Southern Spain Siesta

The vibrant 9th-century port town of La Coruña offers a delicate combination of old and new architecture, with shimmering glass modern buildings contrasting with the deeply historical medieval district. You can immerse yourself in local life by sampling traditional Galician dishes like ‘pulpo a la gallega’, octopus with paprika and olive oil or ‘empanada gallega’, a savoury pastry filled with meat or seafood. After ascending the hillsides of Monte de San Pedro Park for remarkable vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, discover rocky Costa da Morte, a rugged stretch along the coast of Galicia which tempted ships to run aground, creating a storied and legendary past. Alternatively, you may wish to explore the spiritual heart of Spain at Santiago de Compostela with its beautiful mix of Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic buildings.

One of Europe’s oldest cities, Cadiz is well-known for the golden dome atop the cathedral, which gleams in the pleasant January sunshine. You will be perfectly placed to wander through the narrow streets of the old town or ascend the 173 steps of the former watchtower, Torre Tavira, for outstanding views across the city. There will be opportunities for you to witness a traditional Flamenco show in its place of origin and dine at authentic tapas bars, offering delectable small plates like fried anchovies, garlic prawns, and shrimp fritters, accompanied by local wines or the famously sweet and nutty-tasting Jerez sherry.

Visiting Malaga in the winter makes for a pleasant exploration of peaceful streets lined with orange trees and historical buildings. You could explore Pablo Picasso’s birthplace and the museum dedicated to his work in Buenavista Palace, or discover the well-preserved Moorish fortress of Alcazaba, which offers beautiful panoramas over the city and the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. Amidst your exploration, savour opportunities to experience local dishes of espetos (sardines on skewers and cooked over coals), tapas in authentic Spanish bard, and a traditionally sweet Moscatel wine. Alternatively, you can enjoy a hike to Gibralfaro Castle, which offers vistas of the surrounding city and a fascinating history dating back to Phoenician times.

Nestled between Europe and Africa, iconic Gibraltar makes for a fascinating visit with its traditionally British red pillar boxes, fish and chip shops, and even Marks & Spencer, but with a delightful blend of Spanish and Mediterranean influences. After wandering through the town and indulging in duty-free shopping at Main Street, you are perfectly placed to explore the Rock and enjoy unrivalled views across to Africa, Spain, and over the Straits of Gibraltar, as well as meet the famously mischievous Barbary macaques, Europe’s only wild monkey population. There will be opportunities to sample local dishes like calentita (chickpea flour bread) and rosto (a delicious meat and tomato pasta). You may also wish to discover the network of tunnels within the Rock, which played a strategic role in World War II.

An important maritime city for centuries, Vigo is located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and has one of the best natural ports in the world. The port area was heavily influenced by the sea, and has many old fishing houses and markets selling locally caught seafood. A neoclassical Cathedral, the Collegiate Church of Santa Marta is built on the site of a gothic church that was burnt down by Francis Drake; and there is an impressive statue dedicated to literary author Jules Verne.