Sightseeing guide
to
Andalucia
El Chorro Gorge
 One of the most popular outings for visitors spending their holidays in the
Antequera area is been to the stunning blue waters and pine-forested slopes of El Chorro Gorge, less than 20 minutes drive away. The three sapphire lakes are surrounded by pine forests and dramatic scenery. Enjoy a swim in the lake followed by a picnic on the shore or, better still, a delicious meal at our favourite waterside restaurant (although there are many!), El Kiosko. You can eat on the large covered terraces or in air-conditioned comfort inside.
Guests who like to spend more active holidays should note that the Chorro gorge is also a favoured destination for climbers from all over Europe, particularly in the winter months
El Torcal National Park
Also within a 20 minute drive is the Torcal National Park, one of the most spectacular limestone landscapes in Spain. Eerie shapes carved out of the rock by the elements testify to the time when this area emerged from under the sea about 100 million years ago. There is an interesting visitor centre for those who want to find out how this dramatic landscape was created and 3 different walking routes from the very easy to the more challenging to enable visitors to discover the fauna and flora of this extraordinary landscape (about 30 species of orchid have been found here).
Antequera
A
must see is the town of Antequera. This historic Roman town has excellent shops and a wonderful market where all kinds of fresh meat and fish can be bought. There are many good tapas bars and restaurants, including an outstanding one right inside the nineteenth century bullring. Relax in the shade of the huge trees in the beautiful parks and drop into the Parador for lunch in its restaurant with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Antequera has many historic monuments to visit, including some 24 churches and convents as well as the Moorish castle which stands guard over the town, but by far the oldest are the prehistoric burial sites or "dolmens" situated just outside the town which probably date back about 5,000 years.
Riofrio
Set between the mountains of the Sierra de Loja is Riofrio, where beside the sparkling waters of the Rio Frio, freshly caught trout is served to enthusiastic diners in many restaurants. You'll be amazed at the variety of ways to cook trout! And, of course, the restaurants serve all the other Spanish favorites as well! There are many little market stalls set out along the river to tempt holiday souvenir hunters!
Seville, Cordoba and Granada
 
Holidays in Andalucia would not be complete without a visit to a least one of these fascinating cities. Antequera's excellent road communications mean that all of these great cities are easily accessible. Granada and its world famous Alhambra are usually top of most visitors' lists! The exquisite Moorish gardens and beautiful Arab architecture make this an unforgettable experience. But remember a visit to the Alhambra is now so sought after that tickets have to be booked in advance!
 Cordoba also contains a wealth of historical treasures from both Arab and Roman occupations. By far the most outstanding is the Great Mosque or "Mezquita", begun in the eighth century and considered the eighth wonder of the world in its day. This is a monument which far exceeds the expectations of most visitors. Also unforgettable is the scent of orange blossom in the beautiful gardens of the Alcazar and the flower-filled patios of the Juderia district.
Finally Seville, a city which really needs more than one paragraph to decribe its particular gems! Ride in a horse-drawn carriage around the lush green gardens of Maria Luisa Park, stroll around the whitewashed maze of the Barrio de Santa Cruz and visit the Alcazar-a superb fusion of Islamic and Christian styles. In addition, many happy hours can be spent sampling delicious seafood and a huge variety of tapas.
Malaga
We love the city of Malaga. Many travellers shoot past the city on the way to their holiday destination and never have the chance to see all that Malaga has to offer. This is a typically Southern city full of vitality and energy (especially during the famous Feria in August).
Gourmets will enjoy eating some of the freshest and best seafood in Spain on the beach in the old fishermens' quarter of Pedregalejo (now one of Malaga's most desirable areas!). The restored historic centre is a delight to stroll around as you walk from tapas bar to tapas bar savouring delicious bite-sized pieces of fried fish or grilled prawns.
 Dominating the city is the Gibralfaro castle, which you can walk up to through the terraced gardens of the Moorish Alcazaba. Once at the top of the hill reward yourself with a leisurely lunch on the terrace of the Parador. Stretched out below the Alcazaba is the beautiful Paseo del Parque, a shady oasis in the heat of the day. It contains many exotic species of tropical plants from around the world and several play areas for children. Lovers of gardens will also enjoy the botanical gardens at La Concepción just outside Malaga which contains, among many other plants, a huge collection of different Palms.
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