Once limited to billionaires, celebrities and high-level politicians, private jet travel has recently become affordable for a good number of travelers who prefer to up their budgets for the convenience offered by flying private.
21.07.2023 - 08:19 / roughguides.com
The Alhambra in Granada; the Mezquita in Córdoba; the Alcazar and the Barrio de Santa Cruz in Seville… Andalucía certainly isn’t short of big-name sights. But beyond the cities (with their throngs of visitors) and crowning the dramatic landscapes that stretch away, lies another, just as appealing side: the stunning white villages of Andalucia.
The approach to Alhama de Granada, as you leave the coast from Malaga and head inland towards Granada, is a spectacular one. First you squeeze through the high Zafarraya Pass – a narrow crack in the mountains – before plateauing out and snaking through copses of holm oak and fields of waving corn.
As for the town itself: perched on the edge of a gorge, it gazes out across the rolling plains of the Sierra de Tejeda. Its ramshackle network of narrow streets hides some grand old houses, one or two interesting churches and a former Inquisition stronghold, La Casa de la Inquisición; just outside the town there’s an old Moorish bathhouse to explore – and even bathe in.
Recommended place to stay: La Seguiriya, Calle las Peñas, 12; a fantastic little boutique hotel with an excellent bar/restaurant.
While not quite as picturesquely situated as Arcos or Vejer de la Frontera, once you’re inside the hilltop village of Medina Sidonia there’s plenty to catch the eye. Pretty doesn’t quite cut it, though; faded grandeur is more the order of the day. Despite its size, it was once one of Spain’s most prestigious ducal seats, and before that, an important Moorish and Roman town.
And in its Moorish gates, some well-preserved Roman sewers and its handsome mansions, there’s still a sense of the weight of its long history. These days, though, it has a pleasingly sleepy, rather forgotten about feel; stray cats sleep in the shade, while old men noisily fill the bars out on stiflingly hot afternoons – leaving the town pretty much yours for the wandering…
Recommended place to stay: Casa Rural Los Balcones, Calle la Loba, 26; a well renovated 19th-century mansion.
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Evan Frank/Shutterstock
It may seem a little strange not to include anywhere from the Alpujarras in a list of the most beautiful white villages of Andalucia. But in Montefrio, we’ve plumped for a Granada village, which, rising high above the mile after rolling mile of dusty olive groves, has a real sense of drama in its setting.
The village itself has a couple of fine churches – one of which, La Iglesia de la Villa, contains a museum dedicated to the reconquest and is surrounded by the ruins of the Moorish alcazaba (fortress). A short drive away, the important Neolithic site of Las Peñas de los Gitanos (which consists of caves and stone tombs), is also well worth a visit.
Recommended place to stay: Hotel la Enrea, Paraje la Enrea;
Once limited to billionaires, celebrities and high-level politicians, private jet travel has recently become affordable for a good number of travelers who prefer to up their budgets for the convenience offered by flying private.
Remi Lucidi, a sergeant in the French Army, died far from a battlefield. His body was found last week aside a Hong Kong skyscraper where he had been spotted near the rooftop.
Make the most of summer in Ontario by swimming in crystal clear water under the hot sun. Ontario is Canada’s second largest province, covers more than 415,000 square miles, and is home to lush forests, waterfalls, trails, and refreshing lakes, rivers, and hidden gem coves. The natural landscapes and rugged beauty of Ontario make a great road trip destination whether you live in Canada or are driving from the United States. Pack up your car for a road trip to one of these three Ontario beaches and before long you will be walking barefoot along the soft sand or splashing in the water without a care in the world.
Wedged into a highland valley just east of the altiplano – the Andean plateau stretching across western Bolivia – Sucre is one of the most beautiful cities in South America and a place that confounds expectations. Set at an altitude of 2,810m, it was established in the mid-1500s by Spanish conquistadors on the lands of the indigenous Yampara people and has since been known as Charcas, Chuquisaca, Ciudad de la Plata (City of Silver) and finally Sucre, rightfully earning it the title “The City with Four Names”.
With summer in full swing, Cannes becomes its own festival, long after the last end credits have rolled at the city’s annual film fête. The Croisette is abuzz, restaurants packed and designer stores brim with the latest in resort luxe. It’s hard to find better settings for enjoying la belle vie than a Cannes beach club, where celebrities have long come to see and be seen/snapped, the seaside menus menus offer rosés chilled and fish grilled to perfection, and views from the sun lounger take in the yacht-strewn Bay of Cannes. And just before summer slips into fall, the always highly anticipated Yachting Festival (September 12-17, 2023) comes to town.
Few places embody the Mediterranean fantasy quite like the Balearic island of Mallorca, with its secret turquoise coves and crystal-clear waters.
The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most iconic tourist routes, stretching along the south-eastern coast of Victoria from Torquay to Allansford. Stretching for 151 miles, it offers spectacular ocean views and some breathtaking scenery. Along the way, visitors can explore a range of attractions including beaches, surfing spots, wildlife viewing areas, and stunning rainforest walks. There are also numerous great restaurants and cafes, galleries and museums to discover in the small towns along the route.
Maldives resorts offer an extraordinary experience in one of the world’s most exclusive destinations. Known for its pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs, the Maldives is home to many luxurious resorts, private villas, overwater bungalows, beachfront accommodations, and other secluded hideaways. Expect impeccable service, world-class dining, and a wealth of leisure activities, including snorkeling, diving, and spa treatments ensuring a memorable and indulgent stay on the archipelago.
If you’re visiting Bangkok for its temples, it’s tough to beat the views from Sala Rattanakosin, which lets you see one of Bangkok’s most beautiful temples right from your hotel window. A boutique hotel in the heart of Bangkok’s historic district, Sala Rattanakosin overlooks the Chao Phraya River and iconic Wat Arun temple, and gives guests an immersive cultural experience.
Most visitors to Miami head to the southern Florida city to bask in the sun, relax on the beach, visit national parks, and enjoy daytime activities like kayaking or evening activities like dinners and drinks overlooking the ocean.
To be completely transparent, I’m not a fan of big beach resorts. Whether they’re in Florida, Aruba, southern France, or the Middle East, they always seem to have a certain uniformity: the sprawling private beach with lounge chairs arranged like assembly lines, shady cabanas-for-purchase, mediocre lunch buffets, cookie-cutter rooms that aren’t quite worth the price, and public spaces that lack character. It doesn’t matter where you are – resorts have a homogenizing quality that makes you forget that you’re, well, anywhere at all. And that’s no fun. That’s why Villa Le Blanc in Menorca, Spain, was a pleasant surprise.
Situated on the Douro River in Northern Portugal, Porto is one of Europe’s most underrated cities. From the medieval Ribeira district, with its narrow cobbled streets, modern buildings and bustling arts scene, and stunning coastline, there’s a lot to do in Porto. It’s, of course, home to world-renowned Port wine and an exciting food scene. When it comes to accommodation, there’s a lot of hotels in Porto to get excited about. The city is adorned with historic properties and cool boutiques from luxurious five-star establishments to more quirky budget-friendly options. You can explore Porto fairly easily on foot, or if need be public transport, so these hotels have been selected for their location. They are also some of the most top-rated in terms of service, amenities, and over-all guest experience.