Today we drove out to Zahara de la Sierra, one of the most beautiful white villages (pueblos blancos) in western Andalucia, where we started our bike ride to Prado del Rey. The road we ride undulates through rolling farmland with breathtaking views of the Sierra de Lijar above Algodonales, and of the Sierra de Margarita up towards Las Palomas and the Garganta Verde. The road is lined with fields of vibrant yellow sunflowers giving a colourful contrast against the fluffy white clouds and blue sky, the sun is shining and there is a cooling breeze as we meander effortlessly towards Prado del Rey.

We stop briefly in Prado del Rey to refill our water bottles and have coffee, toast rubbed with garlic and topped off with locally produced olive oil, sliced tomatoes and a sprinkling of salt. Feeling revitalised for our return trip we head off back to Zahara where the plan is to have lunch.

Zahara is a hilltop white village in the Grazalema Natural Park and is overlooked by its famous Moorish castle from the top of which you can see Olvera, the Sierra de Lijar, Lagarin over El Gastor and stunning views of the turquoise blue lake. Sarah and Bhavesh, who are on their 3rd trip with the Andalucian Cycling Experience in 3 years, have requested that one of their rides finishes in Zahara so that they can have lunch at their favourite local restaurant, restaurant Al Lago.

As we near Zahara de la Sierra the riding speed increases ever so slightly as the much anticipated lunch stop draws closer and closer. Bhavesh has already decided what he is having for his main course before we have even got off the bikes and sat down.

1pm and the three of us are sat outside restaurant Al Lago on a shaded terrace, looking over the lake, enjoying a refreshing cold cerveza (or two). Mona and Stefan come over for a chat before taking our order, a plate of mixed tapas of anchovies, artichoke hearts, olives and garlic potato salad followed by Classic Andalucian chilled tomato soup (Gazpacho), Crispy vegetable pakoras with mint chutney and Paella.

Feeling thoroughly full we decide to drive back to Montecorto in the, ever welcome, support van for a well earned afternoon of rest and relaxation by the pool.

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Name

Email

Website

Comment

smaller | bigger

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment