Explore the sunny south of Spain

Andalusia is a large autonomous region of hills, rivers and farmland bordering Spain’s southern coast. It was under Moorish rule from the 8th-15th centuries, a legacy that shows in its architecture, including such landmarks as the Alcázar castle in Seville, the capital city, as well as Córdoba’s Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral and Granada’s Alhambra palace.
1. CORDOBA
Córdoba is the capital of the province of Córdoba. It was an important Roman city and a major Islamic center in the Middle Ages. It’s famous for La Mezquita, an immense mosque dating from 784 A.D., featuring a columned prayer hall and older Byzantine mosaics. After it became a Catholic church in 1236, a Renaissance-style nave was added in the 17th century.
SLEEP @ BANOS ARABES DE CORDOBA
Enjoy 500m2 of the largest Arab baths in Spain and the largest in Cordoba. Access to Baños Árabes Córdoba is continuous and consequently allowing limited capacity so that at all times you can enjoy the privacy.
SLEEP @ HOSPES PALACIO DEL BAILIO
Get ready to take a trip back in time to Roman times. In their hotel you will find the remains of an impressive villa, which you can admire under the restaurant, and indoor Roman baths to make you feel like a real centurion. In addition, the outdoor swimming pool is surrounded by fruit trees and plants that fill the air with enchanting aromas.
2. GRANADA
Granada is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It's known for grand examples of medieval architecture dating to the Moorish occupation, especially the Alhambra. This sprawling hilltop fortress complex encompasses royal palaces, serene patios, and reflecting pools from the Nasrid dynasty, as well as the fountains and orchards of the Generalife gardens.
EAT @ BILOBA
Biloba is located in the heart of Granada, it is a modern and open space. It has two interior rooms that combine high and low tables. They also have a perfectly equipped terrace for sunny and rainy days.
EAT @ BONGO GRANADA
A fusion of eccentricity and elegance with a dramatic twist… where one can feel curiosity, intrigue, buzz, energy, excitement, with an element of surprise. Bongo was created for lovers of unique experiences, who enjoy exploring all the senses, from visual emotion, to sound vibration, to the palette of flavors, to the touch of rhythm and movement.
PLAY @ ATTRAVERSIAMO TOUR
Attraversiamo Tour are for those looking for an activity to get out of their routine, with a low level of difficulty, to enjoy nature in the rural environment of Granada and Sierra Nevada. Their passion is outdoor activities, nature and a good coffee. Enjoy the charms of Granada, its surroundings, its trails and the mountains.
PLAY @ CICERONE
Visit Granada and the Alhambra with Cicerone. Cicerone was born in 2003 with its heart placed on the streets and squares of Granada and their goal has always been to offer the best walking tours of the city.
PLAY @ GRANADA ALTERNATIVA
Granada Alternativa are specialists in making experiences. Their goal is that you know the city and surroundings from their perspective. They offer experiences on segway or a walking adventure at sunset. In other words, they want to make you feel like a local in Granada.
3. MALAGA
The port city of Málag on the Costa del Sol is renowned for its high-rise hotels and resorts jutting up from yellow-sand beaches. Looming over that modern skyline are the city’s 2 massive hilltop citadels, the Alcazaba and ruined Gibralfaro, remnants of Moorish rule. The city's soaring Renaissance cathedral is nicknamed La Manquita ("one-armed lady") because one of its towers was curiously left unbuilt.
EAT @ NO NAME RESTAURANTE
Every visit is an experience. No Name's values and philosophy have 3 keywords: passion, flavor and sustainability. Their clients come to enjoy the food but also the atmosphere that they create with the decor, good music and service.
EAT @ TABERNA LOS 13
If you want to enjoy the best Barbate bluefin tuna in Malaga, Taberna Los 13 is the right place. It is a typical Cádiz tavern located on Edison street, a few meters from the bus station. It offers an extensive wine list from Cádiz, as well as fresh fish and shellfish along with delicious traditional dishes.
PLAY @ COSTA EXCURSIONS
Costa Excursions has created many one-of-a-kind day trips that are ONLY featured on their website. Join them on unforgettable private touring experiences which allow you to immerse yourself in their unique destinations. Their day tours in & around Malaga takes you on a journey tailored specifically to meet your needs and desires.
PLAY @ ELECTRIC CAR TOUR
Electric Car Tour guide you through the most and least known corners of Malaga in an electric car 100% free of emissions and noise.
PLAY @ OH MY GOOD GUIDE
If you are planning to visit Malaga, Granada or Seville and want to experience real life here, just join one of Oh My Good Guide experiences! A knowledgeable local guide will show you everything about their culture and lifestyle. Stay away from tourist traps and come find out the real Andalusia with them!
PLAY @ TRAVEL FACTORY ANDALUCIA
Travel Factory Andalucía aim to be on the wave of new trends in the world of travel and respond to the needs and concerns of those who visit their region. They act as a bridge between travelers and their corner of the world, thus facilitating a better understanding of the idiosyncrasies of the place.
PLAY @ VIAJES PAREJA TOURS
Viajes Pareja Tours is a travel agency located in Costa del Sol and created in 2013 by the group Pareja Oriental Costa S.L. The travel agency is made up of a great team of professionals who strive every day to provide the highest quality service and attention to the public. They will advise you on the best destinations, hotels, tickets and transportation, adjusting to your wishes and expectations.
4. MARBELLA
The Sierra Blanca Mountains are the backdrop to 27 km of sandy Mediterranean beaches, villas, hotels, and golf courses at the city and resort area of Marbella. West of Marbella town, the Golden Mile of prestigious nightclubs and coastal estates leads to Puerto Banús marina, filled with luxury yachts, and surrounded by upmarket boutiques and bars.
SLEEP @ DON CARLOS RESORT & SPA
Be inspired by three unique lodgings around a 20,000 squared metres green heart. Feel Costa del Sol like you never imagined in Don Carlos Resort & Spa. Imagine unforgettable views of the sea or the mountain. A unique environment on the Mediterranean. All the quality and service of a 5-star hotel in Marbella
SLEEP @ MOLO LUXURY SUITES PUERTO BANUS
Molo Luxury suites Puerto Banus is an unique kind of boutique hotel that offers privacy, optimum comfort, and delivering a consistance luxury service. It contains 8 luxury Suites and Rooms, each one with its unique design and style.
EAT @ EL TXOCO DE LUIS SALINERO
At El Txoco practice "a seasonal cuisine from North to South" where diners can savour a great variety of products and dishes from all over the country. Diners can enjoy traditional dishes which are innovatively and masterly executed to achieve the unique and intense flavors that characterise their cuisine.
PLAY @ NALUSUR
Nature, sports, adventure, sunshine and enjoyment. These are a few of their favourite things, and NaluSur invite you to come along and enjoy them too. Along the stunning Costa del Sol, you can leave the stress and worry of everyday life behind and come and enjoy some downtime with them. In Marbella they have E-Bike tours, stand-up paddle boarding, kayak tours, surfing, SUP Yoga, canyoning, as well as hiking in the nearby mountains.
PLAY @ TASTE MARBELLA
Taste Marbella was born out of their passion for food, storytelling and Andalusian culture. They wanted to create a way for curious travellers to experience the best side of Marbella Old Town. Taste Marbella is a local food tour company that grew from their passion to share all the hidden delights that Old Town, Marbella has to offer.
PLAY @ TOUR MARBELLA
Discover Marbella and surroundings through their hand-picked selection of experiences. Mingle with the locals, try the most typical food and learn about their culture and curiosities from their expert tour guides.
5. SEVILLE
The city of Seville (or Sevilla in spanish) is the capital of the Spanish region and province of Andalusia and has about 700,000 inhabitants, making Seville the fourth largest city in Spain. In the cultural, political, economic and artistic realms, Seville is the most important southern Spanish city. Seville has the largest historic centre of Europe. The historic city centre of Seville offers many attractions, such as the Real Alcázar de Sevilla, the Seville Cathedral with the Giralda Tower and the Torre del Oro at the river.
SLEEP @ SWEET SEVILLA SUITES
Authentic Andalusian house, renovated and converted into the ideal accommodation for travellers that want to discover the city. The house has a total of 8 private bedrooms, doubles, triples and quadruples, some with balcony and small patios.
PLAY @ TOPSEGWAY
TopSegway organizes private and group Segway tours in Sevilla, Granada and Malaga. Their professional Segway guides have years of experiences and have done more than 1000 tours. If you coming to one oftheir wonderful cities book a Segway tour and discover local places of interest in a nice and modern way. Don’t hesitate give it a go!
PLAY @ VIVA SEVILLA TOURS
Are you looking for a unique experience in beautiful Seville? Viva Sevilla Tours organizes non-touristy tours and immerses you in the pure Sevillian life. Fun bike tours, tapas tours, flamenco tours and many more. Small-scale, personal and authentic! Experience this bubbly city as a true Sevillano. Taste the local life!
6. TORREMOLINOS
Torremolinos is a modern city preserving the great charms of the Andalusian tradition and the gateway to the Costa del Sol Visitors enjoy more than 300 sunny days every year, comfortable temperatures and 7km of beaches along the sparkling Mediterranean. Travellers can also explore the old fisherman’s district of “La Carihuela,”
SLEEP @ CASA PARAISO BOURIQUE B&B
Casa Paraiso Boutique B&B is an oasis just a few minutes’ drive to any of the wonderful beaches and tourist attractions in the area. An authentic paradise in the heart of the Costa del Sol where you can enjoy, in addition to a lot of peace, attention and personalized service by its owners.
Eat Salmorejo Cordrobes
Salmorejo (sometimes known as ardoria or ardorío) is a traditional soup originating from Andalusia, made of tomato, bread, extra virgin olive oil and garlic. Normally, the tomatoes are skinned and then puréed with the other ingredients.
Eat Sardines
PLAY @ OWAY TOURS
OWAY Tours offers guided tours in the main destinations of Andalucia: Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Malaga, Ronda and Cádiz.
CLICK & READ DISCOVER A DOZEN DESTINATIONS IN ANDALUSIA (PART 2)
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