Home is Where Your Passport is: Southern Spain And The Beautfiul Andalucía

Some of us are programmed to explore, others are programmed to dream. Regardless of which category you fall into, there is a whole world out there just waiting to be discovered. Her.ie’s new weekly travel guide brings you to some of the most inspiring places in the world and dares you to turn those dreams into an adventure of a lifetime. As the saying goes, ‘home is where your passport is’ – so where will your passport end up next? ___________________________________________ Andalucía With the mid-term just around the corner, why not look at somewhere nearby for your next jaunt? Southern Spain is a beautiful destination and doesn’t take too long to get to either so is the ideal location for any short breaks coming up. Andalucía itself is breath-taking, steeped in history and culture and with so much to see and do, you may need to go back, as the strains of a flamenco guitar will follow you all the way back home! Seville First stop on a tour of Andalucía has to be the city of Seville. The home of stunning architecture and superb salsa, Seville deserves a few nights of your trip. The shopping too is unbelievable. The cathedral in Seville, stated to be the biggest in the world by volume, is absolutely jaw-dropping. Take a horse and cart (not as a cheesy as it sounds) around the city to fully appreciate all the different views. Handy hint: Pack lightly – Seville can get VERY hot. Jerez de la Frontera Next on the list and just a short bus ride away is the town of Jerez de la Frontera. Known worldwide as being the home of sherry, Jerez is also famous for its horses and stunning scenery. Handy hint: An overnight stay will suffice, but Jerez is definitely worth a stop. You can also get cheaper flights from London to Jerez than to other south of Spain destinations during peak season. Cádiz Meandering on down towards the coast – again, not far on a bus from Jerez de la Frontera – is the port town of Cádiz. An eclectic mix of old and new sees visitors somewhat bemused by the new part of the town but enchanted by the old town. Like Seville, the beautiful cathedral is amazing and the cobbled streets and laid back way of life will win you over. Handy hint: Take a stroll down La Caleta and enjoy the beautiful scenery and take a boat journey out to El Puerto de Santa Maria – stunning. Granada Stunning Granada is a must-see for any visitor to the south of Spain. Home to the famous Alhambra, a breath-taking tour of this is a definite must do. With gorgeous local cuisine, brilliant local music and so much to see and do, Granada should be an integral part of your trip. Handy hint: Book your trip of the Alhambra when you are booking your flights. It gets booked up very, very quickly! Tarifa Further up the coast from Cádiz, Tarifa is paradise for any surfing fans. With stunning beaches and brilliant waves, Tarifa is a lazy seaside town that will entice you in and you’ll be there a week before you know it! Handy hint: Tarifa is a fantastic place for nature lovers and adventure lovers alike, with lots to see and do. Pueblos Blancos You can get a bus from Cádiz to the Pueblos Blancos and it is well worth a day trip. The inland white towns are stunning hilltop locations with whitewashed houses clustered around a ruined castle. Though Malaga’s Ronda is also well-known for its white towns, Cádiz’s Arcos de la Frontera is really worth the visit. Handy hint: Wear good runners, there’s a LOT of walking involved! Malaga If you fancy sticking by the coast and having more of a lively holiday then the province of Malaga is the place for you. Home to a number of different resorts, the Costa del Sol is a huge attraction for tourists who flock to the area for sun holidays. With nearby Marbella and a buzzing nightlife in Malaga you could easily have buckets of fun here! Handy hint: Bring a bit of extra cash if you are heading for this side of southern Spain as prices are notably higher here due to the high levels of tourism. Insider’s tip: Take a trip into Gibraltar to see the famous Rock of Gibraltar and of course to see the monkeys! There is also so much more of Andalucia just waiting to be discovered so be ready to plan a return trip!