Travel among the live colours of Andalusia, Spain

 

And here we are finally to the much-awaited day of departure for this adventurous journey studied for months to the smallest details!
We flew on Vueling, the Spanish low-cost airline, because also from Venice, which is the airport most congenial to us (and the best, in our opinion, among those who have tried so far!), But we had to stop a night, the first leg in Barcelona.
In theory we should have from Venice at 20.25, but the plane took off only to 22, for which we have arrived at its destination at 23.45. We have therefore taken just outside the airport, the free shuttle bus (to book, however, before contacting the hotel!) That brought us the ultra modern "hotel Tryp Aeropuerto", the chain Sol Melia, booked from home via agency (55 euros per night per person). The hotel in question is really fantastic, very minimal and functional. ... a shame having slept only three hours! Yes, because the other plane, which would take us from Barcelona to Malaga, the starting point of our adventure of Andalusia, had to leave at 6 and 25, so we at 4 and 30 were already back at the airport ...

Instead. ... surprise ... just arrived at the airport we discover that our flight was. ... DELETED!
The counter of Vueling, then, we have proposed, among other options, take the first flight to Seville from where a bus, always in the company, would take us to Malaga Airport for the 11. We, who had strength to reach the airport of Malaga, as we had booked a car at home waiting for us there, we jumped at this opportunity and, after breakfast with the good offered to us by Vueling for the inconvenience, we embarked to Seville. From here, crossing a magnificent nature and peering through the window of the bus a few "pueblo blanco" in about 2 ½ hours we were in Malaga.
Here, for 221 euros for 8 days (plus a swipe your credit card as a deposit of 300 euros and another 48 for half full, the car already had, when in fact they cost a WHOLE 23 !!... first and only rip the trip ...) the Record Spain gave us a battered Kia Picanto 1100 cc. with a trunk so small that there was not one of our 2 suitcases!
However, finally, we left for Granada ...
The "Autovie" (our freeways) in Andalusia are very fluently and with huge clumps of pink and white oleanders as dividers, instead of our sleazy guard-rail: a no less important then, are almost totally free, except for some traits that will tell you later.
So we quickly arrived at their destination but, once entered the town, the fun begins!
First, the delightful thing in Andalusia, the city roads are not always a sign indicating its name, it is almost useless for us and do as you print itineraries from Via Michelin, is probably best if you adhere to the maps (who made you send for free from www.andalucia.org!)
Second thing: Once oriented, must deal with one-way, areas with restricted traffic to one lane roads with sidewalks and very high stakes and the complete lack of parking (if not underground and paid!) Fortunately all Our hotel had the car park, but we had to pay separately (from 14 euros per day to Granada to Ronda for the 9).
Eventually, however, and with many difficulties, we managed to reach our hotel, Hotel Las Nieves, a charming three star hotel with well-2 interior patios, rooms a little 'small indeed, but bathroom with shower whirlpool, and not far from Plaza Nueva, the center of Granada.
Immediately after hanging the bags in the room, we sling to the discovery of this fascinating city via Trinidad Plaza and Plaza de los Lobos, two beautiful green oasis with a central fountain, we were imposing Monasterio de San Jeronimo (where we saw for the first time, a "Patio de los Naranjos", ubiquitous in every building that respects itself, in Andalucía!) and the nearby Basilica de San Juan de Dios, now converted into a hospital, with two wonderful cloister inside.
Continuing along the Calle San Jeronimo, we arrived opposite the cathedral (attention here to the gypsies who try to sell you the sprigs of rosemary luck ... do not give up very easily!) But, as were the 3 passes, the heat was unbearable and we did not put anything in your mouth after the 6 croissants, we decided to send us nell'Alcaiceria, the typical Muslim market (rebuilt) until you reach Plaza de Bib-Rambla, full of bars and bocaterie. In one of these (part of a chain scattered 'throughout Andalusia, the "Oh La La") in the cool of a pergola, we tasted the first delicious "bocadillos" (sandwiches) for our vacation. After we rested and refreshed, we decided to dedicate the cathedral and the Capilla Real, the first, very impressive given its considerable size and they are still very "light" through the delicate white marble with which it is constructed, and the wonderful lighting receives from the ornate stained glass windows ... not to mention the wonderful gold inlays that adorn the altars and the two magnificent organs ... really wonderful!
The second, which is accessed through another entrance, is the funerary monument of the Catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella and their son John and her husband Philip, who is also portrayed in the delicate marble statues that rise above the crypt where they are their spoils.
Once outside, passing by Plaza Isabel la Catolica and admiring the beautiful monument dedicated to the Catholic Kings and Columbus, we headed towards the district Realejo indicated on the map as an area of tourist interest, in our view, however, there nothing that deserves to be seen! We then continued our walk to the Paseo Salon, a beautiful park along the Rio Genil, the river in Granada, and then return to the hotel along the Acera del Darro.
After a long shower (Jacuzzi!) We re-approached the Plaza Nueva for supper in one of the side streets, we opted for the inviting "Meson Andaluz" and I must say that the gazpacho and the paella could not be more Good! (and we only spent 11 euros each!)

Today's the day of the Alhambra but first ... breakfast!
In our case it was included in paid 40 euros per person per night and is served in the hotel bar, a bit 'grim truth (due to bad lighting, in our opinion) but, being a bar open to everyone not only hotel guests, seeing the genuine locals who stopped to have breakfast before going to work, we felt a little 'real citizens of Granada too!! And so, we discovered that the Andalusian true are used to breakfast with "cafe con leche y tostada, namely coffee with hot milk (half and half) and 2 slices of bread with roasted over olive oil and salt ( and wanting even tomatoes!) ... and this is also immediately became my breakfast!
We have therefore taken, Plaza Nueva, Cuesta de Gomerez that, through Bosque Alhambra (passing in front of the Puerta de la Justicia and the Pilar de CarlosV), leads to the top of the hill on which stands the majestic Sabika this wonderful fortress is in contention to become one of new 7 wonders of the world!
At the entrance, bearing the reservation made about a month before the site www.alhambratickets.com, doing almost no tail, gave us our tickets and then we started to explore this wonderful town ...
As the entry to the Palace Nasrid had to make between 12 and 30 and 13, having arrived early, we had plenty of time to see everything else first. We started from the Generalife: a multitude of gardens, paths, ponds, fountains ... a hymn to nature, an oasis of peace and a real treat for the eyes! From here we went to visit the austere Alcazaba, the oldest part of the Alhambra, which retains only the ramparts and several towers such as the Torre de la Vela, from whose summit offers great views, 360 degrees on the city. Then we headed to the Jardines del Partal, where there is the beautiful (and photogenic, from us!) Torre de las Damas: a large covered terrace from which one sees and overlooks the neighborhood dell'Albayzin, gardens and gardens of the Generalife and interior gardens that surround the tub in which he reflects. We then made the walk of the wall and we came back at dell'Alcazaba where, shortly before the Puerta del Vino, we saw the Palacio de Carlos V (but we do not like very much!) And Baños del Polinari: the rooms used in bathrooms, in fact, lit by skylights in the shape of a star.
And finally it is time to enter the famous Nazaries Palacios, the authentic Walkers Alhambra, with its elaborate stucco walls by the splendid and elaborate tiling to Muqarnas (honeycomb or stalactite) . Unfortunately, the hall more representative of the entire monument, which is the Patio de los Leones, we expect a sad surprise: the central fountain surrounded by 12 lions, is under renovation and photogenic felines there is not even a shadow! ! However the portico itself is so beautiful, with its 124 marble columns, which remains a marvel of architecture that very difficult to forget! After a short (about an hour) even though precise visit to this part of the Alhambra (where, however, there was really troppissima people!) We decided to end our visit and all'Albayzin back down for lunch. To do this we took the Cuesta de los Chinos and we stopped at a little place outside on the Paseo de los Tristes, where he enjoyed a beautiful view of the Alhambra.
After lunch, our program would walk nell'Albayzin recommended by the Lonely: what about ... the old Arab quarter of Granada has really fascinated with its narrow streets and quiet, rising up to the Mirador San Nicolas (from which we have done The most beautiful photos with the background of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada) and the Mezquita Mayor de Granada (whose beautiful gardens were closed but, alas!), and then descend through Calle Nueva Calderia flanked by numerous Teter, to Plaza Nueva ...
Since there were still quite tired, we decided to walk to (!!!) another architectural jewel, which is 2 km from the center of Granada, which is the Monasterio de La Cartuja. Worth a visit to the magnificent Baroque church and, in particular, the Sagrario, immediately behind the altar and the sacristy, with the finely carved wardrobes.
We then returned downtown for a quick shower and dinner, on the basis of the usual gazpacho and "gambas fritas" (fried shrimp) in the outdoor restaurant "Torres Bermejas" in the Plaza Nueva (a little 'dear indeed: 34 euros 2).
Well ... what about Granada is a city that has undoubtedly much charm, but ... do you want for the fatigue of travel, either by the frenzy of having to do everything quickly, there was particularly in the heart (the Alhambra in part, of course. .!) as it has happened, for example, to Cordoba, we visited the next day ... but let's go with order ...

Today our little Kia Picanto has led us easily in Cordoba: easy in the sense that we arrived in town very easily and also reach the hotel was very simple (and also because there were useful signs with the name of the hotel that we have brought to the door of that!) We had chosen for our stay the Hotel Riviera (30 euro per person per night with breakfast) which is a 2 star old school, which would require, in our opinion, a beautiful renovation, but However, it has some no small comfort: the first is the parking lot, meaning that if you wish, you can park your car on the Paseo de la Victoria, around the Jardines de la Vicor and near the hotel, where you can leave the machine hour or a day more for only 0.90 euro! is not secure, but there are some men who are employed to enter and exit the car from the parking areas and withdraw money, and licensing of the slip by leaving your windshield, and the second is undoubtedly the strategic location, being close is shopping center than to the monumental Cordoba.
After you put the suitcases in the room we headed towards the Mezquita, one of the most important Islamic monuments of Andalucia, if not the most important, with its forest of 856 columns topped by two rows of overlapping arcs, with red brick and white stones to form the stripes, his Christian cathedral inside and fine mihrab, richly decorated, is a truly magical place, a building outside time, outside the mosque, the ubiquitous "Patio de los Naranjos" to the center a fountain (it was the place of ablution, that is where Muslims wash themselves before entering the mosque) and the Cabildo, what was once the minaret and is now enclosed in a tower of '500: unfortunately not on the latter We could go up, because of some renovations. We then continued our tour through another one of the most scenic locations in Cordoba, namely the neighborhood of Jewish Quarter, this is definitely one of the most beautiful places I've seen on this holiday, with its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, the wrought iron grilles over windows filled with flowers and "ceramic tiles" and then ... a thousand ... the patios patios, hidden behind wooden doors half-closed, and then behind erased but will allow a peek inside ... with their fountains, surrounded by lush vegetation, in whose eyes you could just enjoy a little 'peace of their cool in the heat of the afternoon ... two: that wonderful feeling! In the midst of all these patios, we have found one, turned into a chain restaurant always "Oh La La," where we were served a "seleciona tapas" truly excellent and super rich (in two we could not finish it!) And an equally excellent and delicious "salmorejo Cordobes" (a sort of gazpacho, but denser and with an egg inside) to head all for less than 15 euros a head!
We then resumed our journey in the direction of Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos: only when we arrived we discovered that closed at 14 and 30, we had to change the program! Never mind, we have seen and photographed the angles that we might not have ever known if we had found the Alcazar opened! We then plunges back across the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter until you reach the majestic Puente Romano, crossing the Puerta del Puente, so we headed to Plaza del Potro and Plaza de la Corredera and later again to the green Jardines de la Merced, in the Plaza de Colon, with its imposing pink marble facade of the old Convento de la Merced, which now houses exhibitions.
We then returned to the hotel, tired but pay the thousand wonders just seen, for a refreshing shower and then .... away again, in cordobés movida!
We are back near the cathedral and we granted a refreshing sangria in a bar popular with locals ... we have seen so many girls go, but especially girls, makeup and hairdresser at all points, with their little trolley with in the "clothes scene "tonight we dance flamenco somewhere! And they really have it in their blood: their bearing, their pride, even as a child ... they do not seem afraid of anything ...
We then moved from the center in search of a place where dining: we got to the immense Jardines de la Agriculture, with two long walks and beautiful at the sides, full but full of people talking, running, walking ... so we crossed the 'Avenida de la Libertad Cordoba and have discovered the trendy, that of the Buddha Bar and cafes minimal ... really a city for all tastes!
For dinner we tried a restaurant in the Plaza Tendillas: We were not very convinced, because of the staff a little 'on her ", but the paella was really good (and more, on top of a building, c' is a clock with bells that ring every hour flamenco!)

This morning our plan is to leave early to Seville, but since yesterday the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos was already closed, we decided to spend the morning. First however, we had breakfast in the bar near the hotel, which I now do not quite remember the name but that is a few steps from the same and is much frequented by the locals: First you take a zumo de naranja ( orange juice) to welcome and then you can order what you want!
But we go to visit the Alcazar ...
Besides with walls and towers that make up the fortress well worth visiting the beautiful gardens with their fountains surrounded by a multitude of colorful flowers and trees with unusual shapes. At the center of the garden statues of Columbus, Isabella and Ferdinand recall the various meetings of the three characters.
Happy not to be missed even this wonderful place we continued our adventure to Seville, leaving behind a city proud of its glorious past, but who knew how to align seamlessly with the passage of time.
The trip to Seville was accompanied by the shape of bulls that rose from the fields of sunflowers ... Once there we found, with no little difficulty, our hotel, the Plaza Saint Lucia ", a modern three star hotel with a private microparcheggio by pay course apart, located in a very quiet but a bit 'far from downtown (20 min. walk) with buffet breakfast included in the 40 paid € per night.
Our itinerary included Seville for today, as a first step, a visit to El Arenal district: Here are some of London's famous landmarks as the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza, and at the end of Paseo de Cristobal Colon on the river Guadalquivir, la Torre del Oro, which we visited shortly before it closed (ore 14.00). From the top of the Tower you can enjoy an excellent view over the river and the city center with its impressive cathedral. We then continued over the Puerta de Jerez, and passing the Universidad (Fabrica de Tabacos), we arrived at the entrance of the immense Parque Maria Luisa where we stopped to eat in the cafeteria Citroen (which is not quite worthy of note!).
In the early afternoon we discovered one of the most beautiful day of your vacation: Plaza de España. We were really fascinated by the grandeur of this place and yet extreme attention to detail: the infinite ceramic tiles which are practically all in this magnificent square (built for the Exposicion Iberoamericana of 1929) are something that can not be described in words , you just see ...
After taking numerous photos here too, to refresh a little 'we are refugees in the nearby Parque de María Luisa, this really huge, full of trees and flower beds with beautiful colors and of course thousand fountains and benches covered with ceramic tiles!
Moving toward the center so we went in front of the Teatro Lope de Vega and the Hospital de la Caridad and then through narrow streets and refreshing patios, we found ourselves in front of Archivo de Indias. From here we continued up to the Plaza de Triunfo, behind the cathedral, where is the entry dell'Alcazar: I must say that this wonder of architecture, to which we devoted one afternoon, one could almost define a 'miniature Alhambra "I am so beautiful Mudejar stucco adorning its patios and its palaces and its gardens are cared so much! Once outside, through the Patio Banderas (Antonio?) We headed to El Centro, passing in front of the beautiful Iglesia de El Salvador, then to return to the hotel.
For dinner we re-directed toward El Centro, specifically in the local Jugopan in Calle San Eloy, where we enjoyed an excellent and plentiful menu del dia for 9 euros per head is a local specialist in meat strongly suggest that we we were so good that we returned the next night too! After dinner we took a walk along the riverside, the Puente de Triana to the Torre del Oro, clicking a lot 'of photos at night before returning to the hotel.

This morning, our program includes a visit to the Cathedral of Seville, the third largest cathedral in the world after St. Peter's in Rome and St. Peter & Paul's in London, so the morning after a hearty breakfast buffet in the consumed hall of the hotel we headed toward our goal. We found, however (on the advice of a sly old man who, posing as tour guide in an Italian official, speaking almost perfect, really just wanted to sell seats for an evening of flamenco with dinner at a club in which he was the PR!) the cathedral today opened to the public only at 11, so after a while 'wandering bought some' souvenir, we waited patiently for the opening hours. When we finally managed to enter, the vastness of this church has made us truly be out of breath: the place most significant (and certainly the most photographed!) Is the Capilla Mayor, is located in the huge altarpiece completely covered with gold, perhaps the largest in the world. Noteworthy are also richly decorated Gothic vault, and the treasures of the cathedral, not to mention the many chapels that adorn three sides of the cathedral and the tomb of Christopher Columbus (who seems not guests but his remains). We then continued our tour by climbing on the Giralda, the bell tower (minaret already, because of course the Cathedral of Seville, first, it was a mosque!) Which is accessed via a smooth ramp and on top of which flies the Giraldillo, the symbol of Seville, which represents faith and of which you can admire a reconstruction at the entrance of the cathedral, in front of the Puerta de los Principes.
Once off we stopped to rest a bit 'in the Patio de los Naranjos, inside the cathedral, with its beautiful fountain in the middle, but unfortunately was a bit' too crowded!
The route and head towards the picturesque Barrio de Santa Cruz: a succession of narrow streets and small squares full of tavernas and souvenir shops, where, however, is a feeling of peace and serenity and it is in one of these cafes that we decided to stop for lunch in the Plaza de Doña Elvira, in the restaurant "La Cueva", which also had a nice patio, but we preferred to stay in the square and where we spent a lot but still have not eaten a result! But the place was really beautiful, our table was in the shade of orange, before a beautiful fountain ...
In the afternoon, because of the unbearable heat (at least for myself!), We have spent with my feet soaking in the pools of the Parque de Maria Luisa: one afternoon a little 'wasted, but I really did not stand on his feet , the rhythms were too tight, I needed to detach a little 'plug!
We then headed for the hotel, quick shower and then head back to El Centro ...
Since our last night in Seville, we could not give us an aperitif with tapas and sangria, and we found a room in which the choices were really infinite, and the recipes really special ...
In Seville, we were really good, it's a really beautiful city a pity there remained only two days, he would have earned at least four, and for this reason, we definitely will return! One thing to do though, is not expected to see it all on foot as we did: better to rely on some public transport because it is really great ...

After the usual hearty breakfast buffet we headed toward our next destination or Cadiz, charming town overlooking the Atlantic Ocean!
Here autovia at a certain point becomes a supplement: near the town of Las Cabezas de San Juan is the toll for cars and the amount payable is about 6 € (amount different motorcycles and trucks have) .
Just arrived we immediately realized that the reality of Cadiz is very different than other cities we visited with regard to the speech traffic: you enter easily into the center by a six-lane boulevard, traffic, but overall, very fluently, which ends with the impressive Puerta de Tierra, a true front door of the center city. Here too, the traffic situation is not too bad, so we easily found a secure underground parking (we had packed into the car in full view so you do not want to risk!) Just stuck to the starting point of the route recommended by the Lonely, or Plaza de Mina, from where we began our stroll on the promenade, stopping for a while 'photos and to admire the beautiful landscape in the Parque del Genovesi and all met up to the ramparts of the imposing yellow-domed cathedral. From there we went on in the Barrio of populism where we stopped for lunch at a local level, which obviously I can not remember the name, but which is located in Plaza de Fray Felix was full of people and the waitress who served all the tables virtually alone was very amiable! And not a small thing, we enjoyed a wonderful meal without spending a single figure: looking back on my "to Galician Ensaladilla de pulpo (octopus salad with boiled potatoes, mayonnaise and garlic) and the skewers of prawns in the oven, I still mouth water!
Cadiz also, in its simplicity, it has been really in the center: it has the charm of the seaside town, very friendly with tourists and seemingly quiet and sleepy, but really full of life and waiting to be discovered. ... We really regretted having left it a bit 'in the background: he deserved much more consideration ...
Immediately after we finished eating put back out to go to our step No. 2 Today: Ronda.
Strongly advised not to do it right after lunch, the last part is all a curve!
The only thing that has supported us during the trip, was the thought that awaited us on arrival that we may well define the most beautiful hotel of all the holiday: the hotel Maestranza (and I believe, was the only 4 stars that we had booked!). Obviously, if you want to pamper yourself a little 'this is definitely the right hotel: we paid € 60 each, but when we arrived we realized immediately that he deserved them all! First, for the position: facing the Plaza de Toros, which, incidentally, is the oldest in Spain, then, is a 2 (and I say number 2!) Minutes walk from the famous Puente Nuevo ( and then from Ciudad, ie the old part of Ronda), both located next to Plaza El Socorro, full of bars and restaurants, and at the Carrera Espinel, a long pedestrian street full of people and shops. Our room, then, was as big as a studio, with two Latvians to 1 and a half square, and had the air conditioner already on when we arrived, so the optimum temperature was in short she was so good that, to tell you the truth, We struggled a bit 'out of that paradise!
But Ronda waiting for us, because we now only half a day to spend!
First we headed towards the famous Puente Nuevo is really impressive! The gorge is so deep that the Guadalevín River, which flows at the bottom, you can hardly see it: you only hear the sound of running water! After you have crossed it comes precisely in Ciudad: we immediately directed to the Plaza del Campillo, where there is a mirador overlooking the bridge, but my boyfriend was not happy, he wanted to see him more closely. ... And in fact at the very end the square part of a dirt road that borders the throat and near the bridge that carries much ... yes, but that heat! The route is all in the sun, and we were obviously already dead tired after giornatina de fuego: the first leg down was also pleasant, and the mirador where you get really ideal for taking photos and to realize more more than the majesty of the bridge ... but the return ... ... with the sun rising very strong (despite being the 6 pass) ... I thought I would faint!
Once on we headed to the Palacio Modragòn, but unfortunately it was closed, and later in Plaza Duquesa de Parcent, with its beautiful central garden overlooked by the Iglesia de Santa Maria la Mayor, very particular with his porch, el'Ayuntamiento, ie the town hall. Then continuing through the narrow streets we came across the enigmatic facade of the Palacio del Marques de Salvatierra, with statues of naked Inca who cover ... right there! Continuing, we hoped to open at least find the Casa del Rey Moro, from which, via a staircase with 300 steps, while 'to reach the river in the gorge and instead closed that too ...! We then returned to the hotel for a quick shower and then we had a nice walk sull'animatissima Carrera Espinel before stepping into the Plaza del Socorro for dinner. After dinner we made another little walk to take some 'photos at night between the Puente Nuevo and the streets of Ciudad.

Today we woke up early in the morning and the first thing, of course, we have slingshots in the breakfast room of our fantastic hotels. I tell you one thing: the table for the buffet was 8 meters long! Imagine how much was on it: fruits, vegetables, bread, a thousand kinds, eggs, jams, sauces ... but the most curious (and that I personally had never seen elsewhere) was closed by a steel tray cover and heated by a stove containing the just roasted bacon! In short, everything necessary for a real breakfast like a king!
We therefore resumed our camera and we headed towards Gibraltar: here too the autovia is a fee (about 5 € in total) and took us to La Linea de la Concepcion, where we always parked in a secure car park and paid . The choice was apt because the row of cars that came to Gibraltar was very long and went very slowly. Instead, we walk we entered a second, even through the now-famous runway of the airport of Gibraltar!
Time course was not the best: there was a cloud that covered practically the only rock! We have come across the picturesque Main Street, very "British", between the red booths and the thousand pubs scattered here and there, and we got to the starting point of the funicular to the top of the fortress. There was a bit 'of wind but the car is very stable and we got to the top of the rock in an instant and without fear (and I'll say one that has been terrorized by the funicular location of Big Ben!). In theory, there would be an intermediate stop, all'Apes' Den, with the ability to get out and see the famous apes that populate it, the earliest inhabitants of the fortress, but due to the strong wind we just stopped, unable to fall ( indeed, as soon as it opened the door, he tried to get signed, but the guy who operated the booth told me to go back immediately and that the monkeys could see them on top of the rock! And then the question I sort Spontaneous: what the hell do you open the door, if he could not get out?? Anyway ....) Once on, in fact, we soon became acquainted with these cute little animals, which were then the only attractive, especially because the top of the fortress, with its many points of observation, was immersed in a dense cloud that did not allow us to see not only the coasts of Africa, but not the same from Gibraltar! But the thrill of thinking of being in that place that the ancients thought was the end of the world, is always a certain effect, fog or no fog!
Once off, we tried a place recommended by Lonely for lunch: the Clipper. Never chosen, again, was more apt! The style is typical English pub, with carpet on the floor and tables of dark wood, and it was packed with people! We ate really well: I am a chicken fajita and my love a slice of beef with pepper that we struggled to finish, so the portions were plentiful, and a garlic bread with cheese sauce on them really delicious. An advice we can give is to change the need for planned expenditure during your stay in Gibraltar in sterling on arrival because, although it could pay in euros, the rate that is applied in local stores and shops is not very convenient!
This city, in its particularity, is a destination not to be overlooked in our opinion because it makes you forget for a moment, of being in Spain and takes you on a reality completely different!
After this little digression into English soil we headed towards the last ... the beach, to Malaga!
The accommodation here waiting for us was the Zeus Hotel (two stars, 38 €. Per night with breakfast): Do not be fooled by azulejos atrium ... discover that the rooms are really all in typical Tyrolean style ... (?! ), complete with wood paneling on the walls and curtains of heavy fabric with floral pattern of yellow and red!
The welcome and service were very positive, but the location where the hotel is and the fact that the breakfast room is located in another hotel (but close) we were not completely satisfied.
Just arrived we had our first round of exploration of the city, passing in front of "Manque" (the unfinished cathedral), and we got to all'Alcazaba Malagueta, the beach town. From here we returned to the hotel past the Plaza de Toros and the beautiful Ayuntamiento with its cream facade.
For dinner ... tapas! In a local outdoor plaza de las flores, where an amiable waitress who spoke a little 'in Italian has served two super sandwiches (paninetti) and three abundant tapas (including the famous patatas bravas with a taste of garlic to the test a vampire!) for a total of 15 euros.
After dinner we walked along Calle Marques de Larios, a bright and popular promenade paved with marble clear.

This morning, after the usual hearty breakfast and consumed at the hotel Don Paco (an arrangement with our hotel and maybe a little 'better looking!) We visited the monument, perhaps most beautiful city: the Alcazaba. Is in no way comparable to the Alhambra, but in its simplicity, the fortress has been a pleasant surprise with its manicured gardens and the unfailing fountain!
Included in the 3.20 euro ticket, it's also a visit to Castillo de Gibralfaro, which is accessed along the Paseo de Don Juan Temboury: the road is really steep, but in many places there are mirador offering wonderful views of the bay that is home to Malaga.
What remains of the Castillo is only the outer walls and bastions, on which, however, you can take a nice walk.
We then got out and, after much toil, we have decided to grant a sangria cooler in the shade of the cathedral, in the Restaurante Tormes: unfortunately was not provided for the sale of sangria into individual glasses so we opted for a liter jug!
With your legs almost halved by the two glasses of sangria in my head that made up the pitcher said, we decided to head towards Plaza de la Marina x fill a little 'stomach at the Festival de la Tapa! Well, we had the good fortune to be in Malaga at the weekend precisely where you place the tenth edition of this fantastic festival, which is a bit 'like our country fairs: they do tickets to the cashier before entering (a' tapa "costs € 1,80 and a" bebida "€ 2.00) and then, once inside, you can take the dish you want at any booth! Needless to say we have overindulged oversized, we have tried everything (there was even sushi, which I love and that I have missed!) And we spent virtually nothing, so much that we returned for dinner!
In the afternoon we relaxed a bit 'still doing a little ride, but above all ... a nice nap at the hotel! And then off again towards the center ... I had to try one more thing before I go home: the "churros y chocolate"! We then stopped at the Café Central, Plaza de la Constitución and ordered a portion of this caloric bomb consisting TORCETTO shaped cakes made of dough and re-fried fritters and fried in hot oil, for dunking in chocolate hot ... delicious! My boyfriend was horrified, not because of the heaviness of the dish, because of the heat he felt for me!
For dinner, as I already said before, we returned to the Festival de la Tapa, in a really familiar ...! Perhaps this was the thing we liked most of Malaga, a city that we feel is not worth the two days that we have devoted primarily to the "coldness" that characterizes it is a great city and growing (there are construction sites everywhere!), but it looks very much to the past and the future ... where maybe you lose a little 'reality more "human", although if they were needed as shown by the line of people there even before the 'opening this nice festival!

Wake up at 7 this morning and departure, without breakfast, to the airport of Malaga: the road to reach it is very well signposted, so that, once there, the place is very well marked drop off the rental car. We parked the car radio and returned the keys and at 9 and 50 and our plane took off for Barcelona. Once there, we had to wait until 4 and a half ago, (in a bustle of people and an incredible crowd of delayed flights!) To do the check-in and get in a hurry on our air, strangely punctual! Instead, once aboard, we had to wait for another good half hour on the plane, with its engine running, no one knows why, before taking off ... but then, miraculously on time, at 7am and 10 were in Venice, at home ...
Andalusia is for us was truly a wonderful adventure and excitement you feel in front of certain landscapes EOA certain wonders of art can not really describe in words, you just have to be there!
If we go though, get ready, because you remain in my heart and you will not see to get back, as is happening to us ...