Andalucía is a place steeped in Spanish history. Set in Southern Spain it is a region synonymous with Flamenco, fiestas, bullfights, oranges, olives and tapas. There are so many beautiful cities, towns and villages to visit. It makes it difficult to decide where to travel to first. To help you here are 5 places that should definitely be on your bucket list.
1. Granada
Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, it is a city that was known as Spain’s grandest during Moor rule. The Alhambra fortress, which overlooks the city, was a Moor stronghold and is a must see. Albayzin (The Moorish Quarter) has lots of great shops and restaurants to explore. Other wonderful attractions are St Nicolas Point, The Royal Chapel and The Cathedral. It is a hotbed of history and culture and a modern thriving city, rolled into one.
2. Seville
The city conjures up thoughts of swirling Flamenco, balletic bullfights and succulent oranges. The iconic bullring (Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza) is the oldest in Spain and it is a spectacular place to visit. It’s not the only great attraction in this beautiful city – other things to see are the Royal Alcázar of Seville, Catedral de Sevilla, Teatro de la Maestranza and Torre del Oro. And if you like your football Sevilla also has a good team to watch!
3. Ronda
The Ronda Bridge is a breathtaking sight. Built by the Moors it is a staggering feat of Middle Ages engineering. The view of the bridge is spectacular, as are the views from it. The town has a small population and it has a bohemian feel. It is located in the hills, so the best way to visit is by car, and there are some great car share opportunities if you don’t want to rent. In the Old Town you will find the Museo de Bandolero, Santa Maria la Mayor Collegiate Church and Museo Joaquin Pienado. It’s a peaceful place full of charm and lots of tapas restaurants!
4. Cadiz
If you want to escape the tourist crowds this is the city for you. It is a place imbued with history. It is claimed to be the western world’s oldest city and the Phoenicians settled here in 1100 B.C. It is also the port that one Christopher Columbus set off from to discover the new world. Nowadays it’s a thriving city full of restaurants and shops. There are lots of things to see and do, including the City Gates, Torre Tavira and Gran Teatro Falla.
5. Córdoba
This beautiful town is known for its mosque, the Mezquita. It was built in 784 A.D. and is one of Europe’s most iconic Islamic sites. It was a place that flourished in terms or art, philosophy and science, when the Dark Ages had consumed most of Europe. The town is steeped in its Roman and Moorish past. To compound the fact there is a wonderful Arab bathhouse (Hammam de Al Andalus Banos Arabes) where you can relax after a day’s sightseeing.
The best way to visit all the wonderful places Andalucía has to offer is by car. To save a few euros a great idea is car sharing, instead of renting, especially if you’re traveling on your own or in a couple. There are also lots of well price, stunning villas in Spain to rent. It’s a great time to visit as everything is so reasonable. So plan your trip, pack your bags and head to Andalucía, one of Spain’s most beautiful regions.
Follow itravelnet.com