The Los Guajares valley is set just 20 minutes drive inland from the coast of Granada’s Costa Tropical, and begins at the point where the Rio de la Toba rolls softly through the mountains to the west and joins the Guadalfeo River as it gently flows down to the coast, coming to rest at seas shore just east of Salobreña. The Guajares; and the three villages that make up this district offer an idyllic retreat for those looking for stunning countryside yet still be close to the coast. A little less than 50 minutes drive south of the historic city of Granada and its airport, and approximately 1 hour and 20 from Malaga airport makes this little hideaway valley very reachable. Many buyers are attracted to the lower prices that some village properties offer. But here too, the more discerning buyers can find newly restored olive mills, farmhouses and stables for sale - and these tend to attract much higher prices.

More than 700 years ago, when the Moors first conquered Southern Spain (Iberia) it was they who first christened the area Los Guajares – a literal translation refers to the "oasis between the mountains" and they referred to the last village in the valley - Guajar Alto as their "paradise on earth". Historians believe that the names first came from the Moors because it was they who realised that the plentiful natural streams and springs that derived from the steep and difficult access produced a fertile area that could easily sustain their settlements and provide them with a healthy diet of citrus, olives, almonds and vines. “Wa-run”, is an Arab word that means an area of sheer and intricate relief – and is pronounced Guaarrun.

Taking the N323 road up to Granada, driving through the gorge that breaks between the coast and the Sierra Chaparal, we turn left into the Guajar valley. Guajar Alto, Guajar Faraguit and Guajar Fondon make up the borough known as Los Guajares. As we wind along the road that hugs the valley edge we pass among orchards of orange and chirimoya (custard apple) trees, old water deposits and typical farm houses (cortijos and fincas); not to mention the surprisingly deep ravines that make for a steady drive. The first village we reach is the largest.

Guajar Faragüit is the largest village and from here, just over the valley you can clearly see the remains of the Moorish castle settlement “El Castillejo” that once reigned over the valley communities when it was ruled by the Almohads from the 12th century. Today the village offers its populace of around 450 inhabitant’s two small supermarkets, a bakery that until recently still cooked its bread in wood burning ovens, a health centre and two bars. Here is the administrative centre of Los Guajares with a town hall and also a school and church. Laying at the apex of the valley the road passes to either of the other Guajar villages but also skirts up over the mountain towards Pinos del Valle in the Lecrin. This road is worth exploring if only to see the tiny hamlet of Zaza, the relics of an Arab fortress which from its heights offer fantastic views to the coast of Salobreña to the south and the Alpujarras to the north-east.

Guajar Fondon, is reached by a short drive down from Faraquit and across the river. The lower of the three villages, it has a small shop and a bar/restaurant – but it is within an easy walking distance of its neighbour, Guajar Faragüit. Both villages are served by daily vans each delivering fresh fish or chickens.