Road trip through Andalusia
Andalusia fulfills every prerequisite for a successful road trip - breathtaking landscapes, picturesque villages, exciting history, and architecture as well as culinary highlights. The short distances can be conveniently covered by car, motorcycle, camper, train or bus. Sounds like a plan? Then the following stops should not be missing on your route.
Jerez – The sherry city
Located west of Seville, the city is an ideal starting point for an unforgettable road trip through Andalusia. The most famous product of the city is the sherry the name of which is derived from the Arabic name of the city "Sherish”. The best way to enjoy the so called “Vino de Jerez” is to visit one of the local bodegas. There you will soon be able to distinguish an Amontillado from an Oloroso. Another highlight of the city, is the world-famous Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art with its famous dancing horses. These are wonderful to admire during one of the official performances or during their morning training session.
Beautiful Seville
On a road trip through Andalusia, you can't miss this stop - the beautiful city of Seville. The lively university city is bursting with energy and can be reached from Jerez in less than 1.5 hours. There are many highlights to see in Seville. In addition to centuries-old city palaces with green courtyards, you can't help but be amazed at the sight of the gigantic cathedral. In general, it is easy to get lost during a walk through the numerous winding streets - but that doesn't matter, because this is exactly how you can best experience the true nature of the city. The variety of bars, pubs, and stores is simply unmanageable!
Historical Córdoba
From Seville we reach Córdoba, an incredibly cultural and diverse city, after an hour and 40 minutes. Even today, the historical past can still be felt in every corner. Numerous ethnic groups settled here over the past centuries. Besides the Spaniards, there were the Moors from North Africa, the Romans, and the Arabs - they all left their traces in Córdoba. Here a former mosque, there a Roman bridge and in between Spanish houses. An exciting cultural mix that can be discovered here.
Granada
From Córdoba to Granada is a good 2 hours road trip; but the way is worth it. Simple but impressive is the greatest sight in Andalusia - The Alhambra, a sprawling castle complex.
Málaga - Costa del Sol
This stop on the "sun coast" is a real highlight. Málaga is a port city, which has a great mix of seafront and historic old town to offer - First stroll through Málaga's winding old streets, visit the pretty cathedral, and then linger along the harbour front. To top off the day, climb the little cobbled road through a park to the Mirador del Gibralfaro at sunset. From up here, you'll have magnificent views over the city and if you're lucky, you'll hear relaxing guitar music.
Camenito del Rey
Those looking for adrenaline will find it at the next stop, about an hour's drive from Málaga. The Caminito del Rey, loosely translated as “King's Path”, was a three-kilometre climbing route until 2015 and is now a comfortable and secured hiking trail. It meanders at a height of about 100 metres along steep walls and through two narrow gorges up to 200 meters deep. For a long time, it was dilapidated and closed and even counted as one of the most dangerous trails in the world. Today you can walk it safely on a four to five hour hike - if you dare.
Ronda – Typically Andalusian
After another hour you will reach Ronda, a town perched on an impressive plateau. Due to the incomparable atmosphere of the city, literary figures such as Rainer Maria Rilke and Ernest Hemingway spent extended periods of time here. Let yourself be seduced by the Andalusian magic. Next to the fascinating bridge Puente Nuevo, which leads over the gorge, you will find Arab baths from the 13th century and one of the oldest bullrings in the country. If you stay overnight, it is best to end the day in one of the beautiful bodegas.
The White Villages Route
The route between Ronda and Jerez (driving time approx. 4 hours) is called The White Villages Route. You will find picturesque viewpoints and some of the most beautiful photo motifs in Andalusia. Most of the villages are already centuries old and date back to the Moorish era. Especially in the centres of the villages, the history is immediately tangible, and you will go on an exciting journey through time in the winding alleys. Plan enough time to visit some of the white villages during your trip.
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