Casa Miron is part of a working farm. It is also home to two horses, two dogs, one cat, numerous chickens and the occasional visiting wild boar. The farm itself is at its most interesting at the almond and olive harvest and also in the wine making season. For the rest of the year life continues at its usual gentle pace of tending to the trees and vines, watering and weeding when necessary. You can expect peace, calm and relaxation interrupted only by the occasional tractor or olive picker going past. Mañana is definitely the order of the day.

But that's not to say there is nothing to do. There are a number of local fiestas plus the various celebrations centered around the Santuario (Monastery) including in September each year, the arrival of the night-time pilgrims wending their way up the valley. Then there's the coast, the mountains, the lakes, the country parks, the castles, the open-air markets — you won't be short of things to do but make sure you allow some time for just simply relaxing and watching the world go by.

Saliente Alto is a small village consisting of about 40 widely-spaced houses. It is essentially a working village and is surrounded by almond and olive groves.

There are a small number of British living in the area in and amongst the locals but this is as far from the Spanish 'costa' style of living as you are likely to get - this is the real Spain!

Although knowing a few words of Spanish will help, anyone with a dictionary will have no problem making themselves understood. The locals may not speak much english but they are very good at sign language and very patient.

And, in true spanish style, they have all the time in the world to help you in whatever you are trying to do - be it order freshly baked bread from the local panadaria (superb but often sold out by lunchtime) or drinks and tapas in the local restaurant - which also doubles as the local garage and local bar!