Casita Ametlla, Alforja. Cottage for rent close to Salou and Cambrils.

Helen & Michael offer you a warm and friendly welcome to Casita Ametlla. Situated just outside the historic village of Alforja on a small, rural estate of private houses. It is ideally positioned to use as a base for exploring the fantastic Catalan countryside or spending time on the many spectacular beaches of the Costa Dorada.

The village of Alforja is only 15 minutes by car from the city of Reus, which has an airport (served by Ryanair from various UK airports) and direct train links with Barcelona. Reus has many fine shops and restaurants, also some interesting architecture. The lively tourist resort of Salou is only 20 minutes away and is famous for its sandy beaches, nightlife and the theme park of Port Aventura. The ancient Roman city of Tarragona is just 25 minutes away and is well worth a visit.

From Alforja you are only 20 minutes drive from the Priorat wine region. The Priorat wine is very similar to the better known Rioja, but many wine connoisseurs believe it to be superior. There are some wonderful and picturesque mountain villages, where you can find restaurants that serve Catalan cuisine and the local wines at some very reasonable prices. For the more adventurous and energetic the region is great for walking, mountain biking, rock climbing and horse riding.

Originally Alforja was the site of two Moorish villages and the remains of the castle walls and the town walls are still standing. The village is a typical Catalan village where the pace of life is much slower and seems to be unchanged for years. There is a well stocked supermarket which is part of the area Co-operative, where you can buy the local olive oil, hazelnuts and almonds for which this region is famous.

There are also bakers, bank, a chemist, several cafe/bars and restaurants and a good butchers´shop. On Wednesdays there is a market stall selling fresh local fruit and vegetables which sets up in the square outside the town hall. There is a park on the outskirts of the village which has tennis courts, a large sports hall and a very large open air swimming pool which is in use from June to September. There is a shallow pool for small children. Throughout the year there are various events and fiestas in Alforja and the other local villages and towns.

The Casita forms part of the main house which has been extensively renovated by us after we settled here thirteen years ago. Although attached to the main house the casita is completely self-contained. It is very comfortable and will cater for 4/6 people.

There is a sitting room with a patio door looking out over a very pleasant private terrace; which has views over the hazelnut farm of our neighbour and on some spring nights you can hear the nightingales singing from their nests in the hazelnut trees.

It is worth mentioning that we do have four cats and two dogs, all of whom are very friendly. The dogs and cats are not allowed into the cottage where guests stay.

From June to September we have a swimming pool available for the use of our guests. Set in the flower terrace near the main house, there is plenty of room to sit, relax and take in the summer sun. From this terrace there are views over the garden to the Mediterranean pines on the hill behind us, but there are beautiful views all around the property. We are not overlooked by any neighbours and have secure off-road parking.

There is a fully equipped kitchen with an electric oven, ceramic hob, fridge, microwave oven, toaster and electric kettle. There is use of a washing machine and drying facilities also. There are two double bedrooms each with twin beds. One has an en-suite bathroom with shower over the bath and the other a walk in shower. The sitting room has a sofa bed which converts into a double bed. Alforja is renowned for its summer breezes and is cooler than the coastal area. However if it does get a little warm then there are electric cooling fans available.

From our garden terrace you can sit and look across the almond orchards at the village and the hills beyond. and at night the illuminated church tower stands out in the darkness against the silhouette of the hills behind it. We have a large terraced garden with the lower area planted with young olive trees and the middle level planted as a kitchen garden. Visitors are quite welcome to help themselves to the fresh produce from the garden.