Attractions
Granada
Head out to Granada to see one of Spain’s most popular tourist attractions, the Alhambra palace-fortress. The Alhambra was built in the 13th century and is one of Spain’s most important pieces of Moorish architecture. The enormous complex includes a summer palace complete with fountains and gardens, a hilltop fortress and the Palacios Nazaries, all set against a gorgeous Sierra Nevada backdrop. When you get your fill of the Alhambra, you can also visit the cathedral where Isabel and Ferdinand of Spain are buried and a Moorish medina known as the Albaicin. Another interesting excursion to take is a trip to Sacromonte Hill, north of the city, where you’ll find cave dwellings once occupied by a large gypsy community. See www.sacromontegranada.com for more information.
Ronda
Ronda is one of the most historic cities in the region, making it a popular day trip for travellers. Head 50km (30 miles) inland from Marbella to the touring plateau that Ronda occupies and relax in one of the cafés or restaurants. A plunging river gorge known as El Tajo divides the medieval section of town from the newer section, which was built in the 18th century. Puente Nuevo, a stone bridge, spans the gorge and once housed a prison. Now you can enjoy the fantastic views of the countryside from the bridge’s walkway called El Parador. Ronda also has the largest and oldest bullring in Spain. You don’t have to go to a bullfight; the bullring is open to visitors when there aren’t any fights and has an interesting museum.
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