Andalucia is located in the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula. It has been a traditionally agricultural region but, nowadays it is more popular for its beaches and its strong cultural identity. Our Discover Andalucia post will show that this area has a lot more to offer.
Andalucia is a place of wonder. Seville, Malaga, and Granada are the main cities of this region and they all are just stunning. Nevertheless, there are many other hidden treasures to discover.
UNUSUAL PLACES TO VISIT IN SOUTHERN SPAIN
MEDINA SIDONIA
Located in the top of the “Cerro del Castillo” hill, Medina Sidonia was one of Spain’s most important ducal seats in the 15th century. Originally founded by Phoenicians, then became an important Roman colony.
Medina Sidonia is a picturesque place to visit, with its medieval walls that encircle a maze of narrow streets. Once it was a melting pot of different cultures and today the town has many things to offer, Medieval remnants include the ruins of the castle, erected on the old Muslim fortress, and Torrestrella Castle.
The view from the Torrestrella Castle is just specular, a rural landscape surround the village, but from the very top you can easily spot Cadiz and, when is not so cloudy, even Morocco.
Two hours are enough to see the whole town but don’t miss the chance to have a coffee at the sunny bars in the main square and check out one of its renowned pastries.
ARCOS DE LA FRONTERA
Together with some other villages, Arcos de la Frontera is part of the White Villages (Pueblos Blancos). These small towns are distinguished by their whitewashed houses, influenced by the Barber architecture of North Africa.
Arcos de la Frontera, like all the other Pueblos Blancos, is a National historic site. This string of cliff-top whitewashed village, where all the houses are arranged in a semicircle, has one of the most beautiful views among the others. Indeed the terrace in Plaza del Cabildo, right in front of Santa María de la Asunción church, offers views of the Guadalete Valley.
In Sierra de Cádiz there are 19 Pueblos Blancos and Arcos is the westernmost. There are many ceramic stores, a castle, few churches, palaces and convents to discover. Worth a visit.
RONDA
The best-known of Andalucía’s whitewashed is definitely Ronda. Because of its popularity, the city is becoming more and more touristic. There are lots of souvenir shops in the main street and more people from all over the world are coming to visit this spectacular town.
A magnificent Roman bridge connected the old Moorish town of Ronda to its newer part until 1793, when the Puente Nuevo – new bridge – replaced it, after thirty-four years of construction work. The bridge span the 120m deep chasm that carries the Guadalevín River, giving the viewer an amazing panorama. We strongly suggest walking down to the foot of the chasm to admire the height and the structure of the new bridge from below.
PUNTA PALOMA
Andalucian coastline gets very populated during summer time. Our suggestion is to take advantage of the mild winter climate to discover Andalucia’s beaches. You won’t regret it.
Punta Paloma beach, close to Tarifa, is best known for its beautiful golden sand dunes that get even higher during winter time. The views from the top of the sand dunes are truly spectacular and absolutely breathtaking. You can clearly see Morocco from up here!
So, what you are waiting for? Grab your beach towel and take a moment to relax. If you feel you want to do some activity, then Punta Paloma is perfect for kite surf or sandboard
BALEO CLAUDIA IN BOLONIA
Discover Andalucia’s Roman town situated in Baleo Claudia, next to the town of Bolonia.
Baelo Claudia is an ancient Roman town in the Costa de la Luz, around 15km north of Tarifa. Baleo Claudia is located next to a golden sandy beach very close to the ocean. Thanks to its strategic position, near the Straits of Gibraltar, it was a crucial stopping-off point between North Africa and Europe. The ruins include an impressive Temple, a Forum, a Basilica, and a large fish-salting factory. Baelo Claudia supplied the popular Roman delicacy, garum (fish paste) to the whole Roman Empire.
You can walk round the site following the suggested route and after the tour stop by the restaurant. It serves amazing fried fish for just few euros!
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