6 Must-See Sights In, Around, And Even Beyond The Costa Del Sol - Simply Shuttles
Nestled in the southern regions of Spain, the Costa del Sol is a beloved tourist destination that is famous for its stunning coastline, miles of beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife.
From vibrant cities full of culture to pristine natural landscapes waiting to be explored, the region really has does something to offer everyone.
So, for the benefit of those of you who may be looking to do a spot of sightseeing in Andalucia, perhaps taking advantage of Simply Shuttles’ private hire services to make it easier, we thought we’d put the spotlight on six of the sights around the region that you have to see.
Gibraltar
Located off the southernmost tip of Spain, but not part of Spain at all, this British Overseas Territory is connected to the mainland by a thin strip of land in the Strait of Gibraltar.
Home to many remarkable sights, like the world-famous Rock of Gibraltar and St. Michael’s Cave, Gibraltar is also a great place to shop for duty-free goods, and makes a wonderful day trip for visitors to the Costa del Sol.
Nerja Caves
Dating back to the Palaeolithic era, these stunning limestone caves are a major tourist attraction in the region. Featuring an impressive variety of stalactites and stalagmites, the caves are believed to have been used for shelter by early humans 40,000 years ago.
Marbella
This glamorous city on the Costa del Sol is a shopper’s paradise, full of designer boutiques and luxury hotels. Be sure to visit the historic Old Town or take a leisurely stroll along the promenade to really relax.
Mijas
This charming village in the hills behind Marbella is a great spot for a day trip. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, sample local cuisine at one of the many restaurants, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the village.
Estepona
This vibrant coastal town is known for its fine beaches, excellent seafood restaurants, and lively nightlife. Be sure to spend some time at Playa de la Rada—a beautiful beachfront promenade lined with shops and restaurants.
Costa Tropical
If you’re looking for a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, the Costa Tropical is a great spot for some relaxation.
This tranquil region—which stretches from Motril to Almeria—is known for its picturesque fishing villages, stunning beaches, and gorgeous natural landscapes. Visit Granada’s Sierra Nevada mountains for breathtaking views, or explore the nearby Nerja Caves for some truly unique sights.
Final thoughts
With so much to see and do on the Costa del Sol and beyond its borders, it can be hard to know where to start. But of course, that is very much the pleasure of visiting and holidaying here.
Whether you’re looking for an exciting night out or a peaceful getaway, the region has something for everyone. So, why not call +34 951 279 117 today to book the private hire services that will make your sightseeing in Andalucia even quicker and more straightforward in 2023
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Iberia - Spain & Portugal - 15 Days (SOLD OUT)
October 29 (Fri) Madrid ~ November 12 (Fri) Barcelona, 2021- 15 Days
Escorted Package Includes:
14 nights accommodations - 4 Star Hotels
2 nights Madrid
1 night Salamanca
2 nights Porto
2 nights Lisbon
2 nights Seville
1 night Granada
2 nights Valencia
2 nights Barcelona
Hotel taxes, fees & service charges, and hotel porterage are included.
21 meals: 14 breakfasts, 7 dinners with wine
Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
Services of local guides
Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Special Features:
*At the Prado Museum in Madrid, stand before masterpieces by Velazquez, Goya & El Greco
*In historic Segovia, view the 1st century Roman Aqueduct and the fairy-tale Alcazar
*Visit Salamanca, one of Spain’s most picturesque cities, a UNESCO World Heritage City
*Walking tour of Porto’s historic city center with wine tasting of Portugal’s famed Port Wine
*An inspiring visit to the Catholic pilgrimage site of Fatima
*Tour Lisbon’s Jeronimos Monastery, resting place of explorer Vasco da Gama
*Enjoy the gorgeous scenery on the drive through Andalucia to historic Seville
*Visit the Cathedral of Seville, the largest and most beautiful Gothic cathedral in the world
*Visit the 13th century Alhambra in Granada
*Head through groves of olives, almonds, lemons and oranges to Valencia, the “Garden City”
*View Valencia’s Arts & Science City, an extraordinary futuristic architectural marvel
*In the fortified fairy-tale city of Peñiscola, view the Castle, built by the Knights Templar
*Wine tasting in the renowned wine region of Penedes, known for white and rosé Cava
*** Trip cost: $2,450 per person *** (Limited time offer until price change or sold out by the Tour operator) - SOLD OUT
The above trip cost is based on double occupancy, if you are a solo traveler, we have to find another traveler who can share hotel room with you before accepting your booking. If you wish to stay single occupancy through the trip, the surcharge is $1,150.
*** Payments: 10% ($245) non-refundable deposit at booking. Balance payable by August 20, 2021.
*** Application:
*** Itinerary:
DAY 1: Friday - Arrive in Madrid
Welcome to Madrid, Spain's vibrant and sophisticated capital city. Transfer to your hotel with time to rest and relax or, get acquainted with this beautiful city. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting at approximately 7 PM with your Tour Manager on the extraordinary journey that lies ahead in Spain and Portugal, followed by a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2, Saturday - Tour of Madrid
The discovery of Madrid begins with a drive along the Gran Via through the Opera District and Plaza de Colon to the magnificent Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. View the elegant Plaza de Cibeles and Puerta de Alcala Gate. Then, on to the renowned Prado Museum - stand before an astonishing collection of masterpieces by Velazquez, Goya, El Greco and more. The rest of the day is yours to explore this city of great monuments and museums on your own or, join the optional afternoon tour to Toledo. Take a walking tour among the most famous monuments, visiting the St. Tome Church with its El Greco masterpiece and Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue with its beautiful Moorish architecture, the oldest synagogue in Europe still standing. Tonight, opt to explore Madrid's fabulous restaurants and non-stop nightlife
Optional: Half Day Toledo (PM)
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3, Sunday - Segovia, Avila, Salamanca
Traveling across the rugged Sierra de Guadarrama, you reach historic Segovia. View the preserved 1st-century Roman aqueduct, symbol of the city, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and visit the fairy-tale Alcazar with its soaring turrets, moats, and magical towers. On to the powerful Gothic cathedral that took almost 200 years to complete before walking through the Jewish Quarter. Afterward, continue to Avila, best known for its imposing city walls, one of Spain's best-preserved bastions; its convent pays homage to St. Theresa, founder of the Order of the Carmelites. The drive then takes you to Salamanca, one of the most picturesque cities in Spain, declared a UNESCO World Heritage City. On the way to the hotel, view the beautiful Plaza Mayor, ancient sandstone buildings and the striking old 12th-century cathedral with its mysterious carvings. Dinner together in Salamanca
Overnight: Salamanca
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4, Monday - Portugal's Coastal City of Porto
Crossing the border from Spain into Portugal, stop first in Vila Real where you will view the extraordinary exterior of Casa de Mateus as you stroll around its gardens. Then, arrive in the coastal city of Porto, dramatically set on the banks of the Douro River, a region famed for its production of Port stored in the vast cellars stretching along the river banks. Leisure time in the afternoon to wander on your own along the narrow cobbled streets in the medieval Ribeira district, past merchants' houses and lively cafes. Tonight, join an optional Douro River Cruise with dinner, that passes under Ponte Luis I Bridge and offers panoramas of the city from a new perspective. A meal of local specialties and drinks follows at a typical country restaurant
Optional: Douro River Cruise with Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Porto
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Tuesday - Tour Historic Porto
The get acquainted tour of historic Porto begins with a walking tour in the Ribeira district. Visit the Church of Sao Francisco, known for its lavishly gilded carvings and the palatial 19th century Palacio de Bolsa, embellished by an exquisite neoclassical façade. At a welcoming Port Wine cellar, stop for a tasting of this Portuguese favorite. Wander on your own this afternoon in Porto, or join the optional Medieval Portugal tour. Head inland to the heart of Minho province to enjoy the former Roman 'Bracara Augusta'. Here, drive to the top of the 1,300-foot high hill of Bom Jesus, from where you can overlook the city of Braga and admire the famous Holy Way staircase, the most popular place of pilgrimage in the north of Portugal. Proceed to the town of Guimaraes for a walk through the medieval alleys. Savor a delicious dinner before returning to the hotel
Optional: Medieval Portugal (PM)
Overnight: Porto
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Wednesday - Visit Sacred Fatima, Arrive in Lisbon
Today, an inspiring visit to Fatima, a central Portuguese town home to the Sanctuary of Fatima, a Catholic pilgrimage site. Millions of pilgrims visit this sacred sanctuary that attracted the attention of the world when apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. Here, view the great Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary built in neoclassical style, flanked by colonnades linking it with the extensive convent. Afterwards, travel to Lisbon, one of Europe's most captivating and picturesque capitals, built on a series of hills with scenic vistas from every angle. Tonight, attend the optional Dinner with Fado Music. Travel to one of Lisbon's oldest districts for a traditional dinner of Portuguese favorites with entertainment by soulful Fado singers
Optional: Dinner with Fado Music (PM)
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Thursday - Lisbon City Tour
In Lisbon, the tour begins with a stop at the top of Edward VII's Park to enjoy a magnificent view over the hills of Lisbon and the River Tagus. Next, view the treasured 16th century Belem Tower, a monument to Portugal's Age of Discovery and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to visit the Jeronimos Monastery, an impressive symbol of the country's power and wealth and resting place of explorer Vasco da Gama. Time for lunch on your own in this delightful setting before an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps join the optional tour to quaint Sintra, the "Glorious Eden" of Lord Byron, and summer retreat of the royal court, highlighted by lavish romantic castles and stunning monuments. Visit Sintra Royal Palace, a 15th-century royal residence, containing one of the largest tile collections in Portugal. Then spend some free time in the Village Historic Center before returning to Lisbon
Optional: Half Day Sintra Tour (PM)
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8, Friday - Drive to Seville
Heading south, cross over the border into Spain and arrive to the great city of Seville with its astonishing layers of history. Leisure time upon arrival before dinner together. Afterwards, attend the optional Flamenco Show - Seville is the birthplace of Flamenco!
Optional: Evening Flamenco Show (PM)
Overnight: Seville
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9, Saturday - Seville City Tour
Begin the day at the beautiful Plaza de España and the fragrant gardens of Maria Luisa Park before a walking tour in the quaint Barrio Santa Cruz, the former Jewish Quarter of the city with its winding cobblestone streets. Continue with a visit to the Cathedral of Seville, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and legendary burial site of Christopher Columbus. The rest of the day is at leisure or, join the fascinating optional tour to Cordoba, founded by the Romans. Visit the astonishing Mezquita de Cordoba, one of the largest mosques in the world, transformed into a soaring cathedral in the 16th century. A walking tour of the city reveals the ancient Jewish Quarter with its labyrinth of winding narrow streets, shady flower filled courtyards, picturesque squares, and view of the 14th century Synagogue on Calle de los Judios
Optional: Half Day Cordoba Tour (PM)
Overnight: Seville
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10, Sunday - Moorish Influenced Alhambra
The drive today takes you from Seville to Granada. Here, the highlight of your sightseeing is a visit to the 13th century Alhambra,* one of Spain's most celebrated monuments, dramatically perched atop Assabica Hill overlooking the entire city of Granada. This imposing hilltop fortress, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the finest examples in the world of Moorish art and architecture. During the reign of the Moors, the Alhambra served as the opulent residence of the royal family. Walk along the lanes of the fragrant Generalife Gardens with its beautifully designed courtyards, waterfalls, ponds and views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Tonight, dinner is together at a local restaurant
*Alhambra visiting times, which may include evening hours, and which areas of the complex are accessible on the day of your visit, are determined solely at the discretion of the Alhambra. Your itinerary will be arranged by your Tour Manager to accommodate the designated time of entry
Overnight: Granada
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11, Monday - The "Garden City" of Valencia
Today, head north through fragrant groves of olives, almonds, lemons and oranges to the spectacular city of Valencia. Known as the "Garden City" of Spain, it is situated on the Orange Blossom Coast where the Turia River meets the Mediterranean Sea. There are few cities like Valencia that are able to combine remnants of its past, dating back to 138 BC, with innovative and avant-garde buildings from the new millennium. Enjoy dinner together in this magical city
Overnight: Valencia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12, Tuesday - Valencia City Tour
Valencia is Spain's major Mediterranean port - uniquely shaped by the vastness of the sea and the closeness of the coastal mountains. On today's tour, listen to tales about "El Cid," Spain's national hero who fought here against the Moors. Discover this treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture before continuing to the gates of the city, City Hall and the Gothic cathedral. Arrive at the dramatic Arts and Science City, an outstanding scientific and cultural complex with extraordinary futuristic architecture, designed by local architect Santiago Calatrava. The rest of the day is yours to linger at this incredible site, or wander on your own. Later, perhaps participate in the optional Paella Cooking Class that includes dinner. Learn how to prepare Paella Valenciana, the popular regional dish in the city where it was created
Optional: Paella Cooking Class with Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Valencia
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13, Wednesday - Fairy-tale Peñíscola, Penedes Wine Tasting, Barcelona
Head along the Mediterranean coast to the fortified fairy-tale city of Peñiscola crowned by the Peñiscola Castle, built by the Knights Templar. The castle stands on the highest point of a rocky headland, featured in the movie "El Cid". View the lighthouse and the lighthouse keeper's cottage with its winding steps leading down to the sea. Then, continue through the Costa Dorada to the renowned wine region of Penedes, where a wide range of wine styles are produced including traditional (sparkling) white and rosé Cava. Visit one of the wine cellars for a tasting of the local wines before proceeding to sensational Barcelona. Upon arrival, perhaps stroll along Las Ramblas, Barcelona's most famous pedestrian walkway with its life-size animators, stalls, and people-watchers. Tonight, enjoy Barcelona's rousing nightlife and fabulous tapas bars
Overnight: Barcelona
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14, Thursday - Barcelona City Tour, Gaudi's Architecture
Start the day in this artistic city with a drive along the Old Harbor to the Plaza Catalunya, the city's bustling main square. Pass the famous works of Antoni Gaudi, the master architect, including the Casa Batllo, seemingly constructed from skulls and bones. Then, continue on to view the iconic symbol of Barcelona, Gaudi's masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, a colossal church that is legendary and still unfinished. Ascend Montjuic Hill, home to the Olympic Complex, a number of sports facilities built for the 1992 Summer Olympics. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore the many galleries, museums, and sights in this magnificent city. Perhaps partake in the optional tour to Montserrat that begins with a scenic drive past picturesque villages to Montserrat Mountain. Here, visit the Royal Basilica to see the famous 12th-century Romanesque sculpture of "Virgen Moreneta." On your last night in Spain, join your fellow travelers for a festive Farewell Dinner
Optional: Half Day Montserrat Tour (PM)
Overnight: Barcelona
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 15, Friday - Depart Spain
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
This trip is organized by Travel Around the World Together Group, owned and operated by Global Travelers Society, Inc. a non-profit organization, all rights reserved.
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Another Excellent Reason To Book A Trip To Andalucia: A Record Number Of Blue Flag Beaches, Marinas And Boats - Simply Shuttles
Such are the strengths of the Spanish region of Andalucia as a magnet for tourists – including its reliably warm, Mediterranean climate, as well as its picturesque scenery and fascinating cultural heritage and diversity – you might not imagine that many would-be visitors would require even more reason to arrange a holiday break here.
Indeed, the marinas, beaches and boats further add to the attraction of this part of southern Spain – and now, tourists might have been given even greater justification for arranging a spot of sightseeing in Andalucia.
Specifically – as reported by The Olive Press – Andalucia has been awarded 148 Blue Flags in 2023. This exceeds the region’s previous record, with three more flags having been gained this year than was the case in 2022.
This landmark achievement means that only one region in the whole of Spain – Valencia – now has more Blue Flags than Andalucia, which is ahead of Catalonia and Galicia on this measure.
What is the Blue Flag scheme, anyway?
If you have considered doing some sightseeing in Andalucia – or have done so in the past – you might have come across mentions of “Blue Flag beaches” or similar, and wondered what these references meant.
The short answer to this question, is that Blue Flags are voluntary awards for beaches, marinas, and sustainable tourism boats around the world.
However, it isn’t easy for such a facility to earn this sought-after ecolabel; in order for a Blue Flag to be granted, various strict environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be satisfied, with this compliance being maintained over time.
The grand idea behind the Blue Flag programme – which was first established in 1985 – is to help connect the public with their surroundings, and to encourage them to find out more about their environment.
So, for a given site to qualify for a Blue Flag, it must make available environmental education opportunities, as well as a permanent display of information that is relevant to the site’s biodiversity, ecosystems, and environmental phenomena.
As a visitor, then, knowing that a particular amenity in one of the above categories has been awarded a Blue Flag, means you can treat this as an indicator of its quality and suitability as a tourist attraction.
Andalucia’s Blue Flag credentials are getting stronger and stronger
If there is one Spanish region – even by the usual high standards of Spanish regions – that is especially committed to complying with environmental legislation and improving the quality of its beaches, it is surely Andalucia.
Such commitment is demonstrated by the fact that while the region had some 96 Blue Flags in 2019, this number has expanded to an even more impressive 148 this year.
Of those 148 Blue Flags, 127 were granted to beaches, which is five more than last year’s number. Andalucia’s marinas, meanwhile, attracted 19 Blue Flags, and two Blue Flags were awarded to sustainable boats.
On a province-by-province level, it was Málaga that attracted the most Blue Flags of the Andalucia region – 47, to be exact, with 39 for beaches, six for ports, and two for sustainable boats. Such parts of the autonomous community as Cádiz (37 flags), Almería (33 flags), and Huelva (17 flags) also fared strongly in the rundown.
Given such numbers, it can hardly be surprising that Spain as a whole boasts the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the world, with a total of 729, which is six more than in 2022.
So, whether you come to Andalucia’s beaches with a view to catching some rays, trying out some water sports, spending quality time with the rest of your travelling group, or something else entirely, you can be confident of having a quality experience.
Call the Simply Shuttles team today on +34 951 279 117, or send us an email, and we will be pleased to arrange the excellent-value airport and private hire transfers that could help you get even more out of your next visit to the Costa del Sol.
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