B&B in rural Andalucia
If you have read this far you will have probably realised that our Andalucian Bed and Breakfast is for relaxing in a big way, but that does not mean you have to be totally idle!
Here are a few ideas, depending on how much energy you want to expend
Walking in rural Andalucia
From just outside the house you can walk for miles, with breathtaking views in all directions.
Within half an hour you will reach the old mining villages of Los Pinos and Serena. Iron ore was mined here from the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries and some of the workings can still be seen in the hillsides around the villages.
From a spot just ten minutes from the house it is possible to look towards the coast and see Mojácar Pueblo, set high on a hill above the beach at the edge of the Sierra Cabrera, and in the other direction to see the snow-capped Sierra Nevada. Kippy will be delighted to show you his favourite walks: he sees every new guest as a possible companion!
There are several local walking groups offering the possiblity of organised walks of varying degrees of difficulty.
Golf in Eastern Andalucia
Within easy reach of our B&B are four popular courses: Valle del Este is considered by local enthusiasts to be probably the most interesting and the most challenging. The Indiana course at Desert Springs is an interesting course and the only Desert course in Europe. At Mojácar Beach is the simplest of our local courses, Marina de la Torre, and nestling in the Sierra Cabrera the 9-hole Cortijo Grande.
Almería Beaches
The best beaches in Almería are a short drive away.
The popular resort of Mojácar Playa boasts more than 15 kilometres of beach, with a couple of Blue Flag sections. During the summer months the Beach Bars (Chiringuitos) are the place: you can hire a lounger and shade and spend the whole day, just moving up to the bar for a great fish or paella lunch.
The Natural Park of the Cabo de Gata boasts some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches anywhere. The Playa de Los Muertos is said to be one of the ten best in Spain, and the delightful little village of Agua Amarga sits right on the edge of the sea, with three bars/restaurants to choose from around the bay. It is very busy in August but the rest of the year seems mainly peaceful.
In the opposite direction, Garrucha has a long sandy beach to the north of the port/marina area, known as the Marinas de Vera. Vera Playa itself is a little further along and one section is a Naturist Beach.
A bit further up the coast brings you to the lovely coves around San Juan de los Terreros - not a kiss-me-quick hat to be seen anywhere!
Eating out in Bédar
There are four local bar/restaurants, each quite different.
El Miramar is famous for its melt-in-the-mouth slow baked shoulder of lamb - the essential accompaniment being the best Patatas a lo Pobre in the area. People come from miles around to eat the lamb, sitting on the outside terrace with its stunning views down to the coast at Mojácar.
El Paso is the must-do experience. The challenge is to get Rodrigo to crack a smile. Normally he looks surly, with half a chunky cigar clamped between his lips. The tapas are good and fresh, the menu basic (salad followed by whatever is available on the 'plancha': the lamb chops are excellent and the value outstanding.
Then there is the venue we all refer to as the Corner Bar because it has had so many re-incarnations since the building was constructed only four years ago: its present persona is as an Argentinian and the steaks are great and good value.
Finally at El Campico, a short drive from Bédar, Bar la Montana has recently changed hands and everyone is talking about the truly excellent and reasonably priced food. A real treat in an unexpected location.
Looking for a Property?
We have a lot of local knowledge, not just about Bédar itself but all the nearby towns of Mojácar, Garrucha, Turre, Vera and Antas, which we are happy to share with property-hunters. When we first came to the area we stayed in B&B and found it the best way to get good information quickly. If you are researching online or in person the agent we would recommend is Olive-Houses, who have the largest selection of properties in Bédar as well as many in other areas. The owner has a deserved reputation for honesty in her dealings with both buyers an sellers and is tireless in searching out the right property for her clients.
