El Amparo

Discover historic Spain, explore its cities, golden beaches and great skiing

For those of you wishing to discover the history of southern Spain and the Moorish trails, El Amparo is the place to stay. This area is a land of frontiers, born of the intermingling of the Christian and Moorish cultures.
Alhama de Granada has an ancient history, with a past going back thousands of years. The Roman settlement of Artigi was the predecessor of the present town, which developed, due to its strategic location in Andalucia, between Granada and the Malaga coast. In the late 15th century Alhama de Granada was the key town in the defence of the Nasrid capital city during the last years of the Al-Andalus reign.
Even today it has an enviable position as so much of Andalucia is accessible within one hour: the Costa del Sol, the Sierra Nevada mountains and ski resort, and the cosmopolitan city of Granada.
This region, known as the Poniente Granadino, has much to offer visitors with many extraordinary and enlightening discoveries, all accessible for day trips.

Seville

This capital city of Andalucia is located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, some eighty kilometres from where it joins the Atlantic.
Wander through its side streets to experience the city or visit the Cathedral and the impressive Giralda tower.
The Alcazar and gardens are a breathtaking example of Moorish architecture, and although a royal palace, better embodies an eastern citadel spanning Islamic and Mudejar Art. After the reconquest in 1236, many of the moors continued to work for the Christians right up until the 15th century . The word Mudejar meaning “those who stayed behind.”

Cordoba

The great Mosque at Cordoba is one of the world’s architectural wonders, the most striking example of Islamic art in the west. The symmetry and colours of its columns and arches is stunning. What is unique in the Mezquite is the siting of a Cathedral at the centre of the Mosque, constructed after the reconquest by the Christians in 1236.
Cordoba has a very compact old quarter, easily accessible on foot for visiting flower-filled patios and narrow alleyways to discover the history of this former capital city.
The Garden of the Kings and even the Jewish synagogue are further examples of moorish design.

Antequera

Antequera is one of Spains’ unknown gems. It has a history going back some 4,500 years, including Europe’s most important megalithic complex of dolmens (burial chambers). There are over thirty churches, as well as palaces, noble houses and the Alcazaba Fortress.
On the outskirts of the city is El Torcal Nature Reserve, with a spectacular landscape of Karstic relief (structures of limestone carved by wind and rain). There are also over 110 species of fauna inhabiting this region and many of our guests have seen mountain goats, golden eagles and vultures during their visits.

Nerja

There is a spectacular drive from El Amparo to the coast where the road crosses over the divide between the provinces of Granada and Malaga.
Situated on the other side of the Axarquia mountain range is the seaside resort of Nerja. A delightful town that has not suffered the “high rise” development of other parts of the Mediterranean, whilst retaining much of its historical centre, with many coves and sandy beaches.
Just outside the town are the spectacular caves of Nerja, discovered by accident in 1959. These caves are some of the largest in Europe, measuring over 250,000 cubic metres. Due to the immense size of the chambers and galleries they often play host to concerts and flameno performances during the summer.

Guadix

Another town worth mentioning is Guadix, situated to the north east of Granada. Famous for hundreds of cave dwellings which are still inhabited today. Sometimes the only visible sign of inhabitants is the array of television aerials covering an otherwise desolate hilltop. There is also an informative museum showing the history of these dwellings and their attraction even today, being cool in summer and warm in winter.

Granada

No trip to Spain would be complete without a visit to the cosmopolitan city of Granada.
This vibrant city, which is only 30 minutes by car, is a blend of ancient and modern cultures and lies in the centre of Andalucia, the heart of Moorish Spain.
Visit the Cathedral, or meander through the Albaicin’s corridors and alleyways and your senses will have you stepped back in time. Stroll up past the old city walls and enter the Mirador de San Nicolás. A vibrant area of street performers, with the most breathtaking views across the valley, dominated by Granada’s jewel in the crown, The Alhambra Palace.
This magnificent spectacle has something for everyone, from historic buildings and artefacts from the Nasrid kingdom, to the beautiful gardens filled with flowers and running water.
Living so close to Granada we have vast knowledge of the city and the Alhambra and are pleased to help with reserving tickets for the Nasrid Palace.

Sierra Nevada

High above the Alhambra and Granada is the Sierra Nevada mountain range, rising to an altitude of 3,480 metres, the highest peak on the Iberian Peninsula. This is the largest National Park in Spain and has a wealth of walking and hiking trails, offering stunning views across the city of Granada to the north, and the Mediterranean and North Africa to the south.
During the winter months, the Sierra Nevada ski resort above Granada offers outstanding skiing for all abilities.
As El Amparo is only 70 minutes from the resort and only 25 minutes from Granada airport you can check flights, check snow conditions, and be on the slopes in less than 24 hours.

For snow conditions visit http://www.cetursa.es