Based at the atmospheric Casa de Luz, restored from the original bodega (winery) in the small market town of Pitres, this is a week to enjoy being out and about in the Alpujarra without the challenge of too many steep mountainsides to negotiate on foot. As well as picnic excursions in beautiful mountainous locations with short walks, and a visit to Granada, the programme for the week includes exploring the white villages of the Alpujarra, a visit to local herbal expert and author Julio Donat and a walk through the coastal nature reserve at Cantarijjan near the historic town of Almuñecar.

This hospitable guest house is situated in Ferreirola, a tiny, forgotten hamlet, surely one of the prettiest white villages in all of Andalucia. Walking in the countryside about is a delight, with its network of old paths, ancient irrigation systems and small scale agriculture (man and mule!). This is one of the villages of La Taha, once a thriving Moorish municipality and one of the final redoubts in the time of the last muslim king of Granada, Boabdil. During the time of the Moors it lay on the silk route that wound through the mountains from Granada to the coast, but now it lies almost forgotten, nestling on the side of the Trevelez river valley and protected by a ring of mountains.

The atmospheric Casa de Luz, in the small market town of Pitres is ideally located for a long weekend break or a full week's itinerary of moderately-paced walks. Also available is a visit to local herbal expert and author Julio Donat and a seaside picnic or meal on the beach with a walk through the coastal nature reserve at Cantarijan near the historic town of Almuñecar.

Spain still has a strong tradition of herbal medicine. Up until the late 20th Century every Alpujarra village had its curandera or curandero (healer) specialising in such things as bone-setting, or skin complaints. In our local market the herb and spice stall is still one of the larger ones, with sacks containing a fascinating variety of leaves, seeds, curls of bark and powders, culinary and medicinal, reminiscent of the apothecaries in Moroccan souks today and a reminder of the Moorish culture which is soaked into the bones of the Alpujarra.

What people say - "I am a general practitioner, and was enthralled, educated and deeply impressed by Julio's medicinal knowledge and skill" (C.D. - BA MSc MD CQSW FRCGP FFPHM Professor of Primary Medical Care - participant Herbalism and Walking 2005) "As a herbalist I wholeheartedly recommend this holiday...The diversity of plant life here is fantastic. I could see many of the plants I use in my clinic growing here in their natural habitats... Julio is passionate about plants and so knowledgable" (R.Z. BSc (Hons), Dip M, CEd, MBRCP, KFRP, MH, MRNI, MGNI, MAMH?- 2011) " It was really amazing; great hosts, great walks, wonderful herb walks and workshops; and fantastic accommodations and food." (C.L. Doctor of Veterinary Medecine - 2012) "Julio was so knowledgable and so enthusiastic - it was catching... Sophie's breadth of knowledge and skill in our lotions and potions workshops was truly impressive - I know I've met two very exceptional talents" (F.H. - 2012)