Take part in real rural life of Andalucia and discover the places, the people, the food and drink of this wonderful region of Europe.
Alcala de los Gazules, our closest town, is on the edge of The Alcornocales National Park and the area is simply beautiful with undulating, pastoral and wooded scenery interspersed with white villages (pueblos blancos) perched on hill tops.
La Joya is nestled beneath a rise of pomegranate, apricot, orange, pear, lemon, olive and almond trees. Natural springs irrigate the house and the fresh salt water pool. The valley spreads in front and the beautiful Andalucian light transforms the vista from morning into evening magic which you can enjoy while having a relaxing evening drink on the terrace.
Aerial Footage of La Joya
Campo Abierto -The Domecq Horse show
A 20 minute drive and is open Wednesday and Saturday 11.30 to 1pm (no booking required) where the magnificent regional black fighting bulls and the skills of the “dancing” horse of the region are shown off outdoors.
Jerez Horse Fair
Jerez hosts its week long Horse Fair which has been declared of International Touristic interest. There are over 200 "casetas" full of Jerezanos and visitors alike, wearing the traditional short-jacket suits and flamenco dresses, whilst dancing, drinking sherry and eating tapas.
Also in Jerez marvel at the famous Andalucian dressage horses at the Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art. The regular horse shows held in the historic indoor arena are indescribably beautiful.
Montenmedio
Montenmedio Golf Club (1 hour drive) is a stunningly attractive natural course wrapped around a smart hacienda-style clubhouse. There's a modern art gallery too and in the spring, the Riding Centre hosts world class show jumping and dressage.
Riding Lessons
Lucía and Sebastían are our French neighbours near to the Venta La Liebre and offer riding lessons at their school http://www.caballoselalamo.com
La Joya is a 22 acre former fruit and vegetable farm watered by it’s natural springs. We would like you to eat and drink exceptionally well, with local ingredients accompanied by delicious Spanish wines. Local specialities include scrambled eggs with wild asparagus and various game dishes. Finish off with 'piñonate' (a sweetmeat of almonds and pine seeds) or the exquisite 'pestinos de almendras' (almond pancakes).
Its temperate, almost sub-tropical climate makes Andalucía Spain's kitchen garden, producing an appetising variety of fruit, vegetables, herbs and olive oil. Vejer, a 45 minute drive, is fast becoming the gourmet capital of Andalucia. You can sample everything here from traditional tapas to contemporary middle-eastern cuisine. We recommend Jardin El Califa, Café Trafalgar, Garimba Sur and Corredera 55.
On the coast tuna is offered in any one of over 1000 different recipes while the 'caldillo de perro' (fish soup) is always delicious. Meals can be complemented by a smooth glass of 'manzanilla' from Sanlucar de Barrameda, perhaps a sherry from Jerez or El Puerto de Santa Maria, or a glass of local wine from Chiclana de la Frontera. The light, white 'Tierra Blanca' is a perfect lunchtime accompaniment.
