The Andalucian countryside offers plenty to do...
Walking & Hiking
There are numerous walking routes in the surrounding area. They vary from short roadside rambles within walking distance of Vista del Torcal, to lengthier mountain hikes through the natural parks El Torcal and El Chorro. We are in regular contact with a local tour guide who can show you the best routes, to really make the most of your walks. He also has an extensive knowledge of the local flora & fauna as well as the history of the immediate area surrounding 'El Torcal' and Villanueva de la Concepcion. (www.villanuevaactiva.blogspot.com)
Roadside routes can be followed with the help of information boards and wooden markers, (as shown below). We offer free drop-off and collection to the parks if you do not have transport, and we are more than happy to make packed lunches for guests to take with them. We can also arrange tours of El Torcal with a local guide. 
The GR 7 is a long-distance footpath in Spain which starts in Tarifa, the southern tip of Andalucia. The route runs up through the Malaga region very close to Vista del Torcal. The path is part of the network of Senderos de Gran Recorrido, and forms the westernmost part of the European Walking Route (E4) from Spain to Greece, (see route map right).
The best seasons for walking are early spring, autumn and winter. Walkers are advised to avoid the extreme temperatures of the summer months.
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Cycling
The steep and sometimes moutainous terrain is best suited to experienced cyclists. The views of the surrounding hills are best appreciated when not whizzing by in a car! We have mountain bikes for guest use. Summer months are best avoided due to the heat.
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Golf
A 20 minute drive to Antequera takes you to Antequera Golf Course, and a 45 minute drive down to the Costa del Sol (also known as the 'Costa del Golf') presents a huge variety of lush green courses, some of the best kept and most picturesque in the world. We offer transport to and from Antequera Golf and three sets of clubs (including two sets of Callaway Big Berthas) are available for guest use, free of charge (returnable deposit taken).
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Birdwatching
From the garden we see hundreds of species of wildlife and birds throughout the year. We try to encourage them as much as possible with birdhouses, tables, water baths and seed balls. Here are a few of our favourite examples...
- Multi-coloured bee eaters sit in groups on the telegraph wires in the hot summer months
- Hoopoes strut around the lawn and dart between the fruit trees
- Woodchat shrikes perch on the garden wall looking for prey
- Little owl silhouettes are seen sitting on the wooden fence posts at dusk, against a bright pink sunset
- Griffon vultures glide above the house and surrounding hills, groups of up to 30 have been spotted!
The El Torcal natural park is an important area for birds migrating between Europe and Africa. Declared a special protection area for birds, many raptors are seen soaring above the rocks including sparrowhawks, common kestrels, peregrines, griffon vultures, Bonelli's eagles, and at night, little owls and eagle owls.
The salt lagoon at Fuente de Piedra is the ideal place to see the pink flamingo, (see Places to Visit page).
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Other popular activities in the area include...
Painting / Sketching
Photography
Rockclimbing 
Botany / Wild flowers 
Horseriding
Driving Tours