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| ANDALUCIA,
SPAIN TRAVEL GUIDE |
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Featured
Cadiz Hotels / Search
Cadiz Hotels / Cadiz Tours
/ Featured
Ronda Hotels
The White Villages Of Cadiz
- An Archaeological Route by Rudi Van Der Zalm
| The Sierra de Cadiz, constituted
by 19 townships, is a region full of natural, environmental, cultural,
historical, and anthropological resources. The so-called White Villages
offer us a wide range of unparalleled tourist possibilities. The colour
of its rough geography, the whiteness and brightness of its streets, the
greenness of its natural spaces, the location of its towns and the history
transmitted through every spot and its most prized possession...its people!
 The
Sierra de Cadiz has been inhabited and visited from the most distant times
and it has contemplated the passing of numerous peoples, cultures and different
ways of living and thinking. From the Palaeolithic to the present day la
sierra has welcomed amidst its striking geographic and environmental resources,
all those who have chosen it as a home, dwelling, refuge or frontier. That's
why such a beautiful and spectacular landscape hides a treasure, the traces
of our ancestors, our historical memory.
Remains of towns, settlements,
cities, strongholds, villages, roads and paths exhibit nowadays a huge
and rich cultural legacy represented in a substantial number of archaeological
sites spread all around the regional geography. |
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The archaeological route
of the white villages is addressed to a public that is respectful to the
patrimony and thirsty for knowledge and discoveries.
In the district of El Bosque,
entrance to the Natural Park of Sierra de Grazalema, you can visit the
Centre of Interpretation of the Archaeological Route of the White Villages.
The Archaeological Route is divided in three sub-routes based on the three
periods in which la Sierra enjoyed its most considerable historic prominence:
The Prehistoric Period, the Roman-Iberian Period and the Medieval Period.
 The
Prehistoric Route is formed by the visits to the funeral assemblages dated
between the fourth and the second Millennium B.C., between the end of the
Neolithic and the beginnings of the Bronze Ages, such as the Alberite Dolmen
in Villamarin, the El Charcon Dolmen in El Gastor, Tomillos Dolmens in
Alcala del Valle and the Prehistoric Necropolis of Fuente de Ramos in Puerto
Serrano.
In the Roman-Iberian route
we can visit the city of Sierra de Aznar in Arcos de la Frontera with its
striking "Castellum Aquae", the Roman-Iberian cities of Ocuri in Ubrique,
Carissa Aurelia in Espera and Saepo in the so-called Cerro de la Botinera
in Algodonales.
The Medieval route includes
many villages of the Frontier between Christians and Muslims, like the
medieval village of Zahara de la Sierra, Olvera's stronghold, the Great
Wall of Torre-Alhaquime, the Barrio Nazari in Benaocaz and the paved roads
on Villaluega del Rosario and Grazalema. Apart from the archaeological
resources the area also offers two extraordinary Natural Parks: Grazalema
and Los Alcornocales.
The Sierra de Grazalema is
located between the Andalusian provinces of Cadiz and Malaga and it houses
an important relict wooded-patch of Spanish fir, a tree that has become
a symbol of these mountains. The entire territory of the Sierra de Grazalema
Nature Park was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1977.
And Between the Sierra de
Grazalema and Punta de Tarifa, stand a series of middle-sized mountains
whose interior houses Natural Park Los Alcornocales, the 'kingdom of the
cork oak' which is the most important formation on the Iberian Peninsula.
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About the Author: With
more than 20 years of experience in the travel industry Rudi van der Zalm
is the founder of one of Europe's most popular websites for holiday
homes in rural Spain. A wide selection of country houses and lodgings
can be found at www.rural-tour.com. |
CADIZ
FEATURED HOTELS, ANDALUCIA, SOUTHERN SPAIN
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Cadiz Hotels
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Parador
of Cádiz, Cádiz
Modern
tourist complex next to the Genovés park and by the sea, the Parador
has impressive views of the sea and the Bay of Cádiz. Located in
a residential area surrounded by palm trees, it has exclusive access to
a small beach. It is also a good starting point to discover the entire
province (White Villages Route, Toro Route, Wine Route, etc.), plus the
small villages of the coast of Cádiz. The spacious, bright bedrooms,
carefully decorated, have panoramic views, an invitation for peace and
relaxation. Boat trips or excursions within the area are some of the activities
that can be done outside of the Parador. Inside, options include a variety
of games and live piano, sax and base music, among others. |
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Barcelo
Cadiz
The
Barceló Cádiz**** is a newly-built hotel with a modern design
and innovative architecture. Located in the heart of Cadiz at then main
avenue of the city and also, close to the seafront promenade bordering
the famous Victoria Beach. Ideal place to combine business and pleasure,
with modern facilities, 2000 m. from the Conference Centre and the Train
Station, Close to the shopping centre, Bahia de Cadiz Casino, Novo Sancti
Petri Golf Courses, and only 30 minutes from Jerez Airport. The exquisite
preparation of the best raw materials and their careful presentation contribute
to sophisticated Andalusian and International cuisine. |
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Hotel
Monte Puertatierra, Cadiz
Situated
in the very heart of the city which offers a wide range of possibilities
for guaranteeing the success of your stay or event. Near the historical
quarter, shopping area and only 80 metres from the Stª Mª del
Mar beach. Enjoy the monuments, people, gastronomy and culture of
Cádiz in the HOTEL PUERTATIERRA. Both hotel guests and locals
from the city of Cadiz occupy the tables of our modern cafeteria each day.
This mix of people creates a cordial atmosphere within which you may taste
the "tapas" and typical dishes of the region as well as a delicious dessert.
Delight in the exquisite regional or national cuisine in the warm atmosphere
of our spacious and comfortable restaurant. |
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Hotel
Spa Senator Cadiz
Beside
one of the best shopping and historical areas of the town. Only 5 minutes
from the Train and Bus Station and 40 km from the Airport of Jerez.
The hotel offers a wide array of services including, a buffet breakfast
and buffet or à la carte restaurant. It also has the largest and
only urban Spa in the Town, “Acquaplaya” with a multitude of services and
treatments. On the top floor there is an outdoor pool from which
you can enjoy magnificent views of Cadiz (only open in the summer). The
hotel offers free WI-FI in all the rooms and common areas. |
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RONDA
FEATURED HOTELS, ANDALUCIA, SPAIN
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Featured
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Ronda -
Magical Mountain Top City in Andalucia, Southern Spain by Anne
Sewell
| When visiting
Andalucia, I would highly recommend making the trip to Ronda. The
winding roads up the mountainside can be a little daunting, but what a
view all the way to the top!
Ronda is one
of the oldest cities in Spain, having origins in the Neolithic age.
Wonderful cave paintings were discovered, including the famous Pileta's
Cave, depicting paintings from the Paleolithic age.
Its mountain
top location made it an ideal location to build a city - very easy to defend.
The first builders were the Romans, and many examples of their architecture
can still be viewed in the city today.
The Moors then
made their mark, and built the walls, gates and arches of the city, which
are still very much intact. You can stroll alongside the walls, enjoying
the fabulous views… or visit the Arab Baths, still in an excellent state
of repair. State protected because of historic interest in 1931, these
baths were built at the end of the 13th century or start of the 14th century.. |
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Another fascinating
building to visit is the Casa del Rey Moro - or House of the Moorish King
- which appears to be from the 18th Century. The house itself is
in a dilapidated condition, but the first floor has been restored, and
contains the tourist office. Well worth a visit to the gardens of
the house, which were constructed by the great French Landscaper Forestier
in 1912
The house also
has a mine which you can visit, which consists of a wide zigzagging staircase
carved into the rock, covered by a fascinating system of stacked vaults.
Visit the Sala del Manantial (Room of the Spring) from which slaves brought
water to the King.
The hub of Ronda
is the "New Bridge", that divides the city, over a deep gorge - El Tajo,
with houses literally hanging on the edges of the cliffs. Right next door
is the lovely Alameda del Tajo Park - perfect for a restful stroll after
your busy sightseeing, and also the Blas Infante viewpoint where you can
stand on a balcony over... a huge drop!
 Famous
people love this city - close to the Alameda del Tajo Park, you can visit
the Paseo de Orson Wells - the famous actor loved Ronda and is, in fact,
buried there. Ernest Hemingway was also very fond of the city and
the Paseo de Hemingway has been named for him. He visited Spain during
the Spanish Civil War, to report for the North American Newspaper Alliance.
The Plaza de
Toros, or Bullring, of Ronda, is the oldest in Spain and was officially
inaugurated in 1785 by the two bullfighters, Pedro Romero and Pepe Hillo.
It is possible to visit the bullring, its museum and the surrounding buildings
and paddocks. Outside the entrance to the bullring are statues to
two famous bullfighters of Ronda, Cayetano Ordonez and Antonio Ordonez.
Strolling the
streets of Ronda is like taking a step back in time - narrow streets with
attractive buildings, tapas bars and restaurants - and wonderful shops.
You will also come across interesting museums, like the Museo del Bandelero…
lots of beautiful churches and lovely plazas and sidewalk cafes to rest
and catch your breath.
It is difficult
to mention all the wonderful attractions of this city in one article, but
this is definitely a must-visit part of your Spanish tour! One little
warning - try and stay a minimum of 3 days, otherwise you'll miss out on
a lot of the attractions. Wear good comfortable walking shoes, and
if visiting in summer, always carry a bottle of water.. it gets hot
in Ronda!
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About the author:
Anne Sewell is involved in internet tourism, and is also an enthusiastic
amateur photographer. Photos and more details about Ronda can be
viewed on spanish-life.com |
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Ronda Hotels
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Hotel
Enfrente Arte, Ronda
Beautifully
situated in the oldest paved street of Ronda and surrounded by historic
buildings, this unique and laid back hotel is just moments from the city
centre but yet faces the natural park "Sierra de las Nieves”. The
house itself has been decorated with eclectic details, original and historical
artwork and atmospheric lighting. The hotel provides an outdoor swimming
pool and a sauna, a recreation room with a pool table, satellite television,
fire place, a library as well as a computer with free access to the internet.
The subtropical garden, with a large variety of exotic plants, birds and
fish, is an attraction for nature lovers and the children. Several romantic
courtyards and terraces offer stunning views of the mountains, the river
"Guadalevin", the old city and the renowned horse riding school "Maestranza
de Ronda". The breakfast-brunch buffet serves a wide variety of cold
and warm dishes included in the price, plus free drinks all day. |
 |
Parador
of Ronda, Ronda
In
the centre of the city, in a privileged location, next to the emblematic
Puente Nuevo in Ronda, built in the year 1761, this Parador rises up over
the former town hall. It is an impressive enclave, with unique views of
the Tagus, in a gorge some 120 metres deep. Blues, greens, yellows
and reds make up the shades of the interior. The most colourful materials
decorate the sofas and curtains of bright, spacious living rooms with an
abundance of plants. It has a swimming pool and cheerful bedrooms with
beautiful views and comfortable split-level suites with terraces.
The gastronomic side of the Parador includes excellent Andalusian style
dishes such as stewed partridge, roast kid, rabbit 'a la rondeña',
almond soup, 'ajo blanco' (cold garlic soup) and 'salmorejo'. |
|
Husa
Reina Victoria, Ronda
In
this marvellous city, dominated by the famous "Tajo de Ronda", the Reina
Victoria Hotel with its unique location in the city center and panoramic
views offers classical, exquisite comfort. Built in 1906 and completely
refitted the last year 2000, the charm of its gardens and terraces are
reminiscent of visits by the Poet Rainier Marie Rilke. 89 rooms with direct-dial
telephone, TV, complete bathroom facilities, central heating, air-conditioning
and most of them have terraces with magnificent mountains views. Restaurant,
bar, barbecue, meeting rooms, swimming-pool and parking facilities. |
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