Things to do in Spain (country in Europe)

Parent Cafe
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<p>I will be traveling to Spain this July, specifically to the southern part. What is there to do? </p>

<p>How cool is Iziba?
Is travel in to Morocco possible?
What about the running of the bulls?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

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<p>Marbella…very fine.</p>

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<p>I don’t have any suggestions (except stay away from Pamplona this time of year), but I’m glad to finally know where Spain is. :)</p>

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<p>now that was very funny…hehehe</p>

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<p>but I’m glad to finally know where Spain is</p>

<p>me too- and they say college isn’t useful :)</p>

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<p>Pamplona is in the extreme north of Spain anyway. It would be difficult to combine a trip there with a visit to southern Spain. If you want to experience a bullfight, however, the Plaza de Toros in Sevilla is the place. Other “must see” spots in the south are The Alhambra in Granada (try to take both a day and nighttime tour) and the best flamenco, Cordoba for the Mezquita and the Alcazar (moorish castle), Sevilla again for it’s Cathedral (Columbus’ “tomb”) and golden buildings and another Alcazar with gardens, Ronda-spectacular hill town. Gibraltar is an interesting anomaly which I personally could take or leave–but if you need a dose of fish and chips! As for Morocco, the country can be wonderful, but having lived in Spain for years, never met anyone who didn’t regret taking the ferry over from Spain! But you’re young–all I can say is if you do it, go in a group and keep your wits about you. Have fun!</p>

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<p>A couple of years ago my wife, son and I drove all day from Granada to Pamplona to be there the July 4th weekend for the running of the bulls.</p>

<p>I would advise getting there a day or two early to go searching door to door for a place to stay. It worked for us, though we were prepared to sleep in the car or 30 miles away if necessary. A lot of the small places very close to the action don’t bother with reservations as they will fill up. Reservations are very tough. </p>

<p>Pamplona is a nice city, though once the craziness starts you might not notice the architecture much. The locals who stay, truly love their festival and were very hospitable.</p>

<p>It was great. If you are adventurous and like noisy, wild, yet law abiding crowds, don’t miss it.</p>

<p>I dream of going back for the Pamplonada.</p>

<p>The highlight of our trip to Spain and Portugal.</p>

<p>Portugal is great.</p>

<p>Other highlights. Granada, Toledo, Barcelona. Sevilla. Spaniards are very friendly.</p>

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<p>Joev,
Doddsdad and I will be going to Jerez, Spain (southern Spain) the end of Feb. The main purposes of the trip are for Doddsdad to play golf and drink and buy Spanish red wine. Me, well we are staying in a resort with spa so I thought I would get some exotic treatments :slight_smile: </p>

<p>We hope to check out Sevilla and Cadiz. I’d also like to make a trip to Gibralter, but I’m not sure yet if that will work. Feel free to PM me after the last weekend in Feb. and I will let you know where we went and what I can recommend.</p>

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<p>

Do you mean Ibiza? (pronnounced Eye-bee-tha.)
It has a big reputation for being party island. Where half or Europe goes to drink, take drugs, have casual sex and get arrested every summer. It wouldn’t be my first choice, but if that’s your scene , go for it.</p>

<p>Lots of the mediterranean coast is dominated by highrise hotels and beach resorts. They’re pretty ugly. If you just want to sit on a beach all day (and/or party all night) then go there, but don’t go to Benidorm/Marbella/Torromolinos etc for a cultural experience. I doubt you would find anyone Spanish there, among the Brits, Irish, Germans and Scandinavians who holiday there/retire there/live there.</p>

<p>I really liked inland Andalucia. I loved Ronda. It’s a town in two halves separated by an amazing bridge. See link below for a photograph.
<a href=“http://gnuart.onshore.com/free_photos/images/ronda.jpg[/url]”>http://gnuart.onshore.com/free_photos/images/ronda.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>

Yes, you can get the ferry from Malaga or down near Gibraltar, to Tanger in Morocco.
Here is a ferry guide page.
<a href=“http://www.cemar.it/dest/ferries_morocco.htm[/url]”>http://www.cemar.it/dest/ferries_morocco.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>doddsmom, When in Jerez, a “must do” is to attend the Thursday performance by the Royal Andalusian School of Equestriam Art. Even if you are not a horse person (I’m not) this show is wonderful. Sevilla is beautiful and I would suggest seeing Flamenco there, eat Paella and tour around the Barrio Antigua. Go to the top of the Giralda and then have Tapas around Plaza de los Venerables. If you are overnighting in Sevilla, I highly reccomend the Hosteria Del Laurel, a perfecly located small hotel that is NOT crawling with bus tours. They have a web site. Rent a car and tour the “white towns” of Andalucia. Ronda is nice but on the way there stop at Grazalema, a bit of a detour but well worth it. You should enjoy Andalucia. Ibizia? may as well be in Ft Lauderdale. Have fun.</p>

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<p>In 1978 we went to the running of the bulls, arriving on the 9th. Unfortunately that was the year the running was cancelled on the 8th. Here’s an article about the events surrounding the cancellation. <a href=“http://www.sanfermin.com/2003/desarev.php?id=70&day=080703&lang=eng[/url]”>http://www.sanfermin.com/2003/desarev.php?id=70&day=080703&lang=eng&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>I had intended to run as I was younger and quicker (and probably ~stupider~) than I am now. I would like to go back to watch some day. </p>

<p>We lived in Europe at the time and drove, staying in campgrounds all over Spain. I second the Alhambra, the beaches on the Costa del Sol, and the Prado.</p>

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<p>I have traveled several times in Morocco-- go!-- it is wonderful. I went to Tunisia too, also great. Go to Marrakesh but also off the beaten track if you can. The desert is stunning-- Ouarzazade (?sp.)</p>

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<p>I did that quick incursion into Morocco two years ago, and the other side of the Strait can be compared to a cruel visit to La cour des miracles without any Esmeralda. The Northern cities of Morocco are even more awful than the Malaga/Gibraltar area. </p>

<p>Inasmuch as the rest of Morocco might be as wonderful as SBMom describes, Tarifa and Tangiers are best avoided. Save your money, or even better spend your euros on a double -or triple- helping of the incredible langostinos in the area of Puerto Sherry. </p>

<p><a href=“http://www.r-n-r.com/Travel/Spain_Puerto.htm[/url]”>http://www.r-n-r.com/Travel/Spain_Puerto.htm&lt;/a&gt;
<a href=“http://www.cellartours.com/spain/spanish-cities/jerez-de-la-frontera.html[/url]”>http://www.cellartours.com/spain/spanish-cities/jerez-de-la-frontera.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>I second Sevilla and Flamenco after midnight and all the rest. It is a gem! I was there with no preconceived notions for an educator’s conference, lost my wallet on the way in Madrid, and still after all the hassle of visiting police stations etc realized I had landed in a marvelous city. I made the most of it. Just keep your pocket book close to your heart when visiting Spain.</p>

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<p>Thanks Joe! For explaining where Spain is! Your subject heading really brought me smiles tonight! :D</p>

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<p>But it’s not like 1978 any more. The beaches of Costa del Sol are packed with sunburnt (and often drunk and rowdy) holiday makers and the enviornment is ruined by massive concrete high rise hotels. I wouldn’t recommend that part of the coast at all. (it is cheap. hence the package tour groups)</p>

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<p>Cupcake, thanks for the update. It was gorgeous back in the dark ages.</p>