SPAIN

A country of vastly different areas, often unfairly perceived to be all like the Costa del Sol.

Gibraltar:- Gibraltar is not part of Spain! It has its own page!

Jerez de la Frontera:- Quaint little town S of Sevilla. Cadiz is a nice afternoon out from here. Visit a few sherry bodegas. The Tio Pepe one in the centre of town is probably the best. Quite rustic and not too much happens here except the motor racing at the very cheap circuit just outside town.

Marbella:- Extremely posh area for Spain, and expensive. Nice for an afternoon out but don’t stay unless you’re flush.

Seville:- The outskirts of Seville are an architectural travesty but in the centre is a wonderful old town with a fabulous tapas bar culture. Spend a hot afternoon just walking from bar to bar, a walk round the park and cathedral, and try a little tapas (snack) at each bar. The Irish bar beside the cathedral is a fine place to meet foreign travellers and language students. Countryside SE towards Moron is flat and boring.
Mikes tips:- Find out the current rate to park your car. Your vehicle will not be complete if you do not give the guy who waves you back into your ‘free’ parking space the correct tip. Cruzcampo beer is brewed here and available very cheaply in large rather unattractive brown bottles, but I reckon it’s the best Spanish beer, and Maryan likes it too.

Tenerife:- S side of island is serious beach/disco holiday area. N side is far more temperate socially and climatically. A trip up Mt. Teide is a must. Cable car most of way, walk last 100m. Sand on N side is black!