1, 2, 3… cities of Andalusia
Cities of Andalusia definitely have a soul! Each city described below has something original to offer, and they are all connected to each other by complex history which manifests itself in their culture. When visiting Andalusia we travel through religions, from the Great Mosque of Córdoba to Seville Cathedral. They say you can’t be in two places at the same time, and yet Andalusia feels like Africa and Spain combined. Impressive fortresses and lavish palaces flooded with lush, green, well-kept gardens and palm trees. So, without further ado…
1. Elegant Seville
When you hear Seville, you immediately see the beautiful Plaza de España 🧡 Right next to it there is the tropical Maria Luisa Park, perfect for going for a walk, a run, a picnic with kids, or just resting in the shadow of the trees.
Spanish Square bathed in the sun and music
The Alcazar – a palace surrounded by gardens, which dates back to the Age of Discovery, is a stunning, breathtaking place. You can feel the spirit and atmosphere of the Moorish, Arab, and Christian lavishness! I have to admit that I am a huge fan of Mudéjar style in architecture which you can admire there 🧡
The city is fascinating for children and adults alike. Grownups will surely enjoy elegant restaurants with delicious food and drinks, offering wonderful dinners on rooftops overlooking the thriving city. Children will love playgrounds – Seville is full of them – where they can make international friends.
Park pełen cienia rzucanego przez palmy - chwila ulgi
It’s best to find accommodation near the Triana Bridge, which is within a walking distance from the main promenade, Torre del Oro, or the majestic Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See with the Giralda Tower. It’s a stone throw away from the lively banks of the Gwadalkiwir, where people sit on stairs, laugh, have fun… all that accompanied by live music.
Seville can be hot and crowded even in October – especially if you choose to visit during Columbus Day with all its parades 😉 Nonetheless, that is the perfect time to experience the atmosphere of this city!
2. Less known Córdoba
When in Córdoba, you absolutely must see the Mezquita! It is the biggest (former) mosque in Europe. I find it genuinely impressive. Right next to it there is an ancient Roman bridge, the city’s landmark, and an awesome playground for children nearby (it’s fun for grownups too! 😉).
Walking through the city you will come across representative courtyards and squares with fountains, such as the beautifully illuminated Plaza de la Corredera where we saw a match with the Polish national football team on a large outdoor screen 😉 The whole historic center and area along the river tempt tourists with their energy and cozy little cafés. The place is popular with tourists – crowds can be discouraging and make it difficult to fully enjoy the city, but Córdoba is definitely worth visiting, even if for a day!
3. Modern Malaga
Malaga is a modern port city with an exotic vibe. There is a tropical park leading to lively beaches which invite you to take a long stroll along the sea and admire sunsets in the port. Huge cranes are slightly intimidating, and impressive ships with their luxurious restaurants offer space for exclusive parties and dinners.
The sidewalks and promenades in the center are paved with characteristic, shiny tiles. This is where you will find Church of San Juan Bautista or Picasso’s museum – the latter was a fabulous experience (and a lesson of English) for our five-year-old. I was enchanted with how impressed M was with Picasso’s works 🧡
Staying in the center we had an opportunity to experience endless evenings and nightlife which stretched until early mornings. The hum of the city, laughter and chatting always puts me in a good mood! We had probably the best tapas in the whole Andalusia at Central de Atarazanas, not to mention the wonderful churros we had in the old square 🧡
Churros, tapas, shopping, noise - market hall in the centre of Malaga
Since it was the second time we had been to Malaga (the first being a change of flights when we were flying to Brazil) we didn’t see the Alcazaba palatial fortification, with its viewpoints that time – but I highly recommend it nonetheless! Since the place is full of fascinating nooks and crannies, it can be an interesting history lesson combined with a run, and topped with the beautiful panorama of the city, sea, port, and mountains nearby.
Beach in Malaga… see you soon? 😏
Andalusian cities are the essence of Spain – their joy, noise (and it can get pretty noisy 😉) and vigor, are waiting for you 24/7 🧡 Siesta is the only time to get some rest there 😉 Going there with kids is a truly fascinating adventure – their eclectic character allows you to experience modernity, elegance, and exoticism – all at once!