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Almuñecar Guide (With Google Maps Links)

Travel Spain — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 20:39:19 +0000

Our Top Recommendations for your stay at the Costa Tropical

Exploring the Best Beaches and Sights in Almuñécar and Surrounding Areas

Almuñécar & La Herradura, located on Spain’s stunning Costa Tropical, offers visitors a variety of beaches, historical landmarks, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat by the shore or an adventurous exploration of local history and culture, this guide covers some of the top recommendations including google map locations & links.

Beaches

Playa San Cristóbal
Playa San Cristóbal is a quiet and soft pebbled beach, which almost feels like sand—our personal favorite!

Parking: Parking Playa San Cristóbal has two levels: the first for residents, and the second for beach visitors. This is a parking garage with restrooms, and the elevator takes you directly to the promenade. Don’t forget your parking ticket for access! – The Restrooms in Parking Garages sometimes do not have toilet-paper available. (sidetip)

Playa Tropical
Playa Tropical is another fine pebble beach with a promenade. It’s a bit livelier than San Cristóbal, offering easy access to the old town, along with bars and clubs.

Outdoor Gym: Outdoor Gym at Playa Tropical
Parking: Parking Playa Tropical provides direct access to the beach.

Playa de La Herradura
Playa de La Herradura is more sandy than pebbly, perfect for a more relaxing beach day.

Parking: Available directly on the street or in a grassy area (5€/day until 8 PM). Parking Info

Playa de la Calahonda (Nerja)
Playa de la Calahonda offers a mix of sand and fine pebbles.

Parking: Balcon de Europa Parking Garage or Open Air Parking.

Other Notable Beaches

Playa Cala del Cañuelo
Velilla Beach
The spanish coastline offers beaches without numbers, so just make sore to look up google maps or keep your eyes open while you enjoy the scenic drives near the ocean. You will find plenty of beaches and small bays with water access if you want to. Its just too many for us to name them all.

Playa Tropical Almuñecar

Playa San Cristóbal Almuñecar

Playa de la Calahonda (Nerja)

San Cristóbal Close to the Water

San Cristóbal in the Evening

Typical Spanish Setup at San Cristóbal

Sightseeing in and around almuñecar

The Old Aqueduct
Explore the multi-part ancient aqueduct, which includes a rose garden (in bloom until May) and historical remains.

Main Aqueduct
Restored Parts
For more information, check out the full guide on the aqueduct here.

Castillo de San Miguel & Palacio Gruft
This castle offers stunning views and a glimpse into the region’s history. A visit in the evening is highly recommended due to the short opening hours.

Other Historical Sights

Ancient Fish Salting Factory: Visit the excavation site located within a botanical park.
Rocks of San Cristóbal: A viewpoint at the beach. Map

Ornithological Park
Perfect for bird and cactus lovers. Visit the Ornithological Park if you enjoy zoo-like attractions.

Friday Market
A must-visit for those who love exploring local markets. You can find fresh fruits and second-hand items at the Friday Market.

Aquapark
For a family-friendly outing, head to the Salt Water Aquapark on the Mediterranean coast, featuring a variety of slides and attractions.

Granada and Surrounding Areas

Alhambra and Albaicín
No visit to Granada is complete without experiencing the majestic Alhambra. Take time to explore the Albaicín neighborhood and the Mirador San Nicolas for the best views.
Only 20-25 minutes from Almuñécar, Nerja’s old town and the Balcon de Europa are a must-visit. While you’re in the area, visit the impressive Nerja Caves as well. Find our review to the nerja cave here.

Frigiliana
One of Spain’s most beautiful villages, Frigiliana can be easily combined with a trip to Nerja. Parking. A must-see!

Outdoor Adventures

Hiking Trevenque (Sierra Nevada): Check out this circular mountain tour.
Las Alpujarras Hiking: Discover scenic landscapes that look straight out of a fantasy novel. Hiking Guide.

This guide provides a taste of the amazing experiences waiting for you in Almuñécar and the surrounding regions. Whether you’re a beach lover, history enthusiast, or outdoor adventurer, this region has something to offer every traveler.

Aqueduct of Almuñecar La Herradura

Rock of San Cristóbal seen from the Castle

Parque el majuelo

View from the Trevenque, Sierra, Nevada

Hiking in the Sierra Nevada, Granada

Trevenque Hiking

Patio de Los Leones, Alhambra, Granada

Frigiliana

Balcony of Europe, Nerja

Other Activities and Culinary spots

Diving in La Herradura
For those interested in exploring the underwater world, diving in La Herradura is a fantastic option. With clear waters and vibrant marine life, it’s a must-try for adventure enthusiasts.

E-Bikes and Biking
If you prefer to explore on land, renting an e-bike or regular bike is a great way to cover more ground.

E-Bikes in Almuñécar: Find rentals here.
Bikes: Biking rental options.

Skiing in Sierra Nevada
For those visiting in winter (December-April), skiing in the Sierra Nevada is an exciting option. With a variety of slopes for all skill levels, it’s an easy day trip from Almuñécar.

Food & Dining in Almuñécar

Pequeño Café
Perfect for breakfast lovers, this café is known for its amazing churros, fresh juices, and great coffee. Visit Pequeño Café for a great start to your day.

Munay Beach
This beach bar offers delicious burgers, fries, and vegetarian/vegan options (ask for the special menu on-site). Munay Beach is a great spot to relax by the shore.

El Chaleco
A Michelin-starred restaurant with a unique blend of French and Spanish cuisine, El Chaleco offers an exquisite dining experience.

Other Dining Options in Almuñécar

Meson Mari y Miguel: Known for its traditional Spanish dishes (check Google for updated opening hours). Meson Mari y Miguel
La Cita: Ideal for breakfast, churros, and coffee by the beach. Visit La Cita
Restaurante Don Olivo: Don Olivo offers a variety of local dishes.
La Trattoria: Perfect for when you’re craving pasta. La Trattoria
Cafe Bar El Paso: Great for burgers and patatas bravas. El Paso
Gastrobar Roscas y Vinos: A fantastic tapas bar that avoids the typical tourist traps. Roscas y Vinos
Meson Emiliano: A local favorite known for its house salad, though it offers limited vegetarian options. Meson Emiliano
Sabina: Affordable beachfront dining with fresh fish and a few vegetarian options. Sabina

Shopping for Essentials

If you’re planning a longer stay, here are some options for buying groceries and essentials:

Lidl and Aldi are next to each other: Lidl Store
Mercadona: Mercadona Supermarket

Dining in Nerja, Frigiliana, Málaga, and Granada

For the short trips we can recommend following places to dine – anyhow we will have detailed guides for each city itself.

Nerja and Frigiliana

Restaurant Bamboo: A bit touristy but offers great quality food and views. Restaurant Bamboo
Frigiliana: Best dining spots in Frigiliana.

Málaga

Divinno: An upscale Mediterranean restaurant with a Michelin-inspired approach at reasonable prices. Divinno

Granada

El Conde: A top-rated dining spot in the heart of Granada. El Conde
El Trillo in Albaicín: Known for its sophisticated ambiance and excellent food. El Trillo.

Other Day Trips Around Almuñécar

If you’re looking to venture further, these day trips (within 1-2 hours by car from Almuñecar la Herradura) are highly recommended:

Málaga or Granada: Both cities are just 1 hour away, offering rich history and vibrant culture.
Mijas Pueblo: A charming town located 1 hour 15 minutes from Almuñécar. Visit Mijas Pueblo (1h30min)
El Torcal de Antequera: Known for its incredible rock formations. El Torcal de Antequera (1h30min)
Caminito del Rey: A thrilling hiking trail set against dramatic cliffs. Caminito del Rey (1h45min)
City of Ronda: One of the most romantic cities of spain (1h45min)
The Desert of Tabernas: Experience Spain’s only desert, famous for its role in Hollywood westerns. Tabernas Desert (1h45min)
Hollywood Filming Locations: Visit Ford Bravo and Oasis, famous movie sets. Filming Locations. (1h45min)
Cabo de Gata Natural Park: Known for its stunning natural beaches. Cabo de Gata. (2hrs)

Whether you’re into beaches, history, or adventurous day trips, Almuñécar and the surrounding areas offer something for everyone. Be sure to explore, relax, and enjoy everything this beautiful part of Spain has to offer! If this article was helpful we would be happy if you share it with your friends & family.

Caminito del Rey

Ronda Bridge

Cuevas de Nerja

Alhambra as seen from the Mirador San Nicholas

Image Credits: Image Credits: Travel Spain /// J.C. García Arrocha & Lilli Butzbach /// AdobeStock: Noradoa #113292376 /// AdobeStock: #361651076 /// #361651010 /// # 704897319 /// #182719630 /// #206079548 /// #257560696 /// #182719630 /// #157847204

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The Burgos Cathedral – Is it worth it?

Travel Spain — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 18:15:31 +0000

A Monument well worth Visiting

Last year I had the pleasure of visiting Burgos Cathedral during my 1-day stay in Burgos.

Burgos was an important city in the medieval time and home to king sancho but more importantly THE spanish national hero and folklore hero Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, known as El Cid Campeador. The Burgos Cathedral is not only a UNESCO World Heritage, but also the final resting place of El Cid ans his wife Doña Jimena. So I could not miss that. The cathedral is easily accessible and right in the middle of the old-town of burgos.

Stepping into the cathedral, I was immediately struck by its incredible size. The Gothic architecture somehow gave me a sense of tranquility. Exploring the cathedral’s chapels and altars, I couldn’t help but admire the attention to detail evident in every corner – what a craftmansship. Each piece seemed to have its own story to tell, a testament to the centuries. As most monuments in spain you have an audio-guide accessible for free, which will give you input on various languages.

Construction on the Cathedral began in 1221 and was completed in 1567. It is a comprehensive example of the evolution of Gothic style, with the entire history of Gothic art exhibited in its superb architecture and unique collection of art, including paintings, choir stalls, reredos, tombs, and stained-glass windows.

Climbing to the rooftop was not possible on the day i was in Burgos, due to construction works. But you surely get to see panoramic views of Burgos and its surrounding landscape.

As for the entrance fee, while some may balk at the idea of paying to enter a place of worship, I found it to be a small price to pay for this experience. Not only does it help support the ongoing preservation efforts, but it also ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy this cultural treasure. I payed 10 Euros for the Basic entrance – It is also possible to climb the tower/rooftop for an additional fee. When I am in Burgos again I will defenitely do this as well.

In conclusion, my first visit to Burgos Cathedral was a memorable experience that left a lasting impression on me. So if you ever find yourself in Burgos, I encourage you to take a moment to step inside and discover this great monument. You can easily spent 2 hours in there. On your way out you will find a beautiful take-away store where i got a copy of the merriage-certificate of el cid and jimena and some burgos chocolate.

My highlight was defenitely the whole architecture and the coffin, paintings and eventually the big gravestone of El Cid and Jimena.

So long sentence short; Does the Burgos Cathedral worth a visit? – Short answer; DEFENITELY. Here are a couple of cellphone pictures I took on my trip.

The post The Burgos Cathedral – Is it worth it? first appeared on Travel Spain.

Alhambra – Don’t Forget To Look Up

Lilli B. — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 17:10:34 +0000

Alhambra - A Must-See in Andalusia

A highlight you should not miss when visiting Andalusia is the Alhambra in Granada. It is one of the most visited monuments in this region and a place to remember.

You should plan a whole day for the visit and buy the tickets in advance, otherwise the tickets for the Nasrid palaces might be sold out. We know this from the experience of our first trip to Spain. There are many websites you can buy tickets from, but the official site with the best prices is THIS. We recommend to buy the tickets at least 3-4 weeks upfront.

You can access the Alhambra by public transport or park in one of the parking spots right at the monument for a fee.

Here are some more facts about the Alhambra…

In 1984 the Alhambra was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you will know why when you see the beautiful gardens and stroll through the Nasrid Palaces with its intricate stucco work, colorful tiles, carved wooden ceilings, and ornate archways. The Palaces include the Mexuar, the Comares Palace, and the Palace of the Lions.

Next to the Alhambra is the Generalife, a palace and garden complex built by the Nasrid rulers. It served as a retreat and leisure area for the royalty, featuring lush gardens, fountains, and pavilions.

This place has such a rich and interesting history that I would recommend to dive into before visiting. It reflects the coexistence of different cultures and religions in medieval Spain and serves as a testament to the flourishing of art, science, and philosophy during that period.And here are some photos of our last visit, during summer 2023.

And don’t forget to look up!

Image Credits: Travel Spain /// J.C. García Arrocha & Lilli Butzbach /// AdobeStock: Taiga #94313026

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