Autumn

Autumn in this stunning area sees a dramatic explosion of colour - from deep coppers and violets to golden oranges and vibrant yellows - and for many people, this is the best time to stay at the house.

If you're interested in photography or painting, a visit this time of year is a must.

The temperature will range from 15 degrees C to around 22, which means that it is perfectly suited to walking, climbing, mountain biking, and generally exploring the area. The temperatures plummet at night, so that's the perfect excuse to build a hearty fire in the evening.

This area is renowned for its delicous wild mushrooms, a local delicacy, and Autumn is the time of year to go mushrooming. If you know what you are looking for, El Caracol and the surrounding hills offer mushrooms galore - Niscalos (lactarius deliciosus) grow aplenty here, and make a great meal cooked with garlic and Spanish cured ham.

If you don't get round to picking your own, the nearby Los Claveles restaurant serves the most delicious local mushroom delicacies at this time of year.