Places to visit Andalucia

We understand that there are numerous captivating places to explore during your stay in one of our apartments in Estepona, situated in the heart of Andalucia. While it's impossible to describe every destination in detail, we can certainly provide you with an overview of some of the noteworthy places worth visiting.

Ronda

Ronda: The total driving distance from our apartments in Estepona to Ronda is 75 kilometers. It is one of the most beautiful and visited cities in Spain, ranking as the third most visited city in Andalucia. Ronda boasts several points of interest:

Puente Nuevo: Offering unforgettable views over the El Tajo gorge, the Puente Nuevo (new bridge) was completed in 1793 after forty-two years of construction. This iconic landmark connects the old Moorish town with the newer El Mercadillo area.
The Bullring: Known as the Real Maestranza, this bullring is one of the oldest and most picturesque in Spain. Constructed in 1785 by the architect Jose Martin Aldehuela, who also built the Puente Nuevo, it can accommodate up to 5000 spectators.
Arab Baths: Located in the San Miguel Quarter, the old Arab neighborhood of the city, the Arabic baths in Ronda are the best-preserved in Spain. Dating back to the end of the 13th century during the reign of King Abomelik, they offer a glimpse into Ronda's rich history.
Mondragon Palace: Home to the municipal museum and exquisite gardens, the Mondragon Palace was originally built in 1314 by the Moorish King Abomelik. Later, it served as the primary residence for Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand.

Sevilla.

Sevilla: The total driving distance from Estepona to Sevilla is 232 kilometers. According to legend, Sevilla was founded by Hercules, and its origins are linked with the Tartessian civilization.
It was called Hispalis under the Romans and Isbiliya during the Moorish rule. The city reached its pinnacle of glory after the discovery of America in 1492.
Sevilla boasts several points of interest:

Parque de María Luisa: Seville's primary public park, the Parque de María Luisa, stretches along the Guadalquivir River near the city center. Originally part of the gardens of the Palace of San Telmo, the park was donated to the city in 1893. Landscape designer Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier is responsible for its present configuration.
Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza: For visitors interested in the Spanish tradition of bullfighting, the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza is a must-visit destination. As the oldest bullring in Spain, this 14,000-seat arena dates back to 1758, and bullfights are still held here on Sundays from spring to fall.
Plaza de España: In preparation for the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition, Sevillian architect Anibal Gonzalez designed a series of buildings, including the Plaza de España. Located near the Santa Cruz neighborhood in the Parque de María Luisa, these buildings were constructed to showcase Spain's history, industry, and technology. The main edifice housed exhibits, including manuscripts written by Spanish explorers Columbus and Cortes. The architecture reflects the Regionalist Revival style.
Barrio Santa Cruz: Located to the east of the Old City and bordered by the Guadalquivir River, Barrio Santa Cruz was Seville's Jewish quarter until the late 1300s. Synagogues were closed, homes were confiscated, and many Jewish people were either killed or forced to convert to Christianity.
Torre del Oro: The Torre del Oro, also known as the Golden Tower, symbolizes the role of the Guadalquivir River during Spain's colonial period. Seville's maritime trade thrived due to the river's navigability, offering protection from seafaring invaders. The tower's name comes from the golden glow reflecting off its building materials onto the river. It was built in the early 1200s, and a heavy chain was once strung across the river from the tower to defend the city.
The Cathedral: Seville's medieval cathedral was constructed on the site of a grand Almohad Mosque. Built after the Reconquista to showcase Seville's power and wealth, it surpassed the Hagia Sophia as the largest cathedral in the world upon completion in the 16th century. It remains the third-largest church in Europe and the largest by volume.
The Alcazar: Still used by Spain's Royal family on state occasions, the Alcazar complex of royal palaces, patios, and gardens has witnessed numerous transformations over its more than one-thousand-year history. The Muslim Moors initially built a palace on the site of a 10th-century fort, which was later converted into a Gothic-style structure in the 13th century.
The Giralda: The Giralda is the only remaining structure of the 12th-century mosque that was torn down during the construction of the Seville Cathedral. The minaret, built by the Moors, features a series of ramps allowing guards to ascend on horseback. Visitors can easily climb the 35 ramps to reach the summit and enjoy panoramic views of the city below.

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Granada.

Granada: The total driving distance from Estepona to Granada is 204 kilometers.
Granada offers several points of interest:

The Alhambra: The Alhambra complex is the world's most spectacular Arab citadel and the symbol of Granada. It encompasses various visitable areas, including the Alcazaba, a citadel with a watchtower; the Palace of Charles V, a Christian building housing the Fine Arts Museum; the Generalife, a leisure residence and gardens; and the Nasrid Palaces, the heart of the Alhambra and the former residence of the sultans. If you plan to visit the Alhambra Palace, it is essential to obtain your entrance tickets in advance.
Cathedral: The monumentality of Granada, the Catholic Monarchs' favorite city, is reflected in impressive monuments such as the Cathedral. It is a symbol of Granada's Christianity and an excellent starting point for exploring the heart of the city.
Royal Chapel: Located nearby, the Royal Chapel serves as the mausoleum of the Monarchs and is another notable site to visit. A little further on, you will find the Monastery of San Jerónimo, an outstanding jewel of the Renaissance.
Realejo: Realejo is the old Jewish neighborhood of Granada, historically known as Garnata al-Yahud during the Arab period. Situated at the foot of the Alhambra, it offers a glimpse into Granada's rich cultural heritage.
Sacromonte: Sacromonte is Granada's most distinctive neighborhood, renowned worldwide for its cave houses and stunning views. It is also considered the birthplace of flamenco, offering a unique cultural experience.

Cordoba.

Cordoba: The total driving distance from Estepona to Cordoba is 243 kilometers.
Cordoba boasts several points of interest:

Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba: The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, designated as a World Heritage Site since 1984, is arguably the most significant monument in the entire Western Muslim World and one of the most astounding buildings worldwide. It showcases a unique fusion of architectural styles.
Alcázar of Cordoba: The Alcázar of Cordoba, a castle with thick defensive walls, served as both a fortress and a palace. It provides a perfect illustration of the development of Cordoban architecture throughout different periods. The building encompasses remnants from the Roman, Visigothic, and Arabic eras.
View over the Mosque-Cathedral: The view over the Mosque-Cathedral, with the river, the Gate of the Bridge, and the Roman Bridge of Cordoba, is a breathtaking sight and one of the highlights of Cordoba.
Synagogue: Situated in the heart of the Jewish Quarter of Cordoba, the Synagogue is a unique and well-preserved medieval synagogue. It is one of the three best-preserved synagogues in the whole of Spain.
Calahorra Tower of Cordoba: Located at the southern end of the Roman Bridge, the Calahorra Tower is an ancient defensive fortress. It is mentioned in various Arab sources on "Al-Andalus" (Arab Andalusia) and has historical significance dating back to the Christian conquest of Cordoba.

Nerja.

Nerja is the last town East of Málaga, bordering with Granada and its subtropical climate, making Nerja an ideal place to visit.
Situated in the district known as Maro, we can find the Nerja Caves. In this cave, you will be able to see rock paintings, stalagmites, and stalactites. You can also find one of the largest columns in the world. There is also a theater inside the caves, here they hold the Festival de las Cuevas de Nerja.
They were discovered on the 12th of January 1959 by a group of young locals who were on a late-night walk searching for bats. The Nerja Caves are the perfect place to relive a bit of Nerja’s past. In the Nerja Caves, you and your family will enjoy a 45-minute excursion of one of the most important caves in the World. Here you will find the oldest work of art known to man and also some of the largest rock formations around.
In the Nerja Caves there are 3 galleries, as far as we know. The public gallery, the high gallery, and the new gallery, at this moment only the public gallery is open to tourists.
Telephone: +34 952 529 520 | Address: Ctra. de Maro, s/n – 29787 Nerja, Málaga
Web: Nerja Caves