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Major attractions:
Seville
The
Andalucian capital and fourth largest city in Spain. It is also the most
populated city in the south of Spain. Also, one of the most visited cities
by foreign tourists. It has over 3,000 years of history and is literally a
living museum.
Visit Seville in the summer and the heat can be unbearable. It is known
to be one of the hottest places in Europe. Springtime is more pleasant.
The city is quite
easy to navigate and driving around is unusually calm. The best place to
base yourself is in the old quarter, near the
cathedral.
From here you can walk to most sights.
The most impressive building in the city has to be the
biggest gothic
cathedral
in the world, building began in 1401. In total the cathedral houses over 500
works of art, some of which are the most important in the world.
The tallest tower in Spain stands in Seville, attached to the cathedral,
La Giralda (Moorish Tower), 319 feet high, a symbol of the city's
importance. The tower is an ancient minaret of the Islamic Mosque and was
erected in 1184. its foundations utilizes stones from Roman monuments.
The
Torre del Oro
or Golden Tower was built between 1221 and
1222 and was one of the last contributions from the Almohade period in
Seville. It formed part of the last wall of defense that ran from the
Alcazar to the river. It is said that it gained its name from the sun's
reflection on its gold tiles that once covered the dome. Today it houses the
Naval Museum and all the gold has sadly been stolen. You will find it
alongside the river, close to the bullring.
The Alcazar is a collection of Moorish Palaces on which building began in
931. It has over the years been the residence of many monarchs. The
buildings and gardens are enclosed by walls and lined with orange trees.
for more see our city guide Seville
Granada
Granada
was first settled by native tribes in the prehistoric period, and was known
as Ilbyr. When the Romans colonised southern Spain, they built their own
city here and called it Illibris. The Arabs, invading the peninsula in the
8th century, gave it its current name of Granada. It was the last Muslim
city to fall to the Christians in 1492, at the hands of Queen Isabel of
Castile and her husband Ferdinand of Aragon.
One of the most brilliant jewels of universal architecture is the
Alhambra,
a series of palaces and gardens built under the Nazari Dynasty in the 14th
C. This mighty compound of buildings – including the summer palace called
Generalife, with its fountains and gardens - stands at the foot of Spain's
highest mountain range, the Sierra Nevada, and overlooks the city below and
the fertile plain of Granada.
At the centre of the Alhambra stands the massive Palace of Charles V, an
outstanding example of Spanish Renaissance architecture. Other major
Christian monuments found in the city are the
Cathedral, including the Royal
Chapel where Isabel and Ferdinand lie buried, the Monastery of La Cartuja
and many churches built by Moorish craftsmen after the Reconquest, in
Granada's unique "mudéjar" style.
The hill facing the Alhambra is the old Moorish casbah or "medina", called
the Albaicin, a fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and whitewashed
houses with secluded inner gardens, known as "cármenes". The Plaza de San
Nicolas, at the highest point of the Albaicin, is famous for its magnificent
view of the Moorish palace.
The Sacromonte hill, which overlooks the city from the North, is famous for
its cave dwellings, once the home of Granada's large gypsy community.
The name Granada is ancient and mysterious. It may mean "great castle", for
the Roman fortress which once stood on the Albaicin Hill. When the Moors
came here, the town was largely inhabited by Jews, for which they called it
Garnat-al-Yahud - Granada of the Jews. The Jews are said to have been one of
the first peoples to settle in Spain, even before the Romans.
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Hotels Granada |
Last Minute Hotels Granada |
Alixares Hotel Granada    
Due to its ideal location and excellent value for money, the Alixares Hotel is
an ideal place to stay, when you are in Granada for business or pleasure. The
location of Alixares Hotel is within the complex of the Alhambra, a monument
that declared the inheritance of mankind. The hotel is only few minutes away
from the city centre. Guests are offered a choice of 171 accommodation units
that are provided with a long list of elements intended for their comfort.
Specially designed rooms for the easy access of physically challenged guests are
also available. The onsite restaurant offers regional, national and
international delicacies for you to feast on. Take a break to relax after a hard
day's work with an exotic drink in the hotel bar. Business travellers can make
use of the well-appointed meeting rooms for conferences and seminars. There is
also a swimming pool available onsite for you to enjoy.
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Alhambra
and Generalife
Visit the Alhambra, the most important medieval monument in Europe, which
has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have the
opportunity to see the most important halls and courtyards of the Alhambra,
and you can wander through the Generalife Gardens.
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» GRANADA Sightseeing
Tours Events & Attractions |
Cordoba
was founded by the Romans and due to its strategic importance as the highest
navigable point of the Guadalquivir River, it became a port city of great
importance, used for shipping Spanish olive oil, wine and wheat back to
Ancient Rome. The Romans built the mighty bridge crossing the river, now
called "El Puente Romano". But Cordoba's hour of greatest glory was when it
became the capital of the Moorish kingdom of El-Andalus, and this was when
work began on the
Great Mosque, or "Mezquita", which – after several
centuries of additions and enlargements – became one of the largest in all
of Islam.
When the city was reconquered by the Christians in 1236, the new rulers of
the city were so awed by its beauty that they left it standing, building
their cathedral in the midst of its rows of arches and columns, and creating
the extraordinary church-mosque we see today.
As well as the unique mosque-cathedral, Cordoba's treasures include the
Alcazar, or Fortress, built by the Christians in 1328; the Calahorra Fort,
originally built by the Arabs, which guards the Roman Bridge, on the far
side of the river from the Mezquita, and the ancient Jewish Synagogue, now a
museum. Cordoba's medieval quarter, once the home of the Jewish community,
is called "La Judería" (The Jewry), a labyrinth of winding, narrow streets,
shady flower-filled courtyards and picturesque squares such as La Plaza del
Potro. In early May, homeowners proudly festoon their patios with flowers to
compete for the city's "most beautiful courtyard" contest.
more....
Malaga
Málaga
is the major coastal city of Andalucia and is a genuine and typical Andaluz
city with a gritty individualism untouched by tourism and, to a large
extent, the passage of time.
The Moors occupied the city until the mid fifteenth century, after which it
grew to become one of the foremost merchant centres in the entire Iberian
Peninsula. This illustrious past has left its imprint on the historic
centre, particularly around La Alcazaba, a fortress which dates back to 1065
and is now a fascinating archaeological museum.
Also worth a visit is the nearby castle which was rebuilt by the Moors and
is today a traditional parador (state hotel) with superb panoramic views.
During the nineteenth century, Málaga was a popular winter resort for the
wealthy famed for its elegance and sophistication.
The impressive park on Calle Alameda dates back to this era and is recognised as being one of the
most celebrated botanical collections in Europe. During the winter, open air
concerts are held here every Sunday which makes a refreshing change from the
bucket and spade scenario on the coast.
Pablo Picasso is the city’s famous son and there are several galleries
showing his work, including the 16th century Museum of Fine Arts, adjacent
to the Cathedral.
His birthplace in Plaza Merced is today an archive of his life and works and
open to the public; the entrance is absolutely free (so are all the
services: Documentation Centre, exhibitions, museum, video projections...).
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Hotels Malaga
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Last Minute Hotels Malaga |
Las Vegas Hotel Malaga   
Las Vegas Hotel is located by a sandy beach and within walking distance to the
centre of the town of Malaga. The guestrooms are spacious with all the necessary
amenities for a comfortable and peaceful stay. The restaurant offers a
Mediterranean cuisine as well as national and international dishes. Both
restaurant and cafeteria-bar are very cosy. You can also enjoy a drink in the
bar by the swimming pool. This hotel is highly recommended for clients who want
to stay in the town of Malaga but by the beach.
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Malaga Card - The Malaga Card offers exceptional value with free admission
to more than 10 main monuments in Malaga, use of the hop on hop off bus and
numerous discounts at restaurants, attractions and nightclubs, the Malaga
Card is your key to the city. Every card comes with a FREE guidebook with
helpful information on the inclusions associated with the card, as well as a
city map -
BOOK NOW! |
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» MALAGA Sightseeing Tours Events
& Attractions |
Costa del Sol
The
Costa del Sol stretches along just over 150 kilometres of
Málaga province and is one of Spain's most popular tourist destinations. The area's mild
climate is the root attraction that makes it possible to enjoy the beaches
and a wide variety of outdoor activities year round.
more...
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Hotels Costa del Sol |
Last Minute Hotels Costa Del Sol |
Las Palmeras Hotel Fuengirola    
The hotel is situated in the centre of Fuengirola, right in the beach. Excellent
location, near all bars, restaurants and shops. All 400 rooms have bathroom,
air-conditioning, telephone and television. Most of the rooms are renovated in a
very nice style, comfort and good standard. The restaurant offers buffet style
cuisine. There is also a cafeteria serving light meals. Hotel has 2 swimming
pools, and 1 for children, tennis court and ping pong. Good standard hotel,
privilege location by the beach and city centre. The hotel comes highly
recommended.
Click here for more information and Booking Details » |
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Full Day Shopping Tour in Gibraltar - Visit the bustling city of
Gibraltar to shop till you drop! With the busy High Street now
pedestrianised and filled with strategically placed benches, pavement cafes
and welcoming bars, an ideal shopping environment awaits for seasoned
shoppers! You can buy just about anything here from designer fashions to
unique crafts.
Book now |
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» COSTA DEL SOL Sightseeing
Tours Events & Attractions |
Ronda
Ronda
is one of Andalucia's loveliest towns, steeped in history. It stands on a
towering plateau in the mountains of Malaga Province, and is famous through
Spain for the plunging river gorge which divides the medieval from the 18th
century parts of the town. This gorge is known as "El Tajo" - The Cliff and
is spanned by a stone bridge, which once housed a prison. Visitors love to
peer down into the gorge, to see the waters of the River Guadalevín.
Ronda is also famous for its bullring, the oldest, and the most beautiful
one in Spain; the arena itself is also the country's largest. When there are
no fights, the bullring is open to visitors, and has a fascinating museum
with many mementos of Spain's most renowned bullfighters.
Ronda is located 50 km – 1 hour's drive - from San Pedro de Alcantara on the
Coast. The road winds up through the mountains of the Sierra Bermeja, and
then descends into the Serrania de Ronda and the town itself. One of the
most charming and fascinating towns in Andalucia, it is very popular with
day-trippers from the Costa del Sol, and has a wide range of cafés and
restaurants. However, it retains all of its traditional charm and languid
atmosphere.
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Hotels Ronda
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Last Minute Hotels Ronda |
Maestranza Hotel Ronda   
is situated in the centre of the town facing the oldest bullring in the
world, in which the first bullfighting was born. The Maestranza's 54 rooms
have been carefully thought out and equipped in order to offer the maximum
comfort and security for its clients. You can start the day in the hotel
having breakfast in the restaurant buffet service, and later taste the
traditional and typical "serrania" dishes in the hotel's restaurant "Sol y
Sombra", where you can organize business lunches or dinners, being assured
that both, food and service will be to your complete satisfaction. |
Almeria
In
Almeria, as in many other Andalucian cities, it's hard to ignore the legacy
of the Moorish occupation of Spain, which began in the 8th century and
lasted in some areas right up to the end of the 15th century (Almeria fell
to Catholic forces in 1490). The greatest local monument from this period is
the mighty Alcazaba fortress which still makes an impressive sight on the
hillside in the west of the city. The building was begun in the 10th century
and major parts were still being added by the new Catholic regime in the
16th century. Although the three great compounds of the building, enclosed
by the massive sand-coloured battlements, now contain little but gardens and
archaeological remains, it is possible to imagine them filled with narrow
streets and bathhouses, teeming with people and fragrant with the potent
spices that were traded in the port.
Gastronomic specialities include "Gurullos" (stew with pasta), "Trigo" (stew
with grains of wheat, pork, beans and herbs), "Gachas" (hot and spicy clam
stew) and "Escabeche e Sardines" (fresh sardines in hot sauce). As well as
cultivating tourism over the past decade, Almeria has also cultivated
innumerable plastic covered greenhouses and now produces the bulk of the
province's fruit and vegetables, much of it for export.
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Hotels Almeria
| Hotels Almeria Province |
Vincci
Mediterraneo Hotel Almeria   
The hotel is perfectly located, in the city centre, 5 minutes to the station
and 15 minutes drive from the airport. The rooms are of
excellent standard, very nicely decorated, wood furniture and wooden floors.
Decorated and painted in pale colours. Very smart bedrooms with very good
bathroom as well. This is a new hotel opened May 2003 The
restaurant serves meals A la Carte, local and typical Spanish cuisine of a
very good quality. Fine and exquisite dishes. The restaurant is decorated in
traditional style. This hotel standard and service is very
good and also convenient location. Easy reach to shops and restaurants, and
also 15 minutes drive from the airport. |
Cadiz
Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in Spain, founded by Phoenicians. It is
fascinating for its typical Andalusian ambience with whitewashed houses and
tropical vegetation.
Huelva
Of great importance as a fishing port as well as for its industry. The
city itself and its surroundings are marked by Christopher Columbus, who
started his travel to America from the nearby Palos de la Frontera. There
you may still visit the monastery where he prepared his travel, alongside
with a reconstruction of the port and the three famous ships.
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Hotels Huelva |
Last Minute Hotels Huelva |
El
Rompido Golf Hotel Cartaya     
Situated on a golf course in a picturesque fishing
village off the west coast of Huelva, opposite the mouth of River Piedras
and surrounded by a protected natural park. One hour from Seville and Faro
(in the Portuguese Algarve) Airports. Decorated to an extremely
high standard, almost art decor. All have fully equipped bathroom, direct
dial telephone, satellite television, mini bar, air conditioning/central
heating and a balcony. Particular attention to detail has been taken to make
guests feel comfortable in a relaxing environment. There is
also two swimming pools, spa facilities, conference rooms, a hairdressers,
access to the beach by boat, private parking, commercial centre and a sports
area including paddle tennis, tennis, basketball and football pitches. This
is a wonderful hotel and good value for money. Guests should not be
disappointed by the service, decoration, standard or facilities that it
possesses which are modern and up to date. An ideal choice for those wishing
to relax in peaceful surroundings or play golf at the nearby course.
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Doñana National Park
This extense preserve including beach areas with moving dunes as well as
marshy regions of great value concerning their fauna is located next to the
outlet of Guadalquivir river, Matalascañas, Acebuche and El Rocio. Numerous
species of migrant birds, on their way from Eurasia to Africa, stay here
during the breeding phase.
Costa de la Luz
The "Coast of the Light", in the provinces of
Huelva and
Cadiz at the
Atlantic Ocean, offers splendid beaches of fine sand. Major centers of
attraction are Punta Umbria, Islantilla, Isla Cristina, Mazagon,
Matalascañas, Barbate, Algeciras, Tarifa, Conil de la Frontera, Chiclana de
la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa Maria, Rota, Chipiona, and Sanlucar de
Barrameda.
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Hotels Cadiz |
Last Minute Hotels Cadiz |
Parador
Atlantico Hotel Cadiz    
Parador Atlantico Hotel Cadiz is located next to the Parque
Genoves and is an ideal place for you to reside. Situated in a residential
area surrounded by palm trees, the property has exclusive access to the
small beach. Towns can be easily visited from the hotel such as the Arcos De
La Frontera, Jerez de la frontera and Puerto de Santa Maria.
The hotel has tastefully decorated guestrooms that are equipped with a host
of modern amenities. You can enjoy the sea view while
enjoying the very special local cuisine at the on-site restaurant. Conference facilities are also available for people on business
travel. During leisure, you can explore the surrounding areas. |
Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez
de la Frontera became famous throughout the world for its sweet wines named
after the town, which the British pronounced "sherry". It is called "de la
Frontera" because it once stood on the frontier between the Moorish and the
Christian realms. Jerez is also famous, throughout the world, for its fine
horses and brilliant singers and dancers of flamenco.
The distinctive wine in Jerez has been exported for centuries, it was even
praised by Shakespeare. It is distinctive because the strong sun gives the
grapes a high sugar content. British merchants have been involved in the
wine trade here for centuries, producing and shipping a fortified wine known
as sherry. Famous names of these dynasties can be seen here over the doors
of the bodegas; Sandeman, John Harvey, Domecq, Gonzalez Byass.
The Spanish word bodega means "cellar", but it has the generical meaning of
"wine manufacturer". You can take a guided tour of the many Jerez bodegas.
Some of the companies such as Gonzalez Byass, Pedro Domecq and Sandeman –
British winemakers have been active here for centuries, which is why many of
the names have an Anglo-Saxon ring to them – provided guided tours of the
cellars on weekdays, followed by sampling of the various types of wine
produced.
But Jerez is also world famous for its magnificent dancing horses, which you
can see at the Real Escuela Andaluza de Arte Equestre – the Royal Andalucian
School of Equestrian Art, at Avenida de Abrantes (Tel: +34 956 311111). On
Thursday mornings there is a spectacular display of dressage.
The town has a markedly aristocratic flavour with wide streets and squares.
The 11th century Moorish fortress, or Alcazaba, has been partially restored.
Of special interest is its church, originally built by the Arabs as a
mosque. The Sacristy of the Cathedral del Salvador is home to a lovely
painting by Zurbarán, The Sleeping Girl.
Jerez celebrates its famous Horse Fair at the beginning of May each year.
Jerez is also famous for its long-standing flamenco tradition, making it an
excellent place to witness this extraordinary art.
The Tourist Office is located at Larga, 39. (Tel: +34 956 331162). Jerez has
its own airport, Aeropuerto de la Parra, 7 kilometres north of the town on
the NIV to Seville. (Tel: +34 956 150000).
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Hotels Jerez de la Frontera |
Tierras
de Jerez Hotel Jerez de la Frontera   
Located in the heart of the historic town of Jerez de la Frontera, the newly
refurbished Tierras de Jerez is an ideal base to explore the delights of the
old town and the surrounding area - famous wineries, authentic live Flamenco
music, or a spectacular display of the magnificent dancing horses. Less than
hour north of Jerez is the region's capital, breathtaking Seville or heading
south, at 20 minutes, the coastal city of Cadiz with it's Moorish
architecture and white sand beaches, washed clean by the Atlantic Ocean.
Jerez offers a taste of the real Andalucia, steeped in tradition and
history. Tierras de Jerez Hotel Jerez de la Frontera offers 30 comfortable
guest rooms and provides its guests with all the amenities and facilities
expected from this class of hotel, and meets the stringent requirements of
tour operators worldwide. |
Jaen
Jaen, located inland, is dominated by its medieval fortress. Additional
attractions are the 11th century Moorish baths and the Renaissance
cathedral. The nearby Sierra de Cazorla is an outstanding natural preserve.
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Hotels Jaen & Province |
Last Minute Hotels Jaen & Province |
San Pedro Apartments Cazorla   
Offering comfortable accommodation, the San Pedro Apartments is an ideal for
nature lovers. The San Pedro Apartments is superbly located in the unrivalled
Sierra de Cazorla with breathtaking panoramic views of the surroundings.
Integrated in a complex of small buildings located in La Iruela, a village next
to Cazorla, the property offers easy access to the National Park. The apartments
are air-conditioned and are equipped with modern amenities. Each apartment has a
kitchenette that allows you to prepare your own meals. For facilities like
restaurant service, coffee bar, cocktail bar and barbeque area, guests are
invited to the hotel's sister concern, Hotel Sierra de Cazorla that is a short
walk away. The San Pedro Apartments has a swimming pool for you to enjoy and a
private indoor garage for your conveniences.
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