Tag: andalusia

Discover La Isla Bonita: Exploring San Fernando, Cádiz

On By Laura Ferries WriterIn cadiz, holidays in spain, spain2 Comments

Going to Spain on holiday but don’t know the language? Wanting to know just enough Spanish to use on your holiday without having to learn the grammar and tons of pointless vocabulary and phrases? (‘La niña come manzanas‘ on DuoLingo, anyone?)

Download my simple, colourful and helpful guide to holiday Spanish which will give you exactly the word and brief phrases you will need for chatting with the locals in Spain here!

“There was something in the air that night, the stars shone bright, Fernando.”

I can’t help but begin this blog entry on San Fernando, Cádiz, with the tentatively linked Abba lyrics that simply mention ‘Fernando’. Anti-chronologically, I will also make the first photo of this post the last I took in San Fernando which was a beautiful sunset that recalled those lyrics as we watched on, cerveza in hand, bare feet buried in the cool, powdery sand as the tide lapped in peacefully in soft, white frothy waves.

I have long loved the Andalusian province of Cádiz which is located in the southwest of Spain, close to the border of Portugal and views of Morocco from Tarifa. (Also see- El Puerto de Santa María and Algeciras)

My friend Chris and his partner (now pareja de hecho) Pilar and their Pomeranian called Lobo moved to San Fernando a couple of years ago and they invited me to stay at their beautiful house built back in 1874 complete with a well in the hallway, a spiral staircase, stained glass windows and a traditional Andaluz patio complete with patterned tiles (I have a thing for these types of tiles!).

Continue reading “Discover La Isla Bonita: Exploring San Fernando, Cádiz” →

Exploring La Judería: Córdoba’s Old Town Jewish Neighbourhood

On By Laura Ferries WriterIn cordoba, Uncategorized12 Comments

Going to Spain on holiday but don’t know the language? Wanting to know just enough Spanish to use on your holiday without having to learn the grammar and tons of pointless vocabulary and phrases? (‘La niña come manzanas‘ on DuoLingo, anyone?)

Download my simple, colourful and helpful guide to holiday Spanish which will give you exactly the word and brief phrases you will need for chatting with the locals in Spain here!

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Córdoba isn’t one of the most famous cities in Andalucía and is often unfairly overlooked.

However, UNESCO hasn’t overlooked Córdoba as its centre is recognised as a World Heritage Site, along with the recently awarded Medina Azahara, 20 minutes out of the city.

UNESCO recognises Córdoba’s Historic Centre as its Mezquita, Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, Roman Bridge and Calahorra Tower and the streets all around the district of the Mezquita.

This area is known as La Judería which means the Jewish Quarter.

Continue reading “Exploring La Judería: Córdoba’s Old Town Jewish Neighbourhood” →

Visiting the Alhambra of Granada: Spain’s Majestic Moorish Palace

On By Laura Ferries WriterIn al-Andalus, alhambra, granada4 Comments

Going to Spain on holiday but don’t know the language? Wanting to know just enough Spanish to use on your holiday without having to learn the grammar and tons of pointless vocabulary and phrases? (‘La niña come manzanas‘ on DuoLingo, anyone?)

Download my simple, colourful and helpful guide to holiday Spanish which will give you exactly the word and brief phrases you will need for chatting with the locals in Spain here!

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Of all of Spain’s architectural gems, the Alhambra Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is its most precious treasure.

It is so stunning inside and outside, close up and from afar that it is impossible to take it all in- every corner reveals yet more painstaking artisanal carvings and monuments and astonishing views across Granada. (Read about the city of Granada here)

Situated in the hills overlooking the city, with the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains in the distance, its presence can be felt at all times in this city and there are several vantage points for the best views such as the Mirador San Nicolás (pictured below):

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Medina Azahara Guide: Discovering al-Andalus’ Former Capital

On By Laura Ferries WriterIn cordoba6 Comments

Going to Spain on holiday but don’t know the language? Wanting to know just enough Spanish to use on your holiday without having to learn the grammar and tons of pointless vocabulary and phrases? (‘La niña come manzanas‘ on DuoLingo, anyone?)

Download my simple, colourful and helpful guide to holiday Spanish which will give you exactly the word and brief phrases you will need for chatting with the locals in Spain here!

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The Medina Azahara, or as it is sometimes stylised, the Madinat al-Zahra, is an unsung wonder of an archeological site but it really is so much more than that.

This site was once the powerful capital of al-Andalus with a marvellous vantage point for keeping a watch across Córdoba and continues to be shrouded in mystery and romance today, from its brief but colourful 80 year existence.

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Discover Cádiz: the Oldest City in Western Europe

On By Laura Ferries WriterIn beaches, cadiz, holidays in spain13 Comments

Cádiz is not huge but it’s advisable to maximise your time in this city with Free Walking Tour Cádiz by Free Tour Expert where you will meet at the Cathedral and be guided through the beautiful streets and along the iconic promenade for two hours.

It’s easy to bypass some of the hidden gems tucked away in the narrow, sheltered streets unless you’re with somebody who knows the city inside out. It’s totally free but tips are gratefully encouraged!

Walking tours depart at 11am and 6pm and are held in English.

So, let’s move on to some of the city’s rich history.

Cádiz is a city on the coast of the wider province that goes by the same name.

Cádiz was once called Gadir by the Phoenicians and this name evolved into the Latin Gades when it was under Roman rule. This is why the people from Cádiz are known as gaditanos even now the place is known today as Cádiz.

The gaditanos hold a reputation for being the funniest people in Spain and although I didn’t find this particularly evident in the Cádiz Capital, I certainly did when I visited El Puerto de Santa María which is just across the bay and of course, is still a part of the Cádiz province.

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