Adrian G.

We had a wonderful six-month stay and truly loved every moment of this unique experience. The home is a beautiful, peaceful sanctuary—perfectly comfortable and equipped with everything needed to feel right at home. Caring for the diverse group of animals, including the donkeys, chickens, cats, and Danka the dog, was a complete joy and became a highlight of our daily routine. This is a dream sit for true animal lovers; we spent many happy hours bonding with the cats and taking Danka for beautiful walks through the surrounding hills. The owners are truly wonderful, and we are so grateful for the deep friendship we formed with them. They are clear communicators who appreciate seeing the joy their animals bring to sitters through photos and updates. The location offers the best of both worlds: total rural peace with a charming, lively village just a short walk away. We loved walking Danka and, occasionally even the donkeys, into town, visiting the local market, and enjoying the friendly community. Danka is welcome at many local restaurants! The organic garden and fruit trees provided a rewarding harvest, and we enjoyed the rhythmic nature of life on this working farm. We highly recommend this experience for anyone who enjoys being active in nature and providing attentive, heart-centered care to animals

I could not be happier about having stayed here. It has been a blessing, truly. My days have been full of peace and joy, looking at this mountains and spending time with these animals. It’s quite an opportunity to spend time with donkeys as well; I’ve learnt them to be therapeutic. Chickens and roosters are funny in their own way; their chirps and yoodles liven up the place. I would bet this is the prettiest house in the whole area. Far enough from town to feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but a 20 min walk will bring you the market, shops and everything you need. Also, there’s a restaurant that happens to be where I’ve eaten best in all my Spain travels. Walking around in nature has also been such a treat, Danka the dog and a couple of the cats following along. It’s so beautiful around here! 360 around the house you can do great hikes. The house is gorgeous, not to mention cozy and comfortable. Olga and Adrián have done a fantastic job renovating the property, which I believe is more than 100 years old. And even though I’m traveling by myself, I felt super safe staying in the house. I am so happy to have had Adrián as my host, really. He always wanted to know how I was feeling, if I needed anything, and just taking great care of me. He’s very grateful for having people looking out for his loved ones. He has an absolute passion for cats and a big love for animals and nature in general. This also reflects in the house plants and the wide variety he has collected. Amazing, amazing times here.

Nous avons séjourné 5 mois chez Olga et Adrian, dans une belle et spacieuse demeure andalouse dotée d'une magnifique terrasse fleurie donnant sur un paysage époustouflant. Durant cette période , nous avons évolué en compagnie d'une vaste et très sympathique tribu. La chienne Danka, véritable gardienne des lieux, est incroyablement douce, affectueuse et communicative. Les cinq chats ont tous une présence ainsi qu'une personnalité et ils sont tous très affectueux. Carlitos, le chat dominant, ne fait que de rares apparitions, mais il se laisse aisément caresser. Leonora est également très indépendante, mais plus timide. Evita, la cascadeuse de la troupe, est très agile et aussi discrète. Pierrot adore faire des siestes dans des coins vraiment insolites. Tara, la plus casanière et également la plus câline, nous suivait pratiquement partout. Les deux ânes, Ignacio, le mâle et Serafina, nouvellement arrivée, ont dû s'habituer l'un à l'autre ainsi qu'à leur nouvel environnement (d'abord un premier enclos, puis un second plus grand). Les deux ânes sont très attachants . Ils réclamaient notre présence. Outre affective, l’attention relative à leur confort nécessita un peu de travail : création d’une nouvelle arrivée d’eau pour le grand enclos, construction d’un abreuvoir et d’une mangeoire. Mise en œuvre d’un portail fonctionnel . Et Rangement de la paille et du foin lors des livraisons . Les tâches quotidiennes quant à elles consistaient à maintenir une eau propre et fraîche ,traversant de fortes vagues de chaleur . Acheminer le foin des hauteurs du terrain à l’enclos , et maintenir un espace sain en évacuant le régulièrement le crottin. Un shampoing ici et là faisait peau neuve et le plus grand bien sous un soleil de plomb. Le poulailler, composé de poules, de coqs et de pigeons était très animé. Il fallait veiller à nourrir tous ces petits êtres à plumes, à ramasser les œufs et à nettoyer régulièrement leur perchoir. Concernant l’entretien des plantations, il fallait veiller à ouvrir les vannes de l’irrigation du domaine une fois par semaine . Tous les deux jours, nous effectuions l'arrosage des plantes en pot et en terre manuellement. Deux vannes desservant une petite irrigation partielle complétait la tâche. Ce fut une très belle expérience de vie à la ferme avec des animaux généreux et attachants dansun cadre idyllique.

Spending two months as the house and animal sitter at Cortijo Girasol was a deeply meaningful experience. This is not just a place to stay – it’s a sanctuary born out of love, care, and a shared dream to create a true haven for rescued animals. During my time there, I cared for five very special cats – Carlitos, Petrica, Leonora, Tara, and Evita – as well as a gentle and loyal dog named Danka, a beautiful young donkey named Ignacio, thirteen hens, and countless doves. Each one of them is loved for who they are, with their own stories and personalities. The connection I felt with them was profound. What touched me most was the love and dedication that the hosts – Olga, Adrian, and Claudia (Adrian’s mother) – pour into this place. Every plant has been put into the earth with intention. Every corner of the house has been restored with care. You can feel it – this is a very comfortable home shaped by values. The dream of creating an animal sanctuary at Cortijo Girasol is not just a vision. It’s already growing, day by day, with every loving gesture. The bond with the hosts was also something very special. Their heartfelt warmth and openness turned our connection into a true friendship – one based on shared values, mutual respect, and a deep love for animals. They were available 24/7 for questions or to help solve any problems that arose – always present, always supportive. This level of commitment is yet another sign of the deep love and meaning they bring to this place. There’s also a beautiful indoor swimming pool, which I enjoyed so much – even if it sometimes tested my patience with its “temperamental” technology! Cortijo Girasol is located in a peaceful, natural setting that invites you to slow down and truly connect – with yourself, with the animals, and with the land. I can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who truly loves animals – not just in theory, but in the way they live. The hosts are vegan out of deep compassion, and that spirit is present in everything they do. This is the right place for those who have experience with caring for animals and who wish to spend time with them, not just around them. Cortijo Girasol isn’t the place to stay at if your goal is to explore Andalusia – it’s a place to arrive, to connect, and to contribute. And if your heart is open, it might just become a part of you forever ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.