Videos from Spain
Madrid and Retiro Park
When we land in Madrid after an overnight flight, we usually head into Retiro Park for a long walk in this absolutely fabulous park in the center of Madrid.
The Camino Mozárabe
The Camino Mozárabe is the historical route Christian pilgrims took from the Muslim-held Andalusian region of Spain to reach Santiago de Compostela, the end of the Camino de Santiago. Starting in Granada, the site of the Alhambra begun in the 9th Century, we walk to Córdoba, the site of the Mosque-Cathedral begun in the 10th Century. These two epic cities anchor a beautiful walk amongst olive groves, almond trees, sunflowers, and wheat fields through picturesque towns and villages in Spain’s Andalusia region. We visit Granada, Atarfe, Moclín, Alcalá la Real, Alcaudete, Baena, Castro del Río, Santa Cruz, and Cordoba.
Map of the Camino Mozárabe from Granada to Cordoba
Spanish Towns and Cities
Montpellier and Le Puy en Velay: Montpellier is a beautiful city built with wine wealth in the 1880’s. Resting a bit on its legacy it still is vibrant with young people and students attending one of the oldest universities in France. Le Puy en Velay is a fairy tale city built around the Cathedral that serves as the starting point for pilgrim walks to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. We can’t wait to come back here and spend more time exploring its narrow hillside streets full of life.
Granada: one of Spain’s most famous and beautiful cities and home of the Alhambra, a series of palaces, gardens, and fortifications started in on the highest point of the city. The Alhambra became the royal residence and court of Granada of the Nasrid Kingdom in the mid-13th century. In 1492, Boabdil lost the city to Fernando and Isabela, and Christians took over the Alhambra, adding their own touches to this wondrous place.
Marbella: a picturesque beach town on the Mediterranean’s Costa del Col. Just inside the Strait of Gibraltar along the Golden Mile, Marbella and Puerto Banús provide visitors with plenty of sun, sandy beaches, pristine waters, and a vibrant lifestyle echoing Miami’s (without the highrises). Roman ruins, museums, and an ancient Casco Viejo (Old Town) provide interesting cultural diversions for thirsty minds.
Cádiz: We visit the charming and historic town of Cadiz on the southwestern coast of Spain overlooking the Atlantic. It was founded 3000 years ago by the Phoenicians and later became the Roman’s 3rd largest city, after Rome and Pompei. In addition to the many historical buildings and sights, Cádiz welcomes visitors with tree lined streets, lovely gardens, and fountains.
Sitges is a special beach town just south of Barcelona and near the Costa Brava. It has a rich history, wonderful people, awesome vibe, and celebrates its heritage and its growing reputation for having fun in the Mediterranean sun.
Madrid: We often begin our travel adventures to Spain in Madrid. Here we visit the Palacio Real, Templo Debod, Monument to Cervantes, Retiro Park, the Conservatory of Music, and other landmarks in this wonderful place.