Nowhere more powerfully evokes the sun-drenched romance of Spain than the vibrant orange groves, castle ruins and dazzling, sherry-fuelled Flamenco of Andalucia. This part of the Iberian peninsula has a rich culture, partially born of the Moorish reign that lasted for over seven centuries from around 710 AD. A mixed race of Arabs and Berbers from North Africa, the Moor’s legacy of opulent, Eastern-style palaces, mosques, monuments and unique African style cuisine remains today.
Compared to the neighbouring regions of Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca, the Almerian coast is quite unspoilt, especially around the protected maritime park, making for a blissfully different Spanish holiday. For even more thrilling holiday trips to Spain, 2014 will see the old city of Almeria host the annual Almeria Flamenco Festival once more – three nights of spellbinding Flamenco performances by artists such as Jose Merce and Tomatitio.
Flamenco
So if you’re looking for a regional road trip that avoids the tourist drag of the Costa del Sol, head from Almeria to Cadiz and explore the inland Spanish villages where Flamenco began.
Almeria – Granada
Known for its Bohemian vibe and flamenco-gypsy arts, Granada is home to the decadent Muslim palace of Alhambra. Spend the evening exploring the labyrinthine streets of the old quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage site where poets, artists and tourists alike flock to the clap of Flamenco from behind the old stone walls.
Arrecife de las Sirenas
Granada – Antequera
Pass through the mountain village of Alhama de Granada, perched on a gorge and surrounded by olive and almond trees. Listen to stories by ex-flamenco singer Paco Moyano on the terrace of his hotel La Seguiriya. From here take the picturesque route to Antequera, at the heart of Andalucia where Gothic and Renaissance architecture collide. Don’t miss a hike in the stunning nature reserve of El Torcal de Antequera, just south of the city.
Spanish ibex, Torcal de Antequera
Antequera – Seville
Still the most vibrant and culturally-concentrated city in Andalucia, Seville is not to be missed. A romantic maze of hidden plazas, medieval passages and lively tapas bars, Seville is the birthplace of the legendary flamenco artist Nino Ricardo and home to the heavenly Alcazar palace.
The Fuente de Sevilla fountain at the Puerta de Jerez square – Seville
Seville – Cadiz
Like sherry? Then you’ll love a stopover in the city of Jerez, an enchanting city holding worldwide acclaim for its sherry and brandy production. Then head straight to the coast and the ancient city of Cadiz, where the Atlantic crashes at the city walls and you can enjoy a regional supper to the rhythm of a Flamenco performance. The perfect end to your journey!
View from the beach close to the center of Cadiz
Photo Credits
Flamenco – Some rights reserved by a la intemperie on flickr
Arrecife de las Sirenas -Some rights reserved by Gabriel Villena on flickr
Ibex – Wikipedia Creative Commons
The Fuente de Sevilla fountain at the Puerta de Jerez square – Seville – Wikipedia Creative Commons
View from the beach close to the center of Cadiz – Wikipedia Creative Commons
Guest Author Bio
Callie Walker
Callie Walker writes mainly for travel blogs, to support her year-long trip from one end of Europe to the other. She is temporarily based in Hungary and will shortly be moving on to Croatia.
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