La Almunia del Valle, Granada, Spain

Where it is

Monachil is a village in the foothills about eight kilometres from central Granada, so the Alhambra, the Albaicín and the city's tapas bars are a short drive away. Granada airport is about 30 minutes, and Málaga about one and a half to two hours.

The Sierra Nevada's ski slopes are around 18 kilometres up the mountain, the white villages of the Alpujarra lie over the range, and the Los Cahorros gorge, with its hanging footbridges, is a short walk from the village.

Rooms

The 15 rooms are warm and rustic, and the Large Standard and Superior rooms have terraces that are lovely for breakfast or an evening glass of wine. Many look over the gardens and the valley. Book a terrace room if you can.

Food, pool and the rest

There is a swimming pool set among the trees, a garden, a fireside lounge with a library, and a bar and restaurant serving local dishes, with a set dinner that should be booked ahead (the restaurant closes on Sundays). Massages and bike hire can be arranged. The hotel is run with an eye on sustainability, and the setting of olive groves and orchards is wonderfully peaceful.

The moment

An evening visit to the Alhambra, booked well ahead, as the Nasrid Palaces glow in the lamplight, then the short drive home to the hills, a nightcap on your terrace and nothing but birdsong in the morning.

Why we chose it

La Almunia del Valle gives you Granada and the mountains for the price of a city-centre chain hotel, with far more charm. It is simple rather than smart, but warm, peaceful and beautifully placed.

For another Spanish mountain base, continue north to adults-only Hotel Barosse in the Pyrenees.

When to go

The hotel is open all year. Spring is the loveliest season, with blossom in the valley, snow on the peaks and comfortable temperatures in the city. Autumn brings golden light and fewer visitors. High summer bakes the city, though the hotel's hillside is fresher, and Easter week is the busiest time in the city.

The longer stay

Allow four or five nights: two days for Granada and the Alhambra, a day in the Alpujarra villages and a walk in the Sierra Nevada. Add Córdoba and Seville by train for a fortnight in Andalucía.