Casita Amigo

What Lindsay thinks...

The location of these delightful Andalucian cottages might just knock your socks off!  A family holiday in the Casitas del Lago will be set against some of the most amazing panoramic views of the countryside and the lake below, and friends are sure to be envious of those holiday snaps!  There are 10 cottages in a small, well maintained cluster, cleverly designed so each feels private, yet it is easy to make friends with other families around the pool or over a round of mini golf.

Click on the photo below to watch a short video of Casitas del Lago

All the cottages are built in the traditional Andalucian style; white washed cottages, vine covered terraces and plenty of colourful flowers abound. 

There are 1 and 2 bedroom cottages, full of Spanish character and a perfect base for your break in the sun.  Each cottage has its own child-safe patio which is just perfect for soaking up those views!  For larger families, the stylish and modern Penthouse has just been refurbished and offers 3 spacious bedrooms with some gorgeous original features.

The Casitas del Lago (Meaning lakeside cottages) are located in beautiful Andalucian countryside overlooking Lake Viñuela.  This is a recipe for a peaceful & relaxing break, and the beach is only a 25 min drive away too!

The lovely laid-back resort of Torre del Mar is ideal for an evening stroll by the sea, or a spot of shopping followed by some Tapas and a cold San Miguel.

On the subject of food, there is also a fantastic menu at the on-site restaurant which is renowned among the locals.  The head chef has a very impressive CV, including a stint at the iconic hotel Puente Romano in Marbella, and the wine list is just as good!  One of the things I love most is that food can also be ordered to enjoy at your cottage, and nothing is too much trouble for the wonderful staff who are waiting to welcome you and your family at the Casitas del Lago. 

You can view the live webcam here

Through the green wooden front door of this charming 2 storey cottage, you enter the living room which has 2 sofas, an open fire and TV with some UK free view channels.

It is furnished in a rustic style, with pretty green window shutters. The kitchen is open plan to the living room and is equipped with a  fridge, a microwave and 4 ring hob.

On the ground floor, there is a double bedroom which also has a sturdy third bed built into the wall, raised, so there is storage space underneath for suitcases. This is ideal for a couple with a child who likes to sleep in the same room.

From the living room there are some tiled stairs (stairgated) up to a second double room, with dark wood beamed sloping ceiling and pine furniture adding to the rustic feel of this lovely cottage. Here there is plenty of space for a cot too.

The family bathroom is also on this second floor and has a loo, bidet, sink and bath with shower over the tub.

The cottage has air-conditioning, which cools in summer and heats in winter (payment is by meter cards).

Each cottage has a fully enclosed terrace for safe play, and come with their own barbecue for "al fresco" dining in these beautiful surroundings.  

White gravel paths lead between the cottages and to the pool, which is surrounded by flowering gardens to delight the senses.  Panoramic views of the countryside and lake below are a recipe for pure relaxation & escapism, and in summer you will love the shaded patio areas.

The 12 x 6 metre swimming pool is enclosed and has plenty of sun beds and parasols, plus there is an extended shallow end for toddlers getting used to the water, and you will find pool toys and plenty of fun times ahead!

On site there is mini golf as well as swings, slide, a tyre swing and an indoor play room with ping pong and table football.  There is also an area to enjoy a knock around with the football too.

The restaurant, which is just a up a short path from the cottages, is well known locally. Not only can you enjoy the best sea, lake and mountain views in the area, but the food is exceptional; Mediterranean food at its best, all freshly prepared on the premises using organic and home grown produce whenever possible. A children's menu is provided and special diets can be catered for.

Parent Points

• Within the complex there are changes of level and some small unprotected drops where children under 3 would need to be supervised as normal.
• At the restaurant, under 3's would need heightened levels of supervision around the stairs, and the perifery wall is less than 1m high.
• Within the complex of cottages the pathways are laid with white gravel, which can make it difficult to push a pushchair around but these are very short distances.
• The shallow end of the pool is adjacent to the deeper water so supervision is required. 

• Enclosed swimming pool
• Outdoor swing park
• Mini golf
• Ping pong
• Table football
• Stair gates
• Bed guard
• Cots and cot linen
• Microwave
• Steriliser
• High chairs
• Booster seat
• Hand blender
• Plastic plates, cups and cutlery
• Potty
• Step
• Changing mat
• Bath toys

For the children...
There is a small swing park just by the restaurant which has a slide, swings and a small seesaw. There is also a tyre swing near the pool. In the games hut there is ping pong and table football. Next to the pool there is a small mini golf which can be played as often as you wish.

Andalucia is a great destination for a family holiday. This particular property is near the lake of Vinuela and the local village of Periana is only 1.5 kilometers away.  It is possible to walk down to the village (short stretch of unmade road up to the property), where you can find a handful of cafes, tapas bars and shops as well as a play park.  A good taxi service is also available for less than 10€ to the village and back.

The nearest beach resort is Torre Del Mar, a lovely laid-back resort which attracts the locals and is less 'touristy' than some of the bigger resorts of the Costa del Sol (they can all be visited as days out as they are not too far away).

Torre del Mar has a lovely promenade and a host of restaurants, seafood being a particular favourite! There is a fun mini-train which runs along the promenade & always catches the attention of the toddlers, and there is also a tram ride to Velez Malaga for some more serious shopping in the large El Ingenio shopping centre.

Nerja is a very pretty resort and is about an hour's drive; here you will find the quaint cobbled streets mixed with boutique souvenir shops. For something different with the family you can visit the Nerja Donkey sanctuary, run by volunteers and funded entirely by donations.

The Caves of Nerja are a series of caverns close to the town of Nerja. Stretching for almost 5km, the caverns are one of Spain's major tourist attractions. Concerts are regularly held in one of the chambers which forms a natural amphitheatre.  Just beyond the caves are the beautiful secluded coves at Maro, and further on to the unspoilt beaches of La Herradura.

Selwo Marina in Benalmadena is worth visiting, with has the only Dolphinarium and Ice Penguinarium in Andalucia making a great day out for the children. The Benalmadena Sea Life Centre also offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family as you explore the wonderful marine world and meet fabulous sea creatures.

Tivoli World Amusement Park is the largest amusement park on the Costa del Sol. Situated in Arroyo de la Miel, near Benalmadena, it has a wide variety of shows in each of the parks themed areas; Western square - an authentic reproduction of a wild west town, Andalucia square - traditionally Spanish with Flamenco and Spanish ballet and finally Tivolandia. In addition to the shows there are over 30 rides to be enjoyed, many specifically for younger children, a theatre, extensive gardens, mini train and even a Jurassic adventure!

Lobo Park (Wolf Park) near Antequera is a private wolf park where you may look a wolf in the eye for the first time in your life! The park has 4 different wolf sub-species. Unlike other parks, the wolves are socialized but not domesticated and live in a semi-natural environment.

Of course, no visit to this area would be complete without a visit to the city of Malaga which not only has a good Roman theatre but also great shops and the Pablo Picasso Museum.

Phew! Plenty to keep even the most active family happy!

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