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Spain is a country of variety and contradiction, a deceptively diverse and large land which it would be impossible to visit in one trip. Language, climate, geography, food and people differ from region to region, from the green mountainous Basque country to desert-like Murcia, and the rich fields of Catalunya to the flat plains of Don Quixote’s La Mancha.
Renting a car and driving across country is one of the best ways to see this spectacular land, perfect for reaching those inaccessible hilltop towns, sea coves and mountain passes. A justifiably popular driving trip planner encompasses the stunning hilltowns, Moorish architecture and awe-inspiring cities of the southern province of Andalusia. With much of the coast largely devoted to package tourism, the inland towns and villages remain vibrant and for the most part unspoiled. Travel in the Easter period and you’ll be treated to a feast of fiestas in every village and town. Take your time meandering through the picturesque countryside, stopping for `tapas’ in roadside cafes and getting lost among the sweet pine covered hills of southern Spain.
Day 1
Arrive in Malaga airport. As the point of access for hundreds of thousands of tourists each year to southern Spain, the city of Malaga is generally avoided by visitors.
However, if you arrive early enough in the day, don’t pass up the
chance to see the sites of this old port city, particularly the 11th
century Alcazaba the Muslim palace fortress near the city centre. If
you’re here in mid-August, you’ll catch the craziest Andalucian
festival of all, the nine-day Feria de Malaga.
Day 2
Drive west along the E15 and take the exit right towards Ronda. One hour inland from coast, set in
100m deep El Tajo gorge, this ancient Muslim town stands on the
cliff edge that plunges down to Rio Guadalevin. Don’t miss the
the September Feria de Pedro Romero. During busy
festival periods (particularly Easter), book ahead for
accommodation.
From Ronda, take the road in a northwest direction along the A382 in the direction of Jerez de la Frontera, stopping at: Arcos de la Frontera 30km east of Jerez along A382, this 11th century Muslim town is spectacularly set on the ridge-top. Wander through the old centre, visit the mirador (viewpoint) with its panoramic views of the river and surrounding countryside. Zahara de la Frontera, on top of a crag with a ruined castle, this pretty white village has cobblestoned streets, a 12th century Castillo, and a mirador on Calle San Juan. There are five major walking routes in the nearby national park.
Vejer de la Frontera,50km from Cadiz on the N340. Yet another beautiful, white, walled town on a rocky outcrop. Don’t miss the Iglesia del Divino Salvador with its mudejar and Gothic interior.
Day 3-4
Drive north along the A4, or take the backroads north to Seville. One of the most enthralling and entertaining cities in Spain, it lies on a flat plain, where temperatures rise to over 45 degrees Celsius in the summer. Architecturally fantastic, it is home to the famous Feria de Abril in April when the entire town becomes a Spanish fiesta paradise. If you
can, leave the car at home and take public transport, or stay near the centre and walk. Take it easy, go to the sights early and spend the hot afternoons taking it easy sipping coffee or staying in the shade like the locals. Don’t try to do everything at once, Seville takes years to get to know so don’t think you’re missing out if you don’t see it all.
Don’t miss:
La
Catedral, one of the largest cathedrals in the world, from 1507.
La Giralda is the old minaret of the mosque, constructed in the late 12th century. Contains Columbus’ Tomb.
Alcazar
palace, the fortress of Muslim origin. Beautiful gardens and baths.
North from Seville, is Andalusia’s westernmost province of Huelva, with the remote Sierra Morena hill country near Aracena dotted with old stone-built Moorish towns and natural parks. It is from here that Spain’s famous Jamon Jabugo originates, from free-range pigs fed purely on acorns in the oak forests of the Sierra Morena. West of Aracena is the intriguing town of Almonaster la Real, with its 10th century mosque in almost perfect condition. Stay here or in nearby Linares de la Sierra or Fuenteheridos, and sample one of the excellent walking trails through the Parque Natural Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche.
Population: 2,057 inhabitants.
How to get there: 115 kilometres from Huelva and 110 from Sevilla. the best way is along the N-433 from Seville.
Day 5
Set out early and drive east along the A433 to Cordoba. From Seville you can either take
the motorway direct to Cordoba via Carmona and Ecija, or the more
picturesque A road along the Guadalquivir river via Cantillana and
Almodovar del Rio. The big attraction of Cordoba is its Mezquita
(Mosque), founded in the 8th century and built when the city was
capital of Al-Andalus and one of the most magnificent Islamic
buildings in Europe. Explore the old quarter around the Mezquita
known as the Juderia, a maze of tiny winding streets and
flower-filled patios. Visit the various open Patios, used as meeting
places in Islamic times, filled with flowers, fountains and welcome
shade. Many are open during the summer time, particularly around the
`patio competition’ and Festival de Patios Cordobeses in early May.
Day 6-7
Drive south-east along the A432 to Granada. Seville’s main rival as the most
spectacular town in southern Spain, Granada is a must for visitors
to Andalusia. Spend at least two days here, as both the town and
surrounding area are full of both architectural and physical beauty.
Try to go early to the Alhambra, the Moorish palace dominating the
city, to avoid the queues, and wander through the Generalife gardens
in the afternoon. Lose yourself in the Albaicin, the old medieval
quarter set on the hill, backed by the gypsy caves of Sacromonte,
leaving time to sample the city’s excellent tapas (mostly free!).
Don’t miss Plaza Nueva and Plaza Bib-Rambla.
If you feel the need to get out of this wonderful city, the Sierra Nevada mountains, home to the highest peak in Spain, are only an hour’s drive away. Ski in the winter or walk through the scented hills during summer months, calling into the Alpujarras villages, the last stronghold of the Arabs before they were driven out of Spain.
Final Day
Drive back to the airport in Malaga. Either take the direct route via Motril and Nerja, which offers a spectacular, if a little crowded, coastal drive to Malaga, or take the road via Archidona and Antequera, a less awe-inspiring but more
secluded way. Malaga airport is notoriously difficult to find from
the city centre, so leave enough time to get lost and find the way
again!
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