THE ALHAMBRA PALACE ----------------------------- The Royal Palace is the main attraction with its splendid interiors, where your breath is taken away at the sight of the intricate Moorish workmanship. It was built in the last half of the 14th century and forms the greatest achievement of Moorish art in Spain. Tranquillity and peace of mind and a meditative ambience are the key to the Alhambra with its pools, running water, gardens and repetitive geometric designs. The Alhambra opens from 8.30 am - 2.00pm and from 2.00pm - 8.00pm. there are also night time visits in the summer from 10.00pm - 11.30pm. Apart from the Alhambra, Granada houses one of the finest gardens in Spain - The Generalife. It is only a short walk from the Alhambra and it would be worth a visit if you are in the locality. ALHAMBRA RESERVATIONS- ESSENTIAL: ------------------------------------------------- To reserve your tickets (they are almost impossible to buy without prior booking) please Telephone 902224460. You may pay by credit cards Visa and Mastercard and collect the tickets at the entrance. To book on line go to www.alhambra-tickets.es which can be translated into English. Please note that during the summer months you may have to book three weeks in advance. To book on line go to www.alhambra-tickets.es which can be translated into English. Please note that during the summer months you may have to book three weeks in advance. You will be given a time of arrival to go in, therefore ensure that you leave Ronda at least three hours prior to this time. To book from outside Spain Call 00 34 91 3745420. SEVILLE. ---------- The city has so much to offer that it would be impossible to see it all in a day, but obviously some places cannot be missed. The most interesting building, although others may disagree, is the Alcazar Palace built by King Pedro the Cruel of Castille in the 1360’s. It appears to be of Moorish origin and yet is not, although most of the workmen who built it were Moors who had worked on the Alhambra in Granada. Not only are the interiors intricate and fascinating but the gardens and patios are beautiful with pools, palms and orange and lemon trees everywhere. The underground baths are also quite amazing. Opening times are: Mon - Fri 9.00 -12.45 & 3.00 - 5.30 Sat and Sun 9.00 - 1.30 Thus an early start is recommended if you wish to see it in the morning. 2 hours can pleasantly be spent here before moving on. Not far away is the outrageously large Gothic Cathedral and the symbol of the city, the Giralda Tower. ISLA MAGICA. ----------------- Seville, whilst having much to offer the sightseer, is also a fun city to visit for all the family. One of the best outings is a visit to Isla Magica. This is a wonderfully designed Adventure Park primarily for children but undeniably enjoyable for adults too. There are many water feature rides, pirates and galleons, a virtual reality cinema and concerts in the evening. Tickets are available for full or half days. www.islamagica.es JEREZ. -------- May 9th-16th, Jerez holds it’s annual Horse Fair at the Royal Equestrian Arts School of Andalucia. Telephone: 956 31 9635. Tourist Office 956 33 1150. (English Spoken.) For more information see www.turismojerez.com From mid September to October there is a series of fiestas combining wine, flamenco and horses including the Buleria fiesta which takes place in the bullring and the International Salon of Fine Wines held at the Villavicencio Palace. ARCOS DE LA FRONTERA. ------------------------------- Tourist Office Telephone No:95 670 2264 Lake Molineira: Hang – gliding, and water sports as well as horse riding. SETENIL DE LAS BODEGAS. -------------------------------- Tourist Office 95 613 4261. A delightful village to visit, it is famous for its troglodyte houses that are built into the rock. The village dates back many centuries and obtained the name Seteñil from the fact that the Christians tried seven times to wrest the village from the Moors but failed to do so. (Latin: Sept Nihil). The processions at Easter are well known for being the most spectacular and colourful. SANLUCAR DE BARRAMEDA. ---------------------------------- Tourist Office 95 636 6132. La Manzanilla – late May. Tapas Fair – October. Manzanilla Museum – 95 638 5500. In August horse racing is held on the beach, the date depends on the tides. BORNOS. ----------- ADETUR – 95 672 8264. Riding, Canoeing, Hiking and Cycling tours. ALGODONALES. -------------------- Paragliding School – 95 622 1351. PRADO DEL REY. -------------------- National Serrana Singing Contest. 28th August at the Town Hall 95 672 3011. Flamenco Contest from nightfall in the Plaza de la Constitution. ALMOGIA. ------------ 2 nd –3erd August Verdiales Festival of Song and Dance where different styles of Flamenco compete – they play faster and faster until someone makes a mistake. There is also riding and marksmanship contest and a livestock fair. Town hall: 95 243 0025 TORREMOLINOS. --------------------- Tourist Office – 95 237 9512. Pescaito Day – 3rd June where everyone enjoys eating free fish on the beach. Tourist Day – beginning of July – free Paella and Gazpacho. MARBELLA. --------------- Spanish Championship for Purebred Horses – July. MALAGA. ----------- Tourist Office – 95 221 3445. Fiesta Virgen Del Carmen 16th July. This is a fiesta centred around the sea with processions featuring highly decorated fishing boats. Picasso Museum ------------------- Tuesdays – Thursdays 10 am – 8 pm. Friday and Saturday 10 am – 9pm Sundays and Holidays 10 am – 8pm Closed Mondays. CASABERMEJA. ------------------- Grand Flamenco Song Festival 24th July. One of the most important in Spain. GUARO – CARRATRACA. ------------------------------ Moorish Moon Festival. First two weeks of September. !0,000 candles are placed in the streets to celebrate the Moorish heritage and culture. There is music, flamenco, Arab dance workshops and exhibitions. ESTEPONA. ------------- Selwo World. This is a nature park with over two thousand animals from five continents all kept in a natural, semi wild environment, from Lions to Rhinoceros. A large walkthrough aviary built within a natural valley with stunning display of birds from all over the world. http://www.selwo.es Telephone: 902 190 482.