Surroundings

SURROUNDINGS

This is an interactive map of the area.

We have listed all the sights, restaurants, walks, cycling routes and beaches that we ourselves have already tested and that we found worthwhile.

Click on the map to display it full screen and click on the icon of the menu to the left to get all addresses per category.

EXPERIENCE THE ENVIRONMENT

15 MIN DRIVE

VILANUEVA DE TAPIA

Beautiful white village on the way to Lake Iznajar. Many Feria’s and fiestas. View the website for information and data. At Pentecost the Romeria is held (pilgrimage). This results in a big party every year with a Cinta (equestrian competition). The second week of October the Real Feria de Ganado is held, a wonderful folk party with a traditional horse race, large tent with local regional products and a cozy atmosphere. Tapia has a small selection of tapas bars.

villanueva de tapia

Fiestas

The Romeria and the Real Feria de Ganado are 2 fiestas that are worth a visit in Tapia.

30 MIN DRIVE

IZNAJAR

One of the most beautiful villages of the area, beautifully situated on the lake of Iznajar.
You can swim and sunbathe in summer. You’ll also find a bar with local tapas and a menu del dia on the beach. There are several good restaurants situated around the lake.

IZNAJAR

IMPRESSIONS

In recent years, the water level of the lake has dropped substantially due to major droughts.

15 MIN DRIVE

ARCHIDONA

Archidona is a beautiful historic city, built around the 18th century Plaza Ochavada. High above the city towers the beautiful sanctuary La Virgen de Gracia and the Moorish castle.
Once the capital of the province of Malaga during the Moorish rule, Washingtion Irving describes the city and its rich Moorish heritage in his famous Tales of the Alahambra .

ARCHIDONA

IMPRESSIONS

Around Archidona there are several interesting towns and villages with excellent walking routes, good restaurants, olive oil and museums.

A web of atmospheric streets and alleyways surround the city center with its typical architecture. They offer beautiful views over the Sierra de Gracia at the foot of the hill.

The monastery Las Monjas Mínimas is one of the few closed orders that remains in Spain. The patron saint of the city whose portrait is kept in the sanctuary high above the city is celebrated every year in September.

There are several festivals throughout the year, including Carnavales, Carnival in February, Semana Santa, one of the most spectacular Easter celebrations in Andalucía lasting a full two weeks and a traditional Feria in August.

30 MIN DRIVE

ANTEQUERA

Antequera is situated on the route that connects the coast with the inland.
Many relics from the Bronze and Roman era can still be seen there. The city also has a large number of religious buildings (23 churches and monasteries) which you can visit during a trip through the historic city center. The Moorish city walls towering above the city are certainly worth visiting. The view over the city from the plaza of the Castillo Arabe is breathtaking (photo).

ANTEQUERA

IMPRESSIONS

View of Antequera from the Castillo

The National Park ‘El Torcal‘ is located south of the city and is known for its karst rock formations, formed by erosion. The area is very popular with hikers and ornithologists because of its fantastic fauna, flora and vistas to the coast in clear weather. The area is especially known for its large colony of griffon vultures that regularly circle the area and can be observed from afar.

40 MIN DRIVE

FUENTE DE PIEDRA

These natural saltwater lakes harbor the largest flamingo colony in Spain and the second largest in Europe.

fuente de piedra

IMPRESSIONS

There are several shelters around the lake from which one can spot birds.

Active people can lose their energy on the many hiking and cycling trails that run around the lake. More info at the visitor center.

40 MIN DRIVE

LUCENA

Located in the south of the province of Córdoba, in the heart of the Subbética region, amidst a rich landscape of olive groves and vineyards. It is a dynamic city with a rich historical and artistic heritage, with a Jewish, Arabic and Christian past that made it a prosperous enclave as City of the Three Cultures.

lucena

IMPRESSIONS

Like everywhere in Andalusia, Lucena also has his share in fiestas

Lucena, the ancient ‘Eliossana’, was known as the ‘Pearl of Sepharad’. The cultural splendor is comparable to that of the Spanish-Hebrew literary circles of Córdoba and Granada during the kingdoms of Caliphate and Taifa.

55 MIN DRIVE

MALAGA

Often forgotten but stylish and lively! Malaga has more to offer than you think. For art lovers there is the Museo Picasso, housed in a 16th century palace behind the corner where the artist was born and there are the masterpieces of the Carmen Thyssen museum collection.

MALAGA

IMPRESSIONS

The Cathedral and the Alcazaba are also worth a visit.

Walk in the peaceful parks around the harbor and along the beach.

Malaga has a few beautiful beaches in the middle of the city, away from the traditional ‘resort’ towns of the Costa Del Sol: La Malagueta, El Palo and Pedregalejo (restaurant tip ‘Pez Tomillo’ on the beach) to name but a few.

60 MIN DRIVE

RONDA

This beautiful village, built on a hill and surrounded by 3 national parks, is split in two by the Guadalvin River that flows deep into the gorge underneath the city.

RONDA

IMPRESSIONS

The city center is very well preserved and the Bullring is one of the oldest in Spain. The Mondragon Palace and the Arabic baths are also worth a visit.

During the Spanish civil war, prisoners were thrown into this gorge

Ronda also produces a local wine called ‘Sangre de toro’.

60 MIN DRIVE

GRANADA

Granada is famous for its important buildings from the time of the caliphs, but also for those from the Gothic and Renaissance period. The city’s guitar builders enjoy world fame. The Alhambra is an architectural gem, the residence of the last Moorish rulers, with gardens and palaces from the 14th century. (book your tickets online – there are slots per day and in the summer it can be very busy).

GRANADA

IMPRESSIONS

The Albaicín, the historic center of Granada and the birthplace of flamenco with still a large gypsy community, is opposite the Alhambra.

After you’ve made your way through the small meandering streets you can stop for a refreshing beer or wine and some tapas on one of the many terraces.

Also worth a visit is the birthplace of the writer and poet Frederico Garcia Lorca.

Alahambra

Take a peek inside the Wonders of the Moorish architecture

70 MIN DRIVE

CORDOBA

Located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, it is the little brother of Granada, but certainly no less impressive.

cordoba

IMPRESSIONS

The historic center of the city and its Mosque-Cathedral (Mezquita) are recognized by UNESCO as world heritage.

Known for its Cruces de Mayo festival and the Festival de los Patios, where the locals have decorated their patios with beautiful flowers and ceramics since 1918 and open them to the public.

At the outskirts of the city you’ll find the beautifully preserved Moorish city of Medina Azahara.

cordoba

Caballerizas Reales

The Royal Horse Stables are highly recommended (especially with children). Every day there are shows where the horses and flamenco dancers interact.

90 MIN DRIVE

SEVILLA

The capital of Andalucia and a lively, breathtaking city.

SEVILLA

IMPRESSIONS

With its location on the Guadlaquivir river, it is also a port city although it is miles away from the coast.

Seville is the city of shops, restaurants and bars that serve typical Andalusian dishes, such as gazpacho and rabo de toro (oxtail).

The cathedral, Giralda tower and the Plaza de España are the most famous tourist attractions in the city.