Casa Cueva El Pastor

There’s plenty of room for two couples, with separate accommodation and bathrooms, and a washer-drier. The WiFi is now available and quite fast. It’s a useful base for mountain walks and exploring locally, though getting around takes a long time because of the roads. The evenings bring warm sun, but expect it to be 10c cooler than the coast, often cloudy and damp. The kitchen is set up for holiday lets and doesn’t feel like somewhere the owners have lived. There’s no food storage space, the crockery is in a low sideboard, and the pan selection is okay, but all the knives are blunt. I had to buy a chopping board for bread and vegetables. There are only two electric rings and a small microwave, with no usable oven or grill. The outdoor wood oven and BBQ area has tables and a sink, but its storage is locked. I also found the place short on comfortable spots to chill out.

After I paid and got confirmation for one of the three houses, they explicitly refused to give me the key. They demanded direct payment details, even though I’d already paid, and passport details through an unsecured third-party app. They still withheld the key after saying I could send the information directly. I was left homeless in Artenara without a car, and the whole thing became a nightmare. They ignored many calls and messages while I tried to sort it out. I don’t trust these people or think they’re good people to do business with.

It’s a peaceful, authentic haven where time seems to slow down and every corner makes you want to switch off. My family and I love spending weekends here, and it’s the kind of place that stays with you. The cave is warm and well equipped, with a lovely blend of tradition and comfort. The quiet is so deep it practically makes you take a bigger breath.

A really pleasant villa, well placed for setting off on several hikes. I’d definitely recommend it.