Situated at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Andalucia, Granada is a smallish city of fewer than half a million. Yet there are more things to see and do here than in some cities ten times its size. Once part of the kingdom of Castile, it is now one of Spain’s best tourist [...]
The festive calendar of Cadiz has numerous events but there are three which are of particular importance and have been declared Fiestas of International Tourist Interest: the Carnival of Cadiz, the Jerez Equestrian Fair, and the horse races on the beach at Sanlucar de Barrameda.
The Mosque is Córdoba’s main monument. Work on its construction started soon after Abd al-Rahman the first took over the Emirate. Its most ancient foundations are built over the remains of the primitive Visigothic basilica of San Vicente.
From an Arab word meaning ‘fortress’, the Alcazaba is no mere castle. Unlike some of the interesting but fairly plain examples in England, this defensive structure is also an architectural marvel.
The Coastal Route from Nerja to Sotogrande along the Costa del Sol offers the traveller one hundred and fifteen kilometers of coastline with all the attractions typical of the sea, as well as the added allure of the countryside and the neighboring nature parks.
For those who enjoy touring religious and historical architecture, there’s no finer spot in Andalucia than Ronda. Filled with fascinating structures from throughout the town’s long history, the city is quite simply entrancing. Walk across the Puento Nuevo, completed in 1793 (during the reign of Felipe V) and head backwards in time.
During the 10th century Cordoba was the cultural center of Spain. Several cities in this ancient country might now claim that title. But, many sights in this Andalucian town show why Cordoba was – and still is – one of the leaders.
Europe has many awe-inspiring cathedrals. But throughout most of the continent there is a kind of sameness to their designs. That shouldn’t be surprising since architects readily borrowed ideas from one another, and building technology was limited in the periods they were built, from about 1200-1800AD. But it is possible to see some truly different [...]
Madrid, Barcelona. These are among the most well-known and sought after vacation spots in Spain. But there is another region, one on the Mediterranean that deserves equal time: Andalucia. Here, tourists will find a golden land, filled with things to do that even experienced travelers will find new and surprising.
The Guadalhorc Valley Route The immense orchard of the valley of the Guadalhorce, very near to Malaga itself, comprises the municipalities of Alhaurin de la Torre, Alhaurin el Grande, Almogfa, Alora, Cartama, Coin, Pizarra, and Valle de Abdalajrs. As well as the charming popular architecture of the white villages, the area boasts a wealth of [...]
Different cultures have marked the city of Córdoba that was the Roman and Moorish capital city, the centre of Western Europe. Situated on the banks of the river Guadalquivir it welcomed great philosophers like the Roman Séneca, Averroes, Maimónides the Jew, writers like Luis de Góngora, or painters like Julio Romero de Torres.
Wine is produced in many areas of Spain. The hot sun and Mediterranean breezes make for some stellar Palomino grapes. But the capital of one type – sherry – has to be assigned to Jerez de la Frontera, a city in the Cadiz section of Andalucia. The very name means ‘sherry’, a derivative of the [...]
While Americans and others may celebrate Easter only on a Sunday, that occasion is marked in Spain by an entire week of festivities known as Semana Santa, or Holy Week. The Holy Week festivals that take place all over the country are especially marked in Andalucia. Here, the emphasis is less on doleful repentance and [...]
Cadiz, to the south of Huelva province shares the same stretch of coastline, the Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light), an Atlantic coastline, with long stretches of uncrowded pristine sand. Windsurfers and para-surfers will have heard of Tarifa, the most southern point of the Cadiz region, which as you would expect is renown for [...]
For almost eight centuries, the Iberian Peninsula lived one of its most privileged moments, not only with regard to Spain, but also to Europe as a whole: the age of Moslem Spain, which the Arabs called Bilad al-Andalus.
As the capital of Andalucia, Sevilla has enjoyed a colorful history stretching back over 2,500 years. Whether strolling around the gardens of Casa de Pilatos or looking up in awe at Alcazar, it isn’t hard to believe.
The port city of Cadiz in the Andalucia region of Spain is an ancient wonder. It is among the oldest inhabited cities in Europe, with roots stretching back to Phoenician sailors over 3,000 years ago. Modern visitors will find dozens of things to do here encompassing the years from then to now.
If you want to have the freedom of touring Spain from Malaga on your own schedule, you may want to consider a Malaga Car Hire. By hiring a car you are not forced to be a slave to the public transportation schedules or problems, you can decide when you want to see things, for how [...]
Europe is full of magnificent churches, cathedrals and other religious structures. But few are as unusual as the famed Mezquita of Cordoba in the region of Andalucia.
Huelva is the Andalusian city with the greatest Latin America vocation, in the old part of the town you can see buildings that remind you of these links and at Sebo Point there is a statue that is a monument Christopher Comlumbus, the work of Whithney the sculptor.
The Westin Palace Madrid Hotel
The 1912 palatial hotel was built on the former site of the palace of the Duke and Duchess of Medinaceli. A string of famous guests have stayed here from Salvador Dali to novelist Isabel Allende and movie director Richard Attenborough, but well-heeled business travelers tend to dominate. The entrance hall, decorated with murals of Italian [...]
Estepona Gran Hotel Playabella
The Playahoteles hotel chain is present on the Costa del Sol through Gran Playabella Hotel, one of the group’s best establishments.
Gran Hotel Melia Don Pepe, Marbella
Sol Meliá, a worldwide leader in holiday travel, is a hotel chain with 50 years’ experience. Its 350 hotels are located in more than 30 countries, and the Meliá Don Pepe is undoubtedly one of its finest. Completely renovated in 2004, this luxury hotel is an oceanfront property, situated on the sea promenade, only 500 [...]
Gibraltar is situated at the narrow entrance to the Mediterranean Sea on one side of the well-known Straits of Gibraltar. Across the water a dozen miles away lies Northern Africa. Far from a mere geological outcropping, the city is a fascinating mixture of Spanish and British culture.
Chances are that you might have traveled on a cable car before, but watch out for the difference when you opt for the cable car trip to Mount Tiede. This is unquestionable one of the most breathtaking rides in the world. Your journey begins at a height of 2,356 meters above sea level and ends [...]
Granada Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens tour
Take a trip to Granada and the Alhambra Palace, one of the most beautiful architectural marvels in the world, on a day tour from the Costa del Sol. Granada is home to two of Spain’s best-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the gardens of the Generalife and the exquisite Moorish architecture of the Alhambra Palace.
