A centre for what you want:
The Alpajurras are an ideal location for those who just want to take it easy or for those who want to be slightly more energetic. With our large swimming pool, pool side terrace and shaded olive tree areas you can relax, read a book, or just take in the stunning views, without going anywhere. Alternatively, the surrounding mountains offer plenty of designated and informal walks or the opportunity to take a car ride to the numerous mountain villages famous for their hams, woolen carpets, honey and pottery.
In winter the ski slopes of Granada offer an alternative leisure pursuit not often linked with Spain.
Other attractions worth considering are the spa at Lanjaron, the caves at Nerja, Mini-Hollywood near Almeria where some of the greatest 'spaghetti westerns' were made, and of course the vast Sierra Nevada National Park where the scenery changes with each season.
Traditional Spain:
Tapas is a standard accompaniment to an alcoholic drink from lunchtime onwards - a good tradition to be preserved and enjoyed. Whilst you cannot choose what you receive, this snack is usually of local produce and if you have a second drink the second tapas is normally different to the first. Try Tinto de Verano in the summer - a long cool refreshing mix of red wine and lemonade.
Less than an hour away is Granada, most famous for the Alhambra Palace. This fantastic complex of 14th century Moorish buildings, gardens and water features is a must to visit. Ensure you book in advance as queues for tickets on the day can be extremely long. Sensible shoes, light clothes and a bottle of water are all essential and don't forget to take your camera.
Andalucia is the home of flamenco, so ensure you see this genuine Spanish art consisting of song, dance and guitar playing.
Local amenities:
Orgiva is a small market town with several small supermarkets, various banks with cash machines (usually with English option), internet cafes and a variety of bars and restaurants. Visit the local market in the upper town on a Thursday. This is a traditional fruit, vegetable and clothing market which now attracts newer stalls offering leather goods, organic produce, hand made jewellery and other locally made goods.
The coastal town of Motril offers the closest large supermarket/hypermarket which can be reached easily from the main coast road. This is the largest commercial town on the Costa Tropical and its centre, slightly inland, has the traffic to go with it. The Motril coastal area is now being developed but is ideal for those wanting to play a quick 9 holes of golf. As the club house is right on the beach those not wishing to be energetic can enjoy this usually quiet location mainly used by the Spanish.