SUMMER IN ANDALUSIA: EXPLORING SEVILLE, MALAGA & MARBELLA
Andalusia, Spain is a culturally rich place filled with picturesque cities, intricately designed architecture, delicious food and diverse landscapes. It’s the land of flamenco, bullfighting, Flemish and Moorish artistic influence and dishes like gazpacho and jamón ibérico. My sister and I explored this breathtaking region one summer, and here are some of the moments that enjoyed we together that will stay in our memory.
Seville
The Plaza de España is a magnificent architectural sight and a prime example of Spanish grandeur and artistry. It’s located in the Parque de María Luisa. Architect Aníbal González designed the structure for the 1929 Ibero-American Expo. This event sought out to improve relations between Spain and other countries that had political or colonization-related ties. Renaissance Revival and Moorish Revival styles are the main artistic influences. When you visit, be sure to rise early and arrive before the crowds. This way, you can admire the plaza in all its splendor, virtually free of people. Below are some of the scenes that I captured during our walk.
Málaga
This Andalusian port city on the Costa del Sol was so lively in the peak of summer! Beige stone architecture towered over the spacious plazas and busy restaurants hidden in small side streets. And the hot July breeze carried the scent of the Mediterranean Sea from the beach into the city. We also tried to imagine how Pablo Picasso's hometown might have influenced his artistic legacy. Here’s a glimpse of how we spent our time in Málaga.
Food Spots in Málaga
Los Marangós Comida Española - A traditional restaurant serving typical homemade Spanish dishes. Their seafood paella and pimientos de padrón were delicious!
Brunchit Coffee & Kitchen - A modern and sustainability-focused eatery, serving breakfast and brunch favorites using natural ingredients. This was our go-to breakfast spot for pancakes, fresh fruit smoothies and also salads at lunchtime.
Andino Gastrobar - A casual restaurant serving Latin-American dishes. The meal I ordered, called the plato centroamericano, packed so much flavor!
Casa Mira - The oldest heladería in Málaga, that serves refreshing ice cream and also sells traditional sweets like turrón.
Marbella
We hopped on a bus to Marbella for the day and spent a slow-paced afternoon by the beach. We sampled tapas at a seafront restaurant and people-watched. I found the architecture to be so colorful, with buildings that had pastel facades, patterned tiles and lush plants.
