The Inland towns of Andalusia

Alora

Alora lies north of Fuengirola, on the road to Antequera. Most villages and all the towns of southern Spain have a castle in the vicinity, but the one in Alora is unusual, filled with the town cemetery. The town itself cascades down the slope from the fortifications on the ridge.

Andujar

This town lies east of Cordoba in an area noted for its sunflower and olive oil crops. Many houses date from the 15th Century and 16th Century. The church of Santa Maria has a painting, Christ in the Garden of Olives, by El Greco. About 30km (19 miles) north of Andujar is a 13th Century sanctuary, Santuario de la Virgen de la Cabeza. During the Civil War the sanctuary was used as a refuge and was largely destroyed. It is now an important place of pilgrimage each April.

Antequera

This is one of the finest of the smaller towns north of MaIaga, a fair-sized town close to a soaring rock, known as the Lover´s Rock (Peiia de los Enamorados). It is now a market town, but visitors are mostly attracted by the prehistoric dolmen burial chambers in the Cuevas de Viera, Menga and Romeral, the parador, and the narrow streets in the well-preserved Moorish Quarter. The nearby rock formations, known as the Torcal de Antequera, are full of interesting wildlife, including many types of butterflies and wild orchids.

Benadalid

Set under the sierra, south and west of Ronda, Benadalid is a large village. The cemetery is set in the centre of the ruined castle, and is completely surrounded by crenellated walls. Seen from the road on the opposite hillside, Benadalid glitters in the sunshine and is a fine example of an old Moorish settlement.

Casares

This is said to be the most picturesque village in the province of Malaga. It lies in the Sierra de Bermeja, 12km (7 miles) from Estepona, and is a jewel ofa place full of white houses, flower-decked streets and tiny plazas, with the mountains as a perfect backdrop.

Cazorla

The province of Jaen gets far fewer tourists than the parts close to the coast but this little village in the Sierra de Cazorla is well worth seeking out, for it has two castles and is set in spectacular scenery.

Galaroza

This minute village in the Sierra de Aracena is another good walking centre, with splendid trails leading into the surrounding hills and valleys.

Gaucin

Set on the main road running from Ronda to Gibraltar, Gaucin is one of the finest of the White Towns, and was once a favourite weekend retreat for officers of the Gibraltar garrison. From here there is a good walking trail to Castellar de la Frontera and Jimena de la Frontera.

Gaudix

The province of Almeria is rather short of tourist attractions, but the cave dwellings at Gaudix, which are still inhabited by modern troglodytes, are famous. This town, under the Sierra Nevada, boasts a cathedral and a fine Moorish castle.

Grazalema

Another attractive White Town, Grazalema lies to the west of Ronda on the road to El Bosque. Set under the rocky bulk of the Serrania, this is the place to buy woollen cloaks or zerapes, ponchos, or the brightly coloured blankets (jarapa) for which the weavers of Grazalema are famous in Southern Spain. It is also very photogenic and has a very good, inexpensive hotel.

Jabugo

Jabugo, in Huelva province, close to Almonaster la Real, is famous in Spain for producing the finest mountain ham, jamon serrano. Hams hang everywhere in Jabugo and make a very good present.

La Calahorra

This castle is one of the finest sights in the Sierra Nevada. Sixty kilometres (40 miles) east of Granada, it is actually a palace, built in the early 1500s, just after the Reconquest, in the Renaissance style. Distance lends enchantment and, close to, the palace is seen to be in some need of restoration.

Lanjaron

This spa town lies in the hills of the Alpujarras, close to Granada, roughly between the Sierra Nevada and the sea. Lanjaron is noted for good restaurants and pure water, with much of Spain's mineral water coming from here. It has a number of inexpensive hotels, and is a good base for exploring the hill country of the Alpujarras.

Malaga

Malaga is known as the capital of the Costa del Sol. Despite recent tourist developments there are still areas that provide a flavour of old Spain. Parts of Malaga are still rather fine, especially the Alcazaba, or Moorish castle, as are the plazas and promenades in the old heart of the city. Malaga also has some very good Andalusian restaurants, unspoiled by catering for the tourist trade and offering excellent value for money. An evening in Malaga can be a very enjoyable experience. The adventurous should explore El Perchel, which is the old flamenco district.

Matalascanas

This is the nearest resort to the wildlife reserve of the Doñana National Park , set on a long white sand beach between the Guadalquivir and the city of Huelva. Matalascanas is new, noisy and international- the Costa de la Luz´s answer to places like Puerto de la Duquesa and Puerto Banus.

Mojacar

This town is in the far east of Andalucia, near Almeria. It encircles the top of a hill a short distance inland from the coast. It is a classic moorish village with many white-washed houses, which provide excellent views of the surrounding countryside. In recent years it has become a popular base for holiday makers.

Punta Umbria

Set on the Atlantic coast 24km (15 miles) south of Huelva, the town's main attraction is a magnificent beach almost 20km (12 miles) long, very popular with the Spanish and almost always crowded at weekends. There is not a lot of nightlife, but agreeable bars and good seafood.

San Pedro de Alcantara

This is a new, or rather enlarged, town on the Costa del Sol, which is less spoiled than many of the others and handy for tours into the hinterland, such as the Serrania and Ronda. The old centre of San Pedro is very pleasant, with cobbled streets and plazas, and several good restaurants.

Setenil

This attractive White Town just north of Ronda is set into the Serrania, rather than against it. It stands amid orange and olive groves and is a good place to go for lunch when the centre of Ronda is busy.

Sol y Nieve

This town is called 'Sun and Snow´, and skiers enjoy the sun and snow of the Sierra Nevada. Snow and sun are the main attractions, for the resort itself. It is the best ski resort in Spain, set on the high slopes of the Sierra Nevada, 32km (20 miles) from the city of Granada. In summer it is a walking centre, and the views from the Mulhacen peak, or the terrace of the parador, extend on a good day to the shores of the Mediterranean or even across to North Africa.

Tarifa

Tarifa is not only a great windsurfing centre with a good beach, but has a fine old town, off the well-trodden tourist route but well worth visiting.

Torremolinos

Most of this stretch of coast, once a series of windmill towers, has been transformed into hotels, restaurants and bars. A brash tourist resort, it still has a few remnants of the old town left.

Trevelez

Set close to Lanjaron in the province of Granada, this picturesque White Town, set on a series of terraces running up the side of the Alpujarras, is the place for pottery and textiles.

Ubrique

Ubrique is another shopping centre, set in the Serrania between Grazalema and Jimena de la Frontera, at the foot of a steep hillside. It is a leather centre, the place to buy shoes and handbags and leather coats and jackets. Take a camera as well for the setting is superb.

Vejer de la Frontera

Vejer is a hill town as well as one of the finest and most picturesque of the Frontera towns. It has a Moorish castle, and from the walls there are panoramic views. It also hosts a summer-long series of fiestas and
pilgrimages.

Zahara de la Sierra

This is another beautiful hill town in the province of Cadiz. It has a medieval castle and is worth visiting if only for the wonderful countryside. Zahara de Los Atunes , near Cadiz, means the 'flower of the tuna fish', but it ought to be known for its wonderful unspoilt sandy beach, 9km (6 miles) long and backed by low hills and dunes.

An excellent road network in southern Spain makes it possible for visitors to make the most of the inland towns and villages plus enjoy a few days on the Costa del Sol beaches, all within the space of a few weeks. A holiday in the Costa del Sol or the Costa de la Luz doesn´t have to be confined to the beach or the hills, you can combine the two with some planning, and see the very best of inland and coastal Andalusia. The larger cities such as Seville, Granada and Malaga always attract tourists but if you head off into the countryside and rural areas of inland Andalusia, you will be pleasantly surprised. Hire a car at Malaga Airport and take your time to find the best parts of southern Spain at your own pace.

England World Cup draw and things to do in South Africa 2010

England´s draw for the South Africa World Cup, 2010 will see them play Algeria, the USA and Slovenia in the opening matches of the tournament.

The complete World Cup group draw for South Africa 2010 is as follows:

Group A – South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
Group B – Argentina, South Korea, Nigeria, Greece
Group C – England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia
Group D – Germany, Australia, Ghana, Serbia
Group E – Holland, Japan, Cameroon, Denmark
Group F – Italy, New Zealand, Paraguay, Slovakia
Group G – Brazil, North Korea, Cote D´Ivoire, Portugal
Group H – Spain, Honduras, Chile, Switzerland.


If you are planning to follow England to South Africa for the World Cup Finals, 2010, there are plenty of things to see and do between watching football matches.

1. Ostrich riding South Africa 2010

Take a trip by hire car to Karoo, where you will find plenty of ostrich farms. If you are feeling adventurous, ride an ostrich in Oudtshoorn. Once you have ridden an ostrich you can eat it if you fancy (well not necessarily the same one), as this area is also famous for its ostrich paté and ostrich steaks. Do something different in between watching football at the World Cup Finals, South Africa, 2010.





2. Accomodation for South Africa World Cup 2010

If you are looking for somewhere different to stay during the South Africa World Cup, 2010, lodge in a tree house for a few days in the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountain Range. Check out Sycamore Avenue in the Drakensberg Mountains or Pezulu Tree house Game Lodge in Timbavati where you will feel completely at one with nature in these stunning surroundings.




3. South Africa coastline World Cup 2010

The Eastern Cape is a must see region if you are visiting South Africa for the World Cup in 2010, as it is home to some of the most scenic coastlines in the country. If you hire a car and drive up to the Eastern Cape area, you can explore the isolated beaches and forests on foot or even include a walking tour in your South Africa 2010 trip.





4. Swim with the penguins

Go swimming with the penguins on the Cape Peninsula, next to the penguin colony in Cape Town, South Africa, 2010. If swimming is not your thing, enjoy the view of the penguins from the boardwalk around the dunes.





5. Diving with sharks South Africa 2010

If the football isn´t providing you with a big enough adrenalin-rush (unless England go to penalties of course), dive with some Great White Sharks in Gansbaal. Situated just a couple of hours´ drive from Cape Town, Shark Alley will be welcoming some of the more adventurous football supporters to go cage diving during the World Cup Tournament in South Africa, 2010.



6. Luxury train travel in South Africa

If you plan to visit South Africa during the World Cup Finals, 2010, take advantage of some of the most luxurious trains in the world. The world famous blue train will transport you from Pretoria to Cape Town, and for footie fans with plenty of cash, this is definitely the best way to travel. Check out where England is playing and book ahead on the blue line if you want to travel in style. Failing that, book cheap car hire from Pretoria or Cape Town Airport.



7. Orange River South Africa 2010

Visit the Richtersveld National Park in South Africa 2010, which is close to the Namibia Border, and raft down the Orange River for a fantastic experience. The river flows down to the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean so take a break from the football and enjoy one of South Africa´s most stunning regions.




8. Football World Cup South Africa 2010

If you are planning your trip to the Football World Cup Finals in South Africa, 2010, take a look at the FIFA website to see about ticket availability. Avoid having to pay ticket touts exorbitant prices and try to book your tickets well in advance. Book cheap airport car hire at the same time you book your flights and you will save even more money. If you wait until the last minute, you could find yourself with tickets for different stadiums and no transport to get you there.


9. Robben Island South Africa 2010

If you plan to visit South Africa during 2010 for the football world cup, make sure you add a trip to Robben Island to your itinerary. Robben Island is where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his life, and many ex-prisoners from the island are now tour guides, who can fully explain the true horrors of this historical island. Situated off Cape Town, a trip to Robben Island can be pre-booked before you travel to South Africa in 2010.


10. Safari with elephants South Africa 2010

Enjoy a safari with elephants in South Africa, 2010. African elephants are not usually ridden by tourists as they can be more temperamental than the Indian species, but several lodges in South Africa now offer visitors a unique chance to ride an African elephant in a safe environment. The Elephant Sanctuary and Addo National Park are well worth a visit.

If you are planning a trip to South Africa for the Football World Cup in 2010, make sure you book your airport car hire well in advance.

10 things to do around Granada

If you are planning a driving holiday around Spain and are yet to book your car hire, look no further than carhire4airports for the cheapest car hire deals in Granada. Steeped in history, the city of Granada offers visitors some of the most incredible places to visit by hire car.

1. Albayzin and Sacromontes Granada

Albayzin and Sacromontes Granada are made up of narrow streets, which offer an amazing view of the Alhambra and surrounding landscape. Best viewpoints for the Alhambra Palace are Placeta Carvajales and Vereda del Medio at Sacromonte. You can reach most areas of Granada when you hire a car from the airport. Car rentals and discount car hire is available from Granada and Malaga Airport.

2. Archeological Museum Granada

No visit to Granada is complete without a trip round the Archeological Museum, Granada. This superb museum contains a collection of high quality artwork and artefacts, collected over many centuries. If you are thinking of getting married in Granada, you can even arrange wedding car hire before you visit.

3. Fabulous flamenco Granada

Take your time to explore the city in your hire car or discount rental car, and find the best flamenco bars in Granada. Go where the locals go, and you won´t be disappointed. Many of Spain´s top flamenco singers and dancers originate from Granada.

4. Nightlife Granada

If you are touring around Granada, take your time to find the best places to go at night. You will be spoilt for choice with music bars, discos and nightclubs around the Sacromonte area, and many of the clubs stay open until the early hours of the next day. Cheap car rentals and discount car hire makes Granada and region accessible to day trippers and weekenders from the Costa del Sol and beyond.

5. Eat Granada and cheap car hire

The tapas you will be served in Granada are among the best in Spain. Particularly good is the seafood, the Spanish omelettes, the potato croquettes and the locally-made gazpacho. For a true tapas tour of the region, jump in your hire car and discover some of the best tapas joints in town.
6. Coffee al Rio Darro Granada

Enjoy a coffee by the banks of the Darro River. Once you have picked up your discount car rental from Granada Airport or Malaga Airport, you can enjoy your holiday without having to worry about taxis or public transport.

7. Visit the home of the famous author Federico Garcia Lorca in Granada

Go to the nearest tourist information office to find information about places to visit in and around Granada, including the home of Federico Garcia Lorca. Save money on excursions by driving yourself by hire car in Granada.

8. A day trip to Las Alpujarras Granada

If you want to experience true Andalusian countryside, there is no better place to visit than Las Alpujarras. You can drive around the beautiful landscapes, or hike across open countryside and explore the hidden villages en route. You can hire a car at Granada Airport and be in Las Alpujarras within 30 minutes.

9. Walk to the Alhambra Palace Granada

If you intend walking to the Alhambra Palace, and leaving your hire car at your hotel or apartment in Granada, walk along the Cuesta de los Chinos, and cross the bridge at the end of the Paseo de los Tristes. Walk this walk and avoid the tourists en route to the Alhambra.

10. Cave visits at Sacromonte

You can visit the caves at Sacromonte by day or by night. Enjoy the amazing set up at La Canastera and Los Faroles, and relax to the live jazz and classical music. This is Granada at its best, and if you are touring around, remember to check out carhire4airports for the cheapest car hire deals available in Granada.

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