Located in northern Andalucia, the city of Cordoba was the former capital of Arabic Al Andalus and was the capital of the Moorish Empire in the west. During the tenth century, Cordoba was one of the most populated cities in the world, with around half a million people, an immense city for those times. These days Cordoba has a population of around 320,000 and is only the 10th largest city in Spain, it is now a major tourist attraction and the best sites can be found in the old Jewish quarter in the area of the famous Mezquita mosque, the largest and most beautiful mosque built by the Moors in Spain. The Mezquita originally dates from the 8th century and was remodelled and extended in subsequent centuries, some of the most lavish additions being built in the 10th century, during the cities golden years. There is lots more to see in this area including the Bishop’s Palace, the Roman Bridge, and the Alcazar Palace. When you are tired of visiting historic monuments you can wander the back streets and seek out a quiet plaza, order a coffee and enjoy the Cordoba weather in the heart of one of Europe’s greatest cities. Cordoba has its own airport but it used for domestic flights only, so if you are flying to the city you will need to go to Seville or Malaga, or from elsewhere in Spain, by road you can reach Cordoba by way of the A-4 from Seville or the A-45 from Malaga. Be sure to visit colourful Cordoba some time soon. Cordoba Map.
September 2, 2009
Puerto Banus Costa del Sol
Located near to Marbella on the Costa del Sol in Andalucia, Spain, the resort of Puerto Banus is a relatively new creation, being the brainchild of one Jose Banus during the 1970’s. Centred around its lavish marina and shopping complex, this playground for the rich and famous opened in 1970, with the opening attended by many well known people including Prince Rainier and Princess Grace, the Aga Khan, and Hugh Hefner. The luxury marina at Puerto Banus covers an area of some fifteen hectares and provides moorings for boats between eight and fifty metres in length. The resort these days attracts thousands of visitors who come to see “how the other half live”, but also to enjoy the fabulous Puerto Banus weather which is typical of the Costa del Sol region, being hot and sunny in summer and mild in winter. There is a good beach to the east of the marina, or you copuld treat yourself by heading to the Marbella Beach Club. Puerto Banus is handy for visiting much of the Costa del Sol and Andalucia regions, with towns such as Marbella, San Pedro de Alcantara and Estepona nearby. Puerto Banus Map.
September 1, 2009
Las Alpujarras Andalucia Spain
Sometimes called the Spanish Switzerland, the region of Las Alpujarras is a mountainous district taking in parts of the Almeria and Granada provinces of Andalucia, Spain. Extending northwards from between the towns of Almeria and Motril as far as the Sierra Nevada, it features deep fertile valleys, dissected by rivers and streams, and dotted with small secluded villages. The site of many Moorish uprisings following the Christian defeat of Granada, the Moors were finally cleared from the area by the late 16th century. Boasting the most diverse flora in the whole of Spain, Las Alpujarras is a lovely area to visit.
August 31, 2009
Calahonda Andalucia Spain
Located on the Costa del Sol coastline between Fuengirola and Marbella, the custom built urbanization of Siteo Calahonda is a low-rise development which is so large that it has become a town in its own right. Renowned for the high build quality, Calahonda is regarded as a prime real estate area, and properties here are in great demand. Running gently up undulating hills from the coast, Calahonda was formerly the site of a fort-house, built to defend local citizens from assaults by Barbary pirates, the fort was in two colours, for the purpose of camouflage. Calahonda was developed from the 1960’s as a blend of rural and coastal life, there are plenty of green areas planted with pines and other trees. This stretch of the Spanish coast benefits from a lovely climate and Calahonda weather is perfect for holidays throughout the year. Calahonda is located about 35 kilometres from Malaga airport. Calahonda Map.
August 20, 2009
Benalmadena Costa del Sol
One of the finest holiday resorts on the Costa del Sol coastline of southern Spain, Benalmadena has a variety of tourist attractions including the Sealife Aquarium, the Selwo Marina and the famous Tivoli World Amusement Park at Arroyo de la Miel. Benalmadena has a history going back to the Arab occupation of Spain, and the name is thought to be derived from the Arabic “Ben-al-Madina” (“Children of the Mines”), referring to the iron ore mines which used to be important in the area. The coastal area of the town, known as Benalmadena Costa is the home of the marina, a popular area with visitors and the location of a variety of shops, bars and restaurants. The inland section is known as Benalmadena Pueblo, an attractive village with pretty white walled houses. Sit and watch the world go by in the charming Plaza de Espana, or visit the picturesque church of Santo Domingo. Benalmadena and this entire stretch of coast enjoys a wonderful climate (Costa del Sol means “Sun Coast”) and the weather in Benalmadena is perfect for family holidays at any time of year. Benalmadena is located between the popular resorts of Torremolinos and Fuengirola and can be accessed from the railway station at Arroyo de la Miel or by road from Malaga airport. If you are not driving you may need to book a Malaga airport transfer, to get you to your destination in Benalmadena, though if you are booking through a tour operator, this will probably already be laid on for you.
August 18, 2009
Antequera Andalucia
If you wish to get away from the busy Costa del Sol coastline whilst holidaying in the region you might try heading to one of the inland cities of Andalucia and one which may interest you is Antequera, located about 47 km north of Malaga. Best known for its large Bronze Age dolmens (burial mounds) which date from the third century BC, it also has many historic remains from the Moorish occupation including city walls and an ancient castle. Often called “the heart of Andalucia”, Antequera now has over 40,000 inhabitants and is the largest municipality in the Malaga province, industry includes furniture, olives, wool, grain and of course tourism. Places to visit include the Palace of Najera, the Real Colegiata de Santa Maria la Mayor, the bullring, the Fuente de Piedra salt lagoon, the Torcal nature reserve and “Lover’s Rock”, subject of an interesting legend. The Bronze Age dolmens extend underground for sixty five feet. The weather in Antequera is predominantly dry and sunny, with rainfall among the lowest in the region. Antequera Map.