See places, such as the Alhambra, on foot or from up above
There’s a lot to see and do in Andalucia and Costa del Sol, but not just one way to see and do them. Indeed, visiting the sights isn’t just limited to walking around, and savoring the gastronomy certainly needn’t only go down in a restaurant. Whether you fancy a high-flying adventure in a hot air balloon, a calorie-burning ride into the Spanish hills or a soothing soak in an old-world Arabian bath, here are seven unique ways to experience Andalucia and Costa del Sol.
1. Go on a Cruise
Seeing the south on dry land isn’t the only option: You can take to the water, too, on an Andalucia cruise tour. What waters, pray tell? Of course there’s that glistening Mediterranean Sea, which you can set sail on off the shores of Gibraltar, spying the British territory and also dolphins, which commonly breed here (meanwhile, finish the excursion on dry British land, laying out in the sun or grabbing some lunch). As for when you’re inland, water-bound adventures are still an option: In Seville, you can slosh along the Guadalquivir River on a proper luxury yacht, admiring the city on both sides as you sip on drinks with the intimately sized group on board.
Spy sealife and explore another country on a cruise to Gibraltar
2. Take a Cooking Class
One could argue that there’s no better way to experience the essence of a place than via its cuisine. And if that’s the case, the best way to do that, and even bring the experience back home with you, is by taking a cooking class. Immerse yourself in local gastronomy during an Andalucia cooking class in either Cordoba or Seville. In the former, you’ll whip up two of the region’s most famed dishes: salmorejo (a thicker version of gazpacho) and cola de toro (oxtail stew). Meanwhile, in Seville, you can learn tips for making traditional tapas, or opt to whip up proper dishes that you’ll enjoy on a rooftop terrace with views of the city’s Giralda.
Go beyond just eating the local cuisine
3. Enjoy a Wine Tasting
Experiencing the gastronomic delights of Andalucia should go beyond just food: You’ll also want to delve into the world of Sherry wine. That’s because this is the home of the distilled libation, locally called Jerez, after the region from which it originates. That region is situated inside the so-called “Sherry Triangle,” marked by three main cities — Sanlucar de Barrameda, El Puerto de Santa Maria and Jerez de la Frontera. Get better acquainted with the world behind this drink on a Gutierrez Colosia Sherry Winery visit and tasting, one of the oldest wineries in El Puerto de Santa Maria, where you can sample six different types of wine.
Explore the world of Sherry on a wine-tasting excursion
4. Embark on a Bike Tour
Right, so that was a lot of eating and drinking: Now it’s time for a little more activity. Kill two birds with one stone — the action and the sightseeing — on an Andalucia bike tour. Heading to Seville? On an electric bike tour, you can hit all the big spots — Plaza de España, the Seville Cathedral, the Royal Alcazar and even the less touristy Triana neighborhood — without too much extra effort (the “electric” part of the bike will do any heavy lifting). Meanwhile, if you’re in Granada, your motor-powered bike will have you setting off into more uninhabited territory, including the hills that surround town. Finally, if you happen to be in Malaga, head out on a relaxing ride, spying the big sights and also basking in the marine breeze as you coast along the waterfront checking out the sea.
Cover more ground and burn a little energy on a bike adventure
5. Luxuriate in Arabian Baths
Oh man, you’re probably exhausted just thinking about all that food, wine and riding. Take a load off by checking yourself into old-fashioned Arabian baths in Andalucia, located in several of southern Spain’s big cities, including Malaga, Granada, Seville and Cordoba. These baths, called hammams, capture the historic custom, brought to Spain by the Moors, of bathing in baths of different temperatures. While there, you can take your pick of various massages, relax in the different pools and warm up while sipping on traditional Moroccan-inspired mint tea.
Relax and experience a Moorish tradition at a local hammam
6. Get a Different Perspective with an Air Excursion
It’s not enough to explore southern Spain by land or even by water; consider going up into the sky on an Andalucia and Costa del Sol flight or hot air balloon tour. On one of these sky-high excursions, you can spy landmarks from above, seeing the country from a different point of view and beyond the big cities. Take Granada, for example, where you can fly — in either a hot air balloon or plane — above the city’s biggest sights, including the Alhambra, cave-laced Sacromonte and old Moorish neighborhood of Albaicin. Or if you’re in Seville, journey off above the countryside, floating over rivers and forests before touching down to enjoy an Andalusian breakfast washed down with a glass of champagne.
See the south from the skies on a hot air balloon outing
7. Experience a Four-Wheel-Drive Adventure
All that wilderness can be discovered from above, sure, but also from down below — on a 4WD Sierra Nevada Safari Tour in Granada. We’re talking rumbling over rugged terrain, deep into Granada’s surrounding mountains. It is there that you’ll come across snow-capped peaks, river-cut valleys and historic white villages. Relish views along the way, especially during a stop for a drink at a restaurant situated at an altitude of some 2,500 meters.
See a different side of Granada on a four-wheel-drive tour
- Contributed by Erin Ridley
7 Unique Ways to Experience Andalucia and Costa del Sol from Andalucia & Costa del Sol Things to Do