Winter 2016. 6+ weeks. More rural than urban with car - where? (LONG)
Dec 15th, 2015, 10:49 AM
#41
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10 days after posting this we have made a decision - Southern Spain!
We were concerned about that area given Richard's knee and not being able to visit the places we so want to (Alhambra etc) but the good news is in the last week he is showing tangible signs of progress. We feel safe to plan a trip that might include some walking - we'll just stay flexible.
We're going to leave about the 23rd of January and stay south of Valencia for about 3 weeks (considering Javea/area). We can be in the town and drive up to our accommodation. We'll do day trips from there (and maybe a couple overnighters - Mallorca/Ibiza possibly). Then we'll head west and stay somewhere else for 3 weeks (maybe a couple of places) We'll leave that portion completely up in the air until we're over there. That's two months from now and we're hopeful that Richard's walking will be better so we can do more traditional sightseeing/museums etc at least in the latter part of the trip.
Then we might spend the final 5 nights or so in Madrid.
Thanks to all for your helpful suggestions - now our travel list is longer.
We were concerned about that area given Richard's knee and not being able to visit the places we so want to (Alhambra etc) but the good news is in the last week he is showing tangible signs of progress. We feel safe to plan a trip that might include some walking - we'll just stay flexible.
We're going to leave about the 23rd of January and stay south of Valencia for about 3 weeks (considering Javea/area). We can be in the town and drive up to our accommodation. We'll do day trips from there (and maybe a couple overnighters - Mallorca/Ibiza possibly). Then we'll head west and stay somewhere else for 3 weeks (maybe a couple of places) We'll leave that portion completely up in the air until we're over there. That's two months from now and we're hopeful that Richard's walking will be better so we can do more traditional sightseeing/museums etc at least in the latter part of the trip.
Then we might spend the final 5 nights or so in Madrid.
Thanks to all for your helpful suggestions - now our travel list is longer.
Dec 15th, 2015, 12:17 PM
#42
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Well, good luck with the weather ! We lived 200 mi south of Javea and, like Perdu, almost froze to death. Also lived another 200 mi south of that, Malaga province, and experienced the same. That said, make sure you rent places with central heating, or you may be miserable. No, you don't want to go to the Azores then. Probably best to go to the Canaries.
Dec 15th, 2015, 03:00 PM
#45
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Glad you've fixed on a destination. I've only just seen this thread, so I could not wade in before you chose.
I was hoping to use your Andalusía recommendations this year - but with only 5 days in the region, we decided to focus instead on Extremadura and to keep Andalusia until we had more time.
If you're already in Spain and if you don't know Extremadura (I don't recall), it is definitely an intriguing area.
Beautiful countryside - really spectacular, in spots. Great roads, all gratis. Some fine places to stay. Reasonable prices. Very welcoming people.
It will certainly be colder than the coastal South but it will be within your range of tolerance.
And having delivered myself of that recommendation, I will observe, as a sidebar, that the flattest, most pedestrian-friendly, most culturally absorbing and mildest destination of all is, of course, Savannah GA, whither we shall head in 2 weeks.
I was hoping to use your Andalusía recommendations this year - but with only 5 days in the region, we decided to focus instead on Extremadura and to keep Andalusia until we had more time.
If you're already in Spain and if you don't know Extremadura (I don't recall), it is definitely an intriguing area.
Beautiful countryside - really spectacular, in spots. Great roads, all gratis. Some fine places to stay. Reasonable prices. Very welcoming people.
It will certainly be colder than the coastal South but it will be within your range of tolerance.
And having delivered myself of that recommendation, I will observe, as a sidebar, that the flattest, most pedestrian-friendly, most culturally absorbing and mildest destination of all is, of course, Savannah GA, whither we shall head in 2 weeks.
Dec 15th, 2015, 03:31 PM
#46
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Just heard from a friend who was with us then. In the town 200 mi south of Javea, the day they left for the States in late November, it was 0 degrees Celsius. She said they had a butane heater aimed directly at their baby who slept in a snowsuit hood and all. We slept under Hudson Bay blankets with German fur throws on top. This was in the days of no central heating anywhere in the south. There still isn't any everywhere. Be careful.
I'm telling you all this because many, many people think Spain is always hot or at least warm. It isn't. Good luck !
I'm telling you all this because many, many people think Spain is always hot or at least warm. It isn't. Good luck !
Dec 16th, 2015, 05:11 AM
#48
Original Poster
"Weeks of temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius"?
That's a Canadian summer you're describing, not a Canadian winter!
__________________________________________________ ______________
Apparently I'm still in denial I was here for the coldest bloody winter in years. Right now I could be out cutting our grass!
That's a Canadian summer you're describing, not a Canadian winter!
__________________________________________________ ______________
Apparently I'm still in denial I was here for the coldest bloody winter in years. Right now I could be out cutting our grass!
Dec 16th, 2015, 09:05 AM
#49
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Savannah combines well with Charleston, also flat, and there are a number of interesting stops in the area: Tybee, St. Simons and Hilton Head islands, Beaufort, SC. But this is a post for another forum.
Dec 17th, 2015, 01:40 AM
#50
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Andalucia in February would usually be much sun and ok temperatures. Statistics for Malaga in February says average highs 62-66F, rainfall once a week and average 7 hours sun pr. day (wetteronline.de).
From what you say about urban vs. rural etc., I think you'll like Antequera, the so called heart or crossroads of Andalucia. Almost right in the middle of the Malaga, Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada rectangle. Ancient dolmens/burial chambers, Roman baths, a Moorish fortress, Gothic churches, Renaissance fountains and baroque bell towers. Antequera was the first of the Granada emirate towns to fall to the Christians in 1410.
http://www.andaluciacoastandcountry....era-spain.html
From what you say about urban vs. rural etc., I think you'll like Antequera, the so called heart or crossroads of Andalucia. Almost right in the middle of the Malaga, Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada rectangle. Ancient dolmens/burial chambers, Roman baths, a Moorish fortress, Gothic churches, Renaissance fountains and baroque bell towers. Antequera was the first of the Granada emirate towns to fall to the Christians in 1410.
http://www.andaluciacoastandcountry....era-spain.html
Dec 17th, 2015, 02:58 AM
#51
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... "Five reasons to visit enchanting Antequera", http://wild-about-travel.com/2011/07...ing-antequera/
The peaceful Escribano square in Antequera - in front of the Renaissance Santa Maria la Mayor Church, looking up on the Moorish Alcazaba/fortress, down on the newly excavated Roman baths and out on the Peña de los enamorados/Lover's rock - is one of my absolute favourite spots in all of Spain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi-vtfunQnM
The peaceful Escribano square in Antequera - in front of the Renaissance Santa Maria la Mayor Church, looking up on the Moorish Alcazaba/fortress, down on the newly excavated Roman baths and out on the Peña de los enamorados/Lover's rock - is one of my absolute favourite spots in all of Spain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi-vtfunQnM
Dec 17th, 2015, 02:59 AM
#52
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... "Five reasons to visit enchanting Antequera", http://wild-about-travel.com/2011/07...ing-antequera/
The peaceful Escribano square in Antequera - in front of the renaissance Santa Maria la Mayor church, looking up on the Moorish Alcazaba/fortress, down on the newly excavated Roman baths and out on the Peña de los enamorados/Lover's rock - is one of my absolute favourite spots in all of Spain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi-vtfunQnM
The peaceful Escribano square in Antequera - in front of the renaissance Santa Maria la Mayor church, looking up on the Moorish Alcazaba/fortress, down on the newly excavated Roman baths and out on the Peña de los enamorados/Lover's rock - is one of my absolute favourite spots in all of Spain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi-vtfunQnM
Dec 17th, 2015, 06:32 AM
#54
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Here's an overview of hotels in Antequera with lots of guest reviews.
http://www.booking.com/searchresults...=21619&;ccpi=1
There's also a very modern Parador in town: http://www.parador.es/en/paradores/parador-de-antequera
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/para...era.en-gb.html
The article "A Tapas Tour of Antequera" should give you some ideas of great places to eat in this fascinating town. I've lived in Hotel Castilla and can recommend the adjoining bar/restaurant mentioned in the article.
http://www.andaluciacoastandcountry.com/tapaspain.html
Some more precise Antequera tips:
1. The 5-6000 years old dolmens (burial places) on the outskirts of town, facing the mythical Peña de los enamorados/Lovers' rock:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cueva_de_Menga
http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news...le_18509.shtml
2. The Museo Municipal in Plaza del Coso Viejo has arguably got the finest piece of Roman sculpture found in Spain, the Efebo de Antequera/The Youth of Antequera. Also a very interesting first floor that bear witness of the towns history on the border between Christian and Moslem Spain before the final takeover of Granada in 1492.
3. The Carmelitas Descalzas (the barefoot Carmelite nuns) sell cakes in their convent in the heart of town: "Inside the heavy wooden entrance, there is a small counter with a display of bakery products and prices, next to a revolving wooden door. You pull a rope which rings a bell, and then hear a woman's voice say "Sí" after which you give your order and place your money on the tray. The hidden nun then spins the tray around, with the pastries emerging from the door." The ascetic, mystic and quintessentially Spanish saint Teresa de Ávila (1515-1582) was a Carmelite nun.
http://www.andalucia.com/antequera/monuments.htm
Antequera is a short drive from fine small towns such as
Archidona: http://www.andalucia.com/province/ma...idona/home.htm
Ardales: http://www.andalucia.com/province/ma...dales/home.htm
and Alora: http://andalucia.com/province/malaga/alora/home.htm
And you are only a 30-40 mins drive from genuine and 3000 year old Malaga city itself: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/de...pt-secret.html
http://www.booking.com/searchresults...=21619&;ccpi=1
There's also a very modern Parador in town: http://www.parador.es/en/paradores/parador-de-antequera
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/para...era.en-gb.html
The article "A Tapas Tour of Antequera" should give you some ideas of great places to eat in this fascinating town. I've lived in Hotel Castilla and can recommend the adjoining bar/restaurant mentioned in the article.
http://www.andaluciacoastandcountry.com/tapaspain.html
Some more precise Antequera tips:
1. The 5-6000 years old dolmens (burial places) on the outskirts of town, facing the mythical Peña de los enamorados/Lovers' rock:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cueva_de_Menga
http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news...le_18509.shtml
2. The Museo Municipal in Plaza del Coso Viejo has arguably got the finest piece of Roman sculpture found in Spain, the Efebo de Antequera/The Youth of Antequera. Also a very interesting first floor that bear witness of the towns history on the border between Christian and Moslem Spain before the final takeover of Granada in 1492.
3. The Carmelitas Descalzas (the barefoot Carmelite nuns) sell cakes in their convent in the heart of town: "Inside the heavy wooden entrance, there is a small counter with a display of bakery products and prices, next to a revolving wooden door. You pull a rope which rings a bell, and then hear a woman's voice say "Sí" after which you give your order and place your money on the tray. The hidden nun then spins the tray around, with the pastries emerging from the door." The ascetic, mystic and quintessentially Spanish saint Teresa de Ávila (1515-1582) was a Carmelite nun.
http://www.andalucia.com/antequera/monuments.htm
Antequera is a short drive from fine small towns such as
Archidona: http://www.andalucia.com/province/ma...idona/home.htm
Ardales: http://www.andalucia.com/province/ma...dales/home.htm
and Alora: http://andalucia.com/province/malaga/alora/home.htm
And you are only a 30-40 mins drive from genuine and 3000 year old Malaga city itself: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/de...pt-secret.html
Dec 17th, 2015, 09:51 AM
#55
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Jeez, Kimhe, you are phenomenal with all your links to various places and obviously you love Spain, as do we and many others here, but don't you have any preferences ? From all your postings, one doesn't get a sense of your favorites. Come clean and please let us know about this !
Dec 17th, 2015, 10:36 AM
#56
Regarding Antequera, while I don't think it's the prettiest town in the area, I do think it's very well located. I stayed a week in Iznajar nearby, prettier, but also much smaller and lacking in conveniences that are in Antequera. I thought while I was there that if I ever had occasion to return to the area, Antequera might be a place to try. Not exactly exciting, but pleasant, and that's a plus for me in many ways, quiet and non-touristy. But if it's classic white village that appeals, Antequera is not that.
Dec 17th, 2015, 02:46 PM
#57
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Bedar,
<From all your postings, one doesn't get a sense of your favorites. Come clean and please let us know about this>
He-he, that's a tricky one, but I'll keep it short:
San Sebastian for food, Basque song, dance and sports, walks in the city and in the countryside and family history.
I used to be hesitant about Barcelona, but the city has grown enormously on me the past ten years when I got to know better the theater/concert scene, the nightlife and the variety of central districts.
3000 year old Malaga is - never mind the new museum hype - no fuss Andalucia.
And the malagueña Rocío Molina's agenda usually closes the question about where to go (saw her the first time in Antequera in 2007). http://www.theguardian.com/stage/201...-bosque-ardora
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE3R0o1f9R4
<From all your postings, one doesn't get a sense of your favorites. Come clean and please let us know about this>
He-he, that's a tricky one, but I'll keep it short:
San Sebastian for food, Basque song, dance and sports, walks in the city and in the countryside and family history.
I used to be hesitant about Barcelona, but the city has grown enormously on me the past ten years when I got to know better the theater/concert scene, the nightlife and the variety of central districts.
3000 year old Malaga is - never mind the new museum hype - no fuss Andalucia.
And the malagueña Rocío Molina's agenda usually closes the question about where to go (saw her the first time in Antequera in 2007). http://www.theguardian.com/stage/201...-bosque-ardora
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE3R0o1f9R4
Dec 17th, 2015, 03:03 PM
#58
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Thanks, Kimhe ! Ah, so your family is from the Basque country (and believe somewhere you mentioned that you studied there). Did your family land up in Norway because of the cod trade ? Now you've become really interesting !!
Dec 18th, 2015, 12:12 AM
#59
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<your family is from the Basque country>
Very short: Norwegian grandfather was sales director for the Norwegian multinational Mustad in Tolosa and lived in close by San Sebastian from 1907 to 1929 (horseshoe nails and fish hooks, so kind of cod related ;-) ), he married a Norwegian in 1922, and my father was born in San Sebastian in 1923.
http://www.diariovasco.com/v/2011041...-20110417.html
http://mustad.com/en/articles/4
Very short: Norwegian grandfather was sales director for the Norwegian multinational Mustad in Tolosa and lived in close by San Sebastian from 1907 to 1929 (horseshoe nails and fish hooks, so kind of cod related ;-) ), he married a Norwegian in 1922, and my father was born in San Sebastian in 1923.
http://www.diariovasco.com/v/2011041...-20110417.html
http://mustad.com/en/articles/4
Dec 19th, 2015, 08:22 AM
#60
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Ah, so you are an Almost Basque, an honorary one ! Saw a video on Norway
( maybe Rick Steves ?) which showed the cod industry and the Basques there. Of course they were also involved in that in N. America. Here in the West, they were shepards. We have a Center for Basque Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno, where I studied the language, etc. Something unique to do ! We'd like to get back to SS but somehow always head south upon landing in Madrid. Yes, Malaga is no fuss Andalucia, but we prefer the sleepier version of yesteryear. But, no stopping the march of time !!
( maybe Rick Steves ?) which showed the cod industry and the Basques there. Of course they were also involved in that in N. America. Here in the West, they were shepards. We have a Center for Basque Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno, where I studied the language, etc. Something unique to do ! We'd like to get back to SS but somehow always head south upon landing in Madrid. Yes, Malaga is no fuss Andalucia, but we prefer the sleepier version of yesteryear. But, no stopping the march of time !!
