COOL THINGS IN JAPAN YOU MUST SEE
To start the southern Spain itinerary, we entered Spain through Madrid, the nation’s capital, then headed south into deepest southern Spain. Along with other great Spanish cities like Barcelona and Valencia, Madrid never disappoints.
The iconic Puente Nuevo unites the new part of the city which dates from the 1400s to its older section which dates to the Moorish conquest from about 700 CE to the late 15th century.
Malaga is a glorious port city on Spain’s Costa del Sol (Sun Coast) and a can’t miss town on any south Spain road trip. Wandering around Malaga is like strolling through history.
The Alcazaba is a massive castle, a defensive fortification, built during the golden age of the Moorish occupation of Spain in the 11th century with substantial additions in subsequent centuries. It sits on top of the tallest mountain in Malaga providing sweeping views of the harbor and the city below.
Also impressive is the sheer artistic achievement; the landscaped gardens, arched doorways opening to ocean views, winding paths leading to little courtyards with gurgling fountains.
Legend has it King Alfonso XII of Spain visited the area after a devastating earthquake. He was so mesmerized by the beautiful view of the ocean from a promontory that he declared it to be “Europe’s Balcony.”