Andalusian Journey- Part II- What you should not miss

14.03.2022.

One week is definitely not enough for Andalusia, check out my part I. That’s why I came back after one month motivated by the friend’s invite. Actually, a girl I met on Internet but it was an answer to my-

„I would like a company“. Actually, mostly I travel alone as want to stay longer at one place.

If you’re eager like us to visit Andalusia- definitely do not miss these places. Though it was short even for us. One day I’ll return and stay longer.

Malaga

Malaga, here we come. After the amazing plane views we’re searching for Casa Mata. This place is calm but lacks a kitchen which is clearly described as included at their official page. Also, the bathroom is pretty small.

First things first. So it’s time for the caffee. I must admit Spanish people wake up too late, almost every bar don’t open before 9h. Later we discover a lovely place with speciality caffe, also a floral caffe bar and organic restaurant- all next to each other.

I missed going out for a caffe when travelling alone.

Carnival of Malaga gave an extraordinary touch to this lovely city. Malaga is full of hidden streets that becomes more vibrant at the night.

Botanical Gardens

Located 15 minutes by bus from the central Malaga, this is an oasis of greenery. Plenty of tropical plants characterise these gardens, cactuses were my favourite.

Mirador offers fantastic views followed by Palm alley. Little museum is also here of Doric style.

Gardens are known by its Whisteria arche that appear in late March. Little bit of whisteria was already there. Lucky me, I don’t have to wait the May to catch some whisteria.

Nerja & Frigiliana

Don’t miss some white villages, hilly places popular here. Frigiliana is one of the loveliest. Nerja has some of the most stunning beach in Andalusia. One the one in the centre is very pretty, the one that we can see from Balcony of Europe. Others are the fascinating Maro beach, Torrecilla or Carabeo Beach.

Ronda

What a fascinating town built on the rocks. We even wanted to visit Setenil de la Bodegas, town with streets inside the stones. But as nobody was working at a bus station, we were not sure of the schedule. Pretty strange for one touristic town- that bus station doesn’t have open counters to buy tickets. Even in Sevilla to buy tickets for the main transporter Alsa- the counters are not working. I thought it’s only for weekend like this but not. Anyhow, the ticket machine serves the function with the help of bus station workers. Do you also think that Spanish people are so lazy?

This town is full of shops. To see the bridge in its fullness, you need to buy the entrance fee which costs 2,5€.

Sevilla

Beautiful Sevilla, just at every step you turn admire the fascinating architecture. From Triana, Bario of Santa Cruz and historical centre colourful delight is unavoidable. Plaza de Espagna invite the enticing feeling every time you visit.

Just across Plaza de Espagna is a lovely park named Maria Louisa full of refreshment and typical andalusian style.

Cathedral of Sevilla is one of the largest in the world. The entrance fee is 12€ and the most fascinating about it is the Giralda tour or towers. Coming to Giralda will give you the opportunity to see the stunning church architecture from the windows. At the top you’ll only see the bells. You can visit the opposit towers and roof with an additional ticket.

The last time I was late and actually could enter to church without paying so it included only the church. Patio de naranjos gives an excellent view of the main building so you can get amazing photos.

Where to stay- La Banda hostel is so cozy, love the view of the cathedral. Black swan is even more cozier and free dinner are included sometimes. But it was pretty full.

Cordoba

Cordoba, alone and far away. Though I know the paths, I will never come to Cordoba. These are the verses by Federico Garcia Lorca, that my father always repeated to me.

Cordoba, what a fascinating city. Just love the vibe. Cordoba is a fantastic day trip from Sevilla.

Cordoba was once the largest city in Europe, today it has the most Moorish heritage.

Just love this mix of cultures, the architecture look just fabulous.

The historical centre bursts with souvenir shops and yellow colour of buildings. You can see Mezquita, the Bridge Gate and Roman Bridge. Take the promenade around the river, cross the other bridge and you will come to the Jewish Quarter.

Plaza de la Corredera is the most famous square at Cordoba, the cheerful and brilliant. We even jumped upon the Carneval with the music at every corner.

Mezquita of Cordoba is a fascinating church, that was once a mosque. I specially like the organs.

Granada

Granada is so beautiful. I went many years ago and visited the village where people live in the mountains Beneficio. I didn’t notice back then its beauty.

What I love about it is its vibe, somehow you feel more easiness than in Barcelona.

Definitely visit Albacin, the fantastic view of Alhambra waits up there embraced by the snowy mountains. People will often play the guitar or some instrument. So much togetherness. It’s such so cozy walking by the river and visiting many souvenir shops.

If staying longer, places like Eco hostel offer fabulous activities. Some of them are hiking in Sierra Nevada, flamenco in the caves. Oh well, some people even sleep in the cave. Visiting caves is free too.

Cathedral of Granada is also very beautiful and the buildings around.

Alhambra, even more stunning than Real Alcazar of Sevilla. I just love the views. We met a tour guide and she said we could only get with her as we were a bit late. What a way to sell the trip. Still we managed. So many amazing details in the main Nazaries Palace. The other palace is actually a fort Alcazaba with stunning views of Granada. The visit of Gardens is also included in the price.

Eco hostel is a great choice, it has fantastic view of Albacin.

What to eat in Andalusia

This time I’m lead by organic shops that my friend was interested in. Great also for vegans like me. Well, even if we eat sandwiches we get healthier and know how much. Even some salad hear and then. At least I can get tofu for few euros. And some nice yogurt.

Otherwise, pizza machine will surprise you as another alternative. For 7€ not something I would take but it was funny to see it, even pizza with nutella is here.

All in all

Andalusia is so dreamy. One day in Granada is really little specially if you want to rest a bit. Actually, all towns. I’m sure there are much more places left like Cadiz, Gibraltar, blue village Juzcar, Jerez de la Frontiera or even Marbella. But the basic schedule will surely include Malaga, Nerja & Frigiliana if you have time, Ronda & hopefully Setenil, Cordoba, Sevilla and Granada.

Have you been in Andalusia, what is your favourite town?

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