Casa Verónica
Trips
Visit Malaga
The region of Andalusia attracts more and more visitors not only with its almost 200 km of sandy beaches but also with its historic center. In the last few decades, nearby holiday destinations in Malaga have been full of tourists looking for sunshine. It has pleasant weather throughout the year, for example, early spring or late autumn can still be enjoyable, so a visit to Malaga is an excellent idea for a day trip or a longer stay.
It was mainly made famous by the world-renowned painter Pablo Picasso, who was born here. Today, you can visit his birthplace or the museum where more than 200 of his works are located. While wandering around Malaga, you may also come across the famous actor Antonio Banderas, who also comes from here and likes to return to his hometown several times a year.
Plaza de la Constitucion is the heart of the city surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants. The 16th-century Genoese marble fountain mesmerizes tourists and locals alike with its elegant features. Traditional events and various celebrations take place on the square in the vicinity of the main pedestrian street (Marques de Larios). If you want to spend some time on the square and watch the bustle of the city, visit Central Malaga cafe where you can enjoy morning coffee and traditional Spanish breakfast “tomato on toast with olive oil” called “pitufo”.
The Cathedral of Malaga – the first thing you’ll notice when standing in front of the cathedral is one of the unfinished towers. For this reason, this Roman Catholic church is called “La Manquita” – “The One-Armed Lady”. The cathedral has mainly Renaissance elements, but its main facade follows the Baroque style.
Marina in Malaga – take a walk through the Parque de Malaga lined with palm trees and benches and observe the exotic tropical plants around you. It’s like a green oasis in the city dotted with fountains, sculptures, and playgrounds. The park pleases all generations, where they can enjoy nature interwoven with peace and beauty.
El Pimpi is the oldest tapas bar in Malaga. It still retains its unique charm that has attracted Tony Blair and Antonio Banderas. Look for their signatures on the barrels, you can find them! The bustling atmosphere in every room with a hint of history and geranium flower pots make the terrace a colorful garden. El Pimpi is located just a few steps from the Picasso Museum, so it could be an ideal place for lunch at noon. El Pimpi can be busy during important celebrations in the evening and on weekends, so it’s better to make a reservation in advance.
Full-day trip to Alhambra
The jewel of southern Spain majestically sits atop Al-Sabika against the backdrop of the ski resort of Sierra Nevada. When you’re in southern Spain, it’s worth taking a day trip to this elegant palace, fortress, and gardens. It’s like being overdosed on beauty in one area, that’s how you will feel in the Alhambra. Its architecture is a rare gift for our senses. You can spend hours exploring and soaking up the beauty and history of the Alhambra.
Visit to Frigiliana - a hidden gem of Andalusia
Andalusia is full of charming white towns, but Frigiliana is one of the most beautiful. It has even been declared by the Spanish tourism authorities as “the prettiest village in Andalusia”. If you have never heard of this exceptional town and its heritage, it is time to learn more. Frigiliana is located on the slopes of a mountain, only 6 km from Nerja and 70 km from Malaga, surrounded by a natural park.
On the Costa del Sol
Perhaps you have already visited Costa del Sol in southern Spain, but you may not have heard of the typical Andalusian village called Mijas. Mijas is a charming white village nestled in the mountains, just a half hour drive from the city of Malaga. Mijas is one of the most beautiful villages in the region, with impressive scenery all around.
Mijas is made up of several areas, such as Mijas Costa, La Cala de Mijas, Las Lagunas and the beautiful hillside village of Mijas Pueblo. Mijas Pueblo is relatively small to explore with typical narrow Spanish cobblestone streets adorned with flower pots, where you can also find some historic museums, churches, squares, small parks and also donkeys that can take you for a ride around the village.
Puerto Banús is the shiny jewel of Costa del Sol
Marbella is a luxurious destination on the Costa del Sol with a sparkling diamond, Puerto Banus, not just for the rich and influential people. Puerto Banus is set in a coastal village and preserves the original, distinctive Andalusian architecture. In contrast, exclusive high-end stores such as Dolce & Gabanna, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Bvlgari, Versace, Christian Dior, Gucci and many others have been placed next to the harbor and in the streets behind it. (These luxury brands are only found in Puerto Banus, you won’t find them in Malaga.)
Furthermore, you will see luxurious yachts that are mainly owned by Arab, European millionaires, and international celebrities who often take a summer break in the region. During the summer months, you can catch a glimpse of someone from the glamorous world of celebrities.
There are a huge variety of restaurants with international cuisine and bars for all kinds of wallets, but generally at high prices. (Parking near the harbor is relatively expensive.)
At night, well-dressed visitors and locals tend to gravitate to the harbor, who want to enjoy the sparkling atmosphere of Puerto Banus and head to restaurants, bars, and nightclubs for entertainment. They arrive in expensive cars, such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Rolls Royces, Mercedes Benz, BMW, and turn the harbor into a lively car show scene for all luxury brands.
Location: Puerto Banus is only 6 km (3.7 miles) from Marbella.
Discover Mijas - a Charming Village
The village of Mijas is a charming holiday resort in southern Andalusia, located 30 km from the provincial capital of Malaga. Tourists are particularly drawn to the Mijas Costa coastline, which stretches for two kilometers and includes the popular La Gaviotas beach. Thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and traditional architecture, Mijas is one of the most visited and most beautiful resorts in Andalusia.
The traditional means of transportation in the village is a donkey. You will often come across locals riding them. Mijas is part of a group of villages located on the Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos, the Route of the White Villages. They are characterized by light-colored, flower-decorated houses and narrow winding streets. As Mijas is still an active fishing village, you can enjoy fresh seafood and various fish delicacies in local restaurants. If you’re not a fan of fish, stop by one of the local cafés instead.
Adventure awaits you even on the rock of Gibraltar
Do you want to see monkeys? If you answered yes, then Gibraltar is the perfect place for you to visit. Where else in Europe can you see free-living monkeys, besides Gibraltar? The colony of Barbary macaques settled on the rock, and from there, it’s just a short hop to nearby Morocco, not just by sight ☺ Gibraltar, still an English colony, boasts several rarities. The first we’ve already mentioned – the monkeys. The second is that by entering Gibraltar, you find yourself at the border, literally. After crossing it, you’ll find yourself at a traffic light. An intersection? Yes, but not just an ordinary one. After all, not only cars but also airplanes cross it. You’re at the airport ☺
When walking through the center, you have the feeling that you are in London. No, you won’t find the London Eye or Tower Bridge in Gibraltar ☺, but you’ll find red phone booths and restaurants offering fish and chips everywhere. By the way, Gibraltar has no consumption taxes or VAT. Ladies, you surely know what that means ☺
What to do in Seville during the weekend?
Whoever has not seen Seville, has not seen a miracle.” Is it just a phrase, or is it really so? Seville is the fourth largest city in Spain. While wandering through the streets, you will come across the Seville Cathedral, where the tomb of Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of America, is located. From there, you can reach the Giralda – the former minaret of the old mosque and now the bell tower of the cathedral. From a height of 70 meters, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city. Another must-see attraction is the Alcazar of Seville, a beautiful palace complex that served as a filming location for the popular series Game of Thrones.
If you want to experience the local culture, visit the Triana neighborhood, known for its flamenco heritage and traditional ceramics. The Plaza de España, a large square with a beautiful fountain and colorful tilework representing the provinces of Spain, is also worth a visit.
And let’s not forget about the delicious food and drink! Seville is famous for its tapas – small dishes that are perfect for sharing with friends. And of course, you can’t miss out on trying the local sherry wine.
A weekend in Seville is not enough to see everything this amazing city has to offer, but it’s a great start. You’ll quickly see why Seville is often called the “heart of Andalusia”
metrů sa vám naskytne panoramatický výhled na toto malebné městečko. Uvidíte královský palác Alcazar, věž Torre del Oro a své potulky městem zakončíte na Plaza de Espana – jedním z najhezčích
španělských náměstí vúbec.
Enter the fairytale book in Benalmádena - the Castle of Christopher Columbus
From a distance, Castillo Monumento Colomares will immediately charm you and arouse your curiosity. This castle was originally built as a monument to commemorate Christopher Columbus’ voyages to discover America. The entire project was carried out by an American doctor who designed the monument. He worked alongside two builders to bring his idea to life. After visiting each station, you will gain an overview of Columbus’ life and adventures, which you can follow through the carved details.
Time to discover Nerja!
Nerja is a small fishing village in southern Spain, located about an hour’s drive east of the city of Malaga. It is a charming village that houses some historic wall paintings in its famous Nerja Caves. Romans, and later the Moors, left their cultural footprints here, which are worth seeing.
An unforgettable experience in Caminito del Rey
Embark on an unforgettable experience on the famous Caminito del Rey (translated as the King’s Path, or more precisely, little pathway) into the heart of inland Andalusia and experience the most stunning views that will stay with you for a very long time.
Caminito del Rey is a trail literally attached to almost vertical tens and hundreds of meters high rocky walls, winding through narrow gorges above rivers and streams, leading through fragrant pine forests, over bridges and ravines. The Guadalhorce River will accompany you practically all the time.
The route is also nicknamed the “path of death” because in the most beautiful section, when Caminito plunges between two 300-meter high rocky masses, several tourists died in the past. In 2001, the trail was closed and a complete reconstruction of all the pathways was carried out, completed in 2015. Now, Caminito del Rey is completely safe and suitable for all at least moderately trained tourists. source
Discover Ronda hidden in the mountains
Ronda is perched atop a mountain and is divided by a steep gorge. Photographers have surely heard of Ronda’s fame for the “Puente Nuevo,” known as the “New Bridge,” which everyone wants to see and admire. The Arab era left its mark on Ronda, as in many other villages and cities in southern Spain, which also captivate many of us. Ronda also became famous for its famous bullfights in the late 18th century. It was inspirational for novelists like Ernest Hemingway, filmmakers, and even Giorgio Armani, the well-known Italian fashion designer, was asked to design a costume for the bullfights called “Goyesco.”
What to see in Cordoba
Cordoba in Spain is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations and has been a part of UNESCO since 1984. The city boasts the Mezquita mosque, which is one of the most remarkable buildings in the world. It combines architectural treasures from several epochs, including Greek, Roman, and Egyptian styles. It is also a dazzling symbol of delicate Moorish architecture. In addition to the mosque, which is visited by thousands of tourists every year and is one of the main landmarks of Cordoba, you can also admire the view of the Alcázar fortress. Its palaces were once the home of medieval monarchs.
Tarifa and surfers
The southernmost tip of the European continent, a magical place where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, that’s Tarifa. A paradise for surfers and Morocco within reach.
While Marbella and Puerto Banús are popularly known as charming, cosmopolitan havens for beach clubs and champagne lovers, in many ways the seaside town of Tarifa is the opposite. Just over an hour’s drive from the glamorous boutiques and elegant restaurants on the Costa del Sol coast, Tarifa is a kind of untouched bohemian paradise, beloved mainly by artists, writers, hippies, and surfers. It is a place where you will likely see handmade trinkets and designer jewelry and also beautiful nature.
The old town of Tarifa is small, but it is good to explore – it is full of great little shops, cafes, and restaurants – but head a little out of town to the west and you’ll reach the famous Tarifa white sand beaches, where you’ll find mainly surfers.
Further along the road to the city of Cádiz, there are other popular coastal villages such as Bolonia, Zahara de los Atunes, Caños de Meca, El Palmar, Conil, and Sancti Petri.
Of course, if you don’t like wind, Tarifa may not be for you: because it is world-famous for windsurfing and kitesurfing and is always very windy.