ANDALUSIA

The region in the South of the Spanish peninsula is a wonderful area to make a tour through. These five cities are our must-sees:

  • SEVILLA: As capital of the Andalusian region and with three UNESCO World Heritage sights in its old town, Sevilla is a great city to start or end an Andalusia tour in. Fontecruz Sevilla Seises is a renovated 16th century building with modern hotel rooms. You can book it here.
  • MALAGA: This harbour city is the birthplace of painter Pablo Picasso and hosts the Museo Picasso Málaga. 4* Hotel NH Málaga has a good location and comfortable rooms. You can book it here.
  • CORDOBA: As earlier capital of the Islamic Emirate, Cordoba has an old town with many historic sights. The Mezquita is the most famous building: the prayer hall with its 856 columns and the orange trees keep impressing people from all over the world. For Arabian Tea Time visit Salon de Té.
  • RONDA: The Tajo canyon divides Ronda‘s old town from newer areas. Three bridges link the city parts and offer grand views over the canyon. Moreover, Spain‘s oldest bullfight ring Plaza de toros de Ronda can be found here.
  • GRANADA: The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Granada. The Muslim palace city is a breathtaking complex built in the 14th century. Attached to it is the beautiful garden area of Generalife. 

Andalusian cuisine is wonderful as well, so we also put down our five must-eats:

  • As olive oil is a specialty in this region, frying food with it is very popular, especially for seafood like prawns and baby squid (Puntillitas). Fried fish is called Pescado Frito and is often made with cod or sole fish.
  • Ham from black Iberian pigs called Jamon Iberico is great as a starter on appetizer plates. The less costly Jamon Serrano is tasty as well.
  • Andalusian Gazpacho is a refreshing dish for the hot summer time. The cold served vegetable soup is light and its recipe can vary from place to place.
  • Polvorones are little crumbly sweet cookies with a powder-like texture. They come in different flavours like almond, lemon or hazelnut.
  • As mouth-watering reminders of the link to the Arabian culture, Arabian sweets can be found in small cafes and tea rooms (see Cordoba‘s Salon de Té).