Our Vision
On our 33 acres (12ha) finca we grow three different varieties of avocado - Hass, Fuerte, Bacon - as well as lemons, oranges, mandarins, olives, pomegranates, and pecan nuts. Our kitchen garden provides most of our vegetables and we cook with our own virgin olive oil. We also keep bees.
We are privileged to spend our days on this beautiful hacienda. And it is this joy in our surroundings and the belief in what we do that we wish to share with you. Seeing how food is grown, cared for, harvested, and prepared is fun and helps us all to connect to Nature.
We may be a short drive from the hustle and bustle of the Costa del Sol, but in reality, we are worlds away.
Please note, Hacienda La Bonita is not a hotel. We are also NOT hiring staff; there are NO jobs available.
Coín and the surrounding area
The Guadalhorce Valley lies west of Malaga, to the north of the Alpujata mountain range that runs along behind the Costa del Sol. This valley has an extraordinary microclimate and is considered among the most fertile in Spain. Even as far back as the times of the Moors, it was famous for its quality agricultural produce.
Even though we are in a rural area, the town of Coín - with an an official population of 22,000 inhabitants - is only 5 minutes away by car. The local economy has always been agriculture, coexisting with marble mining (since Roman times) and the production of ceramics. Coín has a rich religious and architectural heritage as well as food and clothing shops, banks, a medical centre, excellent restaurants and bars. There is a cinema showing films in original language twice a week (much to everyone's surprise and delight) and several veterinary clinics caring for the numerous pets, horses and farm animals in the locality. There is an organic food market as well as a flee market on Sundays.
In Coín and the surrounding villages, all kinds of cultural, culinary and sporting activities are available, from horseback riding and golf, to hiking and cycling trails to name but a few. There are religious fiestas in Coín with all the colour, music and dancing one would expect of an Andalusian celebration, such as the Romeria la Virgen de la Fuensanta in June and Dia de la Cruz in May. There are also a number of food festivals, the most famous being the Fiesta de la Naranja in May and Ruta de las Tapas in October.
The Mediterranean forests on the mountain slopes around the Guadalhorce Valley are made up of cork oaks, pine trees, wild olive trees, carob tree (algarobo) and holm oaks amongst others. And because much of the upper reaches of this valley are uninhabited, wildlife is able to thrive in the forests and hills. Nature lovers and bird watchers are spoilt for choice if they venture into the Sierra de las Nieves, Sierra de Cártama, Sierra de Huma, the natural park in Ardales, el Valle del Abdalajis or further north to El Torcal de Antequera which is a geologist's dream.
Day trips - Discovering Andalusia
Our location allows for several really worth-while day trips. Malaga is a great little city and is only 30 minutes away. It has exceptional art museums (including the Picasso Museum), Malaga Cathedral, Alcazaba fort, the Atarazanas Central Market, Gibralfaro castle, Roman theatre and some fabulous restaurants. It's a perfect, leisurely day trip. The spectacular Caminito del Rey at El Chorro is about 40-minute drive and Ronda about one hour away.
Slightly further afield, but still within easy reach (under two hours either by road or AVE speed train) are Cordoba and Granada, two World Heritage sites not to be missed. Along the coast to the west are Gibraltar and Tarifa, also an easy day trip from us. And to the east, you will find Nerja and its caves and the pretty village of Frigiliana.
External Links:
The Olive Press - Guadalhorce Valley
Visit Costa Del Sol - Gualahorce Valley
Andalucia.com - Festival of the Pilgrims
The Olive Press - Into the Guadalhorce Valley