Andalucían magic

Pam Hart on 06 May 2009
My visit to Andalucía was not my first but renewed my love of its dramatic scenery and its powerful history.

I parked at Birmingham airport and used the meet and greet service of meteor. This was easy to locate and a great start to the adventure. On arrival I was treated to a panoramic view of Malaga and we enjoyed excellent tapas and wine at bodegas el pimi restaurant. This was a wonderful introduction to real Spain – it is warm, friendly and inviting in an old world setting.

I stayed at the Molina Lario - chic modern and very stylish city break hotel for the tourist or business traveller. It is a short walk from the front and very close to the AC Malaga Palacio. This had a wonderful outdoor area on a higher floor to enjoy a relaxing drink in the early evening. Later on we visited the Fiesta Costa del Sol, La Carihuela and Torremolinos. We enjoyed a great decorated street party where entertainment, tapas, live music, flamenco and dance were enjoyed.

I enjoyed a visit to the Parador de Golf and tried mountain biking and orienteering in the hillside. It was surprisingly hot here. The evening was spent at the Hacienda la Biznaga where a dinner and show were enjoyed. Horses performed in a ring and flamenco dancers entertained us.

I travelled from Malaga to Ubeda sited in the Jaen Provence which was declared a world heritage city with many different examples of cultures of Romanic to Baroc. The architecture was absolutely stunning here. We then had a short drive to Baeza for stay at the Hotel Campos de Baeza, which is situated in a privileged location surrounded by centenary olive groves.

I enjoyed a very pleasant stroll into the heart of Baeza and had a coffee in the beautiful square whilst families caught the last of the day. This is a great place to wander around and feel safe.

My next visit was to Cazorla Nature Park for a tour taken in a 4x4. This is a great spot for bird watching and I saw an eagle, young Egyptian vultures in a nest (through a telescope!), and viewed goats on the hillside. Again there was absolutely stunning landscapes of olive trees as far as the eye could see. Spring flowers and orchids were seen on the hillside too.

Lunch was taken at the Hotel Cota del Valle, where wild boar roamed around the drive way here. A stop was made at the dramatic Guadalquivir River. We trekked though millenary 'tejos' forest and saw the yew tree - the most ancient of Europe with over 25 centuries age.

My last evening meal was taken at the delightful restaurant la pintada at Hotel Puerta de la Luna. Built into a magnificent 17th century palace with a beautiful indoor courtyard, this was a wonderful setting to end our visit to this magical place.