Sports facilities The following apply to La Molineta and Periana but we have not yet explored all the possibilities in Periana. The hiking potential is vast at both sites. Birdwatching in such a wild area is predictably interesting. You can see many birds of prey, a broad selection of resident birds as well as a variety of migrant birds. The colourful Hoopoe with its stark, haunting cry is a common sight. But the list of possibilities is long, as the migration routes, from Africa to the north and back, pass over this part of Spain. Botany in such a wild area also offers exciting possibilities. The wild flowers all over the mountainous hillsides are a marvel. In fact, UNESCO has declared the Sierra Nevada a Biosphere Reserve. Golf courses are plentiful on the south coast of Spain and there are several within a reasonable distance of both properties. Hiking The mountains around the Molineta are part of the national park of the Alpujarras and offer superb opportunities for walking cross country. For the less intrepid, there are also countless dirt tracks leading off into the wilderness. Good detailed maps of the area are available including some giving details of particular walks of outstanding natural beauty. The area around Periana is startlingly beautiful. The unspoilt wilderness is within easy reach and also includes a protected national park. Ornithology see birdwatching Riding stables offering horses for hire are located on the road to La Noria off the Frigiliana to Nerja road, and trekking is possible depending on availability. Skiing The main ski resort is Sol y Nieve near Granada between 1.5 and 2 hours drive away from La Molineta but only 1 hour from Periana. Swimming All our houses have their own beautifully landscaped pools for private use. At Periana the swimming pool is purified using a salt treatment technique to reduce pollutant chemicals and at La Molineta the pools also use a minimal chemical input supported by an electronic purifying system. Nerja has a variety of lovely beaches and a naturist one also. The largest and most popular is the Burriana beach which has a wide range of beach restaurants and shops. For the more adventurous, there are coves below the Almunecar road that are delightful, although some are more difficult to get down to. This is where the naturist beach is. Scuba diving is available at Torrox Costa between Nerja and Torre del Mar. Tennis courts At Cortijo Rosa, there is a private hard court for your use in the grounds of the property. Courts are available at the Parador in Nerja and at the Tennis Club de Andaluz on the road out of Nerja towards Almunecar. These must be booked in advance. Water sports In season, the beaches in the area offer a full range of water sports such as sailing, wind surfing, water skiing, aqua gliding, banana boating, pedalos, parascending etc. Some offer tuition. For more information relating to any of these, ask the manager who will try to help.