Spain
Spain is a symphony of passion—one that swept me up from the moment I landed in Granada. Over eight days, I journeyed through ancient palaces, whitewashed villages, flamenco nights, and sunlit coastal markets, discovering the soul of Andalusia.
Granada’s Moorish Majesty
My adventure began at the Hospes Palacio de los Patos, a 19th-century palace turned luxury hotel that made the perfect base to explore Granada. I wandered the cobbled lanes of the Albayzin, stopping at hidden plazas where the scent of orange blossoms mingled with the distant strum of Spanish guitar.
A private guide led me through the soaring halls and intricate gardens of the Alhambra—each carved arch and tranquil courtyard revealing stories of sultans and emirs. By night, Granada’s culinary scene dazzled with dinners at Las Tinajas and Le Bistró, where local wines paired beautifully with tapas bursting with flavors of the south.
Cordoba: Arches & Alleyways of a Timeless City
On our way to Seville, we detoured into Cordoba, where history lingered in every sunlit square. We stepped into the Mezquita, its endless red-and-white arches a breathtaking testament to Spain’s layered past. The Jewish Quarter’s labyrinth of narrow streets revealed hidden courtyards bursting with geraniums. A lingering lunch gave me time to soak up the city’s slow pace before continuing our journey.
Seville: Flamenco, Flavors & Iconic Sights
Seville stole my heart from the moment we checked into Las Casas del Rey de Baeza. Days were filled with private tours of the Gothic Seville Cathedral, the towering Giralda, and the fairytale Alcazar—each a masterpiece of Mudéjar and Renaissance design.
One morning, I met my chef for an Andalusian cooking class, starting with a visit to the bustling market for the day’s freshest ingredients. Soon, we were whisking gazpacho, frying cod fritters, and sipping local sherry as stories of Andalusia’s culinary heritage unfolded in the kitchen.
Evenings came alive with flamenco shows that sent chills down my spine, followed by tapas tours through Seville’s buzzing bars. From El ConTenedor’s creative plates to Mamarracha’s smoky grilled specialties, every meal was a celebration.
White Villages & Ronda: A Scenic Sojourn
No Andalusian trip is complete without venturing into the Sierra de Grazalema’s white villages. We wound our way through mountain roads to Zahara, its castle ruins standing guard over turquoise lakes, then to Ronda, where the dizzying Puente Nuevo bridge spans a sheer gorge—one of Spain’s most dramatic sights. Sampling Payoyo cheese and hearty mountain stews made the day even more unforgettable.
Malaga: Coastal Energy & Culinary Revelations
Our final stop was Malaga, where the Palacio Solecio offered a chic haven steps from the Mediterranean. Days were spent weaving through the city’s lively streets with a local host, tasting everything from just-fried churros dusted with sugar to briny anchovies fresh from the sea. At the bustling Atarazanas Market, we sampled olives, cheeses, and Iberian ham while vendors proudly shared family stories.
Afternoons brought time to wander Malaga’s galleries and soak up the laid-back vibe of the Costa del Sol. Evenings ended with dinners at Matiz and Las Chinitas, where innovative dishes celebrated Andalusia’s bounty.
From Granada’s Moorish palaces to Malaga’s golden sunsets, Spain revealed itself as a land where history, flavor, and passion intertwine. If you’re ready to sip sangria in a flower-strewn courtyard or dance the night away under Seville’s stars, let me craft your perfect Spanish escape.