|
We’ve been to Ronda before — its dramatic cliffs, timeless streets, and golden light always call us back. But this time, arriving in November, the town felt different. The summer crowds had faded, leaving behind a quiet elegance. A mist curled through El Tajo gorge, and the Puente Nuevo stood solemn and proud against a backdrop of soft autumn skies.
We wandered slowly through the old town, where the scent of woodsmoke mingled with orange blossoms, and locals greeted us with warm smiles. Ronda in November is a quieter kind of magic — introspective, romantic, and utterly unforgettable. Still, Ronda is never without the tourists, and even in November, the town buzzed with visitors drawn to its timeless beauty. The Puente Nuevo was lined with photographers and sightseers, each trying to capture the perfect angle of the gorge.
So what should i visit when visiting Ronda
And when you’re in Ronda, we always recommend staying at least one night. As the day winds down, the crowds thin and the town begins to glow — quite literally. Sunset from the Puente Nuevo is nothing short of spectacular. The golden light spills across the gorge, casting long shadows and illuminating the stone bridge in warm hues. It’s a moment that feels timeless, as if the town itself is pausing to admire the view.
After this natural spectacle, treat yourself to dinner in one of Ronda’s many charming restaurants. Whether it’s a rustic tavern serving rabo de toro or a terrace with views of the valley and a glass of local wine, the evening in Ronda is as memorable as the day.
This time, I stayed at Hotel Alcinipo, a boutique gem located right beside Ronda’s legendary Plaza de Toros. Waking up just steps from one of Spain’s oldest bullrings felt like stepping into history. The hotel’s central location made it easy to explore the old town on foot.
0 Comments
Perched 512 m above the city, Tibidabo offers sweeping panoramas of Barcelona’s skyline stretching to the Mediterranean Sea. This verdant summit in the Serra de Collserola is more than a viewpoint—it’s a daylong escape blending history, adventure, and breathtaking vistas. Reaching Tibidabo becomes part of the adventure. Choose the route that fits your style:
We set off from Barcelona-Sarrià on the S2 train, hopping off at Peu del Funicular. A short walk led us to the Funicular de Vallvidrera, which climbed steeply up to Vallvidrera Superior. From the upper station, we caught a local bus that wound its way up the Collserola ridge and dropped us right at Tibidabo’s entrance—smooth, scenic, and hassle-free.
Tibidabo is Spain’s oldest amusement park which opened its doors 1901, and many rides still whisper of another era. From the Talaia tower that lifts you above the treetops to the quirky Big Lever you can operate yourself, each attraction feels like a living museum of fun.
The main reason we wanted to visit Tibidabo is the views. If you’re looking for the best panoramic views of Barcelona, skip the crowded beaches and head straight for the sky—Mount Tibidabo is where the city truly unfolds beneath you. it's a view worth the climb. Perched at 512 meters above sea level, Tibidabo offers a sweeping vista that stretches from the glittering Mediterranean coast to the jagged peaks of Montserrat. On a clear day, you can trace the city’s iconic grid layout, spot the Sagrada Família piercing the skyline, ... And it must be said, sunsets from this place are just magical.
Rising above the city at 512 meters, the Sagrat Cor church is a beacon of faith and beauty. Designed by Enric Sagnier and completed by his son Josep Maria Sagnier, the church took nearly six decades to build—from 1902 to 1961.
The lower level, a Byzantine-style crypt built from Montjuïc stone, is richly adorned with mosaics and carvings. The upper church, made of lighter Girona stone, features soaring towers and stained glass windows. At the very top stands a seven-meter bronze statue of Christ with arms outstretched, sculpted by Josep Miret. It replaced an earlier version destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. For just a few euros, visitors can take a lift from the crypt to the observation deck just below the statue. From there, a spiral staircase leads to a circular balcony offering 360° views of Barcelona, the Mediterranean, and even Montserrat on clear days. Another worthwhile visit is the Collserola Tower. Designed by Sir Norman Foster and Foster + Partners, the tower was built for the 1992 Summer Olympics to consolidate Barcelona’s broadcasting infrastructure. Located on the 10th floor is an observation deck that provides you with 360 degrees panoramic views Álora is a charming whitewashed town nestled in the Guadalhorce Valley of Malaga Province. The lush, fertile region is often called the orchard of Malaga, and the landscape around Álora is dotted with olive groves and orchards The town is the perfect place for people who are seeking authenticity. Stepping into Plaza Fuente Arriba, we discovered Álora’s vibrant pulse under a bright Andalusian sun: children weaving through fountain sprays, merchants arranging pottery and olive-oil bottles, and café tables alive with locals sipping cortados. Wandering the side streets branching off the plaza, we found hidden artisan shops selling hand-painted ceramics and leather goods. During our wanderings, we discovered some of the local attractions. Historic castle: Perched on a rocky outcrop above Álora, the Castillo de las Torres embodies Andalusia’s layered past. Originally founded by Phoenicians, it was strengthened by Romans and then rebuilt by the Moors in the 9th century, creating a fortress that has watched over the valley for over a millennium. The castle features an inner square fortress and an outer perimeter with multiple towers, showcasing Moorish architecture. A parish church was built inside the castle on the site of the former mosque. Walk its battlements today and you’ll trace the echoes of ancient armies, medieval sieges, and the seamless blend of military and religious architecture.
Citrus Cultivation: Imagine standing on a sunlit terrace overlooking the valley below, where neat rows of lemon, orange, lime, and tangerine trees stretch out like a patchwork quilt. Here in the Guadalhorce, you can trace this living landscape back to Al-Andalus, when ingenious irrigation channels first turned these slopes into lush orchards. Wander through family-run groves that still rely on spring-fed water and age-old acequias. You’ll spot terraces carved into the hillside, carefully pruned trees dripping with fruit, and local growers guiding you through their hand-harvest practices. It’s hands-on agriculture meets timeless tradition. Taste the magic in fresh-squeezed citrus juices, sunshine-sweet marmalades, and artisanal liqueurs—all made right here where the climate gifts mild winters and sun-baked summers. Each sip tells a story: ancient Phoenician roots, Roman innovations, and Moorish mastery of water management. Historic castle: Perched on a rocky outcrop above Álora, the Castillo de las Torres embodies Andalusia’s layered past. Originally founded by Phoenicians, it was strengthened by Romans and then rebuilt by the Moors in the 9th century, creating a fortress that has watched over the valley for over a millennium. The castle features an inner square fortress and an outer perimeter with multiple towers, showcasing Moorish architecture. A parish church was built inside the castle on the site of the former mosque. Walk its battlements today and you’ll trace the echoes of ancient armies, medieval sieges, and the seamless blend of military and religious architecture.
Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación Perched in the heart of Álora’s Plaza Baja de la Despedida, the Parish Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation invites you into four centuries of faith, art, and community life. Its sunlit façade hints at a story that stretches from late Gothic roots through Renaissance flair to Andalusian Baroque flourish. Step inside and you’re walking on the site of a former mosque—converted first into a Gothic chapel by the Catholic Monarchs, battered by a 17th-century earthquake, and reborn as the grand parish church completed in 1699. Every stone and arch whispers tales of reconquest, resilience, and devotion.
Museo Municipal Rafael Leria
Nestled in the 16th-century Escuela de Cristo, adjoining the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación in Plaza Baja de la Despedida, the Museo Municipal Rafael Lería preserves Álora’s rich archaeological and artistic heritage. Within the museum, you can admire over 200 artifacts displayed chronologically across five themed rooms: Prehistory, Protohistory, Roman era, Islamic period, and the Christian Reconquista. From stone tools and polished hand-mill grinders to Roman coinage to islamic ceramics, the museum provides you with a captivating journey through the area's continuous human presence. Trade the bustle of the Costa del Sol for Álora’s timeless charm—here, sunlit alleys and shaded plazas hum with the same rhythms Andalusians have lived for generations. If you're planning a trip to Barcelona and want to experience a place where history, art, nature, and stunning views collide—look no further than Montjuïc. This iconic hill overlooking the city and the Mediterranean is more than just a scenic spot; it's a cultural treasure trove with stories etched into every stone. Montjuïc Castle At the summit stands Montjuic Castle, a 17th-century fortress that once served as a military stronghold and later, more grimly, as a prison. Today, it offers panoramic views of the city and sea, and hosts exhibitions that delve into its complex history.
Palau Nacional: The Palau Nacional is a grand building that houses the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC). It’s not just a museum—it’s a journey through a thousand years if Catalan art, from medieval masterpieces to modernist marvels. Poble Espanyol: Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village) is one of Barcelon's most unique and immersive cultural attractions. Built in 1929 for the International Exposition, this open air architectural museum was designed to showcase the diverse styles and traditions of Spain's regions in one walkable village. Within the village, you find:
Nature: Beyond the many landmarks, the park is a green oasis amid the hustle and bustle of Barcelona. Wander through the botanical gardens or hike along the wooded trails. Some of the trails provide you with stunning views across the city. The path we took provided us with views across the harbour.
Getting there: Metro + Funicular: Take the metro line L2 or L3 and get off at Parrallel Station. From here, hop on the Funicular which climbs 76 meters in under two minutes. For a truly memorable arrival, hop on the cable car. This short trip (750 meters) will provide you with stunning views across the city. Bus: Bus route 150 goes the whole way to the castle. Bus route 55 climbs through Poble-Sec. Bus route 13,23,125 and 107 serve various parts of the mountain. No trip to Barcelona is complete without a visit to the Maritime Museum, housed within the awe-inspiring Drassanes Reials—Barcelona’s royal shipyard. Steeped in centuries of nautical tradition, this grand Gothic building served as the hub of Mediterranean shipbuilding from the 13th to the 18th century. Set just steps from Barcelona’s bustling port, the museum introduces you to the very soul of the city’s relationship with the sea.
Walking through its vast vaulted halls, visitors are immersed in a world of exploration, naval innovation, and sea-bound legends. The museum’s exhibits showcase everything from intricately crafted vessels and navigational instruments to full-scale replicas, including the striking 16th-century galley centerpiece that seems to sail through the heart of the hall. But more about this stunning centrepiece later. A special boat on display is the Les Sorres X, a medieval boat that was unearthed during the construction of Barcelona's Olympic channel in 1990. The 14th -Century vessel is one of the few surviving examples of the Mediterranean trade ships from that era.
And of course, no visit to the Maritime Museum of Barcelona would be complete without encountering the full-scale replica of the royal galley "La Real" —a stunning 16th-century warship that famously led the fleet at the Battle of Lepanto. Stretching nearly 60 meters in length, this majestic vessel once carried a crew of about 400 men, including an impressive 236 oarsmen. Its elaborate design showcases a Neptune figurehead riding a dolphin on the prow, and a triple lantern at the stern symbolizing Faith, Hope, and Charity. The ships were lavishly decorated with carvings and mythological motifs designed to impress Spain’s allies and intimidate its enemies
Throughout the museum’s expansive galleries, visitors embark on a journey across centuries of maritime history—from majestic Mediterranean galleys that carved paths through ancient trade routes to towering Atlantic Cruise Liners that once ferried passengers across oceans in style and luxury. Nestled alongside these historic giants are exhibits on pleasure boats, the sleek vessels that bring joy to modern-day sailors each summer. With polished decks and streamlined designs, they offer a playful contrast to the weighty ships of the past, reflecting how maritime traditions continue to evolve—not just as industry, but as recreation and lifestyle.
When we visited, there was a powerful exhibition on the Catalan involvement in Colonial slavery. The exhibition focuses on the period between 1821 and 1886, when slavery was outlawed yet Catalonia's involvement in human trafficking intensified - especially in Cuba and Puerto Rico. Through maps, artifacts, paintings and testimonies, the exhibition traces the journey of enslaved Africans from coastal "factories" to sugar plantations.
Cape Finisterre, located on the northwestern coast of Galicia, is rugged and beautiful. Having cycled from Santander through beautiful Galicia, I found myself gradually climbing from the town of Fisterra towards Faro de Fisterra. The road leading up to it is popular with Camino walkers who walk the additional 3km from the town to get to "the end of the world". The name "end of the world " was given to the locality by the Romans, and it is this name that has stuck around for all those years. For many pilgrims who complete the Camino de Santiago, Cabo Fisterra is their journey's end. A lot of these pilgrims used to burn their belongings here in order to purify themselves and leave behind anything they don’t want to carry anymore. Nevertheless, the authorities prohibited for safety and environmental reasons. The route towards the lighthouse gradually climbs providing you with the most spectacular views. Along the route is a statue of a pilgrim (La Peregrina) which is a popular spot for those perfect photo opportunities.
The lighthouse is the most famous one in Galicia, not just because of its name, but also of its stunning scenery. Where we call the area stunning, it is also known as Costa da Morte because of the huge amount of ship wrecks. The lighthouse, sitting high above the Ocean, provides stunning views of the Galician coastline. Arriving at the lighthouse, there is ample parking space for the many visitors who are there to admire the views. The lighthouse itself was built in 1853 to guide the boats that were passing this dangerous stretch of coastline. The area is dangerous not just because of the the many sharp rocks, but also of the fog that makes visibility as good as zero. Because of this, a siren was installed in 1889 that alerted vessels. This siren was known as the Vaca de Fisterra (Fisterra's cow) and was designed to emit two strident noises every minute with a range of 25 nautical miles. The foghorn's distinctive sound became a local legend, contributing to the rich cultural history and folklore of the area. Nowadays, the foghorn isn't operational anymore, mainly because ships being fitted with modern navigation tools.
Faro de Fisterra is also a popular destination to watch those magnificent sunsets.
For anybody who follow our adventures, you'll know we have a special affection for Spanish food markets - and this time round we found ourselves in Mercat de la Boqueria. Nestled in the heart of the Ciutat Vella district in Barcelona, this vibrant market is a feast for the senses. Originally established in 1217 as a meat market, La Boqueria has evolved into one of the city's most iconic destinations. The current market hall, built in 1840, rests on the former grounds of the Convent de Sant Josep, tragically lost to fire in the early 19th century. Step through the stunning stain-glass Modernista gate and beneath the iron-framed roof, and you'll be swept into a world of colour and aroma. Counters overflow with fresh, locally sourced delights. From cheese, seafood, olives, vegetables,... each stand brings a celebration of Catalan flavour. It's not just shopping, it's experiencing the spirit of the city one bite at a time.
The best time to experience Mercat de la Boqueria is early morning-before the wave of tourists rolls in and while the market hums with local life. At around 8am, when the doors open, the real magic begins. Local restaurateurs bustle through the aisles, selecting the freshest ingredients of stallholders, and there's a wonderful buzz of conversation, tasting and connection. While the central stalls cater to the tourist crowd-offering, ice-cooled juices - you'll find something far more authentic once you venture deeper. That's where the real gems await: percebes from Galicia, exquisite jamon from Extremadura, and mouth-watering local cheeses that will make any cheese lover weak at the knees. One stall, dedicated solely to eggs, surprises with its astonishing variety - proof that even the simplest ingredients can be a celebration.
Another part to the market are the many tapa bars where you can taste some of the freshest ingredients. These bars are popular for lunch or just a light snack. You be doing well finding a seat, but you always do in the end. Sample some cured ham, try some of the local cheeses or just enjoy a drink. In Barcelona, there are many other markets worth a visit. a) Mercat de la Concepció: Located in the heart of the Eixample district, it hosts food related events and workshops. b) Mercat de Sants: Located in the Sants district, this lively market is housed in a stunning brick building in the Modernista style. c) Mercat de la Merce: Located in the north of the city, it has a great offering of fish stalls. A typical local market with friendly stallholders. d) Mercat de la Barceloneta: This is the seafood market to visit. From its fine restaurants to its tapas bars, it's a great market to visit. These are only a few of the markets in Barcelona, there are plenty more in the city.
Casares is a beautiful white washed town in Andalusia, more precise in the province of Malaga. The village was built on a rocky outcrop making some of the streets steep (comfortable shoes advised). The area around Casares is known for its biodiversity and its variety of landscapes. In the area, three different natural areas can be found:
Arriving by car? The easiest way to explore the town is by parking your car somewhere along the MA-8300 rather than driving into the town itself. As an example, there is a large car park nearby the Centro De Educacion Infatil Y Primaria Blas Infante when you enter the town from the coast. From here, a lovely wooden path brings you safely along the MA-8300 providing you with stunning views of Casares along the way.
A network of tiny streets While walking through this pretty village, it is easy enough to get lost in the many narrow streets. But that is not necessary a bad thing. Admire the little patios and gateways, enjoy the colourful flowers,.... Calle Coperas In the 18th century, the street was home to the Coperas Street Kitchens. The name comes from the hollows in the walls which would have been used as street kitchens. The locals would prepare cured meats, sausages and animal fat from slaughtering pigs. Historically, it has been a street where mainly vineyard owners lived.
The main plaza Plaza de Espana is the perfect place to stop for a drink or something to eat in one of the many bars /restaurants and watch the world go by. Nearby Fuente de Carlos III, a beautiful 18th century fountain is the gathering place for the locals. Seated on the many benches enjoying the early morning sun, they share stories and tell each other the latest news. Visit the small 17th century Church of San Sebastian as well.
Blas Infante Cultural centre The 16th Century building is housed in the former Major church of the Incarnation which was constructed on the foundations of the Moorish fortress old mosque. From its Islamic past still remains a part of the minaret in the bell tower. Where the church was in ruins, the building was nicely restored and is nowadays used as a meeting point for cultural events, a library,... The sound of church bells is part of the cultural heritage of casares. With different chimes or ringing, mass was called on special days or the town people were informed of deaths, identifying the deceased person was a woman, man or minor. This task was last carried out by Ana Vargas Mateo, known locally as Ana "La Carla". She learned the trade in her childhood when her father was absent for a period of time. After he returned, she started her work as bell-ringer. She received financial compensation from the town hall for hourly chimes and from the church for religious chimes and from relatives when there was a death.
Castle and Arab walls The construction of the castle dates back to the Arab-Moorish period and was the origin of the town of casares. Built on the top of a rocky massif, you will need to climb to the highest point of the town to admire the castle and the stunning views. The castle built was purely defensive and would have provided an early detection for impeding attackers arriving from Camp de Gibraltar, Ronda and Algeciras due to its magnificent views. The jagged defence walls follow the cragged landscape with the main entrance point still visible in Villa Street and Arrabal street.
Inhabitants of the sky From the castle grounds, take the time to look up to the sky and admire the many birds of prey soaring above the town. The Lesser Kestrel, a small colonial raptor that feeds on insects and small reptiles nests in the nearby church tower. The Griffon vulture is another inhabitant you can see high above the town. This vulture uses the hot air to rise slowly only to come soaring down again.
Casares, declared a Village of Historical and Artistic Importance, is absolutely worth a visit.
The coastline between Fuengirola and Marbella is seriously developed, but here and there you still have a natural piece of undeveloped land. One of these places is the Dunas de Artola at Cabopino. This natural dune landscape once spanned the Marbella coastline and covered some 20 kilometers. Currently, it's 1200 metres long and the area was declared a Natural monument in 2001. Within this natural area, there are three different types of dunes. Right on the seafront, you have dunes that move with the northwesterly winds and coastal currents. Further inland, you have the stationary dunes that are covered in vegetation and even further inland, you have the dunes that are covered in a dense pine forest.
The area is perfect for a relaxing day at the beach or an active hike along the many boardwalks. Within the Dunas de Artola, you find the Los Ladrones tower, a defensive military structure. The tower is the tallest watchtower on the Malaga coastline, therefore providing the best views. The tower linked Marbella and Fuengirola during the Nasrid period. Given it's importance, the Catholic Monarchs established a watchtower there and increase its garrison in 1501 to control the Mudejars.
Practical information:
Car park: public parking is available on the esplanade and beside the dunes Dogs: Not allowed on the beach Trail: Sendero Dunas de Artola is a 2.6-km loop trail The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Nearby the beautiful village of Laxe, you find Playa de los Cristales. In this beautiful part of Galicia, there are plenty of stunning beaches all with beautiful white sand. But Playa de los Cristales (Praia dos Cristais or crystal beach) is different, it is made up by thousands of green, white and brown pieces of glass. Once an old landfill for glass, the sea returned the glass as polished pieces throwing them back upon the shore. Where the beach is unique in its own way, there are other beaches like this around the world. One beach like this is Glass Beach near Fort Bragg, California. This beach has also an abundance of sea glass created from years of dumping rubbish into an area of coastline.
Note: It is forbidden to remove glass from this beach, so just enjoy this unique experience and snap a few pictures. Also, the beach is not suitable for swimming due to strong currents within the area.
The Cueva de Nerja was discovered by 5 boys in 1959. Where they used to visit a small cavity (Las Minas del Cementerio), this time they decided to enter the cave through an opening used by bats. This brought them to a large space known as the ballet hall and the hall of the ghosts. After telling their teacher about their discovery, the cave system was introduced to the world. In the years that followed the discovery, further sections were discovered through the systematic speleological explorations of the cave system. On June 1960, the cave was opened to the public. With a length of 4823 meters, it is one of the most extensive caves in Andalusia. The cave can be divided in two sections: The tourist-accessible section and the non-visitable section. The tourist section has a total length of 546 meters along which tourists have to climb/decent 458 steps. Along this route, many of the galleries are accessible (Vestíbulo, Belén, Cascada or Ballet, Fantasmas, and Cataclismo,...)
The cave stands out archaeologically for housing one of the largest collections of cave art in the world. There are 589 cave paintings as far as they know, and although you won't be able to see these cave paintings during your walk due to conservation requirements, the cave is more than spectacular enough to impress even the most unlikely to be impressed. The chambers within the cave are just huge, and some of the stalagmites and stalactites are just huge. The cave art dates back to around 35,000 years ago, with the largest number of paintings dating back 20,000 years ago. Over 50 figurative paintings that were executed in red and black pigment have been identified to be deer, horses, goats, seals and fish. Through excavations within the cave system, traces of activities like production of stone and bone tools, daily food preparation ,.... have been found. Many of these artifacts can be seen at the Nerja museum, a museum definitely worth a visit. When we visited the cave, we decided to do the whole tourist package. This meant first visiting the Nerja museum where we were introduced to the cave, its artifacts ,.... After that visit, we took the tourist train at Av. Mediterraneo which brings you in about 15 minutes to the cave which is located approximately 5km from Balcon de Europa. The drive is fun, especially for kids who love nothing more than waving to the many pedestrians and cars.
Visiting the Nerja cave system will leave you in awe, especially when you get to see the world's longest stalactite that with can be found in the Cataclysm Hall. Standing beside this 33 meter high monster is just spectacular. The paths throughout the cave are very easy to navigate/walk, but many steps need to be taken to reach the lower parts of the cave system
Another interesting experience that is included in your ticket is the VR room. The Virtual Reality Room at the Nerja Cave complex represents an innovation that brings visitors even closer to the cave after they finish the physical tour. The Virtual Reality technology implemented in Nerja Cave allows visitors, through special glasses, to feel as if they are actually in the place being shown, thanks to a 360º immersive simulation. Food: A large restaurant with a beautiful terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea provides a great choice of food and drinks, but many picnic options are also available within the forest. Tickets: The best place to buy tickets is the official website: Link Each day, there are 60 free tickets available for entrance at 9:30AM, but looking at the website, they are booked out months in advance This walk is often referred to as the Caminito del Rey of Frigiliana, although lesser known. It is compared to the much more famous Caminito del Rey nearby Ardales because of its unique water channels that cling to the edge of the cliffs.
But more about this section of the path later. The first part of the walk is where you have to follow the Higueron river. Nearby the Frigiliana bus stop, take Camino Boticario which brings you down to the river. From here, follow the river bed upstream (although, most of the time there isn't any water at all in the river) while entering the stunning natural park Sierra de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama. This area is one of the most remote areas of Andalucia, so come well prepared bringing plenty of water and some snacks. Another important rule to keep in mind is to respect nature and don't leave any rubbish behind. The area is a walkers paradise with dozens of signposted walks starting from the villages or the recreational areas. The diverse geology of the area brings with it a huge range of plants and animals, many of them being rare.
The first part of the walk is easy where you just have to follow the dry river bed until the last kilometer or so where you might have to wade through some parts of the refreshing river, although on the day we done it, we managed to just avoid the bit of water. Climbing out of the valley leaving the river Higueron behind, you climb a short distance until you reach the irrigation canal (Acequia de lizar). this is the most spectacular part of the walk providing you with stunning views towards the natural park it's mountain peaks and as far as the coast.
From here onwards, the path is along the edge of the irrigation canal. Care is needed on the first kilometer as there is no safety barrier and misplacing a foot could mean sliding down a steep slope. There are also sections where the concrete of the irrigation canal is broken, but work is being carried out to fix these sections.
Whenever you meet other walkers going into the opposite direction, a bit of juggling is required to pass each other. Then again, as this walk isn't very well known, it is in general very quiet. After a while, safety barriers are placed along the path protecting you from a nasty fall. At this point , they have installed a metal grid over the irrigation canal forming an easy to walk path.
The whole irrigation canal is an engineering marvel where it clings to the edge of steep cliffs, bringing fresh mountain water to Frigliana. reaching the end of the walk, you can admire the views towards the coast and admire the white-washed village of Frigliana below. At the retention basis and a small parking lot, you have 2 options to walk back to the village. the first one is the road that winds itself back into the valley. the better one is to walk to the ruins of the old castle and follow a trail back down to the village where you can enjoy a well deserved meal or drink.
Trying to cycle through El Rocio is not an easy feature. With its dusty sandy roads, a horse would probably have been easier than a fully loaded bicycle.
And those horses seem to be the main means of transport. Most of the houses have beautiful verandas and in front of them you will find wooden rails used for tying up horses. El Rocio is located in the south of the province of Huelva and forms the gateway to the Donana National Park. On this particular day in early June, the village had a deserted feel to it with only the odd horse and rider crossing the street. But don't be fooled, where most of the year, the village is quiet, but 50 days after Easter, "Romeria" takes place. During this religious fiesta, a million pilgrims decent upon the village travelling in groups known as religious confraternities. The goal of every pilgrim is to touch the Virgin Mary who is paraded around the huge sandy square for over 12 hours. Many of the pilgrims belong to a particular "brotherhood" of which there are around a 100 in Andalucia, each representing a town or city. Each brotherhood has its own sacred ox cart (Simpecado) that will lead the pilgrims to El Rocio, turning the village in a colourful and noisy fiesta. But on this particular day in early June, it was me on my bike and maybe another 100 villagers.
So what is there to do in El Rocio ?
a) Visit the impressive Hermitage of El Rocio, home to the smallcarved wooden statue of the Virgin of El Rocio b) Visit the Donana Natural Park. As Spain's largest wetland area, it is home to thousands of storks, swans and flamingos. The park is also home to the endangered Iberian lynx. From the village promenade, you have brilliant views over the wetlands. As one of Europe's most beautiful and important wetlands, it brings different ecosystems (marshland, lagoons, pine groves, beaches,...) to the many visitors. If you want to venture further into the park, you can book jeep or bus trips that bring you deeper into the park. C) Chozo El Toruno. In Plaza del Acebuche, you find one of the last huts that were entirely built with local plant materials like chestnut,...
For the night , I stayed at Palacio Donana, a comfortable hotel. Keep in mind that throughout the year, it is easy enough to find accommodation in El Rocio, but during Romeria, beds are booked up months in advance. The smal fishing town of Llastres lies in a stunning setting. Wedged between the mountains and the sea, this Asturian town is considered one of Spain's most beautiful villages.
The towns is build upon a slope and each of Llastres steep streets provides you with stunning views across the sea. And it's the sea that has made Llastres into what it is today, a village famous for its fishing activity. Once a town dedicated to whale fishing, the hustle and bustle of the port is worthwhile to watch. Where the fishermen are preparing their boats or bringing in the catch of the day, once the fish is landed in the port, it will go on sale in a popular auction that happens daily in the fish market. 
And with fresh fish landing every day, it isn't hard to see why Llastres is also famous for its excellent seafood cuisine. With plenty of restaurants and cider bars, you're spoiled for choice.
Llastres has a spectacular old quarter with cobbled streets that are lined with simple fishermen's houses, but also palaces and emblazoned houses. There is the old whaler's quarter, the Clock tower and Church of Santa Maria de Sabada. The clock tower (Torre del Reloj) fulfilled the functions of being a watchtower and belfry.
Where the natural beauty of the coastline draws many tourists, it is also known as the "Dinosaur coast". The local geological formation presents a high abundance of dinosaur remains, and many dinosaur footprints can be observed along this coastline.
For the night, I had opted to stay at hotel Lastres Miramar, a 2-star hotel that provided me with a brilliant room and a brilliant dinner and breakfast. A special mention is the stunning terras of the restaurant. Overhanging a cliff, it provides guests with stunning views of the coastline and a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy the delicious food.
I opted for the cheese table followed by beautiful prepared Merluza. So, if you find yourself in Asturias, I would highly recommend a detour to this beautiful fishing village.
Torres do Oeste is a defensive enclosure located at the head of the Rio de Arousa in the Caldas region of Galicia. Located on a rocky promontory on the banks of the river Ulla and surrounded by marshland, it used to serve as a strategic defense post against Viking attacks. King Alfonso III of Leon ordered the built of the castle in the 9th century so the river Ulla could be protected from attacks. Where the river Ulla was an important natural entry into Galicia, the castle went through strengthening works. The 2 remaining Pre-Roman style towers are from the 9th Century. In the 12th Century, bishops ordered the strengthening of the castle in order to protect the holy site of Santiago de Compostela.
Located nearby Torres do Oeste is the Torres do Oeste cultural centre which is housed in a modern building designed by the award-winning architect Cesar Portela. The ground floor houses a tourist office and a spacious exhibition hall designed like a Viking longship. The exhibition tells the history of the towers, Viking attacks in Galicia,... Many artefacts are on display in the exhibition, ranging from swords to statues to armour,.... Within the basement is an audiovisual room where they screen videos of the annual Viking Festival of Catroina.
The Viking Festival of Catoira is an annual festival which has been celebrated every first Sunday in August since 1961. It is held to commemorate Catoira's role in defending against the Vikings who were trying to plunder the treasure held in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. During the festival, they re-enact the Viking invasions that took place using 3 replica longboats. These longboats are moored nearby the Torres do Oeste and are fairly reliable reproductions based on longboats that are kept in museums in Denmark and Norway. Where Catroina is off the beaten path and not frequently visited by tourists, it is worthwhile taking the detour .
|
About the AuthorWe are Peter & Dolores De Bie. We love the great outdoors, discovering new parts of the world and writing about our adventures along the Wild Atlantic Way and further afield Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
