#Cap de Formentor

[aestum]

(by Radek Skrzypczak)

[isagjuidias]

[zspin]

Lighthouse / Cap de Formentor Mallorca Spain

© Helmut

[zsorosebudphoto]

Coll de la Creueta

Cap Formentor, Mallorca, Illes Balears, 06-12-23

[moshmallorca]

📸: Photograph taken on the way to Cape Formentor. ⁉️ Did you know that the lighthouse of Formentor is the highest lighthouse in the Balearic Islands with a focal height of 210 metres above sea level, located on high cliffs at the tip of Cap de Formentor. Don't wait to go there and enjoy the wonderful sunsets. 🌅 #formentor #lighthouse #sea #sunset #mallorca #mallorcasunsets #views #architecture #lifestyle #mallorcaviews #oldtown #momentslikethis (at Cap De Formentor, Mallorca) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn46sL0D9ju/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[glamourkatta]

Cap de Formentor✨🇪🇸

[thisismallorca]

This is the lighthouse of Cap de Formentor in Mallorca. What a stunning place. 😍 Check our Instagram for more content @thisismallorca

[moterografo]

Ruta 2500KMs (Parte I): Lagunas de Ruidera-Valencia-Mallorca

Ruta: Montijo-Sevilla-Tomelloso-Valencia-Mallorca Distancia Aprox: >2500 Kms Tiempo Estim: 3 semanas

🖱️ *Pulsa sobre imágenes para verlas a mayor resolución.

Introducción

Por ciertos motivos personales debo decir que este viaje fue muy especial y único en mi vida. Es el primer viaje en el que, de forma ininterrumpida, voy viajando de ciudad en ciudad superando los 2000Kms totales de distancia. Desde Montijo, pasando por Sevilla, Tomelloso, luego Valencia, después ferry hasta Mallorca, ferry hasta Barcelona, Lleida, Barbastro y sur de Pamplona, norte de Palencia, la zona de Hervás y vuelta a casa en Montijo.

Ha sido una experiencia preciosa, con inmejorable compañía y, por supuesto, alforjas plenas que aún fueron llenándose más y más con cada visita y encuentros con buenos amigos.

El viaje comenzó con una primera parada en Sevilla para después llegar a Tomelloso, por el camino disfrutando de un buen plato de mollejas de cordero y mejor vino por las serpenteantes y laberínticas calles de Montoro, concretamente en el Restaurante Casa Bar Yépez.

Lagunas de Ruidera

Una de las paradas menos programadas pero más impactantes, sobre todo en cuanto a lo visual, fueron las Lagunas de Ruidera (Albacete y Ciudad Real). Un parque natural de varias lagunas interconectadas, cada una con personalidad propia y en donde se puede disfrutar de una jornada de descanso, tours, zonas de baño y deportes acuáticos varios.

La estancia la pasamos en Tomelloso, donde tuvimos la oportunidad de cenar en El Rinconcito, lugar particular con excelentes tapas, vino y aún mejor trato. De allí y por carretera apuntamos a nuestro próximo destino: Valencia.

Valencia

Siguiente parada fue en Valencia, concretamente Alzira, por eso la imagen de la escultura del Parc de l'Alquenència, gran pulmón de la ciudad. Jornada playera en Cullera y visita express a nuestros queridos amigos del festival WIERD en su clausura. Lo cual también nos permitió generar una conexión con Lleida, que veremos en el próximo capítulo de este viaje.

Desde la capital, Valencia, iniciamos la siguiente parte de la ruta: navegación en ferry hasta Mallorca.

Mallorca

Admito que ya estaba tardando en visitar las islas y, de hecho, ese sentimiento no hizo sino acrecentarse una vez estuve allí, descubriendo todo lo que me había perdido hasta la fecha.

Cabo de Formentor

Uno de los elementos más impresionantes de cuando uno llega a Mallorca por primera vez es ver ese contraste entre playa, vegetación y montaña que recuerda a latitudes más tropicales. En una de nuestras primeras paradas y, como se puede observar en las imágenes, desde el mirador del Cap de Formentor esto se percibe de forma casi inmediata. Se trata de una subida dura si, como a nosotros, te toca conducir a velocidad tortuga debido a la enorme cantidad de tráfico que suele haber (eso en Octubre, no quiero ni imaginar en pleno verano). Para desquitarnos continuamos nuestra ruta bajando por un puerto de montaña lleno de curvas hasta llegar al puerto de Sóller para disfrutar de una tarde de playa.

Sant Salvador

Para el día siguiente nuestras ruedas enfilaron hacia el Santuario de Sant Salvador, en donde también se puede disfrutar de una de las vistas más impresionantes de la isla, así como de este monasterio del s.XIV (restaurado en el s.XVIII), y desayunar en la terraza rodeado de este magnífico espectáculo (eso sí, no será el desayuno más barato de tu vida).

Valldemossa

Se podría decir que Valldemosa es la Besalú mallorquí. Una ciudad medieval construida en piedra de suelo a cielo, salpicada de iglesias, palacios y parques y cuya vecindad conserva la bonita tradición de vestir sus calles de toda suerte de macetas con plantas y flores.

Castillo de Bellver

Esta primera narración del viaje finaliza (de momento) en la capital: Palma de Mallorca. Indispensable visitar uno de los 4 castillos europeos que existen de planta redonda: El Castillo de Bellver. Su estado de conservación es exquisito y por sus paredes rezuma una gran cantidad de historias, complots dinásticos y relatos de quienes fueron sus residentes (voluntarios o forzosos). Se cree que su planta circular es un intento de cuadratura del círculo.

[noki-online]

Stockfoto: Mallorca, Cap de Formentor, Cala Figuera

[simplysaru]

Pano before Formentor

You see the Cap de Formentor on the left.

[tuckertravels]

Cap de Formentor, Mallorca, España

[raiding]

Seizing the day meant getting to Palma on time (thank you, BA) and across Palma on the excellent bus service (thank you, TIB - Transports de les Illes Balears). Having dropped my bag at my basic but very nice hotel, I walked across old Pollenca to find Gary at n+1 bicycles, and picked up one of his excellent stainless steel framed Independent Fabrication road bikes. He had it all set up for me, despite my having completely messed up the dimensions I'd sent him. Fortunately, he knows me, so he didn't believe I was a giraffe.

So I got a ride in, starting at 5 pm, out to the lighthouse at Cap Formentor. That switchback road across the sides of razor-sharp rocky headlands sometimes scares me, even though I don't scare easily. Today, in the evening sunshine, it was just a treat.

[lesombresnomades]

Les ombres à Majorque !

Après une longue pause imposée par la COVID, nous reprenons enfin l'avion à destination des îles Baléares, plus précisément de Majorque pour ces vacances de la Toussaint 2022. Nous sommes partis une semaine et avons loué une maison au nord de l' île ainsi qu'une voiture afin de faciliter les déplacements. Nous avons privilégié les randonnées et quelques visites de villages typiques.

Nous avons choisi cette destination située seulement à 1h d'avion de Bordeaux, notre nouveau lieu de vie, et bénéficiant d'un climat doux à cette période de l'année. Contrairement aux idées reçues, cette île offre encore de très beaux coins de nature préservés du tourisme de masse.

Jour 1 - Première randonnée, Talaia d'Alcudia :

Nous commençons cette première journée par la visite d'Alcudia et une petite randonnée sur les hauteurs de la ville afin de se mettre en forme.

Située au Nord-Ouest de Majorque, à une soixantaine de kilomètres de la capitale Palma, la petite ville d’Alcúdia est l’une des plus anciennes de l’île, et l’une des cités majorquines dont l’héritage historique et culturel a été le mieux préservé. Nous visitons cette ville un samedi matin. Nous profitons du marché, situé au cœur de la beauté médiévale de la vieille ville.

Après la visite de la vieille ville, nous nous dirigeons vers le sanctuaire de la Victoria, point de départ de la randonnée.

Il s'agit de faire l'ascension de cette colline surplombant la ville et sa baie. Il faut compter un peu plus de deux heures pour atteindre le sommet.

Le sentier traverse une pinède laissant entrevoir par moment le Cap Formentor et l'eau turquoise de la baie d'Alcudia. Le chemin est relativement large et accessible au début puis se se fait plus étroit et escarpé au fur à mesure.

Jour 2 – Talaia de Son Jaumell :

Nous prenons la direction du nord est de l'île pour nous rendre à Cala Agulla, départ de la randonnée du jour. Le début de la marche se fait le long de la plage puis grimpe à travers la pinède en direction de Talaia Son Jaumell.

Le sentier est relativement large et facile au début, puis il se rétrécit et devient plus raide jusqu'à atteindre le sommet dénué d'arbres.

Là se dresse la fameuse tour de guet qui culmine à 278m et permet d'avoir une vue imprenable à 360° sur les baies environnantes.

Pour redescendre il est possible d'emprunter un itinéraire via cala Mesquida, par un sentier encore plus escarpé.

Jour 3 – Soller et Puerto de Soller :

Nous partons vers l'ouest dans la région montagneuse de l'île. Nous faisons halte à Soller, petite ville des montagnes. 1H de visite suffit pour découvrir les rues commerçantes avec leurs attrapes-rêves suspendus, l'église et les ruelles étroites.

Cette ville est le point de départ du tramway ancien, tout en bois menant à Puerto de Soller. Le trajet est une vraie visite en soi, permettant de découvrir la végétation, l'architecture en «slow travel» !

L'ambiance de la montagne nous semble loin tellement ce petit village de pêcheur est typique, agréable. Ses ruelles sont parsemées de bougainvilliers, contraste saisissant avec le côté austère de Soller. Il est très agréable de se promener dans cette vieille ville aux maisons de pierre.

Les restaurants sont situés le long du port, offrant un large choix de paëllas et autres plats de la mer. Nous choisissons le Can Joan, au plus près du port et offrant de belles tables ombragées : la paëlla est servie dans des poêles individuelles très chaudes, un vrai régal !

Bon à savoir : pour prendre le tramway, il faut acheter les billets au guichet situé au point de départ du tram, dans la rue située au sud de la Plaça d'Espanya. Il faut acheter le billet le plus tôt possible car il y a foule !

Jour 4 – Formentor :

Nous partons au nord ouest, vers le Cap Formentor, petite péninsule et le point le plus septentrional de l’île. La route est étroite et sinueuse et nous croisons de nombreux cyclistes et chèvres. Après 1h de route, traversant des pinèdes, nous arrivons au phare du Cap de Formentor, juché sur un promontoire à 200 mètres au-dessus du niveau de la mer.

La vue est spectaculaire, tant côté mer que sur les falaises environnantes. Il y a un petit snack permettant de se désaltérer, de profiter du paysage reposant et invitant à la contemplation. Le parking du phare étant très petit il vaut mieux s'y rendre en début de matinée.

Sur le retour, à 20 minutes du phare, nous nous arrêtons au Mirador de Cala Figuera pour faire une randonnée menant à la plage. C'est une petite crique aux eaux turquoise accessible par un petit sentier abrupt : un vrai décor de carte postale. Nous ne résistons pas à l'envie de la baignade dans ce lieu peu fréquenté en ce mois d'octobre avant de pique niquer sur place.

Entre Cala Figuera et le début de la péninsule, des nombreux points de vue aménagés (mirador) permettent de profiter du panorama. Il est préférable de s'y arrêter au retour car situés dans le bon sens de la circulation.

En fin d'après-midi, nous faisons une halte au port de Pollença pour nous poser à la terrasse d'un bar, au bord de l'eau.

Bon à savoir : à noter toutefois, en pleine saison touristique, l’accès au Cap depuis le Port de Pollença est limité aux bus afin d’éviter une saturation des routes et préserver cet environnement naturel.

Jour 5 – Découverte des calas de l'est :

Cap à l'est pour une randonnée permettant de découvrir une succession de petites criques (calas) aux eaux turquoises.

Nous stationnons à la Cala Mesquida (sur le parking situé Carre de la Donzella). Nous empruntons la Calle Esparrell en direction du Sendero de Cala Torta. C'est un chemin aménagé qui se transforme en petit sentier à flanc de colline, surplombant la mer. Pour les moins téméraires, un autre sentier moins escarpé, passe plus en hauteur.

Le chemin nous amène à la Cala Torta en 45 minutes puis continue vers Cala Mitjana, puis Cala Estreta. Nous profitons de chaque crique pour nous baigner puis poursuivons notre randonnée vers la prochaine Cala.

Contrairement aux jours précédents, ce secteur est assez désertique, avec une végétation basse de type garrigue.

C'est une randonnée aller-retour, il faut faire attention au temps passé pour l'aller et prévoir assez de temps pour le retour.

Après cette belle randonnée, nous faisons halte à Cala Rajada pour profiter de la terrasse ombragée d'un bar.

Jour 6 – Serra de Tramuntana :

Nous prenons la route vers l'ouest, en direction de Lluc. Pour atteindre le Sanctuaire de Lluc, nous empruntons une route de montagne pleine de virages serrés à travers des paysages magnifiques, prouvant que le cœur de l'île mérite un peu d'attention, et que Majorque est aussi une destination pour les amoureux de la Nature.

Nous faisons escale au Monastère de Lluc perché à 400m où nous visitons la basilique et profitons de la fraîcheur du jardin botanique. Nous sommes un peu déçus par l'intérieur du bâtiment qui est peu décoré et meublé.

Nous poursuivons cette petite route sinueuse (Ma-10) qui permet d'accéder à un chapelet de petits villages perchés, authentiques : Fornalutx, Déia et Valldemossa.

Accroché sur les flancs de la montagne, avec ses maisons aux couleurs ocres, Fornalutx a un petit air de village provençal. Il est agréable de flâner dans les ruelles pavées tout en profitant du parfum de l’exubérante végétation des jardins environnants : orangers, citronniers, amandiers et oliviers ; sans oublier les palmiers, bougainvilliers, figuiers de barbarie et hibiscus qui inondent les murs de leurs flamboyantes couleurs.

Nous poursuivons la route vers Deia, village perché sur une colline et tout aussi charmant que le précédent. Nous gravissons la colline et découvrons de splendides panoramas sur Deiá, la mer et la Serra de Tramuntana. Nous parvenons à l'église perchée au sommet du village.

Nous prenons la route du retour en passant à proximité du village de Valldemossa rendu célèbre par le séjour de George Sand et Frédéric Chopin.

Jour 7 – Fin de séjour sur la côte sud :

Pour terminer cette belle semaine à Majorque, avant de reprendre l'avion nous décidons de visiter le sud ouest de l’île. Après une brève visite du village d'Andratx, nous dégustons une dernière paëlla sur le port d'Andratx. Nous profitons de la quiétude du lieu, déserté par les touristes en cette fin de saison.

Nous reprenons la route en direction de l'aéroport de Palma en faisant halte dans des criques. Ce coin de l'île est très aménagé et construit, il nous séduit moins que les criques paradisiaques ou les villages de montagne visités les jours précédents.

Notre hébergement (chez Jaume):

Nous avons loué via airbnb une charmante petite maison située en pleine nature, sur les hauteurs de Santa Margalida. Sa situation centrale nous a permis de visiter aussi bien l'ouest que l'est de l'île.

Depuis sa grande terrasse, elle offre des vues sur la baie d'Alcúdia et les montagnes de la Serra de Tramuntana, loin des routes, à la fin d'une impasse, à 10 minutes des plages.

Avec sa terrasse et son jardin, c'est un petit havre de paix au milieu de la nature.

https://www.airbnb.fr/rooms/7606928?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=c66b81cc-1830-4366-af39-675a12529a2d

[jaydeemedia]

[ad_1] Spain’s treasures are seemingly infinite, and you’ll need a lifetime to appreciate everything the country has to offer; even after more than 20 visits, my list of places to visit is growing longer, not shorter. Still, on a one week visit to Spain, you can get a fantastic introductory taste of the country, its culture, and its people – but how should you spend those seven days in Spain? The most obvious multi-city route would take you across three of Spain’s best cities by high-speed rail: Barcelona, Madrid and Seville. However, these large cities are crammed with attractions and deserve at least three (or ideally more) days each. As such, I’d recommend combining only one metropolis with smaller regional towns or cities and visiting at most three or four places during your one week Spain trip – unless you’re on a fast-paced road trip. This is a country where slowing down and enjoying life is more important than speed, after all.  Here, I’ve aimed to split the “big three” into their own multi-city Spain itineraries that would suit travellers who may have already visited one of Spain’s largest cities before or those who want to dive deeper into one or two regions. Most of these one week Spain itineraries can be done by public transport, and I’ve included tips on how best to get around on each route. However, a car sometimes makes more sense, especially if you want to explore the islands or smaller coastal villages. Start and end your road trip in Palma de Mallorca Mallorca’s peaks, playas and Palma Best for: An island adventure road trip The route: Palma > Valldemossa > Deia > Port de Sóller > Fornalutx > Pollença > Playa de Formentor > Cap de Formentor > Caló des Moro > Palma  Why visit: Skip Magaluf and take yourself on a tour of Mallorca’s best playas (beaches), peaks and tucked-away villages on this seven day Spain itinerary which fully embraces island life. Starting and ending in the island’s sophisticated capital city of Palma, this whirlwind road trip packs in plenty. Being the largest of the Balearic Islands – a four major isle group south of Barcelona – you’ll never see everything in one week, and you might want to adapt this itinerary to have a more even spread across the island. However, during this seven day trip, I’ve focused more on the west of Mallorca, where the jagged Serra de Tramuntana mountain range holds many of the island’s best treasures.  When to go: Mallorca is a decent year-round destination thanks to its Mediterranean location. From November to March, evenings can be chilly and the sea water less inviting, but you’ll be able to take in the historic villages and epic vistas with far fewer crowds. I would avoid the summer months, as the most popular beaches become so crowded they can be hard to enjoy. How to get around: Mallorca’s limited train lines make getting around by public transport quite hard, although the heritage rickety wooden train to Sóller is well worth the ride. As such, this seven day Spain itinerary is best enjoyed as a road trip; relying on buses would mean cutting out some stops. If you’d rather hire a campervan than a car, companies such as ROIG car rental in Mallorca Airport offer this service alongside standard and convertible vehicles. Port de Sóller, Mallorca Daily highlights: 7 day Mallorca, Spain itinerary  Whether you choose to enjoy Palma de Mallorca at the start or end of your itinerary, I suggest allowing at least one full day and two nights here. There’s plenty to keep you entertained, from visiting the imposing Gothic Palma Cathedral (La Seu) and the Royal Palace to frequenting some of Spain’s best vermouth bars and fine-dining restaurants. Rising early on day three, set off into the Serra de Tramuntana range to visit two idyllic mountain villages just 15 minutes apart: Valldemossa and Deia. Cobbled streets, Moorish history and religious architecture abound (Valldemossa’s Real Cartuja is a highlight), while Deià’s valley setting is postcard-perfect.

In either town, you’ll find a few boutique guesthouses in old stone buildings to spend the night. On day four, continue to Port de Sóller for a little beach time before visiting Sóller town further inland. Fringed by citrus groves, it’s a pretty sight with a few museums (especially Can Prunera art gallery) worth visiting. Later in the day, head to the isolated and idyllic village of Fornalutx to spend the night. Day five of this seven days in Spain itinerary is all about hiking and reconnecting with nature in the Serra de Tramuntana. From Fornalutx, there are plenty of trail options nearby, and it’s only a short drive to Cúber reservoir, where some of the island’s best tracks begin. End the day in the laid-back honey-hued town of Pollença, ready to spend day six swimming at pristine Playa de Formentor and exploring the cinematic Cap de Formentor, the island’s northernmost point. On day seven, you can either head straight back to Palma or speed over to Caló des Moro – one of the island’s most beautiful and busy beaches – via the town of Manacor. Take a bite into San Sebastián’s excellent food scene Spain’s best wining and dining Best for: Foodies to sample the country’s finest culinary sceneThe route: San Sebastián > Logroño > Laguardia > BIlbao Why visit: If you want to savour some of the best gastronomy and ruby red wines in Spain over seven days, you can’t go wrong with combining the two autonomous communities of La Rioja and the Basque Country. San Sebastián has long been celebrated as the country’s culinary cradle thanks to its underground gastronomic societies, first-class chef school, and bar tops laden with pintxos – the local mouthwatering tapas-style finger-food bites. In Rioja, home to Spain’s best-known red wines, the focus is all about tastings and cellar tours, while the once gritty port city of Bilbao has been reborn with a revived focus on the arts and Basque culture. When to go: Set in the country’s north, near the border with France, the climates here lend themselves more to a late spring until early autumn visit. That said, late September or early October is perhaps the best time to enjoy this itinerary, as you’ll catch both the San Sebastián film festival and the wine harvest in La Rioja. How to get around: This one week itinerary is easily achieved on public transport – allowing you to make the most of all the food and wine available. From San Sebastián to Logroño, it takes around 2.5 hours by bus, while Laguardia is just 20 minutes more on a local service. You can then continue from Logroño to Bilbao in about 2.5 hours by bus or train. Under Laguardia’s streets. wine caves are ripe for tastings Daily highlights: 7 Day Basque & Rioja, Spain itinerary Start this Spain itinerary with three days in San Sebastián. Sun yourself on La Concha Beach, sample as many pintxos as you can, book a cooking masterclass in an underground gastronomic society, take in the panoramas from Mount Urgull’s fortress, and learn more about Basque culture in San Telmo Museum. Next, continue to Logroño, the capital of La Rioja, for two nights, which you can also use as a base to visit nearby Laguardia.  The focus here shifts to the ruby reds, and you can tour vineyards, visit the Museum of La Rioja, and enjoy a pincho bar crawl – where the focus is on bars’ signature moreish morsels rather than booze – into the early hours. Laguardia, a gorgeous mediaeval walled town just 20 minutes away, makes for a perfect day trip. Below the pretty streets, a labyrinth of wine tunnels and caves await, and I highly recommend a wine tasting at Bodega El Fabulista to explore them. Finally, wind up this seven day Spain itinerary in Bilbao. Best known for the futuristic Guggenheim Museum, a vast space focused on modern and contemporary art, this Basque city also has an excellent culinary scene to pair with plenty more monuments. Tossa de Mar is one of the Costa Brava’s highlights Catalonia’s cities and coastal towns 

Best for: Cosmopolitan cities and charming seaside towns The route: Barcelona > Blanes > Tossa de Mar > Girona Why visit: With just seven days in Spain, you’ll struggle to see everything the autonomous community of Catalonia has to offer. But this itinerary will at least introduce you to two of Spain’s best cities – Barcelona and Girona – while allowing time for swims and a couple of spectacular towns on the Costa Brava, one of Europe’s best beach destinations. World-class restaurants and sensational museums sit side by side in Barcelona, where Gaudí’s architectural wonders shine brightest, while Girona’s mediaeval Old Town (a firm favourite with Game of Thrones fans) offers a slightly more intimate city feel. This southeastern corner of the country might feel distinctly different due to the Catalan language and culture. Yet, it remains a spectacular showcase of Spain’s best assets: delicious dishes, gorgeous beaches, and excellent nightlife.  When to go: As with Mallorca, I’d suggest avoiding the height of summer for a slightly more serene experience (Barcelona never really has an ‘off season’) and visiting in spring or autumn, when the waters are still pleasant for swimming, and the smaller resort towns haven’t shuttered for winter.  How to get around: This Spain itinerary is fairly simple on public transport, as Barcelona, Blanes and Girona are all connected by train in less than two hours using Maçanet-Massanes as an interchange. From Blanes, it takes a little over an hour by bus to Tossa de Mar. That said, the Costa Brava is a gorgeous stretch of coast with plenty of mediaeval towns and villages worth visiting, so a car could come in handy for detours. The day trip to Montserrat takes around one hour by train. Start your journey in Barcelona to see Gaudí’s magical architecture Daily highlights: 7 day Catalonia, Spain itinerary This one week in Spain itinerary can be reversed if you find better flights in/out of Girona rather than Barcelona, though I’d suggest starting in Barcelona so you can have your chill beach days after staying in Spain’s most visited city. Allow yourself three full days in Barcelona (two will be really pushing it) to see the city’s most iconic sights, such as Gaudí’s colourful Park Güell gardens, soaring near-completion La Sagrada Familia church, and the ornate and fascinating Casa Batlló. Other Barcelona attractions worth trying to fit in (as well as eating and drinking your way through bars and restaurants) include walking down La Rambla thoroughfare and dipping into the (touristy) market, admiring the collection at the Picasso Museum, and exploring every corner of the historic Gothic Quarter, including Barcelona Cathedral – or if sightseeing gets too much, just chillout on central Barceloneta Beach. On day three, you might want to head to Montserrat, a mountain range which snuggles a Benedictine Abbey amongst its most mighty peaks – it’s an easy day trip.  Plan day four and five on the Costa Brava, first visiting Blanes, where swathes of sands and the pretty sea-view Marimurtra Botanical Gardens await, before enjoying a day in one of my favourite ‘hidden gems’ in Spain, Tossa de Mar. This mediaeval beach town is a blissful blend of shorelines and historic walls, with the panoramic views from the towers reason enough to drag yourself away from the beach. Wrap up in Girona, exploring this charming mediaeval town over the last two days. Highlights include the Arab Baths, Jewish Quarter and Game of Thrones filming locations, such as Girona Cathedral’s impressive staircase. Plaza de Espana, Seville Southern Spain’s sizzling storied cities  Best for: Moorish history, iconic palaces, and Andalucia’s signature tastes and sounds The route: Seville > Cordoba > Granada > Malaga Why visit: Andalucia, Spain’s seducing, sun-kissed southern region, holds most of the traditions and stereotypes that the country conjures: sizzling long days punctuated by a siesta, flamenco singers and

dancers stomping on the streets and mouth watering tapas dishes which (in some cities) are served free with every drink. But it’s also a land of history and architecture, monuments and museums, and – if you head away from the cities – scenic canyons, historic caves, and breathtaking beaches. For me, no region in the country can beat Andalucia, and you’d need to spend far longer than one week in Spain to truly appreciate it. This Spain in seven days itinerary focuses on four of the region’s most captivating cities, though if you’d prefer to turn your attention to Eastern Andalucia and have more beach time, then this alternative one week in Andalucia road trip from Malaga might be more appealing. When to go: Andalucia gets hot (read scorching) in the height of summer; there’s a reason you won’t see many locals on the streets in the afternoon. So to make the most of sightseeing you should aim for spring or autumn when the temperatures are more pleasant for exploring the cities. If you’re visiting Europe in winter, this itinerary is a good call for the culture rather than the coast, as the attractions and restaurants will keep you away from any potential showers. May is a nice month to visit as you can include the Córdoba Patio Festival.  How to get around: This itinerary is easily done by public transport, with the train journeys taking less than one hour between Seville and Córdoba, and under two hours to Granada. Travelling from Granada to Malaga, your best bet is to book an ALSA bus.  The Alhambra of Granada is an architectural wonder Daily highlights: 7 day Andalucia, Spain itinerary Start your seven day tour of Spain with three days in Seville, the pulsating capital of Andalucia. Over 72 hours, you’ll be whisked away into a land of palaces, performances, architecture and art as you tour some of the country’s best attractions. Stroll around the ceramic tile-decorated Plaza de España, be enamoured by the Islamic-inspired architecture and gardens of the Royal Alcázar of Seville, climb La Giralda, the cathedral’s tower for sweeping views, and catch a flamenco performance – your days will be fast-paced, but unforgettable. On day four, head to Córdoba, where a trio of UNESCO-listed sites await. The most impressive is the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, a vast house of worship which combines both a historic Islamic mosque and cathedral into one jaw-dropping space – the city’s renowned flower-adorned courtyards are also worth a tour. Continuing east, you’ll arrive in Granada, a city I fell in love with during my three month Spanish course. The standout here is the incredible Alhambra complex (book tickets in advance), which has looked down on the city below since the 13th century. An extensive medley of Islamic palaces, leafy gardens and soothing water features, you’ll want to allow at least half a day to do it justice. The final stop is Malaga, Andalucia’s more modern and cosmopolitan city. Being on the coast, you can spend the last two days of this Spain itinerary lounging on the beaches and visiting the city’s excellent Picasso Museum and the Alcazaba fortress. Cuenca is the perfect mid-way stop on this Spain itinerary Capital to coast between Madrid and Valencia Best for: Cosmopolitan Spain with a spot of nature en routeThe route: Madrid > Cuenca > Valencia  Why visit: You could easily spend one whole week in Spain’s capital city, hopping between Mardid’s excellent museums, royal palaces, leafy parks and trendy neighbourhoods. I know it’s less celebrated internationally than Barcelona, but once you start to dig into this underrated city, you’ll find much more than expected. But if you only have seven days in Spain, then visiting a couple more smaller cities will maximise your time, and this itinerary takes in three different regions: Madrid, Castilla–La Mancha and the Community of Valencia. This will allow you to see the coast, one of the country’s most forward-thinking cities, and get lost in the historic core and surrounding nature of Cuenca after spending a few days in Spain’s capital.

When to go: This one week in Spain itinerary works year-round thanks to the abundance of museums, monuments, and attractions you can visit. If you want to enjoy the beaches around Valencia and rain-free hikes near Cuenca, plann your trip between spring and autumn. Summer can be hot, but the heat is more manageable than in Andalucia, especially as many of Madrid’s attractions are inside and air-conditioned.  How to get around: For this Spain itinerary, no car is needed. Utilising the country’s rail network, both of these train journeys between cities will only take one hour. The best part is that Iryo, a private train company and new rival to RENFE (the national rail operator) serves this route. Book ahead, and a ticket can cost as little as €11. Madrid, the Spanish capital Daily highlights: 7 day Madrid to Valencia, Spain itinerary  Welcome to Madrid. Plan to spend your first three days in the city to do it some kind of justice, splitting the time between palaces, museums, galleries, leafy gardens and gastronomy. The recently-opened Royal Collections Gallery is one of the city’s newest and flashiest spaces, but old favourites such as the Prado Museum – the collection is so extensive, less than 20% of it is on display – the Royal Palace, Temple of Debod and El Retiro Park remain must-visits. On day four, hop on the fast train to Cuenca, situated in the neighbouring region of Castilla La Mancha. Beyond the less attractive new town, you’ll find a hilltop historical core where homes hang above ravines and retired religious buildings serve as boutique hotels. There’s plenty to do during your 48 hours in Cuenca, such as visit Cuenca’s Gothic Cathedral, admire the 16th-century monastery turned parador (upscale hotel), witness the Casas Colgadas (hanging houses) whose wooden balconies protrude over a ravine and get out into nature in the nearby Ciudad Encantada, a geological site of eroded rock formations. The last two days of this 7 day Spain itinerary will be spent in Valencia, one of Spain’s most futuristic cities, in part due to the modern design of the City of Arts and Sciences. This contemporary complex lies in a riverbed that once circled the city and clusters together futuristic architecture, an impressive science museum, an oceanarium and a fantastic concert hall – check for tickets in advance. In the Ciutat Vella (Old Town), you’ll find a more traditional-looking Spain, with Valencia Cathedral, La Lonja de la Seda – the spellbinding old silk exchange – and the Fine Art Museum being headliners. Don’t forget to sample Paella – Spain’s celebrated rice dish which hails from the region – and squeeze in some beach time; there’s some beautiful sandy spots just beyond the city limits.  No matter how you choose to spend one week in Spain, I can promise you this: you’ll certainly need to plan a return visit to explore more of Spain’s hidden gems.  Pin it: How to spend 7 days in Spain (5 different itineary ideas) [ad_2] Source link

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Coll de la Creueta

Cap Formentor, Mallorca, Illes Balears, 06-12-23

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Cap de Formentor, Mallorca Island / Spain