One of the most spectacularly situated cities in Spain, Ronda lies on both sides of the Rio Guadalevin, joined by three picturesque bridges, a stronghold of the Moors, it was not freed by the Christians until 1485. A must visit place for those holidaying on the Costa del Sol coastline, Ronda is located about 100 kilometres from the city of Malaga in the region of Andalucia. The spiritual home of bullfighting, Ronda has one of the oldest bullrings in Spain, built in 1785 it attracts bullfighting fans from all over Spain and in fact the world. Ronda Map.
September 12, 2009
September 11, 2009
Nerja Caves
If you are visiting the Andalucian coastal town of Nerja this year, be sure to take time out for a trip to the Nerja caves, a series of subterranean caverns located to the north-east of the town, used for human habitation some 20,000 years ago. The caves are now often used for holding concerts, which make the most of this natural ampitheatre’s fine acoustics. The Nerja caves were discovered by a group of pot-holers in 1959, the caves, divided into two major sections are open to the public who enter by way of a series of stairways and pathways.
More info on Nerja: Nerja Factfile.
Torrox Andalucia
One little town which is worth a visit if you are travelling to the Costa del Sol region of Andalucia in Spain, is the historic town of Torrox. Together with its coastal limb Torrox Costa, the town has a history going back to the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsular, when it was developed as a factory town. In Torrox Costa there are still remains of a Roman villa, a necropolis and also a thermal baths, however Torrox Costa today is a modern tourist resort with eight kilometres of beaches and coves and a charming promenade. The old town of Torrox built on a hillside some four kilometres inland was an important trading town for the Moors, specialising in silk production and sugar cane, other important products were almonds and figs. It is said to be the birthplace of the famous Arab leader Almanzor (938 AD), and a walk in its charming old back streets may whisk you back to these early times, take a look at the 16th century Franciscan convent and also the 19th century sugar cane factory. Torrox Map.
September 10, 2009
Purullena Andalucia Spain
Well worth a visit if you are travelling through the Granada region of Andalucia, the small town of Purullena is renowned for its cave houses, which are dug into the clay hillsides of the Guadix plateau. Over half of the population of the town live in these unique cave houses and one of the cave owners has transformed his house into a living cave house museum, which you can look around to see the construction of the cave houses and learn about the history of the town. You actually walk through his house, where he lives with his wife and you can see a new room that he is constricting by simply digging out the clay with a pick. A shop adjoining the house has numerous mementos which you can purchase to remind you of your visit. A good spot to visit whilst on the way to the Costa del Sol or Costa Tropical and a nice change from the over developed coastal resorts of Andalucia, pop into Purullena for a taste of the “real” Spain.
September 8, 2009
Marbella Golf and Country Club
If you are a golf fan and you are heading for Marbella this year then you should certainly consider a trip to the Marbella Golf and Country Club situated about five kilometres to the east of Marbella town centre on the Costa del Sol, Spain. The superb golf course which was designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior, is set in rolling countryside offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean, and featuring lakes, ravines and gulleys and plenty of well placed bunkers, making it a challenging par 72 course of some 6,000 metres. When you have finished your round you can enjoy a drink in the comfortable bar or perhaps partake of a meal in the fine restaurant which is part of the complex, later you can head into Marbella and enjoy all the benefits of this wonderful resort.
San Pedro de Alcantara Spain
One of the most unspoilt towns on the Costa del Sol coastline of Spain, San Pedro de Alcantara is situated about ten kilometres west of the glitz and glamour of Marbella. A world away from its upmarket neighbour, San Pedro de Alcantara is a quiet and peaceful coastal town with some excellent beaches, it has a population of 26,500 and is surrounded by the rugged hills of the Sierra Blanca, Sierra del Real and the Sierra Bermeja. San Pedro de Alcantara is well known as the location of the final summer fair to be held in Andalucia, an event which features a bull fight held in the ancient Iberian style. The town is ideal for peaceful family style holidays and is perfect for golfers, having numerous fine courses in its environs, among these are the 3 courses of the Guadalmina Golf Resort, the Atalaya Golf and Country Club and the El Paraiso Golf Club. San Pedro de Alcanatara is near to Puerto Banus and can be reached via the N-340 coast road. San Pedro de Alcantara Map.