Places worth seeing

Fantastic landscapes, beach, sun and a wealth of history, culture and tradition!

Cádiz

Cadiz is one of the oldest port cities in Europe. It experienced its heyday when Spain colonized the Americas and this is reflected in its XVIII century architecture and elegant squares with their distinctive character. As the administrative center of the province of Cadiz, many of these buildings are now used as government offices. Stroll through the narrow streets of the old town. It was built on a peninsula and you have sea views at virtually the end of every street, which helps you navigate the maze. The city has undergone a rejuvenation in recent years. It's vibrant, outward-facing and a place where everyone is welcome, especially in February when Carnival week is celebrated. Visit the excellent traditional tapa bars and flamenco venues to taste the real ambiance of Cadiz, as well as the fish market for the freshest of catches. The "golden" dome roof of the cathedral is the sight of this city with its yellow glazed tiles.

El Puerto de Santa María

The sight of seafood offered in the street eateries is something to remember in this former fishing village.

It was here that Columbus launched his ship Santa Maria to discover America.

Visit the place to eat seafood and drink an ice-cold Fino or Manzanilla sherry, which is produced in this area. On the other side of the bay is Cadiz - one of the oldest or even the oldest city in Europe - which you can also reach by ferry. An interesting crossing of about 30 minutes, you can also do it the other way around from Cadiz to El Puerto de Santa Maria. El Puerto de Santa Maria is one of the three towns that make up the "Sherry Triangle". Bodegas line the banks of the Guadalete River and the hilly landscape is covered with vineyards. The bulls of Andalusia are raised in this environment for bullfighting, which is a religion for many people.

Tarifa

In Tarifa you have reached the southernmost point of Spain.

The Rif Mountains in northern Africa rise up on the other side of the Strait of Gibraltar, which is only 14 kilometers wide. At night, the lights of Tangier lend the horizon a fairy-tale quality. The city of Tarifa has a definite Moroccan influence with its narrow streets, architecture, and in its stores and restaurants.

The town is famous for its strong easterly winds, known as the "Levante", and the coastline has become a windsurfing paradise.

There is an enthusiasm and vibrant energy emanating from the windsurfers and kitesurfers who can be found here from all over the world all year round waiting for wind. It is absolutely hip and cool. The ferry port of Tarifa connects Spain with Tangier. With only a 35-minute crossing to Morocco, day trips are possible. Another special feature of this zone are the wind generators that supply the area and Morocco with sustainable energy.

Algarve

Using the excellent highway west of Seville, it is very easy to get to the Portuguese Algarve, where you will again encounter a different culture.

In summer, this area is the main tourist attraction of Portugal.

Be prepared for a lot of parties. The surroundings are beautiful with natural coves and golden beaches with their backdrop of sheer cliffs.

Exploring the hinterland, you'll come across castles and attractive villages with buildings painted in bright Mediterranean colors.

Cape Trafalgar

In 1805 it was the scene of the Battle of Trafalgar - one of the most significant battles in British naval history.

Admiral Lord Nelson, aboard HMS Victory, defeated the joint fleet of France and Spain off the Cape, sinking or capturing 18 of their galleons without losing a single British ship. It is said that the cannon blasts could be heard as far away as the mountains of Ronda.

The toll was enormous: the British lost 449 men and 1241 were wounded. On the French and Spanish side, 4408 men died and 2545 were wounded. One of the dead on the British side was Admiral Nelson himself, who was mortally wounded in the battle. Nelson is still a national hero, but in 1805 he was THE hero of the day. His body was soaked in rum and taken to Gibraltar before being transferred to London for a funeral ceremony at St. Paul Cathedral.

The limestone headland of the Cape of Trafalgar is now home to a lighthouse that rises against a backdrop of pine groves. Other magnificent trees such as wild olives, cypresses, myrtles and maritime junipers, as well as the delicate fragrance of conifers, herbs and flowers, invite visitors to wander through the area.

Marokko

After a mere 35-minute journey through the Strait of Gibraltar, you'll arrive in another world. Amid the hustle and bustle of Tangier's crowded market, you'll be transported back in time in the souk. Buy spices and olives, sip mint tea, and haggle over a rug or ceramic plate. Hotel Minzah, a bastion of imperialism, is a quiet haven for a refreshing drink. To truly appreciate the city's charms in a day, a guide will open many doors for you*. Tangier has a fascinating past, when it was an international zone and a playground for eccentric millionaires like Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton. Writers like Paul Bowles and Tennessee Williams lived here. The city is rich in color, tradition and culture.

* Aziz Begdouri is recommended (aziztour@hotmail.com).