Southern Spain — Tour Highlights and Travel Tips
Southern Spain Tour Highlights
- Head to Segovia, which features an ornate Gothic cathedral, an iconic Roman aqueduct with 160 arches and a beautiful former Royal Palace surrounded by medieval walls.
- Visit Seville, the capital city of the southern Andalusia region, which is famous for its oranges, the Triana neighborhood (alleged birthplace of flamenco) and the Moorish-era Alcázar Castle.
- Make your way down to the ancient port city of Cadiz, said to be the oldest in Western Europe, known for its some 100 watchtowers as well as the waterside Cádiz Cathedral, an ornate building dating to the 18th century.
- The ancient city of Toledo, with its Jewish, Christian, and even Arab architecture, is a not-to-miss attraction during a southern Spain tour. See the Church of El Salvador, the Santa Maria Synagogue and the Cristo de la Luz Mosque.
- Walk the wholly intact medieval city walls of Avila, located in the southern part of autonomous region Castile and Leon. Surrounded by hills, the walls are especially striking at night when illuminated.
- Stay in Madrid, the capital of Spain itself. Here is where modern and ancient collide creating an exciting milieu of food, culture and history that makes for an awesome southern Spain holiday.
Southern Spain Travel Tips
- With summer temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C (100°F), southern Spain can get extremely hot. Make sure to limit your time in the sun, stay hydrated, and wear sunscreen. Try a siesta or afternoon nap, as the locals do, in the hottest part of the day.
- Be careful when heading out into the sea for a swim, especially if you’re on a beach without a lifeguard, as powerful currents can mean trouble for even strong swimmers.
- Don’t be afraid of the local food! It’s safe to eat and very delicious. Each region has a certain number of specialties, with Valencia (for example) laying claim to the best paella in the country.
- Understand that while Spanish is the main language of Spain, each region often has its own language or at least a variety of Spanish of its own; look out for signs in Valencian and try out the local languages for yourself.
- If you find yourself in Andalucia, make a beeline to see some flamenco — it’s on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list!
