RIOGORDO
The village is a traditional "pueblo blanco" and nestles into the side of the stunning mountains of Andalucia, in the area known as the Axarquia. It is situated just a thirty five minute drive from Malaga airport and the beach resort of Torre del mar. With a population of three thousand the village is well served by numerous restaurants, bars and supermarkets. It also has a public swimming pool. The main town is set around a picturesque square with the town hall taking centre stage. It is a very traditional spainish village. In the morning all the men gather round in the square to chat while there wives can be found furiously washing down the front door steps and pavements out side their part tiled houses. It often feels as though you have traveled back in time to a place where the pace is much slower and farmers still work the land with mules . The only trafic jams you are likely to encounter here are those caused by the local goat herder on his way home! Modern technology has landed here though in the form of an internet cafe in the village so you can stay in touch with friends back home.
Fiestas are a big part of life in Spain, There are over 3,000 a year held in the region of Andalucia alone. Below is a list of dates for the fiestas held in Riogordo during 2008. For more upto date information go to www.riogordo.es. (The site is in Spanish)
Local Fiestas
February - Carnival
Easter - Paso de Riogordo (2 day play about the passion of christ with a huge cast of local villagers)
27 - 29 May - Feria del Ganado ( feria of the farmers. Sunday is the parade of the local horses.
May - Dia del Caracol (snail day, a chance to consume the local specialality!)
14 - 18 August Fiesta Partronales (The main fiesta for the village including 'christmas lights' and all night partying!)
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT
TORRE DEL MAR and the other coastal resorts are a 35 minute drive away.
ANTEQUERA ia a dutling agricultural town and is a 40 minute drive away. It has many historical sites to visit. You can also visit the LOBO PARK home to several packs of wolves and hear them howl!
EL TORCAL national park is just south of Antequera and contains the most amazing natural lime stone rock formations. watch out for the Eagles as well!
FUENTE DE PIEDRA a natural salt water lake 20 kilometers north of Antequera and a breeding ground for the greater flamingo.
MALAGA. Visit the city to shop or take in the museams. Picasso was born here and there is a museam containg his work. If you want a break from driving why not catch a bus from the village for a few euros and save yourself the hassles of driving in heavy traffic.
GRANADA an hours drive and another major city to explore. Dont miss the Alambra palace. During the winter months you can even go skiing here!
CAVES. There are 2 sets of caves on the coast. One is near Rincon Victoria and the other at Nerja. The lateer contains the worlds biggest stalagtite at 32 meters long. They both also have prehistoric cave paintings but these may not be on view,
Also available localy is horse riding, quad biking tours and paint balling.