Painting holiday

Spain • Andalucia • Alpujarras Natural Park

Pueblos and pomegranates
The special light, majestic vistas and unique architecture have long attracted painters. A subject beckons at every turn and, whether visiting in spring or autumn, you won't fail to be inspired by the range of colours and textures on show. Here are some of the prettiest, most secret and unspoilt villages in Andalucía.

Some of our days

Arrival day

Leaving Málaga we arrive in Mecina in time to explore this pretty village before a reviving dinner.

Mecinilla Mementoes

A short walk from the hotel this tranquil hamlet offers all the subjects, shade and comforts you need for an introductory day, including tapas lunch at Angel’s Bar Aljibe.

Ancient Atalbeitar

Here, where time has stood still, light and shade await you beside the spring and labyrinth of alleyways. If you choose, you can be guided back to the hotel in a 40-minute stroll on downhill track and road via Ferreirola.

In and around Ferreirola

From the spring and wash house to the village outskirts this jigsaw of light and shade is a painter's joy. Another chance to walk back to the hotel.

Free day

This is an untutored day on which guests may travel to visit Granada with its Alhambra Palace and Gardens and Moorish history. Booking the Alhambra Palace in advance is essential.

High Bubión

Below stepped streets the village square with church, fountain and café typifies the Moorish scene.Vistas unfold past terraced gardens and irrigating aquecias, flat house roofs with their curiously capped chimneys up to the grandeur of Mulhacen and the high sierras.

Trevélez beside the stream

By a ruined mill we paint and picnic as meltwater cascades through shaded woods of poplars whose colours change with the seasons. In this pastoral calm, cattle come to drink with their herdsmen. A chance to shop for local goods at the end of the day.

Departure day

We depart for Málaga airport after an early breakfast.