South of Spain

About the destination: Malaga, the birthplace of Picasso, exudes art from every brick. Considered one of the oldest cities in Spain and Europe, this cosmopolitan port is buoyantly modern yet it hangs on to its vast historic past. The palm-lined Paseo el Parque will take you below Alcazaba, a Moorish palace whose fortified walls enclose fragrant gardens and an archaeological museum. The lofty Gibralfaro Castle crowns a nearby hill, with outstanding views of the sprawling city below. Also worth a visit is the Picasso Museum that, aside from an impressive artistic patrimony, offers educational activities and cultural events. Málaga deserves a good night visit: do not miss a good walk along the harbour where traditional fried fish is washed down with cold beer at chiringuitos (beach bars) and enjoy the illuminated Alcazaba, which watches over the city from Mount Gibralfaro.

About the destination: Alhama de Granada is a town in the province of Granada, approx. 50 km from the city of Granada. The name is derived from the thermal baths located there, which are called الـحَـمّـة al-hammah in Arabic. In 1482, the fortress town was taken from the Moorish Sultanate and Kingdom of Granada by the Catholic Monarchs. Alhama’s position between Málaga and Granada gave it strategic importance for the Moors but they also had a particular fondness for the town and its thermal waters. The cry of sorrow, ¡Ay de mi Alhama!, uttered by Abu Al-Hacen following the battle of 1482 when the town was lost to the Catholic conquerors, entered the Spanish language as an exclamation of regret. The story of the fall of Alhama and the subsequent slaughter of its inhabitants by the Christian knights is referred to in Tariq Ali's, The Islam Quintet in the first book Shadows of the Pomegranate Tree.[1]" At a convenient distance from the town centre, nestling in a poplar grove lining down the banks of the river (also known as Merchan), you will find a hot springs. Prehistoric remains found in the neighbourhood show the antiquity of the human settlements. There is also clear evidence of the way Romans used the waters. In the 15th century, the Arabs consolidated the town next to these hot springs and it was believed that they built the thermal baths there, but the real origin of those baths is Roman as is proved in the book by Salvador Raya Retamero, a local historian, in his book Reseña histórica de los baños termales de la muy noble y leal ciudad de Alhama de Granada ("Brief history of the hot springs of the most noble and loyal city of Alhama de Granada").[2] A short interview with the author explains the details.[3] The strategic influence of Alhama de Granada made the fall, in 1492, of the Arab empire vital for the conquest of the Kingdom of Granada, which led to the beginning of a flourishing age, because of the patronage of the Catholic Monarchs. The bath house in the Almohade style of the 12th century that is preserved in the spa is a good example of Arab bath construction. The magnificent horse shoe arcs were built over the remains of Roman construction and are covered by a vaulted roof, pierced by star-shaped openings that let the daylight filter in. Under the vaulted roof of the baths the oldest warm spring of Alhama de Granada bubbles up. The newest one, which springs up a few metres from the other, was discovered in 1884, many centuries after a terrible earthquake whose epicentre could have been very near the area. Alhama de Granada looks out over some of Spain's most spectacular scenery. In winter, the view to the majestic snow-capped Sierra Nevada is uninterrupted. Alhama is situated not far from Arenas del Rey (about 14 km away)which itself is situated on the edge of the vast Bermajales lake which is surrounded by woods of poplars and Mediterranean black pines. Constructed between 1947 and 1954 this reservoir with a hydro-electric plant at one end provides sandy beaches, safe swimming and plenty of non-motorised water sports. There are also a couple of cafes at the edge of the lake. Many of the local population spend evenings and weekends barbecuing at the water's edge; it is a great location. There are a few bars in Alhama which serve "cafés" and "tostadas" in the morning, lunch in the late afternoon, and tapas in the evening. Casa Ochoa Tertulia Bar and Cafe Bar El Tigre are local favorites. For nightlife, El Encuentro plays more contemporary pop and reggae music, while Por Amor Al Arte has live flamenco on the weekends

About the destination: Discovering the Enchanting Granada Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is a captivating city where rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture converge. At the heart of its allure is the magnificent Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as a testament to the city's Moorish past. This sprawling complex of palaces, gardens, and fortresses offers breathtaking views and intricate designs that transport visitors to a bygone era. Be sure to explore the Nasrid Palaces, where the delicate stucco work and tranquil courtyards provide an insight into the opulence of the Moorish rulers. Beyond the Alhambra, Granada's historic Albaicín district awaits with its labyrinthine streets and whitewashed houses. This charming neighborhood, with its narrow alleyways and stunning vistas of the Alhambra, is a perfect place to wander and lose yourself in the echoes of history. As you stroll through its cobblestone streets, you'll encounter lively plazas and quaint shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs. Don’t miss the Mirador de San Nicolás, a popular viewpoint offering one of the most iconic panoramas of the Alhambra with the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop. Granada is also a city that delights the senses with its culinary offerings. The local tradition of free tapas with drinks is a delightful way to experience the city's flavors. From bustling tapas bars to fine dining establishments, Granada offers a diverse culinary landscape that caters to all tastes. Be sure to try local specialties such as "tortilla del Sacromonte" and "piononos," a sweet treat that hails from the nearby town of Santa Fe. As night falls, the city's vibrant nightlife comes alive, with flamenco shows and lively bars offering a taste of Andalusian passion and rhythm. Whether you're drawn to its history, culture, or cuisine, Granada promises an unforgettable journey. Its blend of Moorish heritage and modern vibrancy makes it a unique destination that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit. Whether you're exploring its historic sites, savoring its culinary delights, or simply soaking in its breathtaking views, Granada invites you to uncover its many layers and experience the magic that makes it one of Spain's most treasured cities.

About the destination: Baeza is a municipality of Spain, the capital city1 of said municipality and head of the homonymous judicial party. It is located in the same geographical center of the province of Jaén (in the northeast of the Autonomous Community of Andalusia) located in the region of La Loma, which is considered its western capital.

About the destination: Úbeda is a town in the province of Jaén. This town, declared World Heritage, is one of the most beautiful places in Jaén. Úbeda is one of the few Renaissance jewish cities preserved in Spain. So, not only the Renaissance period has marked their inhabitants’ lives, but also the vestiges of the Muslim and Jewish cultures can be observed on their narrow and paved streets. The Natural Park of Despeñaperros is also near to Úbeda, and it is an interesant place, declared Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO.

לגבי היעד: לגלות את גרנדה הקסומה שוכנת למרגלות הרי סיירה נבאדה, גרנדה היא עיר שובת לב שבה מתכנסים היסטוריה עשירה, ארכיטקטורה מדהימה ותרבות תוססת. בלב הקסם שלה הוא אלהמברה המפוארת, אתר מורשת עולמית של אונסק"ו המהווה עדות לעברה המורי של העיר. המתחם רחב הידיים הזה של ארמונות, גנים ומבצרים מציע נופים עוצרי נשימה ועיצובים מורכבים שמעבירים את המבקרים לעידן שחלפה. הקפידו לחקור את ארמונות הנסרידים, שבהם עבודת הטיח העדינה והחצרות השלוות מספקות תובנה על השפע של השליטים המורים. מעבר לאלהמברה, רובע אלבאיצ'ין ההיסטורי של גרנדה ממתין עם הרחובות המבוכים והבתים המסוידים שלו. השכונה המקסימה הזו, עם הסמטאות הצרות והנופים המדהימים של אלהמברה, היא מקום מושלם לשוטט ולהתאבד בהדי ההיסטוריה. כשאתם מטיילים ברחובות המרוצפים שלו, תיתקלו בכיכרות תוססות וחנויות מוזרות שמוכרות אומנות מסורתית ומזכרות. אל תחמיצו את מיראדור דה סן ניקולאס, נקודת תצפית פופולרית המציעה את אחת הפנורמות האיקוניות ביותר של אלהמברה עם סיירה נבאדה כרקע. גרנדה היא גם עיר שמענגת את החושים עם ההיצע הקולינרי שלה. המסורת המקומית של טאפאס חינם עם משקאות היא דרך מענגת לחוות את הטעמים של העיר. מברי טאפאס שוקקים ועד למסעדות משובחות, גרנדה מציעה נוף קולינרי מגוון שעונה על כל הטעמים. הקפידו לנסות התמחויות מקומיות כמו "טורטיה דל סקרומונטה" ו"פיונונוס", פינוק מתוק שמקורו בעיר הסמוכה סנטה פה. עם רדת הלילה, חיי הלילה התוססים של העיר מתעוררים לתחייה, עם מופעי פלמנקו וברים תוססים המציעים טעם של תשוקה וקצב אנדלוסיים. בין אם אתה נמשך להיסטוריה, לתרבות או למטבח שלה, גרנדה מבטיחה מסע בלתי נשכח. השילוב של המורשת המורית והחיות המודרנית שלו הופכים אותו ליעד ייחודי שמותיר רושם מתמשך על כל המבקרים. בין אם אתם חוקרים את האתרים ההיסטוריים שלה, מתענגים על התענוגות הקולינריים שלה, או פשוט סופגים את נופיה עוצרי הנשימה, גרנדה מזמינה אתכם לחשוף את הרבדים הרבים שלה ולחוות את הקסם שהופך אותה לאחת הערים היקרות ביותר בספרד.