My tour of Andalusia was inspired by the Arabic style of the cities of southern Spain and I decided to visit and admire them. The tour lasted 10 days and I did it at the end of August 2018.
In Spain the cost of living is not high and you can choose to do a nice tour in different cities without it becoming a very expensive travel. There are also tapas, which are typical dishes that are served in bars for every glass ordered (water, beer, wine …). It is possible to dine with only the price of the drinks.
I left from Venice airport and arrived in Malaga for 180€ round travel. Remember to book your air tickets well in advance of your departure date because unfortunately the longer you wait, the more you spend. In Spain I took a rental car for €290 with full insurance, pickup and delivery in Malaga.
First destination: Malaga
Malaga is a city on the coast. The main beach is the Playa de la Malagueta and we are already leaving with a bit of sea and Spanish welcome. In the week of August, located in the fair area of Malaga, there is the great Feria de Verano, the summer festival. Just outside the city and connected by continuous buses there is this great party full of clubs with different style and music. You can certainly find something to enjoy, from quiet and family-friendly clubs to lively clubs and for young people.
Second destination: Marbella
On the way to the beaches of Marbella, I cooled off in Torremolinos at the Parque La Baterìa where there is a Mirador (observatory) offering a beautiful view of the sea.
Remember that LL in Spanish reads “i” and then pronounces “Marbeia”. I must confess that I have not slept in Marbella but just outside, in San Pedro Alcàntara, because the prices in August to the beaches as you know are very high. Marbella is the VIP area of Andalusia and, for those who do not know, Antonio Banderas lives right here. There are beautiful avenues and palm trees. It looks like an oasis.
Third destination: Cadiz
To reach Cadiz I lengthened the route via Tarifa. As a kitesurfer I had to know the strong wind that I heard so much about. Wind turbines and high bridges between the mountains characterize the road towards Tarifa. It was an adventure to get to Tarifa and the wind was so strong that I could not stay on the beach.
I head towards Cadiz and I would call it a pearl, because Cadiz is on the ocean and it is a very nice city. To get there you have to cross the Puente de la Constitución de 1812 and you can recognize it by its futuristic architecture as a frequent image of a screen saver. A network of streets where cars do not pass, which can only be walked on foot, and where the oceanic wind does not enter, characterizes the city. You can walk along the beach in the evening and stop for dinner in an excellent fish restaurant.
Fourth destination: Seville
The heat characterized the tour of Andalusia but during these 10 days around Spain only in Seville I felt the hottest heat. It is a city that does not overlook the sea and you can feel it. During the day it was really difficult to walk outdoors and I would advise you to make this trip in spring or autumn. Anyway, towards evening when temperatures become mild, Seville is a livable and beautiful city.
Seville is washed by the Guadalquivir River that we all have studied as one of the longest rivers in Spain and is rich in history. Moment History: Queen Isabel of Spain funded Christopher Columbus for his adventure to discover a new route to the Indies. Discovering the Americas, all the expeditions to the new world returned to Spain via the Guadalquivir River to arrive in Seville loaded with gold and precious gems and this wealth is seen in the historical monuments. I am particularly fond of this discovery because the day on which America was discovered is a special date for me. Comment if you understand why.
By the way, do you know the story of Columbus’ egg? I share it because I find it interesting.
It is said that Christopher discussed it with the Spanish nobles, returning from his discovery. They claimed that with his means, they would also succeed in this discovery and Christopher challenged them in an enterprise as easy as his: to put an egg straight on the table. The nobles tried but failed and Christopher succeeded by beating the bottom of the egg on the table. The nobles reacted by claiming to be successful too and he replied: The difference is that you could do it but I did it.
Things to see:
– The Cathedral of Seville where Christopher Columbus’ tomb is located;
– Real Alcazar is the royal palace, originally fortress of the Moors;
– Archive of the Indies (free entrance) contains documents of the American and Philippine colonies;
– Plaza de Espana and Maria Luisa Park;
– Triana Bridge;
– Metropol Parasol is a special structure formed by a large umbrella on the city to protect it from the sun where you can climb and enjoy the view of Seville.
Fifth destination: Granada
ATTENTION: Before leaving, I suggest you book the entrance to the Alhambra. The building is in Arabic style and is an example of Arab Andalusia. The entrance is limited in number and in August is sold out. So take your tickets before you leave or a few days before in low season, otherwise you may lose it.
The Arabic style is also found in the Albayzin district where the Arabs moved when the Spanish conquered the city. From the central square, there is a narrow side street where you enter the neighborhood. It is on a hill and from the top you can enjoy a beautiful view of Granada and the Alhambra.
Curiosity: The district is also called labyrinth. In fact, its narrow and hidden streets served to make the Christians who entered lose. There are also performances by gypsy flamenco musicians and dancers.
Sixth destination: Nerja
Finally sun, sea and relax! The tour of Andalusia arrives in the last 10 days in Nerja. Its white pebble beaches (with which you can buy as a souvenir a necklace with the engraved name) and its “Balcony of Europe“, the window on the ocean, make it the right reward for a tiring and warm tour.
On this tour of Andalusia I have the rest:
– The Arabic style of the cities and historic buildings of Seville and Granada;
– The ocean breeze of Cadiz;
– The sangria and tinto de verano are drunk to refresh me and the tapas to accompany.
With the sun hat in his hand, I can tell you that it is approved by Call me Claire.
