The pearls of Andalusia in 7 days
(Málaga - Granada - Cordoba - Seville - Cadiz - Gibraltar - Malaga)
Malaga
Here we will learn about Andalusian joy and lightness of life. Every tourist who comes here should start his trip along the promenade of the second largest Port of Spain with a characteristic lighthouse from 1817. right on the Malaqueta beach, ending in the recently opened Museum of Contemporary Art - Center Pompidou. Then we go to the hill XIV of Gibralfaro Castle from where there is the best view of Malaga, recommended especially at sunset. From here, it is close to the next characteristic points of the city, which are the best-preserved Moorish fortress in Spain - the Alcazaba, and the Teatro Romano located at its feet, discovered relatively recently in 1951. Undoubtedly, the greatest symbol of Malaga is the Cathedral, which has been built for over 250 years, colloquially known as "La Manquita", which in free translation means "one-armed lady". As the famous painter Picasso was born in Malaga, while walking around the city, one should not forget about his Museum, Plaza de Merced and Constitucion.
Where to park: The city center is characterized by narrow streets and few parking spaces, so it will be best if we park on the outskirts of the city or in large squares, e.g. near the Rosaleda stadium.
Where to stay: Camping Torre de Mal, Camping Laguna Playa, Camping Almayate Costa
When it is cold and chilly in Poland, and long evenings take its toll, it is best to escape to places where we still find days filled with sun and high temperatures.
Spain and Portugal seem to be the best destinations - but where exactly to go? Undoubtedly, the best choice will be the coast of the sun, i.e. the Costa del Sol and its capital, Malaga.
It is here, thanks to its specific location and mountains that protect the coast from the frosty waves of air from over the continent, the mild microclimate encourages visitors to come and travel by campervan all year round. Without a doubt, the great advantage is the sun-filled days, which shines here on average 320 days a year, so the weather is guaranteed. What's more, motorhome tourism, both in Spain and Portugal, is becoming more and more popular every year, which favors a varied camping offer, often in places that are simply breathtaking
in the breast. Nevertheless, the southern region of Spain is not only rich in beautiful landscapes, but also remarkable architecture and charming cities that can enchant everyone. In addition, Andalusia, as one of the 17 regions of autonomous Spain, is home to flamenco, bullfighting, tapas and olive groves.
* You can read our full article in the Polski Caravaning Magazine
Granada
A must-see for every trip to the south of Spain. Here we will learn what it is
Granada It is said that whoever has not seen the Alhambra in Granada has not seen anything. This one is commonly called the 8th wonder of the world, one of the most beautiful palace complexes in Europe from the 13th century. It delights with its size, oriental atmosphere, beautiful palaces and gardens rich in exotic plants. The remains of Arab culture can also be found in the oldest part of the city - the Albaicin district.
It is a maze of narrow streets and squares, and from its highest part, Plaza de San Nicolas, there is the most beautiful view of the Alhambre with the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. When visiting Granada, do not forget about its historic center together with the Cathedral built on the site of the main mosque, as well as the Sacromonte hill, the former refuge of the Gypsies living in houses carved into the rocks.
Where to park: Granada is a maze of narrow and sometimes difficult streets, so I recommend leaving your camper at the campground and using public transport.
Where to stay: Camping Reina Isabel located 3km from Granada (buses to Granada every 15 minutes), Camping Las Lomas, Camping Alto de Viñuelas
Cordoba
Cordoba is a city of philosophers, beautiful flowery streets (the most famous Calle de las Flores) and every day hidden sophisticated patios where culture, history and architecture were shaped by three great religions - Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
Due to the numerous and magnificent monuments that testify to the presence of many civilizations, the city was entered on the UNESCO list. Its greatest treasure is the Great Mosque (La Mezquita), which is considered to be one of the greatest works of Islamic architecture. A must-see is also the restored Roman bridge: Puente Roman and the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos.
Where to park: There should be no problem with parking in the city, there are plenty of large parking spaces especially around the bus station.
Where to stay: Camping Puente Nuevo, Camping La Campiña, Camping La Albolafia
Sevillia
It used to be one of the most powerful cities in Europe thanks to the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492. whose tomb is inside the Cathedral that has been built for centuries. Adjacent to it is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city, that is, the 12th century Giralda to the top of which 35 gently paved ramps lead the muezzin on horseback. From here there is also an impressive panorama of the capital of Andalusia. When visiting Seville, we cannot forget about the Santa Cruz district, the fabulous Alcázar palace complex or the Metropol Parasol structure.
Nevertheless, everyone will fall in love with the romantic Plaza de Espana and its water channels, where it is possible to rent a boat around the square and admire the four bridges symbolizing the ancient kingdoms of Spain.
Where to park: In the center of Seville, it is quite a feat to even park your car, so the best solution is to leave your car on the outskirts of the city, e.g. in the parking lot belonging to the Ciudad Expo metro station.
Where to stay: Camping Villsom
Cadiz
Virtually everything that should be seen in Cadiz is in the old part of the city, located on the Atlantic Ocean headland, separated from the new part by walls
and the gate of Puertas de Tierra. The area of Cadiz is relatively small, only 12.10 km², so we are able to see practically everything in one day. Certainly, our walk should begin with the golden, characteristic dome of the Catedral Nueva in Plaza de la Catedral. The baroque cathedral of St. Cross, erected in the years 1722-1838, is one of the largest in Spain and has become a reference point for sailors. Our attention should also be drawn to the main square of the old town, which is Plaza San Juan de Dios with the large town hall and Playa la Caleta with the wonderful Balneario de la Palma spa. Sitting on the beach, we will see bastions and defensive fortresses, i.e. Castillo de San Sebastian, which is legendary about being the temple of Kronos, and Castillo de San Catalina.
Where to park: It is best to park in the large Muelle Reina SofÃa Car Park, right next to the ocean and the monuments.
Where to stay: Camping Caños de Meca, Camping Pinar San José, Camping Vejer
Gibraltar
The area, most of which is a rock, has belonged to Great Britain since the 18th century, and its main symbol is the magotes, i.e. narrow-nosed monkeys brought from Morocco. Legend has it that with their disappearance, Great Britain will lose control of the area. The upper parts of the Rock of Gibraltar are a nature reserve, in its southern part there is a monument called the Pillars of Hercules and a cave that during World War II was used as a military hospital. Thanks to numerous pubs and bars, the main streets of the city are no different from the English ones.
Where to park: The car is best left in front of the border, in one of the local parking lots.
Where to stay: Camping Paloma, Camping Valdevaqueros, Camping Torre de la Peña
Practical information: Motorways in Spain are divided into toll-free and free. It is recommended to use free highways or expressways, which are very often located right next to a toll highway. The speed limit is: 50 km / h in built-up areas, 90 km / h outside built-up areas, 110 km / h on expressways, 120 km / h on motorways.