Andalucia sits at the bottom of Spain and has attracted eco conscious travellers since hippies were heading to Morocco back in the 60s. The brilliant climate and low cost of living make it the perfect place to do some low-impact travel. Whats more the attractions listed below sit along a modern train route meaning you can ditch the rental car and enjoy some green travel. Orgiva and Las Alpajurras are a hotspot of eco-friendly living if you’re looking for a greener place to grow set down some roots.
Not to be missed : Andalusia’s thousands of pueblos hold their own ferias throughout the year. These are quinessential Spanish affairs with food and drink and socialising as well as strange traditions at some. Find a list here.
Granada
This city has history on its side. Centuries of conquest and reconquista have left architectural landmarks all over, the Alhambra is the jewel in this elevated city’s crown. Close to the Sierra Nevada and the
coast you could be skiing in the morning and swimming in the Mediterranean in the afternoon.
Caminito del Rey
Reopening this year after a lengthy closure because it was so damn dangerous. In previous years you’d get a 6000 euro fine, but now the planks have been replaced you can sign up to go for free (for a limited time only).
Ronda
The Puente Nuevo bridge in Ronda took 42 years to build, starting in 1751 and finishing in 1793 fifty workers died in the process. During the Civil War Republicans and Nationalists reportedly threw prisoners off providing inspiration to Hemingway for his book For Whom The Bell Tolls. There’s also a bullring and an excellent train journey through rocky peaks on your way in and out.
Casares, la Hedionda
Bathe like Julius Caesar. He used to come here during his time as Governor of Southern Spain, apparently it cleared up a skin complaint he’d been having. The water has a high sulphur content, which is particularly concentrated in the Summer months, turning the waters a milky colour, and the source is a number of springs which originate in the huge limestone ridge of the Sierra Utrera which runs behind the town of Manilva.
Cadiz
A member of the Most Ancient European Towns Network you can probably guess Cadiz is pretty old. Its got parks with exotic wildlife that Columbus brought back from the New World. The Old Town has winding
streets to get lost in and barrios within ancient city walls.
Seville
If you want to stay out late and party, Spain is pretty good for that, its what Spaniards do. But Seville is really really good at it. Pictured is the gorgeous art deco Plaza de Espana.
