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Itineraries
by Lee Gutcher
Málaga
Málaga city is not a popular tourist attraction
despite the large amount of tourists which pass through its airport.
Whilst it does not have any outstanding monuments it is an atmospheric,
historical city well worth taking the time to visit.
Málaga is the second largest city in Andalucia,
and also one of the poorest, which is noticeable in the outskirts
of the city. But once in the centre of the city there are many quarters
of the city which are a delight to explore. The people of Málaga
are also famous for being amongst the most friendly in the region.
The city also has a decent beach if you want to take a rest before
or after you flight.
See the Málaga
home page.
Arrival & Accommodation
Both the train and bus station are on the outskirts, but within
walking distance of the city centre. Most attractions are within
walking distance, although the Gibralfaro can be an uphill struggle
when the sun is shining.
Accommodation is not a problem outside of the major
holidays. The area around the cathedral offers numerous budget options.
There are no truly 'must see' monuments in Malaga,
but many which are worth visiting.
- The Alcazaba
- The Gibralfaro
- The Cathedral
- Casa Natal de Picasso
The best way to enjoy Malaga is to wander its streets
and soak in the atmosphere of its people.
Ronda
The Pueblos Blancos, or white towns are places of
great beauty. Set in rural mountainous terrain each town offers
spectacular picturesque views. The most famous of these white towns
is Ronda.
The best way to appreciate the White Towns is by
car. Winding along the mountainous roads any route provides great
reward and beautiful scenery. Watch out for other Pueblos Blancos
such as Gaucin, Casares, and Jimena de la Frontera. Without a car
these places would be difficult to get to, only Ronda has good transport
links. Taking the train to Ronda from Algeciras is the best method
of entry.
Ronda itself is built on an isolated ridge and split
by a huge gorge of over 100m. The gorge is spanned by a breathtaking
bridge, which claimed its creator's own life as he peered over to
admire his work. It is the stunning mountain scenery and natural
beauty which pulls in the masses of tourists, and few leave disappointed.
The maze-like town itself is a pleasant stroll.
You might also want to descend the hundreds of steps to the bottom
of the gorge from the Casa Del Rey. There are also some well preserved
13th Century Arab Baths on the riverbank.
The Plaza de Toros is certainly worth a visit. You
can stroll at will around the oldest bullring in Spain. It was here
where modern bullfighting developed, all of which is explained in
the excellent free information guide. There is also a museum with
costume and some rather bloodthirsty pictures.
See the Ronda
home page.
Cadiz
Cadiz does not have a big draw card to pull in the
crowds unlike the other major cities of Andalucia. It is worth spending
a day there if you can, but if you're short of time it is an obvious
candidate to drop from the itinerary.
Cadiz is an historic port and one of the oldest
cities in Europe. Although it is not a large tourist resort it is
surprisingly open and friendly, especially for a port. Cadiz was
the location of the drawing of a liberal constitution in 1812. The
city has kept this left wing tradition and was strongly opposed
to General Franco. The Carnival in February is one of the biggest
in Andalucia, and certainly the most infamous, with riotous partying.
Cadiz is also famous for its sea food with fried fish being a speciality.
Finding your way around Cadiz is not a problem.
The natural bay is very compact and it is difficult to get lost
as you are never more than 2 streets away from being able to see
the sea. However the helpful Tourist Office have painted a pink
line around the city. Follow this line around the city to see all
the major sights.
See the Cadiz
Home page
Accommodation
Accommodation is plentiful. Cadiz has an excellent youth hostel
which even when full the friendly proprietor will point you in the
direction of an alternative.
There are no must see monuments in Cadiz, just a
handful of curious places worth a look.
- Archaeology and Fine Arts Museum
- Oratorio de Santa Cruz
- Cathedral Nueva
- Oratori de San Feligo Neri
Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez is the centre of the sherry triangle, and
it is the opportunity to visit the huge sherry bodegas that draw
large amounts of tourists every year.
Besides the delightful tours of the bodegas there
are few reasons to warrant a longer stay in the city. There are
the usual cathedrals, churches and castles but they compare poorly
to those you can readily see elsewhere in Andalucia. It is definitely
worth a day visit though.
See the Jerez de
la Frontera home page.
Arriving and Accommodation
The train and bus stations are situated next door to each other
and there are plentiful budget accommodation options located within
a few minutes walk.
Must See
By Choice
- Cathedral - This 18th Century Gothic / Renaissance
Cathedral is a disappointment in comparison to others in Andalucia.
- Alcazar - This largely reconstructed castle is
worth a look, complete with bathhouse and gardens. Also in the
compound is a camera obscura which uses lens technology to give
a tour of the entire city.
- Barrio de Santiago - is the old gypsy quarter
and a pleasant stroll with some interesting churches.
- Archaeological Museum - is inferior to those
in Cordoba and Granada but definitely worth a look.
- The May Horse Fair
Seville
Seville is unsurprisingly the most touristy destination
in Andalucia. The signs are obvious: the shops are open at convenient
times; the waiters approach agreeable, and there's the sweet smell
of horse manure everywhere you go.
Seville is a must on any Spanish as well as Andalucian
tour. The city overflows with the romantic gaiety and theatrical
intensity of life synonymous with Andalucian culture. Whilst the
wonderful architectural monuments are a must see, it is wandering
the narrow colourful streets of the Barrio de Santa Cruz where the
real Seville experience is to be had.
See Seville
home page.
Accommodation
If you arrive by bus the Barrio Santa Cruz is a short walk away.
Here there is a dense concentration of hostels, all of which are
within walking distance of the main architectural sights. The area
is quiet at night with only a few tapas bars and restaurants staying
open late. Head to the centre or across the river for a more lively
evening. Accommodation is impossible to find during Semana Santa
and the Feria de Avril unless you book months in advance.
See Seville
hotels page
Must See
- Cathedral - The biggest Gothic church in the
world.
- The Giralda - Fine Islamic Architecture - the
symbol of the city.
- Alcazaba - If you see one castle in Andalucia
make it this one.
- Barrio de Santa Cruz - Discover the real Seville.
By Choice
- Plaza de Espana - Huge Plaza with rather grandiose
architecture. Nearby Park offers good spot for relaxation.
Watch out for the Hotel Alfonso XIII and the Fabruca de Tabacos.
(Carmen of the Opera worked there)
Avoid
- Plaza de Toros - (for guide, in English and Spanish)
You are kicked round the bull ring in 15 minutes by a guide who
doesn't pause even between alternate languages. If you're going
to Ronda visit the bull ring there instead.
Cordoba
Cordoba is the most historic of the Andalucian cities
being previously both the Roman and Moorish capital of Spain. This
sense of historic and former prestige is readily recognisable whilst
strolling around the city. It is for the fabulous Mezquita which
Cordoba is now famous, a building of world renown. But Cordoba does
have a charm itself warranting a longer stay, with colourful patios
See Cordoba
home page.
Arriving and Accommodation
Both the train and bus stations are located some distance to the
North of the city centre. Bus No. 3 will runs from the bus station
to the central Plaza Tendillas. Most of the accommodation is around
the Mezquita. Those closet to the Mezquita tend to be more expensive
with cheaper options a larger distance away.
Must See
- Mezquita - this 8th century building encompasses
many architectural styles includes a breathtaking Mihrab and is
under no circumstances to be missed.
- The River Area - walking along the southern bank
of the river Guadalquivir offers a fantastic view of the city.
- Archaeological Museum - (free with EU passport)
In a beautiful location this museum is one of the best in Andalucia.
Roman mosaics and statues are highlights of a thoroughly enjoyable
collection.
By Choice
- Alcazar - The Alcazar is unspectacular but offers
good views of the city and has impressive mosaics in it's interior.
- The Juderia - The Juderia as with all Andalucian
cities this old quarter is a delight to stroll around.
Granada
Granada is, with Seville, one of the biggest tourist
attractions in Spain, not just Andalucia. The primary reason is
for the truly extraordinary monument of the Moorish Alhambra; this
emotive, sensual palace-fortress is set against the magnificent
backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada. It is under
no circumstances to be missed.
Whilst the Alhambra alone justifies a visit to Granada,
the city is an attraction in it's own right. It is one among the
most picturesque of the Andalucian cities, has an atmospheric gypsy
quarter - the Albaicin.
See Granada
home page.
Arriving & Accommodation
Both the train and bus stations are some distance form the city
centre. From the bus station bus number 3 will take you to the centre,
likewise bus number 11 from the train station. A convenient stopping
place is the Gran Via (the main street) or the Plaza Nueva. The
city centre itself is very compact and everything is within walking
distance. However you might prefer to avoid the uphill walks to
the Alhambra and Albaicin by using the frequent red buses (No 32
and 31 respectively).
There are numerous hostels on the long Gran Via
street, especially around the Cathedral. And there are other options
from the Plaza Nueva up towards the Alhambra.
Must See
- The Alhambra
- Mirador de San Nicolas - (This is where you can
take that picture postcard photograph of the Alhambra with the
snow-capped mountains in the background)
- Albaicin - This Moorish quarter has character
in parts, but watch out for the overtly touristy sections. Take
the Carrera del Darros from the Plaza Nueva up towards Albaicin
with the river alongside and the Alhambra as a backdrop, this
walk is worth giving the bus a miss.
By Choice
- Capilla Real and Cathedral - The Renaissance
Cathedral is not among the better ones of Andalucia. The adjoining
Capilla Real is of more interest. Here rest the tombs of Fernando
and Isabel.
- Arab Baths: (Free with EU passport) Half way
up the Carrera Del Darro these well preserved 11th Century baths
are well worth a quick look.
- Archaeological Museum: (Free with EU passport)
Further up the Carrero Del Darro this Archaeological museum is
one of the best in Andalucia. The Roman section is a highlight,
but unsurprisingly the Moorish section has pride of place.
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