Information on Jete 

Jete folk work hard in the agricultural sector which contrasts with the quiet, peaceful atmosphere in the village. The ruins of the sugar-cane factory, 3 km (2 miles) from the village, are evidence of past prosperity. The careful way the people of Jete tend their crops of subtropical fruits is their way of showing respect for an area blessed with climate and good water supplies. The vega, or lowlands, a spectacular expanse of green, surrounds this village lying in the heart of the valley of the Rio Verde (Green River), half way between the Tropical Coast and Sierra de la Almijara. Jete is in the heart of the Tropical Valley which is from where the Tropical coast has taken its name. The main fruit in production is the Chirymoya (custard apple) which have green leaves for most of the year apart from a brief period in Spring when they shed their leaves.

Jete as well as Otivar and most of the other villages now have an outdoor community swimming pool and leisure area. Jete´s is high up the mountain overlooking the village with stunning views down the valley to the coast. Jete is also home to the famous Calvente Wine Bodega and you can visit after 5 most week days and buy direct from the company. The Calvente wine first found fame when it was chosen to be the house wine for the worlds number 1 restaurant El Bulli in Barcelona.

Fruit production is still the number one industry in Jete although Placido the hard working young mayor of the village has massively improved the villages status on the tourist map. Check out the Jete town hall for more information on local walks and facilities. The village has a medical centre, two banks, 3 bars, 2 supermarkets with regular daily visits by the bread and fish sellers.

The best way to discover the attractions of the country is by walking through it. Nature lovers can enjoy a multitude of farm tracks and woodland paths to stroll along, a world away from the mass tourism of the coast. Traditionally, the inhabitants of the region are very religious, and this is particularly fervent during the two annual processions of the Virgin of Bodijar, held on the last Sunday in April and the first in September. Those who share this contemplative spirit are especially welcome in Jete.

Information about Otivar

In Otivar the Rio Verde (Green River) zigzags beneath the Cázulas and Almijara mountains, beneath high cliffs, through gorges, tumbles over rocks, and falls precipitously. The river has profoundly shaped the countryside it passes through, and allowed a proliferation of tree cover.Otivar village is at a higher altitude than Jete and has a couple of good restaurants with great views, the Buena Vista and the famous El Capricho
Web: www.elcapricho-otivar.es/
This place is an absolute gem and well worth the short drive along the valley and up the hill to Otivar. I'll even tell you what to order! Their speciality is 'Pollo a la Manzana' which is roast chicken with baked apple and it is delicious. You need to call them at least three hours before arriving to order the dish which is served on their huge sun terrace with salad and chips. You can also pre-order their roast lamb if you prefer which is also delicious and needs a pre order call. They are closed on Mondays except in August.

The very special attractions of this landscape around Otivar led to the incorporation of Sierra Tejeda, Sierra de Almijara and Sierra de Alhama into a Natural Park. The flora and fauna to be admired, together with the beauties of this rugged landscape, makeOtivar and the lands around it an essential destination for the traveller in this region. Otivar is also home to the Junto del Dos Rios private finca which is where two rivers meet and you can follow the small rivers back up the mountain and enjoy the most amazing mountain scenery, rock scrambling and jumping off water falls. This part of Otivar is one of my favourite places ever.

The rich, fertile land enables abundant crops of subtropical fruits to be harvested. The plantations form a verdant carpet on the banks of the Rio Verde, in vivid contrast to the barren crags and peaks just a few kilometres away. Otivar is now a second home for many foreigners, as well as first home for many foreign families. The local people of Otivar on balance are delighted by the regeneration created by these immigrants from the north. Like Jete Otivar has lots of hiking routes and cycling routes and stunning scenery. Otivar is also home to Cazulas , a great rural hotel and convention venue. Otivar is also home to the incredibly stunning Junto de los dos Rios which is about 6 km along the main road passed Otivar. It is open all year but best time to visit is in the summer and the early autumn, where you can jump off water falls and swim in crystal clear lagoons. Allow a whole day and take a picnic. You will see the access to the left hand side with a control hut to take 5 euro each plus 5 euros for the car. A little expensive but worth the trip. We go every year and the changes the winter wreaks on this valley is amazing because when it rains the water level rises by upto 5 meters in places. My best part of Otivar by far.

There are a great number of places to explore including these wonderful cave houses of which there are some fine examples in Otivar, as well as house with donkeys living in stables beneath village houses. The old men of Otivar still use the donkeys to travel around this very steep village.

Information on Lentegi

Lentegi is a small  peaceful and quiet Andalusian village where neither hurry nor stress have any place. The winding road that climbs up to this little white village is flanked by olive trees and tropical fruits. During the climb, one can enjoy the nearby fields and the distant landscape - the sky, the mountains and the sea. The tranquil forces of nature have made Lentegi a lovely spot for walkers and mountain bikers. For the more adventurous, there are challenging river valleys to climb and descend with regular tours available