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Granada
This famous and historic city can be reached from several areas of the coast, the closest point being Motril at the eastern end of the Costa del Sol in an area now known as the Costa Tropical, and from here it is about one and a half hours drive to the city. Granada was the longest lasting Arab kingdom in Spain, which lasted for 800 years. The city is world famous for its Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. The Alhambra is the best and most well preserved of all the Islamic architecture in Spain. This medieval acropolis type fortress towers the city, and is generally accepted as the 8th wonder of the world. It covers an area of 100,000 square metres and is a truly fascinating insight into another world. From its many towers and balconies are the most breathtaking views of the beautiful area of Spain. The gardens of the Generalife remain much as they were when used by the Arab Kings over 1,000 years ago, and are a haven of peace and tranquillity and most weekends you will be lucky enough to see a wedding or a confirmation party having their photos taken in the heavenly setting.
To see this area in detail you will need many hours, and the entrance ticket (which covers both places) is valid for two days to give the visitor a chance to discover this enchanting place. The city itself is full of fine buildings, churches and museums as well as the elegant shopping arcades and many parks and gardens. Further on from the city into the Sierra Nevada mountains you will find some of the most beautiful and spectacular scenery in Spain, the road follows the line of the huge reservoir at Canales and then on to Solynieve - the winter Ski resort (scene of the 1996 World Alpine Ski Championships).
Seville
Seville is the capital of Andalucia, and has more than 850,000 inhabitants and is the fourth largest city in Spain. It dates back to Phoenician times around 1000 years BC, and played an important part in the discovery of the Americas as sailing to the New World was contacted here. It is also the last resting place of Christopher Columbus. Not only a city of historical sights but also of culture, traditional flamenco shows, art museums, and of course the great operas such as The Barber of Seville, The Marriage of Figaro and Carmen were all inspired by this fascinating city.
Rich in architecture from the 12th century cathedral and the Giralda tower, to the 14th century Royal Place called the Alcaza Real, the beautiful Plaza de España built for the worlds fair in 1929, the Torre del Oro (golden tower), to the futuristic buildings of the Expo 92 exhibition. |
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All a must for the visitor to Seville. Not to be missed is the Santa Cruz area, with its winding narrow streets, colourful building and shady plazas, and also the Plazas del Toros (bull ring), the many churches and convents, parks and gardens. You will need to stay several days in this city to discover all its interesting and wonderful secrets.
Málaga
Málaga, the fifth largest city in Spain, is known as the capital of the Costa del Sol, and is situated almost in the centre of the coastline. East of Málaga has less tourism but is never the less well worth a visit , and west of Málaga is the better known tourist area of the coast. The city was founded around the 7th century AD, and since then there has been many settlers, like the Romans and the Moors, all of whom left their mark on the city, like the Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro. The Alcazaba was built in the 11th century as a military defence but now houses the archaeological museum and is surrounded by beautiful terraces and gardens.
The Gibralfaro Castle was built in the 14th century and adjoins the Alcazaba. In the same area, the remains f a Roman theatre can also be seen. Directly behind these two building are the romantic garden of Puerta Oscura and La Coracha. Below the castle is the famous fountain, which now forms a roundabout, and is best viewed on a Sunday or during siesta time. There are also many other interesting buildings to view in Málaga, such as the churches, the cathedral, the bullring and the town hall. Also an excellent shopping city, with many international shops as well as the famous 'El Corte Inglés'. The artist Picasso was born in Málaga and an exhibition of his work can be seen in the museum close to the cathedral
Ronda
Situated at a height of 750 metres and 40 kilometres inland from the coast of Marbella is the monumental city of Ronda with its unique and breathtaking gorge which splits the city in two. Legend has it that God was fed up of the locals squabbling over the women and sent a bolt of lightening to divided the city, women on one side , men on the other. The locals did not take kindly to this idea and built the Tanajo bridge to reunite the population of the city.
The city walls, built by the Moors, are almost intact an feature some gates of enormous interest as does the Real Maestranza bullring with its rich history and architecture. The city has now been designated a national monument, and is one of the oldest cities in Spain and is always associated with romantic tales of banditry and bullfighting. Ronda is also home of Flamenco dancing and if time allows on your visit, stay overnight and take in one of the traditional Flamenco shows, or is your holiday coincides, the last Sunday in August is the annual Flamenco Festival. |
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