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Granada

 One of the most fascinating cities of Andalusia. The Alhambra is considered as the maximum exponent of Arab architecture and is beyond any doubt one of the most beautiful places to be visited in Spain. The resort is divided in 3 parts: the Fortress, the Royal palaces and the Summer Palace with its enchanting gardens – The Generalife. In the palaces, you can admire several precious treasures. The summum of the Alhambra are the Mexuar, considered the oldest part (impresses     because of the Fountain of the Lions in the centre of the patio) and the Palace of Charles V in Renaissance style.

Málaga

The old centre of this town has been well preserved. You can visit the Alcazaba (fortress) and the Castle Gibralfaro, a very well preserved Arab monument. The Castle was initially built by the Phoenicians and later rebuild by the Taija-king Badis, to defend the town. It has been built on the highest mountain of the city and is connected with the fortress Alcazaba. 
The town experienced a high level of culture and economy. Loads of places and monuments are still testifying of that  glorious past. 
Málaga is one of the 7 largest cities of Spain but still conserves its authentic Andalusian charm.                                                                                                                              

Ronda

The old centre of Ronda still conserves some interesting worth seeing Arab constructions. The Mondragón Palace is the place where the Arab rulers lived till the “Reconquista”. Ronda is also famous for its bull ring, which is said to be the oldest of Spain. During the Goya-festival (one of Spain’s most famous painters) the “toreros” wear the original 18th century dress. The old part of Ronda is completely separated from the new part by the Tajo, a 100 meter deep crevice. The “Puente Nuevo” is the bridge, build in 1793 that connects the two parts. The view you get looking down from the bridge is really what one would call “Breathtaking”. The small streets have dozens of good  restaurants; the better ones are probably around the Bull Ring, for example Tragabuches.            

Antequera

 Walking through Antequera is like stepping into a Time machine. You will find rests of the Bronze Age, Dolmen, roman baths, Arab Castles, Gothic churches, fountains of the  Renaissance, etc… 
The town is really a must, but the surroundings are as interesting as well. 
There is first of all a beautiful dolmen with an information centre just outside the village, direction Córdoba. There is also the Natural Park “El Torcal”, only 10 minutes away with its moon-like landscape, one of the most impressive of Europe. The whole area was below sea level till hundreds of millions of years ago. The movement of the earth’s crust resulted in the formation of the 1300 m high mountains. The limestone still shows the original laminar formation.  During the subsequent millions of years, winds and rains eroded the limestone to some amazing formations. The highest point “El Mirador”allows you to overview the whole park. In optimal climatologic conditions, you can observe the African coastline. 
We also recommend the Wolfs reserve “Lobo Parque” and the natural park “Fuente de la Piedra” where the flamingo birds come to breed from January through to August. 

 

Tips for day trips

Daytrip 1: Maro (beautiful little beach with bays), Nerja (Balcon de Europa and the caves), Frigiliana (picturesque white village), Burriana Beach (nice and good             restaurants near the beach to end your day)
Daytrip 2: Málaga (Gibralfaro, Alcazaba, Plaza Merced, Picasso Museum, Cathedral, shopping streets….)
Daytrip 3: Antequera (Authentique roman arena, wolf park, El Torcal (beautiful natural park with 3 different signposted walks), dolmen and caves, Fuente La Piedra (lagoon where the flamingos brood)
Daytrip 4: Granada: Alhambra and Albaicin (old Arab district), Sierra Nevada (ski    resort during the winter and natural park during the summer)
Daytrip 5: Ronda with the oldest “Plaza de Toros” (1784), the “Puente Nuevo”, the bridge over de 100 m deep gap (El Tajo)
Daytrip 6: Córdoba (Mezquita and its neighborhoods with loads of nice little patios.
Daytrip 7: Marbella – its old center and Puerto Banús.
           
In the neighborhood: Rio Frio (sturgeon and trout nursery), hot springs of Alhama, sulphid bath in Periana, water park in Vélez-Málaga, carting in Caleta de Velez and Almayate.

HOW TO VISIT THE ALHAMBRA?
 
A visit to the Alhambra takes you more or less 3 hours. 
Visiting the Alhambra is divided into 2 sessions. The morning session starts at 8.00 to 13.30 while the afternoon session starts at 14.00h till 20.00 h.
The guided tour consist of several parts where you will visit for example the Nazarie Palace and the Generalife (garden)
Booking has to be done via internet. You can only pay by credit card. 
You can choose any day of the week, but we recommend you to avoid weekends, as it is too crowded. Also all shops in town are closed. 
You will have to opt for the morning or afternoon session. There is also a late evening session during July and august. 
Don’t book too early in the morning, so you can have your breakfast before leaving.