Granada
It is worth going to Granada just to see the Alhambra,
which with its magnificent gardens of Generalife
is the most visited tourist attraction in the country, but Granada has more to offer than that.
Other areas to visit include: the district of Sacromonte with its fine architectural white villas
and flowery terraces; the Capilla Real, important art work of Andalusian Gothic influence;
the Arabic history evident in La Madraza or the old corn exchange; the Renaissance complex of
the Monasterio de San Jerónimo; various religious buildings and unforgettable walks like the
Carrera del Darro.
Sevilla
This city is the quintessential example of a traditional
and well preserved Andalusian city. You can walk for hours through various historic areas of
the city. The Cathedral is one of the most spectacular gothic cathedrals in Europe, and features
the Giralda - a classical Arab minaret. The city is full of picture postcard images:
from the Torre del oro above the Guadalquivir; to the buildings that were influenced from the
period during the height of the Renaissance, when the city was doing prosperous trade with the
Indies, such as the Town Hall, the Hospital de las Cinco Llagas, the Palacio de las Dueñas and
the Casa de Pilatos. You should also visit the Museo de Bellas Artes is the art gallery with
the second greatest number of classical paintings in the country.
CórdobaThe Mezquita is, after the Alhambra, the most important
physical legacy of seven centuries of occupation by the Moors. If the Alhambra is the most
significant civil legacy left by the Moors,
this mosque is the most important religious one. It was constructed in
the Caliphal period and was continuously enlarged over the centuries until its present
impressive dimensions. It is unique in Europe and its array of columns and arches are
fascinating. Although a few alterations were made by the Christians to both of these
buildings, their magnitude and splendour has helped to ensure that they have remained
intact over the years, unlike some other Arabic buildings.
Sierra Nevada
Less than 2 hour's drive from the Costa del Sol, the Sierra Nevada ski
resort has over fifty kilometres of slopes with innumerable
routes and difficulties. In spring it is quite possible to spend half the day sunbathing on
the beach and the other half skiing on the slopes. Outside of the ski season, the National
Park is worth a visit anyway, especially if you enjoy hiking or nature-watching. In the southern
areas there are the Alpujarras, very picturesque white villages that cling to the hillsides.
Doñana
These marshes are the most important bird
reserves on the continent. It is the main place of passage for the huge variety of birds
that migrate between Europe and Africa and is also an important habit for a wide variety
of species native to Spain, including the Spanish Lynx, which is an endangered species. The
landscape consists of large beaches, dunes, marshes, cork oak forests etc. which can be seen
either by car or on foot.
Cabo de Gata
Situated in the eastern extreme of the region, it
is a fascinating place which has been quite well isolated from the spread of tourism. You
will find splendid coves and cliffs, very secluded beaches with crystal clear waters,
unique areas of desert (where they have previously filmed a number of westerns),
volcanic areas and quiet villages.
Gibraltar
Apart from the caves of San Miguel and the
famous monkey reserve, the biggest attraction here is the shopping in a city where
there is a peculiar mix of Spanish and British influences. A great place to stock up on teabags
and pies if you decide to move to Spain!
Morocco
Morocco is only a couple of hours on the ferry
from Algeciras and is a fascinating experience for a western traveller. Tangiers itself is not
particularly worth seeing, but you only have to take a short taxi ride to find yourself in some of the
best places to visit in Africa. Or take the night train to the famous city of Marrakesh and enjoy a really different holiday!
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