Escape to the Alpujarras and Costa del Sol

Mum at the entrance to our apartment, and chimneypots of Capileira

From Granada, we hired a car (a little Opel Corsa) and hit the open road. Our destination? A couple of days relaxing in the Alpujarras, part of the Sierra Nevada range. I'd read about the Alpujarras about 2 years ago, when I read 'Driving over Lemons' by Chris Stewart. It was nice to finally see the area, after enjoying reading about it so much. I even managed to pick up an autographed copy of the book for €5.

Alpujarran views - left from our terrace, and right, the view down the valley near Orgiva

Our apartment in Bubión, the middle of three villages in the picturesque Poquiera valley, had a lovely terrace looking into the valley, and an almost constant supply of ripe (and some almost ripe) cherries. I've since found out that Rachelle and Tom stayed in the exact same apartment when they visited Bubión!We spent the time there wandering the little villages, siesta-ing (as one should definitely do when in Spain), reading and just generally relaxing. It was a great bit of time out - particularly since it was also my birthday - I've now reached the ripe old age of 25.

Whitewashed streets of Bubión

A little whitewashed church with a fabulous view of the Alpujarras

Leaving the Alpujarras, we had to drive down some crazy roads where lane markings weren't to be taken at face value, before hitting the Mediterranean coast, and driving along to Málaga. The scenery along the coast was just spectacular - the blue sea, the white towns, and the mountains in behind. After we couldn't get a booking on any trains to Madrid that day, speaking with some Renfe staff who seemed rather reluctant to help us, and finally finding bus tickets, only to find that there were no free lockers to store our luggage, I was all set out to hate Málaga. But once I actually got out and wandered around, I really liked the town.

The Alcazaba of Málaga

Finally, a free attraction - the Alcazaba, not as extensive as those in the other Andalucían cities, but a really pleasant maze to wander around, with views out over the sea, and the Costa del Sol, and a beach on the Mediterranean. We also had a great dinner by the cathedral. Patatas bravas has been one of our Spanish staples. Yum!

Playa de la Malagueta - Málaga's beach on the Costa del Sol

Málaga's gardens, and the Playa de la Malagueta

Overall, our time in Andalucía was fabulous, exceeding any expectations I may have had about what I'd find there. I can't wait to go back some time!

Boating at the port of Málaga, and a little church, San Pedro

Andalucían adventures - Valencia and Córdoba

Valencia - our stopover on the way to Andalusia. Clockwise from left: Our view over Valencia, the Lonja, a World Heritage listed monument, and one of many brides we saw in the old town of Valencia that evening.

The main reason I wanted to go to Spain was to visit the area called Andalucía, the southernmost province of Spain. Andalucía is full of spectacular architecture, which largely represents a fusion between Christian and Islamic traditions, as the area was one of the strongholds of the Islamic empire in Spain. Each of Córdoba, Sevilla and Granada served as the capital, resulting in some amazing sights in each of these cities. In addition, there is always flamenco, great food, and finally some hot summer weather!

Left: The Alcázar of Córdoba, and here I am finding solace in the Patio de los Naranjos

Ceiling decoration in the Mezquita

The Patio de los Naranjos and signature red striped arches of the Mezquita in Córdoba

Typical patio in Córdoba, and view of the Patio de los Naranjos within the Mezquita

Our Andalucian trip started in Córdoba. We took the train from Valencia, taking about six hours to travel through La Mancha (Don Quixote country) and northern Andalucía. We arrived in Córdoba around 6pm. It was a hot day, only a few degrees shy of 40, but once we'd found and settled into our hotel, we set out to see the town. Córdoba was once the capital of the Muslim Caliphate, and is the home of the fabulous Mezquita. The Mezquita was originally built as a mosque, was then extended, and then following the fall of the Islamic empire, a cathedral was plonked in the centre of it. Like many mosques, it also has a beautiful courtyard filled with orange trees (orange tree squares, or Los patios de Naranjos became quite a theme in Andalucía). The other fantastic thing about Córdoba was the old city, full of whitewashed buildings, and small winding streets, that you could just wander and lose yourself in. At this time of year, they are at their best - the front doors are opened to show the beautiful tiled courtyards, and the patios are hanging with pots of flowers. The architecture of the homes in much of Andalucía is very Islamic in origin - the homes were built around a central square, usually with a water feature, as the ambiance of running water is very important. We saw these all throughout the area. While in Córdoba, we also enjoyed a dinner of Paella and Sangría for Mum's birthday - celebrating in style!

Mum's birthday dinner in Córdoba - complete with paella and sangría