Andalusia Sights - The surrounding area of the A-Frame Surf camp

Cadiz is considered the oldest city in Europe and is only 45 minutes by car from El Palmar. Cadiz is the capital of the province of the same name and is an old seafaring town. Here you will find a harbour, ships, small bars, restaurants, a beach along one whole side, and plenty of colourful characters - everything you would expect from a city by the sea. Cadiz's twin city is Cuba's capital Havana - and the resemblance between the two cities is striking. So much so that the James Bond movie "Die Another Day" (partly set in Cuba) was shot in Cadiz instead of Havana. Cool, right?

Tip: IF you plan your Andalusia holiday in February, you mustn't miss the famous Cadiz Carnival. During this time, the city is one big out of control party with a  madness only surpassed by Rio de Janero and Trinidad!

Those who love the traditional white houses, narrow alleys and Moroccan food should put Vejer de la Frontera top of their To Do list for their Spain holiday. Vejer welcomes you with its shining white facades, a cubist cascade of buildings perched on a hilltop. Vejer is the quintessential Andalusian pueblo blanco (white village) with an old city wall, flower-filled courtyards and photogenic scenes around every corner. No wonder Vejer de la Frontera was voted the second most beautiful Spanish village. Standing proud and mysterious on its peak, the intimate old-town is just waiting to be explored. You can lose yourself all day in its pretty streets - if a door is open, risk a polite look. The courtyards are often overflowing with plants and covered with coloured tiles. Further highlights are sights like the Iglesia del Divino Salvador, the chapel Nuestra Señora de la Oliva and the Castillo de Vejer. Delicious Moroccan food is available in El Jardin de La Califa where you can sit outside in a traditional inner courtyard and feel transported to Morocco without leaving your seat. There is an outdoor barbecue grill for carnivores but also great options for vegetarians. The hardest thing is  choosing what to have first.

Tip: You can read even more tips about Vejer in the blog post about Vejer de la Frontera.

Seville is the elegant capital of Andalusia and lies inland. It is especially popular with young people because besides the many historical sights, the nightlife really pulses in this university city. Those who prefer culture should definitely have a look at the famous Plaza de España. This impressive square was the scenery for the film classic Star Wars: Episode 2. The gardens of the Alcazár are a wonderful place to relax. This beautiful park belongs to the famous Royal Palace, the Alcázar of Sevilla and is located directly on the Avenida de Menéndez Pelayo. If you are in the city centre, you can easily walk there. The Alcázar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tip: Surf teacher Pako comes from Seville and knows where to get the best tapas in town. He recommends the Bodega Santa Cruz in the Calle Rodrigo Caro, 1A, and the Restaurante Gonzalo in the Calle Alemanes, 21st century. 

Hans Christian Andersen had already fallen in love with Malaga: "In no other Spanish city have I felt as happy and at ease as in Malaga," wrote the Danish author. We can understand that. Malaga is sunny, friendly and full of life -it's easy to get into conversation here. If you want culture, simply explore the beautiful sights - there are endless churches and cathedrals! Or enjoy the fragrant orange trees and oceans of flowers in Pedo Luis Alonso Park. Marvel at the architecture of the famous Santa Iglesia Catedral Basîlica de la Encarnación (nickname: La Manquita) or the view over the city from the old fortress, the famous Alcazaba - certainly the most famous sight in Malaga. Next door is Gibralfaro Castle. From there you have a fantastic view of the old Roman theatre. 

Tip from Camp Fairy Eva: Eva comes from Málaga and recommends eating at the harbour. There are numerous restaurants and bars with sea views. A-Frame surf instructor Manolo, on the other hand, is enthusiastic about the Picasso Museum. After all, Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga.

Sporty and outdoor types will feel at home here in southern Spain. Andalusia's mountains offer wonderful climbing areas and mountain bike trails. Road cyclists will find great coastal rides on uncongested roads. And horses are still ridden almost everywhere - even on the beach. Find out more about activities around El Palmar.

Welcome to the most important wetland area of Europe, here in southwest Spain. The vast Guadalquivir River Delta consists of numerous lagoons, streams, wildlife sanctuaries and pine forests, river banks, dunes, beaches and impressive cliffs. Every year millions of migratory birds stop here, making Doñana one of the most important nature reserves in the world. You can discover this protected piece of nature on foot or by bike and there are also boat trips. If you want to birdwatch, you can do so with or without a guide, whichever way it's a special experience in this unique place. 

The beaches of the Atlantic-facing Costa de la Luz are known for their unspoilt nature and good waves while the Costa del Sol is popular with beach lovers because of the calm deep blue Mediterranean Sea. If you are passing the Costa del Sol during your Andalusia tour, we recommend one of these beaches:

• Playa de Burriana in Nerja - Try the paella at Restaurante Ayo!
• Playa de Maro, Nerja - For many the most beautiful beach on the Costa del Sol. Crystal clear, turquoise water and idyllic landscape. Great for snorkelling or kayaking.
• Playa Malapesquera, one of the most popular beaches in Benalmádena. There is a lot going on here: kayaks, SUPs, restaurants, toilets & showers.
• Playa de Artola- Cabopino in Marbella - Perfect for families because of high water quality 
• Playa de Carvajal in Fuengirola
• Playa de la Carihuela, Torremolinos - Ideal for families and couples, with calm and shallow water. Great beach promenade for cycling or running.
• La Rada, Estepona - Here the blue flag flies, the sign of good water quality. There is a playground, pedal boat hire and trampolines for children. 
• Playa Las Viborillas, Benalmádena - This beach is unknown, remote and resembles a tropical paradise.
• Torre del Mar, Vélez Málaga - Family atmosphere, restaurants and various water sports 
• El Faro, Marbella - Bustling beach near luxury shops and the Parque de la Constitución. Free parking!
• El Padrón, Estepona - Popular beach with showers, toilets and water sports rental. Lush vegetation and rich marine life.
• Bounty Beach, Marbella - Especially popular with young people. Chill-out music, beach bars, relaxed atmosphere.

Ronda is probably the most famous of the white villages in Andalusia. Ronda lies on a high plateau and is seriously impressive. Famous writers such as Ernest Hemingway and Rainer Maria Rilke loved Ronda and appreciated its beauty. In Ronda there are many old palaces and other historical buildings. Ronda is especially famous for its bridge, the Puente Nuevo, which connects the old town and the new town over the spectacular160 m deep El Tajo gorge.

Tip from Camp fairy Tinka: via ferrata tour with a view of the famous bridge. Aventuras Proema offers great tours. The provider also offers guided hikes, kayak tours, rafting and rides. The tours are in Spanish.

The nature reserve El Torcal is one of the most popular sights in Andalusia. This is certainly due to the bizarre rock formations. They are said to look like gigantic toy castles that giants have been playing with. Here you can hike in a science fiction landscape and who knows, you might even meet a badger or an ibex.

In the Sierra Nevada you can go hiking in summer and skiing/snowboarding in winter. The Sierra Nevada is located in the so-called Sistema Penibético, near Granada. The lifts of the Sierra Nevada take you from 2100 to 3282 meters up to the top of the slopes. See you at the bottom!

Granada is about 3.5 hours from El Palmar. Nowhere else can you discover the Andalusian-Moorish culture in such depth. Granada is best known for its famous Alhambra: The Moorish fortress is located on the Sabikah Hill in Granada. The Alhambra is the best preserved example of Moorish style within Islamic architecture and art. Its name comes from the Arabic and means "the red". An allusion to the red color of the walls.

But there is so much more to discover in Granada. For example, you can visit an El Banuelo, an old Arabic bath. Those who prefer to be outside should stroll in the beautiful Generalife. This was once the summer palace of the Moorish rulers and is at the same time the oldest preserved Moorish garden. After the siesta you can meander through Albaicin (old town). In this lively part of town you will find handicraft workshops and typical Andalusian courtyards with a gallery and decorated all over with flower potsr. The walls are often overgrown with bougainvillea and the whole area gives the impression of a long-forgotten paradise. 

Camp Fairy Ana grew up in Granada and knows the city like the back of her hand. We asked her for a secret tip for Granada: She loves to stroll along Calle Elvira and stop at the Bar Babel World Fusion. Here you'll find delicious international tapas. If you walk further up the road, you'll come to a wonderful vantage point with views of the Alhambra, artists and flamenco dancers. It is most beautiful here at sunset. On the way up you should definitely try a Moroccan tea and grapes with chocolate.