Southern Europe, 43 days of new experiences

[Meggsy]

Day 16 Continued

Just some additional photos of Mijas and Torremolinos.


The taxi rank in Mijas


Village of Mijas


Catholic Church and viewing platform


Views down to the coast from Mijas


The Catholic Church, still functional


Plaza Virgen de la Pena, Mijas


Sand sculptures, Bajondillo beach


Sunset over the Med from our hotel


Roof top bar of the Melia hotel


Views from the roof top bar looking north towards Malaga

 

[Meggsy]

Day 17

Completely free day today if you so choose or there was an optional trip to Malaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol. Easy decision for us as we chose early in the trip to join in for all of the optional activities, so after another hotel buffet breakfast we boarded the coach for the short drive up the coast to Malaga.

First stop today was the Gibralfaro Castle, perched on the hill side overlooking the city and providing magnificent views up and down the coast. We once again had a local guide for the day who led us through the museum and around the castle grounds before we departed for a walking to ur of the city below.

Highlights of this walking tour were an opportunity to visit the birdhouse of Pablo Picasso which now has a small museum run by the Picasso foundation and a number of his less famous works.

From here we crossed over Plaza de la Merced to the statue of Picasso on his beloved park bench and a walk through the local markets that were operating in the plaza at the time. We then visited a local winery for some tasting of the recent vintages, followed by a visit to the Roman Theatre.

From here we wandered through a series of small laneways that showed off an amazing array of beautifully tended courtyards before we went to the Cathedral of Malaga and down Calle Molina Lario to the Plaza de la Marina, where we met the coach again for our return to Torremolinos.

This afternoon was free time and we took the opportunity to catch up on some much needed laundry at the public laundromat just up the road. We had some lunch and a few beers at Bistro Europa while waiting and then headed back to the hotel for some down time. I headed out by myself again walking south along the esplanade for about 45 minutes checking out all manner of shops and beach clubs along the way. Finally the heat started to get the better of me, so I turned tail to head home and cool off for a while.

Tonight we had an optional dinner which was called 'Sea to Table' at a beachfront seafood restaurant, Casa Florido. The dishes were all delightful and finished off with a signature dish, Fritura Malaguena, or Sea Bass baked inside a sea salt covering. Very tasty. After dinner we were able to grab a gelato and enjoy a leisurely walk back to the hotel, enjoying the balmy weather, before one final visit and drink at the roof top bar ended what had been a wonderful day.


Sunrise from our balcony


Views from Gibralfaro Castle


La Malagueta Bullring


Sign outside Picassos birthplace home


Pablo Picasso


Fountain in Plaza de la Marina


Roman Theatre, Malaga


Calle Chiriva, Torremolinos


Baked Sea Bass


The view on the walk back to our hotel. Lovely evening

 

[LadyC]

Just catching up on your TR. I have enjoyed many of the Spanish cities you visited and would love to return and explore more. Portugal looks beautiful and is another destination for the ever growing list!

 

[Meggsy]

Day 18

After a great nights sleep it was bags out early once more and we said a sad farewell to the beautiful Costa Del Sol. Tonights destination was Granada with a couple of activities on the journey to see some different aspects of the region.

First stop, after about 90 minutes driving, was an Olive Cooperative, Virgen De Monsalud, at Alfarnate, where we had a tour of the plant, a wonderful explanation of the process to extract and process the oil and a tasting session of some plain, fresh baked bread and several different oils. This is serious business in this part of the world and with Spain producing nearly half of the worlds Olive Oil it is easy to understand why.

From the coop we then took a short drive to a sleepy little village called Alfarnatejo, population 500, where we had a short walking tour of the village highlighted by a visit to the 18th century Iglesia del Santo Cristo de Cabrilla. This was followed by a dining with the locals experience. We were split into three groups and went off to a local home where the owners had prepared a wonderful three course meal displaying flavours typical of the region and made with fresh local produce, delicious and unique to say the least.

Completely stuffed, we waddled back to the coach to settle in for the 90 minute drive to Granada for a visit to the spectacular Alhambra Palace. The Alhambra was constructed as a citadel by the moors in the 13th century and is truly stunning to wander around and marvel at the architecture, fountains and gardens. This is a must see for anyone visiting Granada. It is simply stunning.

A local guide met us at the Alhambra and took us on very enjoyable 2 hour tour that photos don’t do justice too.

We had a short 20 minute drive from here to our hotel for the night, The Hotel Vincci Albayzin, Granada. Nice hotel, very handy to most things on foot and enjoyed the breakfast buffet the following morning. The hotel is situated on Carrera de la Virgen, which is a lovely place to walk along and leads into the Plaza del Campillo. We set off to find a Tapas bar for dinner and after a couple of false starts as it was too early (6pm) we finally found a Pizza bar that was serving and we settled in for a good feed. We finished the night off with a gentle stroll through the main shopping/dining streets, taking the long way back to the hotel.


The local produce at the Olive Co-op


Olive trees as far as the eye could see


The village we stopped at for lunch


Views from the public park at Alfarnatejo


Iglesia del Santo Cristo de Cabrilla


Our lunch hosts


The entrance to the Alhambra in Granada


Outside of the palace


Inside the Palace of Charles V


The detail is amazing

 

[Meggsy]

Day 18 Continued

The following are more photos from the Alhambra and a couple in Granada



Alhambra


Alhambra


Alhambra


Alhambra


Alhambra


Alhambra


Alhambra


Alhambra


Walking along Carrera de la Virgen towards Plaza del Campillo, Granada


Fuente de las Granadas

 

[Meggsy]

Just catching up on your TR. I have enjoyed many of the Spanish cities you visited and would love to return and explore more. Portugal looks beautiful and is another destination for the ever growing list!

Thanks LadyC. Portugal was indeed amazing and I would have loved a few extra days in Lisbon. Good excuse for a return trip.

 

[kermatu]

Bringing back the Alhambra memories...

 

[Meggsy]

Day 19

Long day in the coach today with a 520 k drive to reach Valencia. Our route took us through the Sierra Nevada region just outside of Granada, the filming location of many western films over the years, before we had a lunch stop at a road house just outside of Murcia. From here we pretty well followed the coastal highway all the way to Valencia, overlooking the many wonderful resorts and marinas along the way.

On arrival in Valencia about 3 pm we first visited the science and culture park, Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Very pretty place with some wonderful architecture. I particularly liked the performing arts theatre, built to symbolise an old spanish Morion Helmet. We then headed across the wonderful parklands that have been built on the old river bed to our hotel for the night, the Barcelo Valencia. We had an hour or so to relax before the evening tour so we headed upstairs to the roof top bar we were told about for a cool drink and a great view of the city skyline.

We boarded the coach again at 5pm for a city tour before being dropped off at the Plaza de la Reina. From here we had 1 hour of free time to explore before regrouping for dinner. We decided to back track and visit some of the sights we saw from the coach earlier. We headed down to the main train station and adjacent bull ring, enjoying many of the wonderful buildings along the walk before returning to the meeting point, the Cathedral of Valencia. After a quick visit inside we then met up with the group and set off on a short walk to the restaurant, Boix Quatre, for dinner, which involved a cooking demonstration of the traditional Paella before trying a few varieties of it.

I quite enjoyed the rabbit based Paella but seafood is still my favourite.

From the restaurant we headed back to our hotel, reflecting on what a wonderful city Valencia is, and a little sad we did not have more time here to explore.


Driving through Sierra Nevada


Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, IMax building in foreground, performing arts centre to the rear


Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, Science Museum to the left, event space in the domed building to the right


View from the roof top bar of Barcelo Valencia


Bell tower of the Cathedral


Main Railway Station, Valencia Nord


Inside the main railway station





Bullring of Valencia


Fountain in Plaza de la Virgen

 

[Meggsy]

Day 20

Bags out early and on the coach on another picture perfect day. Todays 350 k drive will take us to Barcelona, the last destination of the tour.

We had a pleasant stopover at Peniscola, a chance for some morning tea and stretch the legs along the very pretty shoreline with views over the castle used during filming of El Cid. There was a nice little cafe/bakery on the waterfront that was open so we got some coffee and cookies and wandered over to the beach to watch the world go by. We were also entertained by a Canadair CL215 aerial water bomber doing practice runs just off the beach for the whole time we were there.

From Peniscola we headed further north, along the coast before heading slightly inland just before Barcelona to a place called Sant Sadurni d’anova, where we visited Caves Castellroig winery. We spent about 90 minutes here learning about the history of Spanish bubbly, tasting some nice wines and having a light lunch.

We then headed to our hotel in Barcelona, the Melia Barcelona Sarria to check in to our home for the next three nights.

Tonight was completely free time if you wish or there was an optional tour of Gaudi’s Parc Guell, followed by a trip down to the coast to Port Olympic, where we could find our own place to have dinner.

Parc Guell is something to see, a little quirky, just plain odd at times, but an amazing space, perched up on the hills and providing a wonderful view over the city. After a guided tour through the park we headed to the port where we found a nice casual restaurant overlooking the marina and settled back for a few coughtails, beers and a good feed, before having a pleasant stroll around the casino area while awaiting the coach to collect us.

We then had an evening scenic drive through parts of the harbour and city, before we headed up to the area where the Olympic Stadium, Communications tower and most of the Olympic Games events were held, before finishing off the night with a show at the Magic Fountain outside the National Arts Museum of Catalunya. Big crowds but spectacular lights and music synced with the fountain. Think Bellagio in Vegas, but better in my opinion. A lovely way to end what had been a terrific day.


Name says it all


Peniscola beach


Sand sculpting on the beach at Peniscola


Southern end of the beach and the Castle of Peniscola on the headland





A more protected beach on the opposite side of the headland


Entry to the winery at Catellroig


A nice red with lunch





One of the cellars at Castellroig

 

[Meggsy]

Day 20 Continued

Arrival in Barcelona and onto to Parc Guell and Port Olympic.


Elevated walkway supports at Parc Guell


View over the city from Parc Guell


Parc Guell


Parc Guell


Parc Guell


Pathway through the wave tube cave Parc Guell


Our dinner spot overlooking the marina


Sculpture by Frank Gehry at the Port Olympic


Laser light show from Arts Museum


Magic Fountain show

 

[Meggsy]

Day 21

Another cracking day on the weather front saw those of us that chose the optional tour this morning heading up the sacred mountain of Montserrat. A relatively easy drive on the coach through the city soon saw us winding our way up the mountain and through some fog before we burst out into clear sunshine, where we hopped off the coach for the short walk to the Basilica Real to see the mystical Black Madonna.

The panoramic views from up here were quite limited by the fog on our arrival but had started to clear an hour later, slowly revealing the wonderful views back towards the coast.

Viewing of the Black Madonna can be done in 2 ways, either from a distance in the main hall of the cathedral, which is not controlled or by very controlled small groups you can access the altar where the sculpture is housed to view it up close. We chose the latter and had about a 20 minute wait before we were escorted up.

After this we then explored the cathedral for a while and were amazed at the many fantastic works of art scattered throughout the place.

All too soon we were walking back to the coach for the afternoons tour of the city and a visit to La Rambla and La Sagrada Familia.

We stopped for a bit of lunch at a cafe near La Sagrada Familia before we met up with our local guide for the afternoon. Fascinating history of the vision and reasons that inspired Gaudi to design this place and it is great to see that construction to finish it off has resumed and expected to be completed in 2026.

We then had a short hop over to La Rambla where we were free to wander for an hour. Keeping an eye out for all the pickpockets and scammers we were warned about, but saw nothing, thankfully.

We then returned to our hotel to freshen up and prepare for our celebratory, last night of tour, dinner.

As many of our tour companions were leaving early the following morning this was the opportunity to say goodbye and enjoy one last meal and wine together and we had a wonderful meal and reflected on what an amazing 15 days it had been on this trip.

Would I do this kind of escorted bus tour again, most definitely. It can be a little tiring with the constant check in, check out and keep moving but we would never have covered the ground nor saw as many of the sights we did if we were doing this under our own steam and there is something nice about being dropped off at the front of the hotel, given your room keys and walk off. All you have to remember is what time your bag needs to be out by and what time to be on the coach each day. Stress free and relaxing. Tomorrow we start the next part of this trip, with just the four of us for a week until we join our cruise.


Driving up the Montserrat through the fog


Up the mountain looking back down


The funicular that can take you to further sacred sites up the mountain


Black Madonna


Artworks inside the basilica


The Black Madonna in her altar of gold


View of the mountain from the basilica entrance


Sculptures in the basilica


Fog clearing slowly on our departure


The Montserrat mountain

 

[Meggsy]

Day 21 continued


La Sagrada Familia


La Sagrada Familia


La Sagrada Familia


Inside La Sagrada Familia


Inside La Sagrada Familia


Inside La Sagrada Familia


Inside La Sagrada Familia


An artist impression of the completed La Sagrada


Cathedral of Catalonia


Placa de Catalunya

 

[amaroo]

Just read cover to cover - this is an excellent TR with so many awesome photos. You have brought back many memories of what we've already seen in Spain, but more importantly you've given us some great insights to what we will get to see over the next few weeks.

You certainly covered some ground and got to see a really big chunk of Spain and Portugal. Thanks for taking the time to write and post - it does take some effort.

 

[LadyC]

How amazing is Alhambra - I think the favourite of all the places I visited in Spain. Lots of great photos in your TR too!

 

[Meggsy]

Just read cover to cover - this is an excellent TR with so many awesome photos. You have brought back many memories of what we've already seen in Spain, but more importantly you've given us some great insights to what we will get to see over the next few weeks.

You certainly covered some ground and got to see a really big chunk of Spain and Portugal. Thanks for taking the time to write and post - it does take some effort.

Thanks amaroo. I have learnt so much through this forum that has helped to improve my travels. This is my chance to return the favour and hopefully help others in the same way.

 

[Meggsy]

Day 22

Insight tour is officially over and we are still in Barcelona. We decided to add an extra night here at our own expense to give us a free day with nothing planned, a chance to have a casual wander around Barcelona and sort ourselves for the next leg of the trip.

We had a little sleep in today before we met our travelling companions to decide on the plan for the day. We decided that we would head back to La Rambla and wander the full length from top to bottom and check out a few recommended stops along the way.

We then got a message from our Insight tour director asking if we wanted to catch up for a beer before we left. He was a young Aussie from Victoria and a real gem of a person. He had a couple of days by himself before his next tour commenced, so we organised a meet up at Belushis Bar, near the top of La Rambla, for a few cold ones before saying our farewells and heading off.

First stop was the public market Mercado de La Boqueria, about half way down La Rambla on the right. A fascinating range of fresh and preserved foods and snacks, and a great place to just wander and get lost in for a while.

From here we headed across and down the street to a bar recommended to us called El Bosc de Les Fades, loosely translated to the fairy bar. Worth a look with its strange decor and wooded decorations but we were soon off again and headed to the port end of La Rambla to see the Mirador de Colom or monument to Columbus.

We jumped in a taxi here to head to the National Arts Museum of Catalunya as we wanted to see it in the daylight. It is a very impressive building and the forecourt area leading down to the magic fountain is very well done. We had a bite of lunch in one of the small cafes in the park by the fountain and then decided we would head back for a leisurely few hours at the hotel before heading out for the evening.

We got a little caught out tonight by many traditional local restaurants that don’t serve food until quite late. We were walking the streets at 7pm and being turned away from every place as they were not yet doing meals. As it normally goes, after walking for an hour, unsuccessfully trying multiple places, we eventually found a nice Italian restaurant 100 metres from the hotel called La Tagliatella. The food here was delicious and satisfied the hunger nicely. We then had a short walk back to the hotel to pack and prepare for our early departure to Nice in the morning.


The top of La Rambla


Mercado de La Boqueria


Mercado de La Boqueria


Mercado de La Boqueria


Just doing some market research on pricing


The fairy bar off La Rambla


Mirador de Colom or monument to Columbus


The National Arts Museum of Catalunya


Views back over the city from the forecourt of the National Arts Museum


Communications tower built for the Olympic games

 

[JohnM]

Very late aboard. Don't know how I missed this - but I have been busy with a few ramblings of my own.

Great stuff!

 

[VPS]

Thanks @Meggsy - not sure I could handle an organised tour again with all those early starts but great photos and TR

 

[Meggsy]

Day 23

A 5am start today as we say goodbye to Barcelona and Spain. We booked a cab to take us to BCN airport and after playing tetris to fit our bags and four adults in the cab we were soon underway for the short 20 minute trip to Terminal 1 at BCN.

Our flight today was BCN to NCE flying with Vueling on an A320 aircraft. Vueling is a Spanish LCC and we had no complaints at all. The boarding process was a little odd but overall would fly with them again. We had seats 7D and 7F with no one in between. Flight VY1515 BCN-NCE scheduled for 0720 departure. Boarding commenced on time but was a case of get scanned at the gate, walk down the aerobridge to a holding pen, wait for the bus and then drive to a stand off bay some 10 minutes or so away. It was all quite painless just a little odd as I said. We settled in and departed on time, landing in Nice 5 minutes ahead of schedule. Clean and tidy aircraft, good crew and service, cheap as chips flights, so happy to recommend Vueling based on this one experience.

Collected our bags in Terminal 1 and then the fun started. We cleared the non existent customs area and followed the signs for the Avis car rental counter. Not occupied but has a sign and arrow pointing to the eastern end of the terminal to car rental agent across the road in the car park area. Get to the car park sign saying we have moved to the other terminal and please catch the shuttle bus from the western end of the terminal. 1 hour after landing we are on a shuttle bus for T2 parking garage, where there is 2 Avis agents working and a line of at least 50 people. A further 60 minutes had passed by the time we finally got our keys and headed off to collect our vehicle. It was about 11am by this stage, still too early to check in to our hotel, the Hôtel Mercure Nice Marché aux Fleurs, on the Promenade, so we decided to take a scenic drive along the coast to Monte Carlo for a spot of lunch and drool over some small boats. We stopped for a coffee at one of the best located Starbucks in the world before wandering around this amazing little principality on foot. Being the Formula 1 fan (nut) that I am it was important to see some of the famous old circuits features before we left for our next destination.

After a brief moment of losing our way in the tunnels heading out of the city we were soon back on track and headed up the hills behind Nice to a lovely little medieval village called Tourrettes-sur-Loup. A pleasant drive of about 30 k or so saw us in the public carpark in the centre of the village and we were soon exploring the narrow lanes and shops of this charming little village, perched on the edge of a rocky outcrop with very nice views out toward the coast. We explored for an hour or so and then found a small patisserie on the edge of the village square for some afternoon tea before we decided to head back to Nice to check in to our hotel.

The rooms were ok, standard Mercure offerings, however the spiral staircases to access our rooms, whilst lumping the luggage made it very difficult for my wife to get all our bags up to the rooms. In case you were wondering where my chivalry had gone, I was next door in the underground carpark depositing the vehicle for the night.

Shortly after we set out on foot to explore the local neighbourhood and find somewhere for dinner. There are many different eateries one street back from the Promenade but we wandered a little further up to the Place du Palais de Justice where we found a nice little Mexican restaurant called La Lupita. Nice atmosphere and wonderful food. A few mojitos and beers later we set off back to the hotel via the Place Massina and called it a day after our very early start.


Driving between Nice and Monte Carlo


The deck at Starbucks, Monte Carlo


F1 fans will recognise this





Beautiful street signs


Tourrettes


Tourrettes


Palais de Justice (Courthouse)


Fontaine du Soleil


Moon rise over the Promenade

 

[JohnK]

Very nice trip report with nice photos @Meggsy.