Granda, Spain - The Alhambra

Sadly, it was a short one night stay in Granada but what a visit!  Beyond words, a visit to The Alhambra has to be on any traveler's list of "must-see".  The complex (yes, it's complex) was started in 899 as fortress, then abandoned and in the 13 century reconstruction began and in 1333 it became a royal palace for the Sultan of Granada.  After the Spanish Inquisition, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand received Christopher Columbus at the (Alhambra) Palace and endorsed his expedition.
That bit of history aside (there's lots of history there, but for you to read another time), the magic of The Alhambra is in the gardens and, of course, the palace.  I put together a short video of our visit there - and I will say, that photos do not do it justice.  You have to see it for yourself...

When you decide to visit Granada, specifically The Alhambra, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Tickets must be purchased on line, well in advance.  (http://www.alhambra-patronato.es/index.php/Home/1472+M5ba3513c9aa/0/) Admission to the grounds and palace are limited, there are a few types of ticket purchased, and the session can be for a morning (8a-2p) or afternoon (2p-8p).  We went the first week of June (2016) and it was h-o-t.  For my return visit, I would like to go anytime between April and mid May.
I did find a very convenient hotel (Alixares Hotel http://www.hotelalixares.com/en/).  The hotel offered a reduced rate at the parking lot (P2) for The Alhambra. The hotel and the parking lot (P2) were at the entrance to The Alhambra.  The rooms were simple, very very clean and quite reasonable for location.  The staff was helpful, restaurant offered a nice menu and the lobby bar was a perfect place to sit and sip while recounting the day's amazing tour.

Now, grab your sangria, put up your feet and enjoy an idyllic tour of The Alhambra, courtesy of me!

Sunny Southern Spain!

Spain, with it's miles of coastline boasts shores on both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.  Along the "Costa Calida", on the Mediterranean Sea, the Calblanque National Park offers almost 6,000 acres of pristine beaches, hidden swimming and diving coves, hiking and biking trails as well as salt flats complete with flamingos!  The mountains, part arid, part evergreen, offer dramatic landscapes as sheer cliffs drop to the sea below.  There are long stretches of sandy beach as well as secluded coves. These coves, called "calas", can be sandy while others are rocky and the crystal clear waters provide an amazing view of mother nature's rock formations below the water's surface.  The park has no services but surprisingly offers a section with shaded parking!  Remember to pack a lunch, bring your blanket and umbrella  - then you'll be ready to sit back and watch (and listen) as the surf gently rolls in.

Cabo de Palos 

The town of Cabo de Palos sits at the edge of the Calblanque National Park and is known among other things, for diving.  The protected marine reserve is located between the Cabo de Palos light house and Isla Hormigas.  On any given day, several dive boats carry divers and snorkelers to explore the mystical, colorful world that lies below.  Of course, after a day at sea, whether diving, snorkeling or swimming, a good meal and a refreshing "cerveza" (beer) awaits at any one of the many restaurants, cafes or pubs that circle the fishing boat marina.  The marina is filled with working boats that belong to the local fisherman - the catch of the day is always fresh!

Chiringuito - Faro/Cabo de Palos

For those that prefer the land side of activities, there is a easy but absolutely beautiful walk from the fishing marina to the lighthouse and back.  The treat upon arrival to the lighthouse is the "chiringuito" - a beach bar.  So while not exactly on the beach, beachgoers can walk up for a chilled glass of wine, cold bottle of beer or ice cold water.  Food is minimal at best, although some larger ones do offer a menu. Fast, friendly and affordable - and we're taking on the challenge to visit as many "chiringuitos" as we can find!



Whether a day trip or short stay along the Costa Calida of Spain, a visit to the Calblaque National Park and Cabo de Palos should be on anyone's list of "to-do"!  The Spanish people are kind, warm and friendly.  Spanish food is delicious and fresh produce abounds.  Sangrias, "cervezas" and vinos are refreshing and the tapas are the tastiest - and prices won't break any budgets!!  All the more reason to put Spain on your travel radar today!