The Maestrat has an abundance of arts and crafts for visitors to experience. It’s a great introduction to the important themes for people living here – the natural heritage, food and agriculture, pottery, art and more.

There’s lots of events and fiestas throughout the year celebrating these cultural themes, and local to Casa de Olivos holiday villa is the Sant Jordi Art and Craft Fair in early August. It’s well worth a visit and is just a 30 minute walk from our eco-friendly apartments or a short 5 minute drive. 

The historic town centre of sant Jordi, is transformed into a vibrant historical children’s fair and the adjacent streets are lined with stalls where local artisans demonstrate, taste, and sell their crafts. Producers of foods and drinks, woodworkers, weavers and more besides turn this pretty town centre into a showcase for the best of the Maestrat.

This is where, in 2022, we met Sali Garcia de Aroaz, a local artist displaying her prints, paintings, and decorated furniture at a beautiful white and blue house in the main square. The works were vibrant, packed with colour and life, and always of local scenes. We fell in love with her depictions of the Millenary Olives which manage to convey the scale and detail of these monumental trees that are very close to our hearts. But whether capturing a seascape, townscape or rural scene, Sali’s pictures were always unmistakably Mediterranean.

During our journey to becoming sustainable tourist accommodation we began making connections with local artists and Sali was someone we definitely wanted to speak to. Firmly rooted in the area, her mix of local subjects and vivid style were a perfect match for Casa de Olivos boutique apartments in Traiguera.

So it is with immense pleasure that we are linking arms with Sali, displaying some of her works for sale in the guest apartments as well as offering a unique holiday experience for artists of all ages and abilities. Working in her studios in Benicarlo or Sant Jordi, Sali offers tutorials and workshops for individuals or small groups. If you’re inspired by a particular vista, olive tree or street view, you can also ask about a workshop on location. 

Make your next holiday an artistic holiday break.  Casa de Olivos – chic sustainable holiday apartments in Spain

Claire and Ed

Read more here and connect with Sali directly on her social media channels.