Spain's Endangered Species

The New season arrives.

We have Walking In Blossom short week commencing on the 23/02/2012, this is a 5 day walking holiday. Walking through the almond and olive groves that are in full blossom, a purple haze with the snow capped Sierra Nevada as a back drop.

Take look at our other great walking holidays that are taking place in 2012.
www.ibextrex.com

AFTER four years of meticulous renovation bystanders thronged outside the crypt of the Palace of Carlos V to witness the gradual return of the 300 kilo lions – one of the most famous sights in the Alhambra Moorish palace and fortress complex.

The Alhambra’s director explained. “Thick layers of lime have been removed, which will help protect against the invasion of biological elements, as well as strengthening several cracks. They have also removed harmful metallic elements, and other adhesives, such as cement.”

Some important discoveries were made during the restoration process. Although the lions appear to be identical, they bear distinct characteristics.

The restoration project was not limited to just the lions. Thanks to a major investigation begun in 2002, the entire patio has undergone significant changes. The patio will open to the public next spring, with a new, white marble floor that will allow visitors to approach the fountain, which has been inaccessible to tourists since the 1990s.

The archeological investigation revealed that the patio did not originally have a garden, as was previously thought.

If you come on one our great walking holidays you can include Granada and the Alhambra during your week or add it on at the end. Contact us for more details.

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We nearly always see the Iberian ibex 'Capra pyrenaica'. There is a population of 10,000 of protected ibex in the Sierra Nevada but still they can be elusive.
They can be a majestic animal with the males having large ram like horns, they are often seen sat on rocky outcrops in the sunshine watching the world below and happy walkers wandering by.