SPAIN
La Costa Brava a La Costa del Sol - Dali, Gaudi, Picasso, Tapas, Sangria y Mucho Mas
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Your holiday - Your way
COUNTRY GUIDE
The Alhambra
Photo by Willian Justen de Vasconcellos on Unsplash
BEST TIME TO VISIT - Spring - March / May and Autumn - September / November has good weather fewer crowds and cheaper prices.
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Peak tourist season is July / August.
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Generally the weather is pretty mild anytime of the year
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Winter is December to February and you can go skiing but it is still reasonably warm in most parts of the country.
STAY -
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All hotels are available on Booking.com unless otherwise stated. Check and see that you get free cancellation. Choose that hotel or one nearby that you like in your price range. Click location and have a look at the map. I usually look around the 3*** level and it should be around the $100 mark.
VISAS - Click here for information
TIPS -
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Carry a photocopy of your passport at all times
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Download Maps.me app and Spanish maps onto your phone before you go
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If you only have a month just chop a few days out here and there
FLIGHTS -
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Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) - is a major hub and has direct flights to 207 destinations in 71 countries except Australia. You should be able to find a convenient connecting flight if there are no direct ones.
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Once you've bought your tickets get some travel insurance to cover yourself.
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BUDGET -
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Being Europe it's never going to be cheap. Having said that it is not the most expensive country in Europe and if you want to save money there are options like hostels available. It's nice to splash out now and again too. So take as much as you can and try to work out a balance. You'll need at least $100 per person per day.
RELIGION - Roman Catholic 68.9%, atheist 11.3%, agnostic 7.6%, other 2.8%
ETHNICITY - Basque, Galician, Castilian, Catalan, + Andalusian, Gitanos, Levante, Magyars, Jews
LANGUAGE - Spanish (Castilian)
NATIONAL DRINK - Sangria (red wine brandy fruit soda)
NATIONAL DISH - Paella (rice meat veg seafood)
GOVERNMENT - Social Representative Democratic Constitutional Monarchy
POPULATION - 47,526,000
CAPITAL - Madrid
Born - 1479
BIG MAC IN $US - $4.53
LITERACY - 98.25%
MINIMUM WAGE ANNUAL IN $US - $14,363
CURRENCY - Euro EUR 1EUR = $108
LIFE EXPECTANCY - 83.1
TOURISTS PER YEAR - 82 million
NO.1 TOURIST SITE - The Sagrada Familia
CHEERS - Salud, health
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LAS COSTAS de ESPANA 37N
HIGHLIGHTS - Costa brava 2 costa del sol
Including Costas - Brava, Maresme, de Garraf, de Valencia, Blanca, Tropical & del Sol
Madrid 3N
Cadeques 3N
Figueres 3N
Girona 3N
Barcelona 3N
Valencia 3N
Benidorm 3N
Alicante 3N
Granada 3N
Malaga 3N
Marbella 3N
Ronda 3N
Madrid 1N = 37N
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Madrid's Tapas Bars
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Barcelona's Tapas Bars
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Malaga's Tapas Bars
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Alicante's Tapas Bars
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Granada's Tapas Bars
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Flamenco
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Calamari Sandwiches
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The Alhambra
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All things Salvadore Dali
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All things Pablo Picasso
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All things Antoni Gaudí
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La Sagrada Familia
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Home of Paella
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The Holy Grail
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Castillo de Peñíscola
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Madrid's historic centre
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The Royal Palace of Madrid
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Alcazaba Castle
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Beer Spa
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Las Ramblas
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Explanada de España
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Hilltop Ronda
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Santiago Bernabéu Stadium tour
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Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
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F.C. Barcelona tour
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The oldest restaurant in the world
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100's of good Beaches
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100's of good Golf Courses
1 - 3 Madrid - 3N
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Fly in and out of Madrid which is one of the most important aviation hubs in Europe and is well connected to everywhere. Spend a few days enjoying the delights of the city. Madrid is a historically important city and a walking tour around the centre will take you to a lot of the must sees. You'll be staying in the Malasana area which is close to the centre and loaded with cafes, restaurants, bars, bakeries, shops, clubs and all the things you made need close at hand.
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Stay at or near the Hostal Josefina*** -
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Or the cheaper Hostal San Martin** which are quite close to each other.
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Hang around the Plaza Mayor, Madrid's grand central square. It's great for people watching, shopping, street performers and artists and having a coffee and a bite to eat.
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Learn about Spain at the Royal Palace where they have the changing of the guard on Wednesdays and Saturdays
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There is still no museum for the Spanish Civil War but they are finally working on one. Here is some history about what went on.
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Do a stadium tour at the home of Real Madrid the most successful team in the history of the European Cup / Champions League.
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Take a segway tour to discover the secrets of Madrid
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Have Churros and Hot Chocolate at Choclateria SanGines which opened in 1894
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Head out to the Mercado de San Miguel that has been around for over 100 years. It is one of the world's main gastronomic markets and has some of the finest produce that Spain has to offer.
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Check out some of these historical cafes which are the oldest in Madrid
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Have a meal in the oldest restaurant in the world - the Restaurante Botin founded in 1725 and famous for it's suckling pig and roast lamb. It's kitchen fire has been burning continuously since it opened.
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Calamari sandwiches otherwise known as Bocadillo de Calamares are big in Madrid
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Madrid has a huge dining scene and this guide by a local will give you plenty to think about.
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Madrid has hung on to many of it's old bars and they are worth a visit
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You are staying in Malasana so great night life and tapas bars are right outside your door.
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Even though Flamenco didn't come from this part of the country you will find the best Flamenco here. Head on out for dinner and a show.
Image by Vanessa SG from Pixabay
Flamenco
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4 - 6 Cadaques - 3N
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Off to the train station to make your way to the pretty little seaside town of Cadaqués - "the Pearl of the Costa Brava". Made famous by former residents Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso and other notable artists and writers it is still attracting a celebrity crowd. You will see some of his work here as you join the Dali Trail. A couple of nearby towns are worth visiting as well including Roses (hire a scooter) and nearby Port Lligat where Dali had his house. You can take the Cadaqués Express to Port Lligat to see the Salvador Dali House Museum.
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Firstly take the train from Estación Madrid - Puerta de Atocha to Barcelona Sants which takes 2½ hours. Catch the 9 am train to give yourself plenty of time. Then take the train to Figueres which takes nearly 2 hours and 9 stops. Then take the #12 bus to Cadaqués which takes one hour and 14 stops.
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You'll want to experience the Costa Brava cuisine and nightlife here. For a town with a population of 3,000 it has over 100 restaurants and bars.
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Stay in or near Hotel Octavia *** - 2 minutes from the beach and a 5 minute walk to the bus station.
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Cadaques
7 - 8 Figueres - 3N
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Catch the bus back to Figueres the small town where Dali was actually born and the location of the main museum about him. If you want tickets with a guide click here. Next to the museum is the Dalí Jewels Collection and you can also see the house where he was born but it's not a museum. Figueres is a very pleasant town and there is plenty to keep you amused for a couple of days. Take a stroll along La Rambla which is much less touristy and busy than the one in Barcelona. There are great golf courses all the way along the eastern coastline.
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Hire a scooter and head out to the amazing clifftop Castellfollit de la Roca which is only 30 minutes away. Have lunch with a jaw dropping view. You might even want to go for a hot air balloon ride.
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Local restaurants and bars to check out.
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Stay at or near The Museum Apartments - right next to the Dali Museum.
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Or you could stay in the Duran Hotel & Restaurant **** - where Dali used to hang out. At least go for a meal and check out the sketches and photos in the cellar. This was his favourite restaurant and it has been run by the same family run since 1910.
9 Girona - 3N
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14 minutes down the rail is Girona (the "Orchard of Spain") one of the best preserved medieval cities in Spain. Walk around the Old Quarter on the old Roman Wall. Over the years it has been laid siege 25 times. It also appeared on Game of Thrones. The river Onyar runs through the centre of the city and just off it is the Placa de la Independencia which has plenty of al fresco restaurants and bars with the city's best nightlife. Girona is home to one of the world's best restaurants and is close to many wineries. Try some of the local specialties. When it's Helado O'clock try one of these places.
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Stay at or near the Hotel Ultonia *** which has a rooftop terrace - or anywhere near the Placa de la Independencia. Only a 10 minute walk from the train station too.
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Image by WikiImages from Pixabay
Dali Museum - Figueres
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Go to Barcelona Tours 1
10 - 12 Barcelona - 3N
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The train to Barcelona takes nearly 3 hours. It is a bucket list destination featuring the number one attraction, the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Sagrada Familia. Make sure you prebook online - this is a major attraction. There are some interesting facts about the building. Construction started on March 19th 1882 and is still ongoing. It's taking longer to build than the pyramids did! Designed by Antoni Gaudi most of his work is in or near Barcelona for you to see. You can do your own Gaudi tour. He was born in Reus which has a museum about him. It makes a great daytrip when combined with Tarragona with it's Roman ruins and great food scene.
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Definitely checkout a Camp Nou tour, the home of Barcelona F.C. Go to a game if there's one on. Time at the beach in nearby Sitges can be combined with the trip to Reus and Tarragona above. Hire a scooter to get around or you could catch the train.
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A walk down Las Ramblas is almost a rite of passage for tourists in Barcelona. Another good walk is along the beachfront on the boardwalk to Diagonal Mar. Don't miss the Mercado de la Boqueria the iconic local market that has been going for 200 years. Have a day at the local beaches.
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Barcelona is famous for its many Tapas and Pintxos Bars (the Basque version of tapas). Try Catalan cuisine and learn a little about the culture. For the best ice cream and gelato look no further than these places. It is also famous for its nightlife and being a bit of a party town.
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Stay at or near Cuatro Naciones ** - great location on La Rambla in the Gothic Quarter, buffet breakfast included, 24 hour desk
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Or across the road the Ramblas Hotel *** - 24 hour desk, restaurant, lobby bar, cafe, breakfast included, terrace, bicycle rental
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And the Hostal Benidorm ** - 24 hour desk,
13 - 15 Valencia - 3N
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Back on the train to Valencia the birthplace of the national dish, Paella - (Learn how to make it). Roughly 3 to 4 hours for this train trip. The Valencia Cathedral is is one of purported residences of the Holy Grail. The City of the Arts and Sciences is a must see while you are here. It took over 20 years to build. Also there is the UNESCO World Heritage Listed La Lonja de la Seda (old Silk Exchange). Valencia is a great place to ride a bicycle and the Jardín del Turia is the place to do it. The Central Market is one of the largest in Europe and it has all of your Spanish favourites. La Malvarrosa beach is the closest one to town and has everything you might need.
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Valencia is one of the top gourmet food destinations in Spain. It has a lot of ice cream shops and these are some of the best. Try the local specialties and hit the tapas bars.
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Stay at or near L'Esplai Valencia - in the old town near the market, cafes, restaurants and bars. A 15 minute walk from the nightlife area of Barrio El Carmen and the train station.
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Or the Venecia Plaza Centro ** - great central location in the main square and walking distance to all of the attractions, restaurants and bars
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16 - 17 Benidorm - 3N
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Time to let the hair down and have some fish and chips, a few pints and play darts in Benidorm. There's all the usual resort stuff or just relax on the beach getting ready for another big night. It's a 2 hour bus ride from Valencia.
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Photo by Maksim Ivanov on Unsplash
Benidorm
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Stay at or near the Hotel Marina **** - Outdoor pool, restaurant, terrace, cafe, bar, 24 hour desk, 2 blocks from the beach, very close to shopping, restaurants, pubs, bars, nightclubs and a 10 minute walk to the old town
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Have a holiday from the holiday. Spend all day at the beaches - go on a booze cruise - go off roading - play golf - go day drinking - eat non Spanish food - go out drinking all night - and sleep in late. This is the place to do it.
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La Cava Aragonesa is a local institution for tapas, food and drink. Calle Santo Domingo is known locallty as "Tapas Alley". Carrer del Rosari, where free tapas are given out with most drinks.
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18 - 19 Alicante - 3N
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It takes around an hour by tram or bus down to the next destination - Alicante, the resort town that has it all. An Old Town with a promenade connecting it with the seafront and well as great food, bars and a lively nightlife. Oh and that castle mentioned previously. There's a nice beach by the Old Town too. Don't forget to try the local specialties while you are here.
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Stay at or near Les Monges Palace Boutique ** - which is well located near restaurants, bars and the beach in a historical old building with a lovely rooftop terrace and bar. They also rent cars and motorbikes.
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Go for a sunset sail - hit one of the local golf courses - visit Santa Barbara Castle - see the UNESCO Heritage Listed Palm Grove at Elche - see what you can pick up at the Central Market - and both Alicante and Granada have a Beer Spa.
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20 - 21 Granada - 3N
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It is said that Granada is a city that should be visited at least once in a lifetime. Perhaps because some of the experiences you will have here can only be had in Granada. Most people come here to see one of Spain's most important and popular tourist sites, the UNESCO World Heritage listed Alhambra. There is nothing else like it and it is huge. Granada also has two other UNESCO World Heritage Listed sites, Generalife (the Summer Palace of the Nasrids) and Albayzin the old Arabic Quarter. The bus is the quickest and cheapest way to get here. It takes nearly six hours.
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You have left Catalonia and are now in Andalusia. So it's time to experience a new culture and what better way than in an authentic and intimate Flamenco Club (Zambra). The best ones are in caves in the Gypsy Quarter, Sacromonte. You'll also want to see El Realejo the old Jewish Quarter which is covered in street art.
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Try out the local food - specialties - cafes - tea houses - famous tapas bars (tapas originated in Andalusia and Granada is one of the last places where you can get them for free) - Beer Spas - restaurants - bars - sunsets and nightlife.
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Stay at or near La Casa de la Trinidad **** - next to the Plaza de la Trinidad in El Centro and a mile from the train station. You can get around by using the hop on hop off Tourist Train which has a day and night time route.
22 - 23 Malaga - 3N
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You can take the train or the bus to Malaga. Time wise they are both are around the 2 hour mark and the bus is cheaper. If you take the train you'll need to change trains in Antequera-Santa Ana.
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Historic Malaga is back on the coast and is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. Of course you'll want to see the house where he was born visit and the museum. There are beaches, gardens and the King's Walk. Once known as the most dangerous walk in the world but it has been fixed up. You will have amazing views as you walk down the path clinging to the side of a cliff above a river. It's best done on a tour as it's a fair distance away. Or you can take public transport and then use the shuttle service.
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Visit La Alcazaba an old Moorish Palace with beautiful views over the city.
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The local specialty here is espeto or sardines grilled over an open fire on the beach. The espeto is the stick and it can be used for other seafood too. Best washed down with a little cerveza or a nice cold glass of dry white.
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Which one of these places have the best ice cream in town. There's only one way to find out.
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For some local culture you could have an Andalusian Night with dinner and a Horse - Flamenco show. There are 70 golf courses on the Costa del Sol if you feel like having a round. Eat like a local and try the local specialties - cafes - seafood restaurants - wines - bars and nightlife including Picasso's favourite bar. Getting around is easy and here are 4 suggestions.
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Stay at or near Hotel Don Curro *** - in the heart of the city, good for both the Historic Centre, the New Town and only a 5 minute walk to the Picasso Museum.
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Marbella
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24 - 26 Marbella - 3N
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Last stop on the Costa del Sol is Spain's version of the French Riviera - Marbella. The bus is the easiest option to get here and takes an hour. There's an extra day here to relax on one of it's 25 beaches or play one of the many fine 32 golf courses within a half hours drive. You began the trip up the coast with Dali and now to add a little symmetry he has left 12 rather bizarre statues around the Avenida del Mar. As flashy as the town is it has a lovely Old Town with plenty of options to suit your budget.
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Stay at or near The Old House Marbella in the old town near restaurants and bars. It has a tour desk and is 500m from the beach. The healthy and organic restaurant The Farm is only a 2 minute walk away.
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Or Pensión Aduar - also well located in the old town, set around an Andalusian courtyard, 5 minute walk to the beaches, 100m away from the shops, restaurants and bars in Plaza de los Naranjos Square.
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You will find the beaches abound with sardines and other seafood on skewers grilling over charcoal fires. Don't miss these and some of the other traditional dishes. There are no shortage of bars and night life in this popular destination that celebrities and millionaires have been visiting for decades. There is also a good number of rooftop bars.
27 - 29 Ronda - 3N
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You can take the bus to Ronda which takes a little over an hour. Both Hemmingway and Orson Welles loved this town. It is the birthplace of modern bullfighting and has Spain's oldest bullfighting ring. Hemmingway also recommended it as a honeymoon destination or even for a lovers tryst. The town is set in a stunning location 120 meters above a canyon with the two parts of the town connected by a stone bridge across the canyon. There are lots of great walks and the town is surrounded by 21 wineries. You could take this walking tour.
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It is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. In fact it was declared a city by Julius Caesar himself. There is so much to see and do here, but you may just want to grab a table, order a drink and watch the world go by. Either way you'll love it.
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Photo by William Fernandes Unsplash
Ronda
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Ronda is pretty compact and ideal for strolling around. Due to the geographical nature of the town some of the restaurants have spectacular views. Ronda's nightlife isn't as lively as where you've been but it's still around if you know where to look.
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Stay at or near Hotel Don Miguel **** - splurge a little and get a room with views of the Puente Nuevo.
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Or splash out a little more and stay at the Parador de Ronda **** with really spectacular views over the gorge, set in Ronda's former Town Hall it features an outdoor swimming pool, Andalusian restaurant, bar, each room has a balcony, cafe, breakfast included, dinner deals available and only a 10 minute walk to the old town.
30 Madrid - 1N
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Fortunately there's a direct train back to the capital. It takes 4½ hours and will get you there around 9pm. Have one more night out at the tapas bars. Or maybe instead of Madrid you could head south to Gibraltar and catch the ferry across to Morocco. I'm sure you've always wanted to go there.
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