Topic: Andalucia in October

[Late Developer]

As a 54 year old Brit, I must be fairly unusual in that I've never been to mainland Spain, so far.  Although most holidays in Spain tend to be to the sun-drenched "Costas", neither my wife nor I are the type to sit on a beach or by a pool for any significant length of time.  We prefer to see the place(s) we're visiting and soak up a bit of the culture.

So, in October we're off on a week's guided tour of Mijas, Granada, Seville, Cordoba and Ronda (not necessarily in that order). I'm thinking about travelling light - taking two 35mm bodies (one B&W and the other colour) and two lenses (35mm and 85mm).

Does anyone know the area we're visiting or been on a similar trip? Aside from the obvious places of interest (Alhambra Palace, etc) are there any less obvious / must see places?

[charles binns]

Paul

I know them all and you are in for a stunning trip.  Presumably you are driving? 

Mijas - is fairly small but you need to wander around some of the back streets to get away from the crowds and it is well worth the effort.

Cordoba  again fairly small, the cathedral is stunning and the old town is very atmospheric.

Ronda - you can't miss the bridge and if you follow a small path down the gorge you'll find yourself if a good spot to photograph both bridge and gorge.

Seville -  the guide books will have all the main places to see - La Giralda, Plaza de Espana etc.  Great food, lovely architecture  and if you can find a small flamenco venue you'll be in for a real treat, none of the castanets and frilly skirts that are on show for the "giris", just heartfelt anguish, cries of pain and a lot of stamping. More impressive than it sounds.

Granada - don't forget to go to the Generalife which is next to the Alhambra. And the Gypsy quarter - you can see flamenco dancing in a cave if that floats your boat.  If you are driving head off to the Alpujarras which are typical villages in the hills near Granada.

If you have time then Jerez is worth a visit as is Cadiz -  thanks to the EU the motorways are built like F1 race tracks with little traffic so getting around is easy.

I'll check with Mrs B to see if I've forgotten anything and let you know.  Give me a shout if you have any questions. 

[Late Developer]

Hi Charles.

Driving?  Sadly not.  We will, almost certainly, return to favourite spots but we just want to be taken on a guided tour to start with.  We get free time in all the stops but Mijas is the first overnighter as we arrive mid-evening.  We'll have to have a libation or two and discuss the finer points.

"heartfelt anguish, cries of pain and a lot of stamping". Actually, I can get all of that (and more) at home 

Sadly, Jerez and Cadiz aren't on the itinerary - something for the next trip.

[zapsnaps]

Hi Paul

I've been to most of these - and I agree with Charles, you are in for a treat. Last year was my first trip to the interior of Spain (also a late starter), apart from business trips to Madrid. Two bodies and a 35 & 80mm should see you pretty well sorted. Personally, I'd take more colour stock than B&W, but that is a very subjective view (the colours would pop with E6, referencing your other post). I would offer a suggestion for Ronda: as soon as the bus stops, head for the restaurant next to the bridge overlooking the gorge - you can't miss it - there are very few outside tables & it has the best view in the village. I'd also recommend a UV filter (if you don't usually use one) for Ronda is it can be hazy up there.

Have fun & look forwards to seeing the photos.

[Sandeha Lynch]

I went backwards and forwards and round and about there too many years ago, but, frustratingly, without a camera.  I do recall the best gazpacho in Cordoba, the best late night music around the restaurants in Granada, the best evening crowds in Sevilla, leather goods (need boots?) and pottery around Antequera, and early morning coffee and rum at road side kiosks everywhere.  Possibly too much of the latter.

[charles binns]

I went backwards and forwards and round and about there too many years ago, but, frustratingly, without a camera.  I do recall the best gazpacho in Cordoba, the best late night music around the restaurants in Granada, the best evening crowds in Sevilla, leather goods (need boots?) and pottery around Antequera, and early morning coffee and rum at road side kiosks everywhere.  Possibly too much of the latter.

If you have time, Antequera is worth a visit.  If memory serves me correctly we drove to Antequera in the morning and then hit Ronda after lunch. 

[charles binns]

Hi Charles.


"heartfelt anguish, cries of pain and a lot of stamping". Actually, I can get all of that (and more) at home 

Not accompanied by a guitarist though.

[Late Developer]

I went backwards and forwards and round and about there too many years ago, but, frustratingly, without a camera.  I do recall the best gazpacho in Cordoba, the best late night music around the restaurants in Granada, the best evening crowds in Sevilla, leather goods (need boots?) and pottery around Antequera, and early morning coffee and rum at road side kiosks everywhere.  Possibly too much of the latter.

If you have time, Antequera is worth a visit.  If memory serves me correctly we drove to Antequera in the morning and then hit Ronda after lunch.

Everything depends on the tour itinerary, Charles.  I'll take notes of places to visit but I'm not sure what, if any, flexibility the tour company is able / prepared to offer.

[charles binns]

I went backwards and forwards and round and about there too many years ago, but, frustratingly, without a camera.  I do recall the best gazpacho in Cordoba, the best late night music around the restaurants in Granada, the best evening crowds in Sevilla, leather goods (need boots?) and pottery around Antequera, and early morning coffee and rum at road side kiosks everywhere.  Possibly too much of the latter.

If you have time, Antequera is worth a visit.  If memory serves me correctly we drove to Antequera in the morning and then hit Ronda after lunch.

Everything depends on the tour itinerary, Charles.  I'll take notes of places to visit but I'm not sure what, if any, flexibility the tour company is able / prepared to offer.

We'll catch up before you go - we can have a couple of cervezas to get you in the mood.

[Gimenosaiz]

Hello!!
Nice trip ! I'm spanish and I'd like to help you but I'm afraid the last time I visited any of those places  was tooooo ago, when I was a child.
Anyway, I live near Madrid so ... you won't be alone ;-)

Best regards from Spain.
Antonio

[Late Developer]

Hello!!
Nice trip ! I'm spanish and I'd like to help you but I'm afraid the last time I visited any of those places  was tooooo ago, when I was a child.
Anyway, I live near Madrid so ... you won't be alone ;-)

Best regards from Spain.
Antonio

Hi Antonio.

I've watched a few TV programmes and YouTube videos about Andalucia recently.  Spain is a country I have wanted to visit for some years and I suspect this will be the first of a few visits.  The other place I would love to see is the windmills at Consuegra. I'm sure I'll find a lot of other places when I do more research !!

Regards, Paul.

[Gimenosaiz]

Hello, Paul.

Yes, Consuegra is fine. There are many places to visit near Madrid, like Toledo, Aranjuez, Consuegra, the Black Towns ... many. Next time I'll be glad to guide you to some of them ;-)

Cheers, Antonio.

[Gimenosaiz]

Hi, again.
... my hometown ;-)


castiel by Antonio Gimeno, on Flickr

Regards !

[emeraldcitygrain]

Your post prompted me to develop a few rolls of film from a summer 2013 trip to Spain. I'm a prolific procrastinator when if comes to film developing; so many rolls behind.
Our trip took us to Salobrena, Granada and Seville. We like to drive the surrounding areas and most of all, wander.
Travelled light, only a Leica Minilux and Tri-X.
Thanks for stirring up great memories of the trip.

[Jordi]

Am not from Andalusia, but on the few occasions I've been there I realized it is not only about the places (I see you already got fab suggestions) but the light. Can be quite harsh during the day (excellent for b/w if you ask me) and much softer at dawn/sunset. Nothing new, really, but the amazing thing is that you have this almost every day ...