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The Best Travel Experiences
Getting Lost in the Barrio de Santa Cruz: In Seville, "famous for its oranges and women" according to Lord Byron, you can wander at leisure through this Arab-looking ghetto of narrow streets. The brilliantly whitewashed little houses festooned with flowering plants and graced Andalusian courtyards epitomize romantic Seville. Wile away a meal or a whole afternoon at one of the outdoor cafe tables tucked into a handkerchief-size, hidden square. Under the Moors, Jews flourished in this ghetto but were chased out by the Christians at the time of the Inquisition. The great artist Murillo also called this barrio home.
Drinking Sherry at the Bodegas of Jerez: Spain's most distinctive fortified wine -- "sherry" in English, jerez in Spanish -- uses this charming little Andalusian town of Jerez de la Frontera as its main production center. Touring the sherry wineries, or bodegas, is one of the province's most evocative undertakings. You can see mixing tanks, fermentation rooms, and warehouses for aging, but nothing is more memorable than an actual tasting. You'll quickly determine your favorite, ranging from fino (extra dry) to dulce (sweet). It's best to arrive in early September for the annual wine harvest.
Visiting the Great Alhambra: People from all over the world flock to Granada to enjoy wandering the Alhambra, Andalusia's last remaining fortress-palace constructed by the Muslim caliphs, who staged their last stand here against the Catholic monarchs. In 1832, Washington Irving, in his Tales of the Alhambra, virtually put it on the tourist map after decades of neglect. Inside its walls is a once royal city and a testament to past Muslim glory. Expect fountained courtyards, fanciful halls (once filled with dancing girls from the sultan's harem), and miles of intricate plasterwork and precious mosaics. In all, the splendor of Arabian Nights.
Experiencing a Bullfight: With origins as old as pagan Andalusia, bullfighting is a pure expression of Spanish temperament and passion. Detractors call the sport cruel, bloody, and savage. Aficionados, however, view bullfighting as a microcosm of death, catharsis, and rebirth. If you strive to understand the bullfight, it can be a powerful and memorable experience. Head for the Plaza de Toros (bullring) in any major Andalusian city; the best corridas (bullfights) are in Seville.
Feasting on Tapas in the Tascas: Julia Child once said, "Tapas are reason enough to go to Seville." We agree wholeheartedly. These small plates of food can be washed down with wine or beer, but a true Andalusian will accompany them with a glass of sherry. These tasty treats can be almost anything: cured ham or chorizo (spicy sausage); gambas (deep-fried shrimp) are always a favorite, as are marinated anchovies, even stuffed peppers or a hake salad -- and most definitely a bowl of soothing gazpacho, a "liquid salad" for a hot summer day.
Getting Swept Up in the Passion of Flamenco: Best heard in the old gypsy taverns of Seville and Granada, in such evocative neighborhoods as Seville's Barrio de Triana or Granada's Albaicín, flamenco traces its Spanish roots to Andalusia. From the poshest nightclub to the lowest taverna, you can hear the staccato sound of foot stomping, castanet rattling, hand clapping, and the sultry sound of an Andalusian guitar. Some critics say the origins of flamenco actually lie somewhere deep in the heart of Asia, but the Andalusian gypsy has given the art a special and distinctive regional interpretation. The flamenco dramatizes inner tension and conflict. Performed by a great artista, it can tear your heart out with its soulful, throaty singing. In all cities and towns, flamenco can be heard nightly.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
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