Al-Andalus in seven days

The towns in the Axarquía region of Málaga province have a lot to tell us about the culture that first prepared these sweet delicacies.

Would you like to get a taste for Andalusia? This tour will take you on a journey through the Andalusia of al-Andalus, with its multi-layered cultural, artistic and folkloric history, developed over countless centuries by the many civilisations that have passed through it.

Málaga is one of its most famous cities. Its illustrious cultural present as the south’s city of museums is complemented by a magnificent archaeological past: with its Alcazaba [Muslim citadel], Roman Theatre and the Gibralfaro Castle; the outstanding Renaissance and Baroque features of its cathedral and the city centre’s most traditional churches; its nineteenth century urban design, visible in its architecture and rounded street corners (designed to improve ventilation), and finally…Picasso. Málaga was the birthplace and first sparked the creative talent of this inimitable genius: arguably the most important painter in the history of art.

Travelling onwards towards Granada, it’s well worth making a stopover at Riofrío, , close to the town of Loja. Famous for its eco-friendly fish farms, Riofrío is the place to visit for trout and organic sturgeon caviar.Granada is one of the world’s most alluring cities, with no end of sights to discover. The world-renowned Alhambra and Generalife Gardens are genuine must-sees, but to really get to know the city, make time to visit Realejo – the old Jewish quarter, the neighbourhoods of Albaicín and Sacromonte and the historic city centre.

Together with its Royal Chapel [Capilla Real], the Cathedral, and the Cartuja and St. Jerome Monasteries [Monasterio de la Cartuja and Monasterio de San Jerónimo], it’s hard to think of another city that offers more historical and artistic value.

On our way to Córdoba,Antequeramakes for a fascinating stopover. This unique city has been of great importance since prehistoric times, demonstrated by the fact that the Dolmens of Menga, Viera and El Romeral are still standing, now protected by UNESCO World Heritage status. Its Baroque churches, the Alcazaba and the Arc of the Giants [Arco de los Gigantes] are just a few of this city’s unmissable sights, bordered by the spectacular natural landscape of the Torcal nature reserve.

Córdoba is another mesmerising city. With its Mosque, historical city centre and, most recently, the ruins of the Muslim palace of Medina Azahara named UNESCO World Heritage sites, Córdoba was the heart of the Islamic world during the Caliphate of Córdoba. Today, it’s a beautiful city that is full of fascinating sights. Wander through the neighbourhoods of San Basilio and La Judería [´the Jewish Quarter’] to discover the patios, yet another example of the city’s World Heritage, this time of the intangible kind. They are recognised by UNESCO for their part in Córdoba’s rich seam of cultural traditions.

It’s worth making a separate stop at theMedina Azahara ruins, on the way to Seville. Seven kilometres away from Córdoba, this palatial city is surprisingly well-preserved, one of its most impressive features being the Salón Rico [the Rich Chamber], commissioned by Abderramán III for hosting diplomatic visits.

Osuna, seat of a Duchy by the same name, is a town of great beauty. Its elegant cloisters, palaces and churches together form a unique, picturesque urban environment, with many viewing platforms from which to admire it. The town is also home to the Coto de las Canteras: a site known as the ‘Petra of Andalusia’, a historically evocative experience that you’ll never forget.

Sevilla is the capital of Andalusia and the south’s grandest city, known for its splendour throughout the ages. The city has no end of attractions, as can be seen in this broad overview: the Torre de Oro [Golden Tower], María Luisa Park and the spectacular Plaza de España are unmissable sights; as are the Alcázar, Seville’s Muslim fort, and the Cathedral with its Giralda (a minaret converted into a Christian bell-tower), which is one of the landmarks of Gothic art in Spain.

Take a stroll through the old town and historic neighbourhoods like Santa Cruz and you’re sure to fall under the spell of a city that is truly one of a kind.

Our trip reaches its end in Jerez de la Frontera,the home of sherry, horse culture and flamenco, which also has a pretty historic centre with an appealing, vibrant atmosphere. Gothic churches, cobbled streets, magnificent nineteenth-century architecture and impressive squares on a grand scale… Jerez is the perfect epilogue for this journey through al-Andalus.