, para-gliding, mountain climbing and caving.

Sierra Nevada is one of only two National parks in Andalucía. The Sierra Nevada is the second highest mountain range in Europe after the Alps. The highest peak is Mulahcén at 3482 metres and on a clear day this can be seen from Africa. Within in the park is Europe's most southerly ski resort which means you can be on the slopes in the morning and sun bathing at the coast in the afternoon. The ski season is from December until April. The ski station is well worth a visit whether you can ski or not as there are plenty of activities for non skiers including ice skating, inner tubing, tobogganing, dog sledding and cable car rides. You can easily be in the park within an hour of leaving Freila and the ski station is a further half an hour. As you would expect there are many excellent sign-posted walks throughout the park. Horse riding, cycling, para-gliding and numerous outdoor adventure sports are available within the park also. Consequently, Sierra Nevada is a must whatever time of the year you visit.

Granada City is less than an hour from us, so it is an absolute must during your stay. Granada is a vibrant and colourful city with a young population. The nightlife is probably the best and hippest in Andalucía and is one of the few cities to maintain the generous tradition of free tapas with every drink. Granada is crowned by two Jewels - the Alhambra and the Albaicín district. The Alhambra is a stunning medieval Moorish palace and is the most visited monument in Spain. Tickets must be booked in advance and this is easily done on line at www.alhambratickets.com or we can organise during your stay. The ancient Moorish quarter known as Albaicín is another important marker of the Moorish influence on Granada. Sacromante the heart of the gypsy quarter and Granada's fine renaissance Cathedral are also a must during your visit to the city