Green Escapes In Andalucia

DOTTED around Andalucía are some charming hotels designed with sustainability in mind. If you are concerned about the environment, are conscious of your carbon footprint and want to be an all round greener holiday guest, then here, the Green Guide reveals some of the top ecofriendly options right on your doorstep…

Casa Verde Sur

This family run guest house is the perfect location for exploring the Sierra Nevada. Famed for its springtime almond blossoms, the valley offers paragliding, horse riding and quad biking and is well placed for visiting Granada.

Cortijo Nispero

Situated in the heart of the Sierra de los Filabres in the Almanzora Valley, this B&B sits in the tiny hamlet, Los Patrocinios. Surrounded by olive and almond groves, the 200-yearold farmhouse has been restored, keeping many of the original features intact. The owners use wood burning stoves and solar hot water as well as ingredients from their organic vegetable garden in the evening meals.

Cortijo Balzain

Set in a rustic 17th century farmhouse, the Cortijo Balzain is ideal for eco-friendly tourists. The estate, which lies within the Sierra Nevada Nature Reserve near Granada, boasts nine carefully restored timber and stone cottages, while the restaurant is supplied by local farmers.

Cortijo El Saltador

A large, traditional farmhouse, this is a great base for activity holidays such as hiking and rock climbing. The house uses its own well for water, and electricity is supplied by a large solar panel system. El Saltador offers great views from its sheltered spot in the foothills of the Sierra Alhamilla.

Casas Karen

The greenest hotel on the Costa de la Luz, Casas Karen is situated in the stunning Los Caños de Meca just minutes away from unspoilt beaches, pine forests and the Trafalgar lighthouse. All waste from its 11 cottages and straw huts is composted and water is drawn from a well. Massages and yoga can be arranged, or guests can simply relax in a Mexican hammock.

Al Lago

This charming rural hotel overlooks an azure lake below Zahara de la Sierra in the Sierra de Grazalema nature reserve. Boasting its own organic finca, head chef and owner Stefan uses mostly, fresh ecological produce in his cooking.

Hoopoe Yurt Hotel

Often touted as one of the ‘best retreats in the world’, it is not hard to see why. Hidden in a cork and olive grove, the secluded, zero-carbon Mongolian-style yurts are solar powered and equipped with composting loos. A holiday in one of the yurts lets you return to nature without having to forgo your usual vacation luxuries. The restaurant serves delicious food, much of which comes from an adjoining garden.

Casa Olea

Combining luxury with a desire to be green, Casa Olea lies in the heart of Cordoba’s famous olive belt. The hotel even uses olive pips to fuel the state-of-the-art sustainable boiler. It uses solar panels for all hot water, only employs staff from the nearby villages and the restaurant serves locally grown organic produce.

Casa Amelia

Their motto ‘take a break but leave no footprint’ perfectly sums up this ecological guest house. Situated in the stunning Lecrín Valley near Granada, Casa Amelia is a rural farmhouse with a strong emphasis on Permaculture offering home-cooked meals using fresh ingredients from the farm.

Hotel Chancilleria

An eco-friendly hotel located in the heart of Jerez, it successfully combines traditional and contemporary style. The renovated 19th century houses are designed to be cool in summer with a lounge and garden restaurant for al fresco suppers. Four rooms are fully adapted for disabled guests.

Freedom of the road

Why not try something a little different and rent a ‘Flamenco Camper’ and hit the Andalucian roads for a true adventure.