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The Wild Asparagus Hunters are Out and About

It´s that time of year. Cars parked in odd places, the solitary person - usually a man, popping up above a bank or from behind an olive tree. The hunters of the wild aparagus are here. The plentiful rain scattered with a day or two of sunshine has brought them out in droves. Some have their route, others instinctively know where to go. They appear, walking back to their cars, with a huge bundle of foot long green spears of asparagus. And off they go, probably not to be seen for another year - or another week if the rain continues. No matter how hard the shoots try and hide the older men hunt them down with stick in hand, to fob off the spiky old growth, and uncover the tender new stems of wild asparagus. Everyone has their favourite way of cooking them but the most common seems to be in a Tortilla - the thick Spanish potato omelette to which you can add anything that comes to hand - or is hunted down. My one or two shorter stem finds don´t come close to the experienced hunters catch. I...
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Archidona - Where to Stay? Almohalla 51

Archidona is a lively agricultural town, just 40 minutes from Málaga airport and within easy reach of a number of historical cities. Granada is a one hour drive, Córdoba about one hour twenty minutes, Sevilla just over an hour and a half. There are also plenty of other whitewashed towns such as Comares, Iznájar, Osuna and Antequera not so far away but equally interesting. 

Plaza Ochavada, Archidona

Where to Stay in Archidona

As a base for exploring this southern part of Andalucia  then Archidona is a great choice. But where to stay? The townhouse hotel Almohalla 51 is a great choice. Small, owner-run and charming the hotel has just five bedrooms, all unique, comfortable with original roof beams, floor tiles and antique furnishings.

Archway to the Plaza Ochavada, Archidona

A real delight as Nick (hubby) and I found out a few weeks ago. We arrived in Archidona in time for lunch and ate it the cave- restaurant  Arxiduna in the Baroque Plaza Ochavada, an eight-sided work of art, not very lively on a hot August lunchtime, but I´m told, the centre of the town´s social life and events in the evenings. 


Almohalla 51 Dining Room


Almohalla 51

Not only is Almohalla 51 well situated for exploring Andalucia, it is ideal for chilling too. Our night stay meant after lunch and check-in Nick did his thorough and normal bed-testing siesta, while I checked out the pool and sun loungers and soon found myself as relaxed as I knew he was. 

Almohalla 51 Pool and Terrace

The top patio views stretch behind to a mass of pine trees and over the pool, roof tops and countryside rule. This is the spot for the ´Almohalla Cocktail of the Day´ which enjoying the setting sun beyond.


Almohalla 51 Patio

We´d decided to eat in as owner Jo provides meals, which must be booked in advance, and dined on the lower patio on a fabulous Paella and salad. Breakfast was equally as good with local and homemade choices, all made to order. One of the best hotel breakfasts I´ve had.


Almohalla 51 Lounge

A beautiful place to stay, backed up by more than me as the day after we left Almohalla 51 received the Tripadvisor Traveller´s Choice Best of the Best Awards for 2023. That definately means it´s the place to stay in Archidona.

Almohalla 51 Entrance

See Almohalla 51 on my Only Spain Boutique Hotel site where there´s a video of the hotel or see the video on my You Tube channel Where to Stay in Spain.







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