ANDALUSÍ
After explaining these cities individually, we recommend a tour to travel around the region and take the possibility to spend a pair of days in every city because we think it is the best way to know them.
DAY 1 – DAY 2. SEVILLE
The tour will begin in Seville, the city on the shores of the Guadalquivir River. This city, the capital of Andalusia, is universal renown by its history, culture and gastronomy. You can visit monuments such as “La Giralda”, “La Torre del Oro”, the Cathedral, “La Maestranza” and the “Reales Alcázares”. Theses monuments belong to its Arab history. They are considered artistic masterpieces by their beauty and their meaning.
You also have the possibility to taste the delicious gastronomy inside its narrows and nice streets of the city centre. They have a lovely atmosphere, especially in spring because of the orange blossom of the streets.
DAY 3 – DAY 4. CÓRDOBA
The next stop is Córdoba, the califal city. This city was the capital of the Muslim empire in the Peninsula and was considered the cultural capital of the world for years thanks to the Arab occupation.
In the streets you will be surprised by the colourful “patios” full of flowers and the lively atmosphere of its inhabitants. The month of May is the festivity month in Córdoba because of the “Patio’s Competition” and the “Feria de Nuestra Señorta de la Salud” performed at the end of May.
According to the monuments, you have to visit the Arab Mosque, the fourth biggest mosque in the world and the most important andalusi legacy of Spain. You should walk around the Jewish Quarter, the ancient quarter in the city. You also have to visit Medina Azahara, the summer residence of the Muslim gobernators.
DAY 5 – DAY 6. GRANADA
Your last stop would be Granada. Granada is universal renown by the Monumental Whole of La Alhambra, its beautiful gardens and luxurious palaces, built by the Muslims and enlarged by the Christians. It is the biggest treasure of the city and the most visited monument in Spain. You have to walk by the city centre, the Muslim quarter of “Albaicín”, the Jewish Quarter and “Sacromonte”, where the gipsy used to live in caves.
You also have the option to visit the biggest ski resort in Spain, the Ski Resort of Sierra Nevada. Here you can enjoy the nature and the Natural Reserve of Sierra Nevada, the most impressive nature reserve in the Peninsula and the small villages of “Las Alpujarras”, the zone where the Arabs used to live.
This city is well known by its gastronomy and “tapas”. The city centre is wonderful and you should take the opportunity to walk around it and know the narrow hidden streets, charming locals and nice squares.
- You have the option to extend your staying in any of these cities as long as you would like and modify the itinerary. This tour is only a recommendation and we are open-minded to your requirements.
- For accommodation in these cities, you can choose among modern hotels, comfortable traditional hostels in the city centre, old stately palaces. They all are completely nice and really charming.
CÁDIZ
DESCRIPTION
In Cádiz, the sea, its people, its bay, its history and its joie de vivre.
The province of Cádiz is very diverse and contains numerous places which are well worth a visit, from the countryside around Jerez de la Frontera to the villages in Campo de Gibraltar, or you can take a tour of the white villages and stop to relax somewhere along the coast between Tarifa and Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
And all this without forgetting the capital of the region, which holds within its walls the culture and the traditions which set the city –and its people– apart.
Don’t think twice, Cádiz is the perfect destination for your holidays.
LOCATION
This is the southernmost province on the Iberian Peninsula, and is only 14 km. from Africa.
It borders the provinces of Seville and Huelva in the north, the province of Malaga to the east, the Atlantic Ocean in the southeast, the Mediterranean Sea in the southwest, and the Strait of Gibraltar and the British colony of Gibraltar in the south.
HISTORY
Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans peopled this province and left behind an important testimony of their presence all along the Cádiz coast.
What’s more, a series of historic milestones highlight how closely Cadiz is linked to the rest of the Iberian Peninsula: in 711, the Muslims conquered these lands by defeating the Visigoths at the Guadalete river, thus changing the course of history; on three occasions Columbus’ ships set sail from here on his voyages to the New World, and arrived home in these same ports, which over time were transformed into a meeting point for the cultural currents between Andalusia and America; finally, another important event was the signing in Cádiz in 1812 of the first Spanish Constitution, which made the city into the capital of the nation for three years.
LANDSCAPE
Its 260 kilometres of Atlantic coastline feature long beaches with fine sand, many of them undeveloped and not excessively exploited for tourism. The whole coast is part of the Costa de la Luz.
You will find everything from first-rate urban beaches like “La Victoria” in the city of Cádiz or La Barrosa in Chiclana, through to virgin beaches such as the “Levante” in El Puerto; “Los Caños de Meca” and “Zahora” in the Barbate area, “Bolonia” in Tarifa and “El Palmar” in Vejer.
Places worth visiting inland include the vineyards of Jerez or the White Villages Route and the Bullfighting Route.
GASTRONOMY
The delicious gastronomy of Cádiz is a compilation of Andalusia’s most appetising dishes. The produce of the mountains and the sea, accompanied by outstanding wines, will transform any visit into a delicious experience. There is a wide range of fish and shellfish, including the local langoustines from Sanlúcar from which they take their name, the bienmesabe (fried marinated dogfish), the sea bream a la roteña, the gilthead sea bream baked in salt, clams with noodles, tiny shrimp omelettes, and numerous other dishes which are better to try than to describe.
In the mountain area the local fare includes game casseroles (venison, wild boar, rabbit, partridge...), ajo caliente (garlic and pepper soup), Grazalema soup, kidneys with sherry, baby chorizos from El Bosque, pork loin in lard…
The pastries and sweets, infused with the region’s Arab heritage, feature unique products such as the typical tortas from Chiclana, alfajores and Christmas sweets from Medina, tocinillos de cielo from Jerez, and amarguillos from Grazalema... Every town and village offers something to tempt the sweet-toothed on their travels around the geography of Cádiz.
SPORTS
Thanks to its climate and natural conditions, this province is ideal for sport lovers. Along the 260 km of coastline: sailing, with important regattas organised throughout the year, particularly in the Bay of Cádiz, where the capital hosted the 2000 Tall Ships Race.
Tarifa and its beaches are considered by the experts to be the best place to windsurf in Europe. It is also the ideal spot for cuba diving, swimming, fishing, jet skiing or kite surfing. The mountain areas are the perfect setting for gliding, caving, mountain biking... and all other mountain sports. Algodonales was the venue for the 2001 World Aerial Games.
Cádiz and La Línea are famous for their football tournaments. In Jerez, the emphasis is on the Formula 1 Circuit and the Moto GP. Yet, the city is famous for its horses and related activities. The City of Jerez de la Frontera hosted the 2002 World Equestrian Games.
Hunting abounds, with more than 60 game reserves scattered throughout the whole province. Polo, pigeon and clay pigeon shooting, tennis and an endless list of other sports can all be played or simply watched as an enthusiastic spectator in the province.
The province boast internationally renown golf courses, such as the Valderrama Golf Club, the venue for the 1997 RYDER CUP, or the Montecastillo Club which has hosted the VOLVO MASTERS on various occasions. In 2003, the Bay of Cadiz was the venue for the World Olympic Sailing Championships, organised by the Cadiz Provincial Council through MUNDOVELA.
CÓRDOBA
DESCRIPTION
Córdoba, capital of Muslim Spain, is the main city in a territory located in the centre of Andalusia. The Guadalquivir River, at its wider middle course, crosses this province from east to west and provides irrigation for a wide plain where cereals, grapevines and olive trees grow.
Towards the north, the landscape becomes progressively wilder until it reaches the summits of the Sierra Morena, with dense forests and abundant wild game for hunting.
In the south, the land rises gradually until it reaches the mountains of the Subbética range. These lands with their limestone soils feature spreading olive groves and white villages and noble towns with well-conserved Baroque architecture.
This mountainous landscape is home to a varied fauna. The province of Córdoba, which still bears traces of its Iberian, Roman and Muslim past, is rich in traditions; it has an outstanding architectural heritage, and its gastronomy has undergone a considerable resurgence with the revival of a range of dishes from the traditional cooking of the region.
LOCATION
The province of Córdoba is located in the north centre of the Autonomous Region of Andalusia. It borders the provinces of Málaga, Seville, Badajoz, Ciudad Real, Jaén, and Granada. The capital city is Córdoba.
Distance to Cádiz is about 263 km. Communications with Cádiz are excellent.
By road: the distance between Cádiz and Córdoba are connected by an excellent motorway in less than 3 hours.
By train: 15 daily comfortable and modern trains connecting both cities in 2hr 30 min.
HISTORY
Since Palaeolithic times, the province of Córdoba has been marked by the hand of man. The Tartessians and Oretani people fought over these lands and the exploitation of its iron, lead and copper mines.
The Romans conquered it, and were fascinated by its beautiful landscapes and the fertile valley. Numerous constructions throughout the province stand as witness to their presence. After the Muslim expansion across the Iberian Peninsula, the territory of the Al-Ándalus empire in Córdoba became a major hub for the export of cultural and economic ideas in medieval Europe.
With the independent Emirate established by Abderramán I and the Omeya caliphate of Abderramán III, Córdoba reached the pinnacle of its historical prominence. The teachings of great men –Séneca, Maimónides, Averroes...– spread the splendour and influence of Córdoba all over the world.
After the Christian conquest, the repopulations of the valley of the Guadalquivir by Charles III of Spain and the social unrest in the 19th century, the province changed course towards a new historical destination. Today this privileged enclave in Andalusia is home to a priceless architectural heritage, which will captivate the most demanding traveller.
LANDSCAPE
The land in the province of Cordoba spreads between olive groves and grapevines and is bathed by the tributaries of the Guadalquivir River which runs through it from one side to the other and separates it in two: the mountain area of Sierra Morena and the flat countryside of the Guadalquivir. To the south there is another area which is not as extensive, but higher: the Subbética mountain ranges.
GASTRONOMY
The cuisine of Córdoba, typical of inland areas, includes ingredients such as game, locally produced meat and the abundant fruits and vegetables produced in its gardens and orchards.
Olive oil and the excellent local wine are the perfect accompaniment for this delicious cuisine. Travellers can sample the broad bean casserole, asparagus with scrambled eggs, the cochifrito (fried suckling pig), lamb casserole, the typical migas serranas (fried seasoned breadcrumbs) and the stewed bull’s tail, whose main ingredient comes from the fighting bulls.
The gazpacho and salmorejo (thick gazpacho made with bread) are delicious dishes for tempering the summer heat. The restaurants in Córdoba have also added to their menus Mozarabic dishes such as lamb with honey, a speciality that can be enjoyed all year round.
RECOMMENDATION
You can visit the city only in a day, but we recommend staying in the city for 2 or 3 days. You can enjoy the fantastic charms of the Andalusí capital. There is the possibility to visit the Arab Mosque, Medina Azahara and the Jewish Quarter, for example.
You also can take the opportunity to live the intensive month of May of Córdoba. In this month, the city lives its biggest festivity: the “Flowered Patio Festivity”. It consists on showing to visitors the flowers in the “patios” of every city centre houses. It gives to the city a festivity atmosphere for all the month. At the end of May is also the “Feria de Nuestra Señora de la Salud”, another festivity in the city very important.
For accommodation there are several possibilities. You can choose among modern hotels, comfortable traditional hostels in the city centre, old stately palaces or typical andalusian houses.
Córdoba, thanks to its history, culture, atmosphere, inhabitants, facilities and festivities, deserves to be visited
GRANADA
DESCRIPTION
Granada is music and poetry, monuments which are pure art, and ancient culture. This province reaches towards the skies from the craggy summits of the Sierra Nevada mountains; cities with breathtaking architecture which reside serenely in the Altiplano region; white villages scattered across hills and valleys which slope down to the cliffs and beaches of the Costa Tropical. The province of Granada, tourist destination par excellence, offers travellers the chance to ski in the Sierra Nevada mountains, discover hidden villages in the Alpujarra region, explore the last frontier of the Al-Ándalus empire in eastern Granada or stay in caves and experience a troglodyte’s lifestyle.
A land of mild warm summers and winters which are ideal for snow sports.
LOCATION
Granada is located on the banks of the Mediterranean Sea and in the heart of the Penibética mountain range. The capital is the city of Granada.
It borders the provinces of Málaga and Córdoba in the west, Jaén in the north, Almería in the east and it is open to the Mediterranean in the south.
Distance to Cádiz is about 335km. Communication with Cádiz is good.
By road: the distance between both cities may be covered in 4 hours thanks to an excellent motorway.
By train: there are not direct trains connecting these cities, but if you change by regional trains you can get to Granada in about 4hr 30 min.
HISTORY
The whole province is full of incentives for those who love architecture and culture. The district of Santa Fe was where the discovery of America was planned by Christopher Columbus, and Fuente Vaqueros is the birthplace of Federico García Lorca, one of the most important poets and playwrights to grace Spanish literature.
The remains of a hominid dating between one and two million years old were discovered in the Altiplano region of Granada. The Bastetani, an Iberian people, bequeathed to posterity a relic of great historic and cultural value: the Lady of Baza.
Some coins struck by the Turduli people towards the 5th century bear witness to the origin of the capital of this lovely province. In the 8th century, the Berbers conquered these lands which reached their apogee with the Nasrids, who brought an economic, social, artistic and cultural development whose influence can still be seen today.
LANDSCAPE
The province of Granada is characterised by a descending series of raised plains which start at the high summits and go right down to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. These plains and the height of the terrain mean that the climate in winter is extremely cold. This greatly affects the vegetation, agriculture, cattle farming and game animals.
Three clearly distinct zones can be seen in Granada: the coast, the river plain in Granada, and the mountain area. Each one has its own climate, geography, history and location which set it apart from the others.
GASTRONOMY
This has a marked Arab influence and is based on excellent ingredients. It features traditional dishes such as tender broad beans with ham, cardoons, the typical remojón (salad with cod and orange) and gazpacho. All accompanied by the delicious bread from Alfácar.
Six products have been recognised with the official Designation of Origin or Quality: olive oils from los Montes and the west, the green asparagus from Huetor Tájar, honey, cured ham from Trevélez and the custard apple from the Costa Tropical.
In Riofrío, they make the only quality Beluga caviar in Spain, and on the Costa Tropical you are guaranteed good fish and shellfish.
RECOMMENDATION
We suggest staying in the city, at least, for 3 days because it is the best way to know it completely.
As you know, Granada is well known by its Muslim history and the monuments according with them, such as “La Alhambra”, the impressive fortress and palaces belonging to the Omiya Dynasty, the “Jewish Quarter”, “Sacromonte” and “Albaicín”, the most important quarters which configured the multicultural sense of the city.
If you love the nature, you have to visit the Natural Reserve of Sierra Nevada, one of the most beautiful and extensive Reserves of Spain. It also has the highest peak in the Peninsula and the village of Pradollano, where you can find the Ski Resort of Sierra Nevada, the biggest of Spain to enjoy sports and snow.
For accommodation there are several possibilities. You can choose among modern hotels, comfortable traditional hostels in the city centre, old stately palaces or typical andalusian houses. You also can stay in rural houses next to Sierra Nevada or “La Alpujarra”, an excellent opportunity to enjoy the nature.
As you can see, the city of Granada and its province are really complete in relation to be visited and discovered in 3 days. You have the possibility to stay in the city, to go to the mountains and travel by the small villages of “La Alpujarra” or spend the day in Costa Tropical, the beach coast in the south. You have several options to enjoy your staying. Do not miss this chance!
SEVILLE
DESCRIPTION
The Guadalquivir river –the ancient Betis– flows between the foothills of the Sierra Morena to the north and the Sierra Sur mountains in the south, irrigating a rich and fertile valley. In its lower course, 70 kilometres from the sea, is the ancient city of Seville, the capital of the Autonomous Region of Andalusia and of the largest and most densely populated province in Andalusia.
The towns and cities on the shores of the river are living testimony to its historic and cultural past. Seville, the emblematic city of universal renown, has been Arab, Jewish and Roman, and its river and its river port have served as a privileged destination for trade with the West Indies. Its art and folklore make this an exceptional tourist destination.
LOCATION
It is the capital of Andalusia, and the largest province in the Autonomous Region. It borders the provinces of Málaga and Cádiz to the south, Huelva to the west, Badajoz to the north, and Córdoba to the east. The capital city is Seville.
Distance to Cádiz is about 120km. Communication with Cádiz is excellent.
By road: an excellent toll motorway connecting both cities in 1hr 30 min.
By train: 15 daily comfortable and modern trains connecting both cities in 1hr 45min.
HISTORY
The origin of the city of Seville dates from around the first millennium BC, coinciding with its settlement by the Phoenicians and the Tartessians. Its location at the confluence of river and land routes favoured the rapid economic growth of the valley and the surrounding lands.
The settlement of Julia Rómula Hispalis, founded by Julius Caesar, was the hub of spectacular commercial activity. Major settlements were established throughout the territory, whose buildings and monuments can still be seen in the present day. The Arabs left an indelible mark on the culture and monuments of these lands. In the 16th century, Seville experienced its period of maximum splendour. The port of Seville received goods from all over Europe, as well as precious metals from the New World, which contributed to the development of western Europe. The Enlightenment saw a revival of trade, agriculture and industry. The Universal Exhibition of 1992 promoted and enhanced even more the reputation of Seville.
LANDSCAPE
The province of Seville is a mosaic of cultures whose roots are buried in the remote past. The great river basin of the Guadalquivir, the Sierra Morena mountains and the marshes of the Doñana Nature Reserve offer visitors a scenic map of extensive wetlands, and a sanctuary for a variety of birdlife; you can explore mountain paths among lush Mediterranean vegetation, contemplate the fighting bulls grazing in pastures dotted with ancient holm oaks, or lose yourself in gently sloping lands with inviting villages and monumental cities which are living testimony to a historic past of unparalleled splendour.
GASTRONOMY
Game meats, pork products made from pigs raised in the mountain pastures, rice from the rice fields of the Guadalquivir marshes, and the fish and shellfish from the Andalusian coast comprise the ingredients of a varied gastronomy, which has its maximum expression in its “tapas”. The custom of visiting bars, taverns and "tascas" (typical watering holes) is widespread throughout the villages, towns and cities in the Sevillian geography.
The fare also includes hearty soups and stews, and the traditional sweets and handmade pastries of the district of Estepa.
RECOMMENDATION
In our opinion, there are two ways to know the city:
The first one is to stay at Cádiz and travel by car or by train to Seville, spending the day in the city and visiting the most important monuments as the “Cathedral” and “La Giralda”, “La Torre del Oro”, “La Maestranza”, the “Reales Alcázares”, Maria Luisa’s Park and the city centre.
The other one is to stay in Seville for a few days. We believe that two days are enough to know the city, the hidden squares, the beautiful streets, its delicious gastronomy, its nice inhabitants and all its enchants. For accommodation there are a plenty of possibilities. You may stay in luxuries old palaces, small and wonderful city centre hotels or in typical andalusian houses.
