Wolves in Andalucia,Lobo Park,Antequera.

For most of us, the only place we will see a wolf, , is in a Zoo or on the TV. But here in Andalucia,near

Antequera, we have the opportunity to see a variety of different types of wolves living in semi wild conditions.

About 10 minute out of Antequera, on the A343 to Alora, we can find Lobo Park, nestled in a valley between the olive groves.

Drive in and park the car, take a short stroll up to reception centre,and you will find theres more to Lobo Park than just wolves. Horses ,mules, goats,pigs and a few more unexpected guests live here.

With your guides being able to talk 3 or more languages, everyone can understand what is going on and how the Park is progressing.

On the tour of the park your first stop is in Petting zoo. an ideal setting for children (and adults) to learn about and get close to some of the domesticated animals,that are here. See the Iberian and pot bellied pigs, be amused at the great escape artists, the goats, constantly breaking out of their enclosure and breaking into the pens of the other animals and stealing their food .And as you walk up to visit the hens, peacocks and foxes, you are aware that you are being watched from other enclosures by Dingoes and wolves that are located nearby.

Moving to the other side of the park, you will encounter different enclosures for the different types of wolves, the Canadian Timber wolf, the Alaskan Tundra wolf, the European wolf and the Iberian wolf. Each enclosure has its own viewpoint and here you will learn and see the way of the wolf pack.

Lobo park is 45 minutes from the Villa Cabreros.

Laguna de Fuente Piedra

A 10 minute drive to the east of the Villa Cabreros, is another
Nature Reserve, the Laguna de Fuente Piedra .The largest lake
in Andalucia and is probably is better known for its population
of Pink Flamingos. The shallow saline waters of this salt lake
provide much feed for the flamingos and the shear size gives
added protection from predators.The ruins of the old salt works
has provided a safe nesting area for the birds to breed.

Over the last few years, a new visitors centre has been developed
just outside the town of Fuente Piedra, on the road to Sierra de
Yeguas and new vantage points have been developed along the roads,
that run adjacent to the lake. From the Visitors Centre, new
footpaths have been created,that take you into the marshlands
that surround this part of the lake.Take a walk along these paths,
listen to the chatter of the birds and listen to the different
alarms as others warn others of your approach.

As the water recedes and the warm hot summer approaches, the
marshlands become scrubland and the dry ground now becomes
home for small lizards, rabbits and other small rodents.
Occasionally you may disturb a weasel or a stoat or see a
fox in the distance. Small birds of prey can often be seen
hovering over this wasteland.

The lake has no outlet and is fed by a number of small
rivers and by seasonal rainfall. During the summer months,
much of the water evaporates,leaving a a layer of white
crystal salt across the lake. Oasis of water are still to
be found and so are the birds.

As well as the Flamingos,other wading birds can be be found
here.Cranes and Ibises are to name just two. Various types
of ducks,such as white headed ducks and mallards can be found
here in the winter months .A large variety of other
waterbirds can be seen here through out the year.
Much of this will depend on the rains during the
previous winter.

The Visitors Centre is open from 9am to 2pm in the
mornings and 5pm to 8pm in the evening

Los Corrales,Villa Cabreros and beyond,Simply discover the Real Spain. Part 1

. One of the most lesser know tourist destinations in Europe.An off the beaten track town ,in the south east corner of the province of Sevilla,close to the border of the province of Malaga . Los Corrales has something to offer,for even the most discerning tourist. No beautiful beaches here,they are about an hour down the road on the Costa del Sol. The vibrant street life of Los Corrales,a typical Spanish town,with bars, restaurants and shops just waiting to greet you.A town where everyone will bid you," BuenosDias"as you wonder through the streets. Set in the beautiful Foothills of the Serreana de Ronda mountain range of Andalucia in Spain,surrounded by olive groves and cornfields,Where Spain is Spain and where rural traditions are not lost to changing times. Los Corrales sits in the middle of stunning countryside, within easy reach of some of Spain’s hidden treasures.An hour will take you to Sevilla,or Malaga and a little longer will take you to Cordoba and Granada .But cities are cities and is it not time you took a closer look at the towns of Osuna (Sevilla) and Antequera (Malaga) ? Two historical towns,steeped in a wealth of history and culture just waiting to be discovered. With much renovation carried out over the past number of years,the history of these towns has been given a new lease of life.

Set about exploring the depths of Sierra Sur in Sevilla province. There are many different drive routes to make the most of your time in the area. Try leaving Los Corrales and drive around white villages of Sierra Sur, taking in Algamatis,Coripe, Villanueva de San Juan,to name but a few. Discover a new world, with beautiful countryside, tranquillity and a relaxed pace of life .. Alternatively,a 30 minute drive into the province of Malaga and into one of Andelucia´s most prominent Lake Districts. Set amidst the mountains,the Embalsas de Guadalteba-Guadalhorce provide an area of outstanding natural beauty. A haven for outward bound activities,from windsurfing to paragliding,from walking to mountain climbing and much more. And while you are taking in the beauty and awe of this area ,don't forget to visit the gorge at El Chorro. Two nature reserves are within 15 minutes of the Villa Cabreros.The Laguna del Gosgue and the Laguna de Fuente de Piedra.
Tired yet? The day is not over, take a walk into the town and relax , have a drink, have a tapas, enjoy the Spanish way of life. Relax to the sounds of evening life drifting through the streets. Tomorrows another day.

Old Road to Osuna

                            

With the modernisation of                     the road infrastructure in Andalucia,many of the old roads have been lost or forgotten about. But many have survived             through lack of use and only are used by people travelling to  work on  outlying farms and in the olive groves .One such road, is the old road from Los Corrales to Osuna,in the province of Sevilla,Andalucia,the Camino de Repla or the Camino Blanco as it is sometimes called,due to the white stone used on it.

For Walking ,Hiking or Cycling,this is a paradise,and virtually traffic free . A peaceful setting as you leave Los Corrales ,on a carpet of white stone. With the sounds of the husel and busel of everyday life left behind you,the sounds of the countryside take over.A warm gentle breeze whistles through the olives,with the sound of birds singing as they fly from tree to tree.

A journey of about 20km which will take you to the old town of Osuna,via good arable 

farmland,olive groves and rugged countryside,with small hills lining your way.The road 

meanders it way,like a river seeking the sea and as you pass, the ruins of old farmhouses  talk to 

you in the wind. The shepherds guide their flocks of sheep and herds of goats through this 

wilderness of hills and olives,just grazing the day away.

Follow the Camino de Repla ,from Los Corrales to Osuna on our Google map on the Location pages on our website

Activity Holidays, Humaventura.

    

If its an activity holiday you want in Andalucia.Well look on further. In the next town to us,in Campillos,in the provice of Malaga, you will find Humaventura. 

A professionaly run organisation,specialising in outdoor 

activities from caving to horse riding and much more.

Join their groups,meet new friends,open your mind to a different world and make your dreams a reality. Discover the beauty of the surrounding area in Andalucia,walk on paths from yester years and forgotten by the people of today.Ascend the mountains and descend into caves and create an adventure as you travel through it.

As well as adventurous activities in the surrounding area, day trip excursions,weekend and 

longer activity holidays are organised by Humaventura. 

For anyone interested in outdoor activities with Humaventura,please contact them direct.

For accommodation,please contact Peter at the Villa Cabreros .

All activity photographs an the Villa Cabreros website are courtesy of Humaventura.

Laguna del Gosque,Nature Reserve.

2 Km to the east of the Villa Cabreros is the small Nature reserve,the Laguna del Gosque.

This small reserve is well secluded from the road and provides a  natural sancturary for wildlife in the area.

It is a seasonal salt water lake,that normally dries out in the hot summer months,leaving a small baronless desert in the middle of the olive groves. With the coming of the first rains in the autumn,the lake slowly springs back into life.At first,what looks like an oasis,the wading birds can be seen feeding.As the days pass and with more rain in the air ,the oasis turns into a small lake, getting larger as winter draws on. This heralds the return of the Pink Flamingos, small flocks arrive daily to feed in the saline waters. A wide variety of bird life can be seen on the shores, feeding a long the waters edge we find shovelers,red knobbed coots,malards,to name but a few.

The lake is surrounded by olive groves and cultivated land,with reeds,canes,tamarik and glasswort growing along the shores.

A picnic and brabque area has been developed about 100 meters from the lake anda small pathway will take you down to the lake.

The Luguna del Gosque is easily accessed from Martin de la Jara,about a kilometer out on the Pedrera road(A353).