Spain road trip itinerary
PHOTO: PEXELS
Traveling to Spain is one of the things that should be on the list of every person who enjoys a good trip abroad. This is one of the most visited countries in the world and one of the favourite places for Brazilians and British tourists, who usually end up returning to enjoy it a little more. On my last holidays I went to Spain to visit some friends and I had such an amazing time. There is something about the country that I just can’t explain, I am not only talking about the weather and food, this is beyond. I think I was Spanish on my previous life. It exudes so much positive energy every time I go there. So, I landed in Malaga and the idea was to spend some days in Nerja, but we ended up visiting a few other cities near by and I am very excited to share my experience with you guys.
▸ MALAGA
Malaga is the sixth most populous city in all of Spain, and of the cities in the south of the country it is second only to Seville. The city has a lot of energy and its own characteristics, and is a famous destination among European tourists. It is a place where many different peoples have lived and where Pablo Picasso was born, and it also has sunny beaches because it is one of the main destinations of the coastal region known as Costa del Sol. This was my first stop in Spain after 4 years and I was already falling in love again.
PHOTO: PEXELS
The historic centre of the city (1) is a place that every tourist should visit. Calle Larios is the main street, but it is not used by cars. By the way, to go downtown by car, the tip is to park in a private parking lot, because finding a parking space there will be very complicated. It is a very wide street, with many bars and restaurants. From there you can start your walk and venture into the adjacent streets and plazas, all very clean and wooded. I spent the whole day eating Spanish tapas. Close to this area is Malaga Cathedral (2), called Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación. It was built in 1528 and it is a reference in Renaissance, being one of the most important churches in all of Andalusia. In fact, the cathedral is on the edge of the ancient Arab wall, where the aljama mosque manor house was. The Cathedral was not completely finished, which is why it is also called “La Manquita”, since one of the towers is higher than the other. For those who enjoy a long walk, the areas named Muelle 1 and Muelle 2 (3) are great options with a very modern architecture and ideal for everyone. Muelle 1 opened in 2011 and is an area of 14,000 square meters dedicated to restaurants, promenades, and a shopping area. Muelle 2 is perpendicular to Muelle 1, and has a “Palmeral de las Sorpresas” garden, the name comes from the 420 palm trees and 7,400 tropical trees and plants.
▸ CORCOBA
The city is also located in the region of Andalusia, which in the past was the stage for commercial and cultural exchanges of various peoples. The result is places with a mix of architectural elements from different peoples and civilisations, including Romans, Visigoths, Muslims, Jews, and Catholic Spaniards. Cordoba has its historic center declared a Unesco World Heritage site. It is a rare example of cultural and religious coexistence, and one of the most visited cities in all of Spain.
PHOTO: PEXELS
Among the most representative sites for Cordoba is the Mosque-Cathedral (1), which is a true symbol for the city and is more than 12 centuries old. Built in 784 by Abd al-Rahman I on the site of an ancient Visigothic church, it was enlarged several times by later Muslim rulers until the Reconquista – the siege of Cordoba – in 1236, when Cordoba came under Christian rule again. It is the only mosque in the world that houses a cathedral inside. Highlights include The Prayer Hall, the Orange Tree Courtyard, The Bell Tower and The Christian Cathedral itself. Not far from the Mosque-cathedral you can see The Puente Romana – Roman Bridge (2), another point worth mentioning when visiting Cordoba. Although it was built in the year I B.C., its original structure has undergone several remodelings, being influenced by each civilisation that passed through the city. The final result is from its last transformation in 1876. It is a nice place to have a walk and enjoy the beautiful views of the city. In between these two touristic places you can find another amazing monument, the Arch of Triumph (3). Built to welcome King Philip II, in honour of Saint Rafael – yeah, that’s my name, is another famous spot in Cordoba. The entrance to the Bridge Gate features a permanent exhibition of prints and drawings about its history. Although there are several other monuments in honour of the saint, this one specifically has captivated the tourists and residents of the city. Perhaps it is its grandeur or location that make it one of the obligatory stops in the city.
▸ NERJA
Despite strong competition, Nerja remains one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Costa del Sol. It is a very charming little town located on the coast of Malaga in Andalusia Its white-painted houses with the Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop hold a special attraction for those who visit. Visiting Nerja is synonymous with beach tourism and quality sun. So don’t waste any more time and add this destination to your list.
PHOTO: PEXELS
The most popular and busiest place in Nerja is the Balcony of Europe (1) named by King Afonso XII himself. It was built approximately in 1662 and it was originally The Guard Tower. It is located in the middle of the historic centre and offers all its visitors a 180 degree view of the sea. All the surrounding beaches have many rocks, which makes the landscape and the photos even more beautiful. It is a great plan for the end of the day watching the sunset, sitting on one of the several benches next to the palm trees. Also, if you would like to spend some time on the beach, Calahonda is beach located right next to the Balcón. About 12 minutes by car from the centre of Nerja you can visit the Fundación Cueva de Nerja (2). The Caves of Nerja have existed for thousands of years, but was only discovered in 1959 by a group of young boys looking for bats. This cave has the highest column in the world, 32 meters high. The visit lasts approximately 40 minutes and costs 14€ euros for adults and 6€ for children. It’s amazing what mother nature is capable of doing literally under our feet. I had such a great time in Nerja. People are very friendly and I loved walking around just appreciating the view. As my friends were cooking for me all the time, unfortunately I did not get the chance to visit any restaurants in the area, but I did have a nice breakfast at Anahi (3), a lovely small place working since 1977 with great service and a stunning view of the beach. I could feel the sunshine on my face. Such a nice place for holidays.
▸ FRIGILIANA
Frigiliana is located 10 minutes by car from the centre of Nerja. It is a mountain village, all painted white, with very picturesque houses and streets. Believe me, any place you pass by would make a nice picture for a painting. No glossy coffee-table book about Andalusia and its whitewashed villages that does not display images of Frigiliana prominently. Voted the ‘prettiest of them all’, Frigiliana more than lives up to that reputation. It is best explored on foot to really appreciate the beauty of every corner of this romantic village.
PHOTO: PEXELS
The place was dominated for 500 years by the Moors, although they were finally defeated in 1569 at the Battle of La Axarquia by the reconquering army of the Catholic kings, Fernando and Isabel. On the other hand, the Moorish culture that dominated the area for so long is responsible for the unique look that Frigiliana has today. A combination of southern Spanish style and exquisite mosaics, tiles and fountains of Arabic origin contribute to a picture-perfect atmosphere (1). It is no wonder that every year, at the end of August, Frigiliana celebrates the Feast of the Three Cultures, in honour of the place’s Muslim, Christian and Jewish past. Right in the middle of the village is the main building – Palacio de los Condes (2). It was originally built as a home for the de Lara family in Renaissance style in the 16th century. Materials from the old castle were used to build it. Eventually, it became a sugar factory that produced syrup. During that time, there were mills above ground to grind grain and sugar cane. Also known as El Ingenio and the House of the Counts. For those who have the time and energy to climb, the ruins of the castle – Castillo de Lizar (3) – can be found at the top of the hill. Although some authors have suggested that the Moorish castle was built in the 9th century, the exact date of its construction is unknown. The site is little more than a few rocks today, but it has a fascinating history. You can see the whole area down to the coast from up there, so it’s worth climbing.
▸ GRANADA
My last day travelling around was in this amazing city surrounded by palaces, minarets and fortresses. More than 500 years ago, this was the stage where the kings Isabel of Castile and Fernando of Aragon expelled the Arabs from the Iberian Peninsula for good, after almost 8 centuries of occupation. When the Moors left the region, they left behind many riches as influences on gastronomy, culture and even local fashion. All these legacies have made the city an exciting tourist destination, where the past is still very well preserved.
PHOTO: PEXELS
The Alhambra Palace complex (1) is probably the biggest attraction of the city. The complex of gardens, palaces and military buildings was the largest Muslim political centre in the entire West. The Alhambra is basically divided into three distinct spaces: the Alcazaba, a kind of walled city that functioned as a military fortress; the urban complex, where the court lived; and the palaces. It has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1994 and is one of the most popular attractions in Andalusia. It is therefore worth booking your tickets in advance to avoid the queues. Not really far from there there is a beautiful and well-maintained park with lovely fountains and courtyards. The Carmen de los Martires (2) is a place where you can even have a picnic with your children and take a short break from all your visits. With its more than seven hectares, it is the largest of the city’s cármenes, which includes a magnificent palace and romantic gardens. Admission to the park is free, but it closes every day from 14:00 to 18:00 (however, it is open all day on weekends). As I stayed in a Hotel at Plaza Nueva de Granada (3) I decided to explore the local area a bit more. Despite its name, Plaza Nueva is the oldest square in Granada and is located in one of the city’s most popular spots. It is surrounded by a number of historic buildings. It is also a good place to end the day after a visit. Sitting on a terrace, having an ice cream or visiting one of the tea shops in the area are some of the temptations you’ll find there.
Here some of my shots:
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