Choose from 106 Fun Things to Do in Andalucia
Rio Guadalhorce Nature Reserve
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English Cemetery
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La Caleta Beach
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Bib Rambla Square (Plaza Bib Rambla)
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Mondragón Palace
Following the Reconquest in the 1480s, the palace was presented to Isabella and Ferdinand, and today its appearance is largely a hybrid of architectural styles. However, in places there are original Moorish mosaics and beautifully carved wooden ceilings plus a well-restored Mudéjar courtyard, complete with tiled, tinkling fountains and views of the gorge. Other courtyards were less lucky and were clumsily restored under Franco’s regime with lashings of concrete. The palace entrance is flanked by two squat reconstructed Mudéjar towers but is now primarily ornately Baroque.
The small Museum of Ronda and the Serrania on the second floor showcases local history and archaeology – going right back to prehistory – alongside a display dedicated to Megalithic and Moorish tombstones and burial traditions.
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Hammam Al Andalus Granada
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El Torcal
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Cervantes Theatre (Teatro Cervantes)
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Medina Azahara
- The Medina Azahara is a must-visit for history buffs and those interested in Spain’s Moorish past.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat; not all areas of the site are shaded.
- Give yourself two to three hours to explore the museum and archaeological site.
Centre Pompidou Malaga
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La Ermita de San Miguel Alto
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El Tajo Gorge
The rocky, sheer-sided limestone cliffs of El Tajo Gorge plummet 390 ft (120 m) to Guadalevín River far below and at its narrowest it is only 225 ft (68 m) wide. Over the millennia the river has carved out this massive canyon as it is fed by snow melt in spring. Three bridges span the gorge and the biggest of these is the triple-arched Puente Nuevo, which was built in the late 18th century. It has become one of the most iconic images of Spain.
Start an exploration of the gorge from the pathway that leads down behind the tourist office in Plaza España, just on the north side of the Puente Nuevo. There are shallow steps down into the gorge and clearly marked miradors (viewpoints) all along the way. In places the path is steep and uneven but the spectacular views, both across the gorge and back up to the Puente Nuevo, more than compensate.
Automobile and Fashion Museum (Museo Automovilistico y de la Moda)
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Hammam Al Andalus Malaga
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Atarazanas Market
- Atarazanas Market is a must-visit for foodies to try regional produce, prepared tapas, beers, and wines.
- Bring small denominations of euros if you plan to shop in the market.
- Some vendors don’t speak English, so it’s a good idea to pick up a few useful Spanish phrases before your visit.
El Populo
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Palace of San Telmo (Palacio de San Telmo)
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Puente Nuevo
The best photo opportunity and viewpoint across the gorge is bang in the middle of the Puente Nuevo – just don’t step back into the traffic. The chamber built into the bridge’s central arch below the road was once used as a jail and political prisoners were reputedly thrown out of the windows to meet a gory death on the rocks below. Today is has a more pacific role as a small museum detailing the history and construction of the bridge.
To the south of the Puente Nuevo lies the gleaming Moorish old town, a pueblo blanco (white town) known as Le Ciudad and crammed with labyrinthine cobbled streets, wrought-iron window grilles and balconies, sparkling whitewash and painted shutters. Here lie most of Ronda’s historic sites, including the Mondragón Palace and the Casa del Rey Moro. Over the bridge to the north is the new(er) town of El Mercadillo, Ronda’s modern commercial heart, with plenty of quality stores, tapas bars and the oldest bullring in Spain on Calle Virgen de la Paz, inaugurated in 1785.
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Cadiz Cruise Port
The original walled city was destroyed by Visigoth invaders in the 5th century and rebuilt by the Moors in the 8th century. The historic narrow, winding streets and plazas in the ancient quarters retain this influence, alongside a bustling modern city of wider streets and modern buildings.
A lovely city to explore in itself, Cadiz is often overlooked and used as a gateway to the more glamorous Seville which is home to Alcazar - a 14th century Moorish palace and home to the Spanish royal family when in Seville; home to the third largest cathedral in the world (in Plaza Virgen de los Reyes), and to one of Spain’s best museums, Museo de Bellas Artes.
How to Get to Cadiz
Cruise ships tie up in the commercial port (Puerto Commercial), right in the heart of town. It’s an easy ten minute walk from there, crossing Avenida del Puerto and on into Plaza del San Juan Dias, a huge square from where all the main shopping streets radiate.
One Day in Cadiz
Most people head straight for the train station or onto a bus for the trip to Seville. The station is only about five minute walk from the port entrance and the trip to Seville will take around an hour and three-quarters.
If you choose to stay in Cadiz, there is plenty to explore on foot. Begin by visiting the visitor’s center in the Plaza del San Juan Dias to pick up a free map marking a good walking trail to explore the city’s historic buildings. There is also an open top bus tour called Cadiz Tour which takes about an hour.
Make sure you walk the breakwater which surrounds the city and head up to the 18th century Baroque cathedral where you may be able to climb the tower for a bird’s eye view of the city. Also worth a look is the Fine Art and Archaeology Museum (Plaza de Mina). Cadiz also has good shopping with peak purchases being sherry, handmade ceramics, fans and flamenco outfits.
Port Information
The main language is Spanish but English is spoken in the tourist shops and restaurants. The currency is the Euro.The port is also known as the port of the Bay of Cadiz.
Palace of Carlos V
The Palace of Charles V is a carefully designed statement of triumph and prestige. By building a royal residence in the heart of a conquered Muslim citadel, Charles honored his grandparents, the Catholic Monarchs, and celebrated the victory of Christianity over Islam.
The palace is in the Roman style, with a circular building set in a square. It was begun in 1526. Work on it was abandoned for 15 years during Granada's Moorish uprising, and abandoned again in 1637, leaving the palace unfinished and roofless. Finally, in 1923, a plan was designed to rescue and complete it.
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Today the Palace houses two museums. The Museo de la Alhambra houses artifacts from the palace, including perfume burners used in the harems; the Museo Bellas Artes contains mostly religious paintings.