Jimera de Líbar is typical of the small Andalusian towns whose origins go back
to Moorish times: narrow, winding streets and low, whitewashed houses that seem
to adapt themselves perfectly to their environment. The area surrounding Jimera
de Líbar is well suited to trekking, with many ancient lanes and pathways
formerly used by shepherds. The surrounding countryside is among the most
beautiful in all the Ronda Mountain region, being part of the Guadiaro Valley
and the Nature Park of the Sierra de Grazalema. The name of the town derives
from the Arabic Inz Almaraz or Ximera, which means The Castle of the Woman. The
Romans were here too in their time, and left behind a roadway that used to link
Gibraltar with the town of Acinipo. Jimera has adapted itself perfectly to
changing times without losing its ancient customs and traditions, and there are
a large number of rural inns, hotels and houses, along with camping facilities
and cabins in which people can rest, far from the hustle and bustle of the big
cities. Here too one can taste the traditional cuisine of the area, admire or
purchase some of the excellent craftwork done here, or have a drink of one of
the delicious local liqueurs produced in the area. Population: Approx. 400
Residents known as: Jimeranos. The local area is full of pueblos blancos (small white villages), whitewashed in the Moorish tradition, with their narrow winding streets and each with their own character and history. There are several areas of incredible natural beauty and the two inland towns of Ronda and Antequerra are each extremely interesting in their own way. Ronda is a particular favourite with visitors with its deep gorge, ancient bullring and magnificent mansions.
One of the most spectacularly located cities in Spain, Ronda sits on a massive stone outcrop, straddling a precipitous limestone cleft. Because of its impregnable position the town was one of the last Moorish bastions. On the south side perches a classic Moorish pueblo blanco of cobbled alleys, window grilles and dazzling whitewash. Most historic sites are in this part of the town. Located in El Mercadillo, the newer town is one of the oldest bullrings in Spain.
The best way to explore this city is on foot.
'Must sees' include:
The Puente Nuevo (the new bridge) - A magnificent feat of 18th century engineering that spans the 300ft Tajo gorge and links the old and new parts of the city.
Casa del Rey Moro - According to legend, the mansion was the residence for the king of Ronda. The famous French landscapist Forestier designed the gardens. Take the 365 steps down through the to the tunnels of the mine to the river below.
Moorish Baths - Some of the best preserved on the Iberian Peninsula.
Palacio de Mondragon - atio.
Santa Maria la Mayor - to two sections, one Gothic, the other Renaissance.
Museo Lara - Over the years, the owner of this museum has brought together an extraordinary collection of eclectic exhibits.
The Bullring and Museo Taurino - The bullring, built in 1785, is one of Spain's most beautiful. Its 216ft diameter makes it the widest bullring anywhere in the world. It also houses an interesting museum.
Andalucia is where all Spain's stereotypes meet. Bullfighters, beaches, flamenco, white villages, gaudy fiestas, religious processions, tapas and sherry are all here in abundance. But each is part of a larger whole, which includes great art and architecture, nature reserves and an easy-going way of life.
The eight provinces of Andalucia (Huelva, Cadiz, Malaga, Gibraltar, Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada, Jaen and Almeria) stretch across Southern Spain.
This is the name given to the almost 300 kilometres of coastline stretching from Gibraltar in the West, to Almunecar in the East. Although officially the Costa del Sol falls within the three provinces of Cadiz, Malaga and Granada, it is that bit, stretching from Nerja to Estepona, all within the province of Málaga, which is best known. If you tire of the peace and tranquility at Jimera de Libar and yearn for a little excitement then you will find all you desire just one hour away on the Cost del Sol. Here there are shops, bars restaurants and night-life to suit even the most discerning of tastes. The beautiful beaches are long, clean and safe and most of them have excellent chiringitos (beach bars) serving wonderful Mediterranean fare. In addition the Costa del Sol has an excellent selection of world class golf courses.
The coast consists of a series of large beaches, coves half hidden amongst cliffs, sports harbours and fishing grounds. It is protected from cold north winds by the mountains and has a mild climate with scant rainfall and sea breezes. Thanks to its average 300 days of sunshine a year this results in subtropical vegetation with frequent palm-trees, cypress, oleander and hibiscus and other colourful plants. Oranges, lemons and olives grow in abundance and it is often a surprise to visitors to find streets in towns lined with fruit bearing orange trees!
Malaga, the fifth largest city in Spain is situated practically in the centre of the Costa but with the major tourist areas to the West. Like the whole of the coast Malaga has been influenced by the different cultures which have populated it. Founded by the Phoenicians in the 7th Century, it later became a Roman municipality until it was conquered by the Moors and finally reconquered by the Christians in 1487. With such a varied history it is no surprise that the City contains a wealth of interesting features including fine gardens, a magnificent Cathedral, the Alcazaba (11th century Moorish castle) and numerous museums and galleries. Malaga is also the home of the recently opened Picasso Museum.
Also within easy reach of Casa Pendle are the historic cities of Seville, Cadiz, Granada and Cordoba.
Casa Pendle is offered for sale on the web site of bi-lingual real estate agent Linda Wilson.
Click on the link for more details: