November 1st to 8th 2025: join the waiting list

Finca el Cerrillo is a small, charming hotel in the peaceful Andalucian countryside. The hotel is close to the traditional white villages of Canillas de Albaida and Competa in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara, Southern Spain. From its terraces there are sweeping views of the valley below and the nearby national park.

It's an idyllic location with plenty of inspiration for sketching and painting, there's an air conditioned studio on site, a swimming pool, pretty gardens and plenty of places to work outside or nearby. The 200 year old farmhouse is steeped in charming character, providing a wealth of subjects for those looking for inspiration. Outside, the terraced gardens with carob and palm trees surround both sunny and shaded patios. The swimming pool and deck areas have stunning views providing a pleasant place to swim or somewhere to relax on a comfortable lounger with a glass of wine or cold beer from the Honesty bar. The three nearby villages of Canillas de Albaida, Competa and Archez are all Moorish style 'Pueblos Blancos' (white villages) with colourful, flower-decked balconies and narrow winding streets. 

There are 14 individually styled rooms which combine traditional Andalucian style with contemporary simplicity. The rooms have air conditioning, tea & coffee making facilities and en-suite bathrooms with toiletries.

Beginners are most welcome and non painting partners can come along too. 

The hotel features in Alastair Sawday's special places to stay and is rated 5 stars on Trip Advisor. It is a truly magical and inspiring place!

"I have recently spent a week at the Finca el Cerillo in Andalusia on a painting course run by Pam.

An absolutely fabulous week in a beautiful setting, lovely company, good food and lots of laughing! 

I was quite apprehensive beforehand as I am far from being an accomplished artist but I need not have feared, the atmosphere was relaxed and with Pam’s encouraging and constructive teaching I felt I learnt a lot and am now keen to paint more at home. I cannot wait to repeat the experience and would highly recommend it to anyone of any artistic level."

SB

"The holiday was near perfection. I absolutely loved the venue: La Finca is quite magical and like nowhere else I’ve been before. Lovely swimming pool with sun loungers around the edge. My accommodation was super: a very large room with sitting area, 2 chairs and a coffee table, a brand new looking wet room and a separate wash area and W. C. Tiling in a tasteful shade of blue, very designer. I had a large comfortable king size bed with beautiful white bedspread. The food could not have been bettered. It was varied, imaginatively presented and fresh local ingredients were used. We were able to eat every meal Al fresco. Staff were very attentive , friendly and helpful.

We had plenty of quality tutor time, which was very useful.  The tutor was outstanding, and gave generously, imparting skills I’d never dreamed of using!  

It was my 1st painting holiday and I definitely want to go back very soon!"  Sally B

Cost of the holiday 2025

Single person in a double room with en suite: TOTAL £1305 - this includes £300 tutor’s fee which is paid as a deposit to Pam Smart. The balance is paid in euros directly to the hotel (€1175) 

(July holiday has no single supplement so the cost for single occupancy is £1135)

Sharing a double or twin room with en suite: TOTAL £1135 per person - this includes the tutor’s fee which is paid as a deposit to Pam Smart. The balance is paid in euros directly to the hotel (€975pp)

(non painting partners pay £100 deposit)

What is included

5 days of tuition with Pam Smart

7 nights accommodation in an air-conditioned en-suite room

7 breakfasts

6 buffet lunches

Unlimited tea & coffee in your room and studio

7 dinners - a 3 course dinner every evening - some in local village restaurants

Room serviced regularly

Pool towels

Airport transfers from Malaga airport (as long as your flight arrives to meet the arranged transfer) 

Use of air-conditioned Studio, easels, stools & boards.

What is not included

Flights

Insurance

Drinks (there is an honesty bar)

free day trip out

1 lunch on the day out

You will need to arrange your own flights to and from Malaga airport. 

I have put together some suggested flights below

Food and Drink

Dinner

Dinner is served at the hotel five evenings a week. The menu has been designed around fresh, locally sourced ingredients and presented with a new approach reflecting contemporary influences. A good choice of reasonably priced wines, spirits, liqueurs & soft drinks are available in the honesty bar (drinks are not included in the cost of the holiday)

On two of the seven evenings, guests will be taken by taxi to a local restaurant in Canillas de Albaida or Competa. This is included in the cost of your holiday. 

Breakfast

Continental breakfast comprises:

Fresh brewed coffee and tea

Freshly squeezed juices

Locally made bread and conserves

Local cheeses and cured meats

Fresh fruit, yoghurt & muesli

Lunch

A buffet lunch of fresh salads, paella, sandwiches, cold meats and cheeses etc 

"I have just been on my first painting holiday with Pam to Finca el Cerillo. I was extremely nervous as I’ve never painted a picture before but I needn’t have worried. Pam has a great sense of humour and is a fabulous teacher with a wealth of experience, patience and words of encouragement. The finca was a truly magical place, the hospitality, food and surroundings were faultless. I made some good friends and spent a week of painting, sketching, learning and laughter! Would I go on another holiday with Pam? In a heartbeat" JB