Hidden highlights to explore on a Mediterranean Cruise

Join us on a Mediterranean cruise taking in seven wonderful destinations – Barcelona, Genoa, Malaga, Cadiz, Lisbon, Gibraltar and Alicante. Each city has much to offer, but if you’d like to explore some lesser known corners, as well as some well known highlights, here are some ideas for the places you might visit.

Barcelona

Barcelona is Spain’s second largest city and the capital of the Catalonia region. One of its most famous landmarks is Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished church of the Sagrada Familia, which has been under construction since 1882, with a planned completion date of 2026.

To get  away from the tourist-orientated areas of the city, explore the district of Raval, whose maze of streets offer fashionable and unique shops.

Genoa

Genoa is an historical Italian city and the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, the explorer who discovered the Americas. The home where he was allegedly born is in an area known as the Piazza De Ferrari, where the Teatro Carlo Felice Opera and Palace of the Doges is also located.

To search out a tasty treat, explore Recco to the east of Genoa, the birthplace of cheese focaccia, where cheap and delicious focaccia bread is served on the seafront.

 

Malaga

Malaga is in the Spanish region of Andalusia and enjoys a subtropical climate. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and is surrounded by mountains to the north, the harbour to the south and two rivers, the Guadalmedina and the Gualdhorce.

For a view over the city try the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress that enjoys wonderful views of the Plaza de Toros and the port. Perfect for lazy afternoons when other attractions may be closed.

Cadiz

Cadiz is a seaport to the south of Spain and has been the main homeport of the Spanish navy since the 18^th century. Commonly known as Casco Antiguo (Old City), it is many narrow streets, which connect a number of stunning plazas.

For a break from city sightseeing seek out the Donana National Park to the north of the province, the largest Natural Park in Spain and home to a range of wildlife.

Lisbon

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and the most populated city in the country. The most popular area for shopping, entertainment and nightlife is Bairro Alto, where Portugal’s national song Fado, can still be enjoyed. The monument Cristo Rei overlooks the whole city and resembles the Corcovado monument in Rio de Janeiro.

Off the beaten track , you’ll find Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, home to an esteemed art collection and surrounded by serene and beautiful gardens.

Gibraltar

Gibraltar lies at the entrance to the Mediterranean and is an overseas British controlled territory at the end of the Iberian peninsular. Its famous landmark is the Rock of Gibraltar with its upper area covered by a nature reserve, which is home to over 200 Barbary Macaques, the only wild monkeys found in Europe.

For a different perspective, the World War II Seige and St Michaels Cave’s are popular with tourists, but enquire at the Rock Hotel about ways to see more of the tunnels.

Alicante

Alicante is an historic Mediterranean port that is overlooked by the Castle of Santa Barbara, which sits on Mount Benacantil. The Explanada de Esparia is a tree-lined promenade where concerts often take place and the El Palmeral Park is a great place to relax by the lakes, enjoy a picnic or take a stroll.

To escape the bustle, the Old City has some stunning architecture, ‘Spanish colonial’ style buildings and streets that are generally quiet.

My thanks for this article to www.Travel247.ie, an Irish owned tour operator that specialises in Mediterranean Cruises and package holidays globally.

Photo Credits: Sagrada Familia in Barcelona by Maradentro, Alcazaba in Malaga by Manuelfloresv, Museu Calouste Gulbenkian by Sheilaellen, St Michael’s cave, Gibraltar by Mouseshadows

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com – Read more travel articles at Travel Blog Home

You’ll also find our sister blog with tips on how to build a successful travel blog at My Blogging Journey

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See where the road will take you in Spain

Today’s article gives plenty of ideas for your driving holiday in Spain, whether you’re into sightseeing in Seville, relaxing on the beach in Alicante or running the bulls in Pamplona.

Spain is undoubtedly the capital of Europe when it comes to package tourism, yet behind the busy beaches and all-inclusive hotels, Spain is also a land of both cultural and geographical diversity and contradiction. Divided as a country until the 15th century, Spain has six official languages and a richly varied cultural heritage, with its people, food and even climate ranging enormously from region to region. From the rich greenery of the Basque mountains to the wilderness of the Tabernas Desert, Spain hides a multitude of secrets waiting to be discovered.

So why not avoid the usual tourist traps and plan your perfect Spanish road trip? Car hire in Spain is not only cheap and easily accessible, it also offers the freedom to wander off the beaten track to discover breath-taking hilltop villages, sea coves and mountain passes. With winding coastal roads and picturesque valley trails, Spain is also a place to fall in love with driving again. Here are some suggestions to kick-off the route planning, with a few tips to make sure your holiday is as fun and enjoyable as possible.

Culture vulture?

Book a low-cost flight into Malaga airport and take advantage of the cheap car rental options available. From here drive along the back-roads northwest to Seville, one of Spain’s most entertaining cities. With one of the largest cathedrals in the world, dating from the 16th century, and housing Christopher Columbus’ tomb, this inspiring city also boasts the remains of a 12th century mosque.

Tip: Travel in Easter to enjoy vibrant fiestas in every part of Spain, with Seville leading the celebrations. April is home to the famous Feria de Abril festival, a week long party of flamenco dancing, horse shows and bull fighting.

Sun worshipper?

Why spend an entire holiday bathing on one beach when you enjoy new scenery every day? With plenty of cheap car hire in Alicante , it’s the perfect stepping stone to the 200km stretch of gorgeous Mediterranean sand in the Costa Blanca. Follow the winding coastal roads round the mountains to visit the most famous hotspots or go on your own search for an untouched hideaway. A short wander inland from the beaches offers fascinating medieval towns and orchards filled with citrus trees.

Tip: Driving in a foreign country can be intimidating. Equip yourself with a good map or hire a car with sat-nav, and get familiar with Spanish road signs before your trip.

Adrenaline junkie?

Fly into Madrid and either pre-book car hire or rent a car at the airport to enjoy a magnificent drive north to see Pamplona, the jewel in the crown of the Basque country. Famous for the festival of San Fermin and its bull-running, Pamplona attracts thousands of dare devils every July as six bulls and six oxen race through the crowd-filled winding lanes of the town. Hispanic legend tells that this fascinating practice began when traders would use a mixture of fear and excitement to speed up their bulls’ journey to the market. This blend of emotions still runs high during this unique event and is sure to set pulses racing in even the bravest travellers.

Tip: Book your hotel in Pamplona well in advance as they sell out early; the festival runs every year from the 6th to 14th July.

Resources to plan your driving holiday in Spain

Spain Driving Trip Planner
Planning Your Ultimate Roadtrip in Spain
Beaches in Alicante
Pamplona Bull Run (San Fermin)

Photo Credits:  Seville Cathedral  by  Herry Lawford , Alicante by Bea y Fredi , Pamplona by viajar24h

More Spanish adventures

A visit to Ojén – the Pueblos Blancos of Andalucia
Seafood on the beach at the Chiringuito in Spain
08 Valencia in the Springtime – podcast

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com – Read more travel articles at Travel Blog Home

You’ll also find our sister blog with tips on how to build a successful travel blog at My Blogging Journey

Don’t miss out – subscribe to Heather on her travels