El Cancho

Facilities

• Dining: The houses have well-equipped though unsophisticated kitchens and there are gas BBQs on their terraces. There are plenty of bars and restaurants in Tarifa and along the main road
• Communal areas: Each house has an open-plan lounge area with sofas and a dining table, and a terrace outside with plenty of seating. The natural park feels like your own garden and you can roam freely up and down the hillside, among an abundance of wild flowers in spring
• Swimming Pool: None
• Recreational: Boardgames are available, as are speakers that are compatible with iPods and other MP3 players (although they can't charge your iPod). Binoculars are provided for bird, whale and dolphin spotting
• Disabled Access: None
• Pets: Welcome by prior arrangement
• Languages Spoken: Spanish and English

Also...

• The owners are incredibly helpful and, as well as providing a long list of local amenities, places to go and things to see, they're on the end of the phone 24/7 for advice, emergencies or simply to recommend a good tapas bar!
  
  
• Hairdryers don't work at the houses as the solar-powered system can't suport them

Environmental Policy

Electricity is provided through very efficient solar panels on the roofs (though in very dull/wet weather they may struggle), and the gas-heated water comes from a mountain spring.

When to go?

El Cancho is open all year round. May and June is the best time for wild flowers surrounding the property and empty beaches before the summer crowds. There’s a good party scene in the summer, but the main road can get very busy and the town is full of tourists. September is less crowded but still brings lovely weather, and the annual 7-day feria is quite something, with 500-strong horseback parades, rides, raffles and surfing competitions. The bird migration is from October to June.

Author's tips

Bring high-factor suncream (the wind can be very deceptive), a windbreak for the beach, walking boots, your binoculars and your iPod (compatible speakers are provided). Kite / windsurfing gear is useful if you have it, although there are plenty of places you can hire it from.

Features include:

• Terrace
• Guest lounge
• Towels & Linen provided
• Internet access
• Boardgames
• Pets welcome by arrangement
• Off street parking