After two gorgeous trips to Brazil and Israel this year I had only time for a short trip to Spain. The main reason to choose this destination was, that I had merely seen Barcelona so far – but nothing of the rest of this wonderful country. While I was in New York last year, I saw a reproduction of the Mezquita and decided to visit the original; at this point in time not knowing anything about the history of Andalucía.
I chose a prepared trip from Olimar which unburdened me from booking a flight, the hotels and a rental car. I arrived in Málaga (Costa del Sol airport) and stayed a first night there. The next day I continued along the coast via Nerja and Salobreña to Granada. Already three month before the trip I was unable to get a full ticket for the Alhambra – I had to take three minor tickets (Nasrid palaces, Generalife, nocturnal visits) and I had to get up there in the end four times. A really steep road which made me check how public transport works in Granada. 😉
But the beauty of the Alhambra was totally worth the struggle. While lingering the palaces, courts and gardens I learned that the region was conquered by the Arabs and that most interesting buildings date back to the 7th century CE and that the islamic influence is still visible in everyday architecture. After enjoying the bustling life in Granadas city center I continued to Córdoba, beautifully located at river Guadalquivir (Arabic for “big river”). I had to visit the Mezquita twice caused by the enchanting atmosphere within this mosque-cathedral. I tried some original Salmorejo cordobés (a creamy version of Gazpacho), left the tourist-crowded jewish part of the city and discovered nice places within the town.
The next stop was Sevilla which impressed me less with the cathedral and the Giralda, but more with the Reales Alcázares and the Plaza de España. In this time frame I didn’t have a hotel within the city center (like in Granada and Córdoba – which causes some trouble with parking); I stayed at a hacienda in Utrera, 15 km to the south. A good opportunity to relax! For a finish I additionally visited the cathedral in Cádiz and Ronda, the city on the two mountains – both magnificent stops one shouldn’t omit. What I didn’t expect before going there: Andalucía is definitely a place you should have seen once in a lifetime. But I still have the feeling of not having seen Spain; maybe next time Galicia? 🙂
Loading map...
