Spain: Fed up with the beach?

August 26, 2004, 16:24

Andalucia, home of bullfighting, flamenco and full-blooded
fiestas, is where all the clichéd images of Spain come to
life. In the country’s southernmost region, clients can go
skiing on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada in the morning and be
sunbathing on the beaches of the Costa del Sol in the
afternoon.

The region also has a great Moorish legacy – Andalucia was
under the control of the Islamic Arab Moors for seven centuries,
which has left its most historic cities with an exotic imprint not
found anywhere else in western Europe.

Spain’s Costa del Sol remains the prime attraction for UK
visitors. The destination, after a phase of offering “tired, poor
quality hotels”, according to First Choice general manager Richard
Curtis, is now emerging with a raft of refurbished and new
four-star hotels.

But it’s not just the beaches that attract holidaymakers.
Gold Medal Travel contract manager Julie Hunt said the
operator’s programme of flydrive holidays in the region was
introduced to appeal to an increasing number of clients who want a
mix of coastal resort stays and sightseeing. “The beauty of
Andalucia is that it is so easy to combine the beach with some
culture,” she explained.

Due to the close proximity of Andalucia’s cultural cities
to the region’s beaches, even the most dedicated sun-seeker
can enjoy a day out to explore its history.

Travel Weekly highlights five cities clients should include if
they decide to head inland.

Ronda:

Why visit? Accessible in a day trip from the Costa
del Sol, Ronda is perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking a gaping
river gorge and boasts 1,000-year-old fortifications and the
country’s oldest bullring.

Don’t miss	Plaza de Toros – Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles both travelled to Ronda to watch the bullfighting. The season hits top gear in September with a fiesta that sees matadors dressed in 18th century costumes enter the fray, but the bullring and its museum can be visited at any time of year.
	The Ciudad – the old Moorish town, with its impressive walls, retains a medieval character. Visitors should walk through the main gates, the Puerto de Almocabar, and take in the panoramic views while relaxing with a drink at one of the numerous bars nearby
	Arab Baths – down the hill from the old town, these 13th century baths illustrate the sophistication of Moorish invaders and are regarded as some of the best-preserved medieval hammams in Europe.

Postcard moment: the incredible view of the
18th century arched bridge, the Puente Nuevo, spanning the
precipitous Tajo Gorge, which drops a sheer 300ft feet below.

Seville:

Why visit? Spain’s hottest city can be
uncomfortably sticky in July and August, but it’s still too
good to miss. Its heyday came at the height of the Spanish Empire,
so it is packed with history and renowned for its Semana Sanata
(Holy Week) festivals during Easter.

Don’t
miss

Seville Cathedral – if this monster of a
construction strikes visitors as being a touch on the large size,
even for a cathedral, they would be right: it’s the biggest
in the world. Inside is the tomb of Christopher Columbus and works
by the great Spanish artists Goya and Murillo.
Barrio Santa Cruz – if the heat gets too
much, this network of narrow medieval streets provides respite from
the glaring sun. Time can be spent lingering at one of the roadside
cafés to soak up the colourful hustle and bustle of
Seville.
The Alcazar – this was a favourite palace of
Spanish kings for centuries. Clients can explore the extensive
chambers and take a break on the terrace café overlooking the
impressive royal gardens.

Postcard moment: the Giralda tower. Accessible
via the cathedral, Spain’s highest Moorish minaret soars
300ft above the city offering great views of the surrounding area.
You can climb to the top, but the big attraction is the intricate
decoration of the tower’s exterior.

Granada:

Why visit? Many come just to see Granada’s
legendary 9th century Alhambra, literally “the red fort”. This
romantic palace of the Nasrid sultans dominates the skyline. Backed
by the snow-tipped Sierra Nevada mountains, visitors could easily
spend two days exploring its rooms and fortifications. But time
should be allowed to see the Albayzin, Granada’s old Islamic
quarter of Sacromonte, the hill opposite.

Don’t
miss

the Alhambra – the outer walls were
deliberately dressed down to disguise the multitude of riches
within. Visit the many chambers and courtyards and admire the
architecture and decor. A visit should include a climb to the
Alhambra’s highest point, the Torre de la Vela, for a
stunning view across the valley..
The Albayzin – a series of old streets
winding up the hill facing the Alhambra, it is among the
best-preserved and most evocative urban examples of old Moorish
Spain.
Sacromonte – Andalucia is the birthplace of
flamenco, and on Sacromonte hill live the descendants of the
gitanos (gypsies) who introduced it. It’s worth walking to
the caves by the Camino de Sacromonte to sample the music at its
most authentic – live – at one of the bars nearby.

Postcard moment: the Generalife Gardens of the
Alhambra, with their rows of cypress trees and tinkling water
cascades, create a lush setting.

Jerez:

Why visit? A little more sedate than the other
cities in Andalucia, Jerez lies at the heart of the region’s
sherry production. It boasts proud Anglo associations dating back
to the 16th century when British Catholic refugees arrived there,
founding a number of wineries.

Don’t
miss

Gonzalez Byass – one of the oldest
sherry-producing companies and makers of the Tio Pepe brand. A
visit to the bodega there gives the inside story on sherry-making,
complete with tastings.
Andalucian Flamenco Centre – this museum
presents the history of the dance and gives information about its
greatest performers. For the real thing, several venues in the town
offer live performances.
Cadiz – clients can take a 40-minute train
journey from Jerez to this historic port city from where Spanish
galleons sailed for the Americas. Aside from offering lots of
historical attractions, Cadiz is host to Spain’s most lively
carnival – a 10-day dancing, drinking and fancy dress party
that takes place in the run-up to Shrove Tuesday

Postcard moment: the Amazing Dancing Horses of the
Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art. Jerez is the horse
capital of Andalucia and visitors can turn up on a Thursday to see
them performing their intricate routines to classical music.

Malaga:

Why visit? Most visitors don’t give
Malaga a second look as they hurry through the airport on their way
to the beach, but the old town is worth a visit. The city was the
main port for Arab invaders in the 11th century and was a popular
winter resort for wealthy madrilenos (residents of Madrid) in the
1920s.

Don’t
miss

Pablo Picasso museum – clients can visit
the new museum in the 16th century Palacio de Buenavista, dedicated
to Malaga’s most famous son. Nearby they can also enter the
house where he was born, just off the Plaza de la Merced, a good
place to stop for a coffee and watch the world go by.
Paseo del Parque – visitors can step out
with the locals for a promenade along this elegant palm-lined,
jasmine-scented boulevard, running between the port and the old
city. It is located behind the odd-looking cathedral, called La
Manquita – meaning ‘one armed lady’ –
because only one tower was finished.
A night on the town – the evening should
start at one of the many bars around the Plaza Constitucion in the
centre of the city. Later, it’s time to check out a club or
two – the choice ranges from salsa to jazz – around the
Plaza de Uncibay or down by the harbour.

Postcard moment: a climb up the winding path to
the battlements of the 15th century castle of Gibralfaro is
rewarded with views across Malaga’s modern port and bullring.
The castle was still in action during the Spanish Civil War in
1936.