Hotel Huerta de las Palomas
Priego de Córdoba
This fine hotel is situated at three kilometres from the lovely historic town of Priego de Córdoba. As soon as you drive into the courtyard, you will immediately behold its Andalusian village style. The hospitable Scottish owner will be waiting to take you to 1 of the hotel’s 34 rooms, which are all very tidy. The great hall is impressive and attractive, and also houses a cosy bar and a restaurant that has a very good reputation (with an actual well!).
You can go for a dip in the large swimming pool at any time of year, because it is heated and covered, and there is also an inviting Jacuzzi. A great place to relax after exploring the area. The hotel is close to the Parque Natural de la Sierra Subbética, where you can go hiking, cycling on rented mountain bikes or go for a trek in a 4x4. It is also a great area to tour around in your own car. This is the prime olive-growing area in Spain, so be sure to get your hands on some olive oil whilst you are there! Know nothing about olive oil? No problem, the hotel organises tasting sessions.
The hotel is very spaciously laid out, so you can let the children run free.
Cons:
• None
Pros:
• Spacious layout
• Closed grounds, ideal for children
• Swimming pool is covered and heated in the winter months
Hotel Huerta de las Palomas
facilities
Hotel
- There is a restaurant where you can have lunch or dinner, offering a la carte meals for around €35 pp.
- Bar.
- Swimming pool (covered and heated in the winter months).
- Garden.
- Gym.
- Internet connection in every room.
- Children are welcome.
- One room with wheelchair access.
- Lift.
- Pets are not welcome.
- The hotel offers a range of different excursions/activities.
- Hotel has its own parking facilities (free of charge).
- Hotel is located at 3 km from Priego de Córdoba.
Rooms
Every room has air conditioning, heating, TV, internet connection, mini-bar and a safe.
Fully-equipped large bathrooms with hairdryer.
Hotel has a total of 32 rooms, including 15 double rooms, 15 superior double rooms and 2 suites.
Hotel Huerta de las Palomas
surrounding area
Priego de Córdoba
This town is famous for its baroque architecture. Priego’s golden age was the 18th century, when the silk industry flourished. This age saw the building of many fine houses, and huge spending on magnificent baroque architecture, especially in churches. Highlights are the medieval quarter Barrio de la Villa, the baroque churches Iglesia de la Asunción and Iglesia de la Aurora, as well as the king’s fountain, Fuente del Rey, consisting of 3 ponds, 139 water sprayers and impressive sculptures.
Active
Cycling and walking opportunities in the surrounding Sierras.
Culinary
The Córdoba province is a major olive oil producing area in Andalucía. Baena (see below) produces one of the best olive oils. There are also a range of co-ops where you can taste olive oil.
Typical Córdoba dishes are rabo de toro (stewed oxtail in red pepper sauce) and salmorejo (a kind of gazpacho).
And in the bodegas of Montilla you can taste Montilla’s typical white wine.
Nature
In Zuheros (26km; 35min) you can explore the recently discovered caves of Cuevas de Murciélagos which contain Andalucía’s most important collection of cave paintings.
Walking, cycling and tours by car through surrounding Sierras.
Touring the vast olive groves in the area by car, for example, following part of the caliph’s route between Córdoba and Granada, which passes Priego de Córdoba, along the old border of the caliphate of the Umayyads. Various Moorish fortresses are reminders of those days. This route unfortunately also follows the busy main road between Granada and Córdoba. The most beautiful landscapes can be found along the stretch between Pinos Puente and Alcalá la Real.
The following villages/towns in the area are definitely worth a visit:
Alcalá la Real (28km; 30min):
Nestled on the La Mota hilltop you will find the remnants of the Moorish castle Castillo de la Mota, dating back to the 14th century. The ruins of the town’s largest church are also nearby. This spot also offers great views of the area and the old town. Other sights here are the renaissance palace Palacio Abacial and the Fuente de Carlos V fountain on the square.
Baena (33km; 40min):
Baena olive oil’s fine reputation dates back to Roman times. You can visit an olive museum here. The Iglesia Santa María la Mayor towers above this whitewashed village. On the Plaza de la Constitución, next to the town hall, stands the stately Casa del Monta, an 18th-century townhouse.
Lucena (33km; 45min):
Lucena is famous for its fine ceramics. It also has some successful furniture makers and copper workshops.
Sights include the churches Iglesia de Santiago (baroque tower) and Iglesia de San Mateo and the Torre del Moral (the only remaining part of a Moorish castle).
Montilla (52km; 55min):
Montilla is the centre of a rich wine area, which is still being overshadowed by sherry from Jerez de la Frontera.
Montilla’s white wine is made in the same way as sherry, and it even tastes alike, but this wine does not require additional alcohol. The bodegas of Alvear and Pérez Barquero are open to the public.
Other sights include the 18th-century castle and the Convento de Santa Clara from 1512.
And you can, of course, head for one of these world famous cities for a day trip:
Granada (85km; 1h30min):
The Alhambra was the part of town where princes, nobility and court staff dwelled, on the hill right in the middle of Granada. The Alhambra is a huge complex, 720m in length and 220m wide. Clever use of space, light, water and decorative features are the Alhambra’s defining features.
On the hill opposite the Alhambra, the Albayzín quarter, is where Granada’s Moorish past is still most tangible. Stroll through its narrow streets, past villas with Moorish decoration and gardens, up to the Mirador de San Nicolás. This is where you will have the best views, of the roofs of Granada, with the Alhambra behind them, which makes for a stunning view, especially at sunset!
Córdoba (95km; 1h40min):
Visit the Mezquita, Córdoba's huge mosque, which has seen various different developments throughout the years to become a fascinating blend of styles and religions. And you can also go for a stroll through the districts of San Lorenzo, Judería and San Basilio, where you will encounter the most beautiful Moorish patios. Other sights include the palace/fortress Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos with magnificent gardens and fountains; various museums, such as the Museo Arqueológico, Museo Taurino, Museo de Bellas Artes; a string of great squares, such as the Plaza de la Corredera, Plaza del Potro.
Seville (190km; 2h35min):
The capital of Andalucía is a compact city with a rich past. Most of its major sights are in or near the city centre on the Guadalquivir river’s left bank. And they also know how to party and have a good time in this city of flamenco and tapas.
As you wander through the old Jewish quarter, the Barrio Santa Cruz, through a maze of white streets and patios, you should not forget to take in the imposing cathedral, the Moorish bell tower, La Giralda, and the royal palace Real Alcázar.
You can unwind in the María Luisa park, where you can spend the hottest part of the day under orange trees and palm trees.
The museum Museo de Bellas Artes, one of Spain’s best museums of art, is a real must. And then there are its magnificent palaces and other sights, such as the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza (bull ring); Casa de Pilatos and the Torre del Oro.