Spain

Place of attraction for street musicians

Day 1. Seville

Seville was nicknamed the &quot;Spanish Venice&quot; for its canals and pompous architecture. The capital of Andalusia was one of the first to be included in the list of the most musical cities according to UNESCO. It was here that flamenco originated, and street performers added to the list of its official attractions.

Andalusia is a paradise for gourmets, because no other region in the world can offer so many flavors and combinations. Book a table on the terrace of the El Disparate restaurant and indulge in homemade goat cheese with spinach, walnuts and honey sauce; green asparagus with Pecorino cheese sauce, Iberian ham and roasted almonds, and chocolate brownie with Seville oranges.

El Disparate

Az-Zait is translated from Arabic as olive oil. Despite the Eastern name and the abundance of world cuisine, here you can enjoy classic Andalusian delicacies, such as cod in tomato sauce (bacalao con tomate) a la Sevillana.

Az-Zait

Chef Javier Abascal's Lalola restaurant focuses on Iberian cuisine, so get ready for juicy pork, chorizo, carpaccio and bacon. Southern gastronomy is complemented by an original cozy interior and excellent service.

Lalola de Javi Abascal

One of the best restaurants in Seville invites guests to go on a gastronomic adventure. The tasting menu includes up to 11 positions, where each portion will introduce you to the culinary specialties of the south of Spain.

El Gallinero de Sandra

Cañabota is the best place for fish and seafood fans. The classic Andalusian bar offers several tasting menus, an abundance of scallops, oysters, mussels, squid, cod, dorado, tuna and octopus with a thoughtful wine list.

Cañabota

Tradevo Centro is a tapas bar with delicious and gourmet dishes. The owner and chef of the institution, Gonzalo Jurado, carefully considers the menu, adhering to the concept of zero kilometer. Dine on Mexican toast with guacamole, fish and red onions; cannelloni stuffed with shrimps and green apple, or grilled pork ribs with vegetables and Cantonese sauce.

Tradevo Centro

Popular desserts include honey biscuits pestiños and crispy biscuit tortas de aceite, which is eaten on New Year's Eve in Andalusia. You can buy treats at the Inés Rosales confectionery shop.

Inés Rosales

The Andalusian restaurant Abantal impresses guests with familiar dishes of Southern Spain in the updated recipe of star chef Julio Quintera. We recommend that you turn to the tasting menu and try squid with spinach and citrus tincture, socarrat and swordfish tartare and tuna fillet with tomatoes and olives.

Abantal

Tribeca Restaurant follows the international trend for minimalism, simplicity and elegance. This can be seen both in the industrial interior and in the seasonal menu. Guests are treated with eggplant with smoked eel, red shrimp tartare, cod with truffles and oxtails (cola de toro) stewed with vegetables, red wine and garlic.

Tribeca

The cuisine of the Ispal restaurant is an ode to the regional gastronomy. Here, the aromas, tastes and shades of Seville are 100% preserved. For example, traditional soups are prepared here: gazpacho (gazpacho) from green tomatoes; fish with olives and cod (salmorejo); and partridge and venison are served from the Sierra Morena mountain range.

Ispal

The Sobretablas restaurant balances tradition and innovation, choosing the most unusual, delicious and harmonious dishes from regional and world cuisine for its repertoire. Start with an egg with squid and shrimp, then move on to ox cheeks with Perigord sauce and sweet potato pie, and finish off with creamy Requesón curd cheese with honey.

Sobretablas

Seville

According to legend, it was the hero Hercules who founded the city. La Alameda de Hércules is a small space with flamenco, jazz, Mexican and Spanish music concerts. And if you didn't make it to the show, grab some tapas at the local bars, such as the cod snack carbón de bacalao.

Alameda de Hércules

Plaza de la Encarnación is home to the largest wooden structure in the world, the Metropol Parasol. At the top there is an observation deck, and in the shade of the structure you will hear a variety of musical genres, from Spanish folk songs to popular hits. On the way to the next location, turn onto the touristic Calle Sierpes, where you will meet street musicians: flutists, Mexican mariachis and other talented artists.

Plaza de la Encarnación

The square hosts musical shows, especially during Christmas and Easter. There is also the temple of Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador, built on the ruins of a mosque from the 9th century. The church is worth a visit if only for the rich collection of relics of the 16th-18th centuries: icons, organ, paintings, sculptures, stained-glass windows and jewelry of the Spanish kings.

Plaza del Salvador

The largest square in Seville often hosts musical flash mobs. Here, tourists can hear famous songs in an unusual edition, for example, the legendary "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen, played on the saxophone. On the square there is the Chapel of San Onofre, the only church in the city, open to the public around the clock.

Plaza Nueva

Here you can meet the favorite of all children, the Romanian artist Amy and his puppet Adrian playing the piano. And in December, a few weeks before Christmas, listen to the Sones de Campanilla choir.

Puerta de Jerez

A place of attraction for street musicians of various types. You will hear the bluesman Little Boy Quique, Latin American melodies and Senegalese tunes played on such unusual instruments as the kora, a lute originally from Africa.

San Fernando Street

The Alcazar is a castle built by the Moors. Stroll through its gardens and enjoy the guitarists playing. Also in August-September, the music festival "Noches en los Jardines del real Alcazar" is held here, where classical, ethnic and church music is performed. Alcazar also became a film set for the fifth season of the “Game of Thrones” series, giving its image to the kingdom of Dorne.

Royal Alcazar of Seville

La Carbonería is a bar where free music concerts and flamenco shows are held every evening. Poets, musicians and dancers have been performing in the art space for over 30 years. The bar differs from the classic tourist locations, but this is what makes La Carbonería a soulful and atmospheric place.

La Carbonería Bar

The passion of Andalusian hoteliers for former palaces is beneficial for tourists who get a chance to see elegant mansions from the inside. Palacio De Villapanés Boutique Hotel offers a mix of vintage and modern element, a traditional layout with a patio and terrace, a spa, elegant rooms and 24-hour service.

Palacio de Villapanes

Aguilas5 SevillaSuites is a luxury aparthotel that welcomes you with modern interiors, colorful canvases and unusual decor. Guests can choose from five apartments, including a standard double room, a spacious penthouse and a two-story duplex.

Aguilas5 SevillaSuites

King Alfonso XIII planned to build the most grandiose hotel in Europe, and for the Ibero-American exhibition in 1929, the Hotel Alfonso XIII appeared in Seville, rebuilt in the Mudéjar style in Arabic traditions with European service. Rooms are individually designed with wood and ceramic décor. On site there are a fitness room, swimming pool, tapas bars and two restaurants serving local cuisine. Audrey Hepburn, Jacqueline Kennedy, Sophia Loren and Brad Pitt are among the star guests of the hotel.

Alfonso XIII

The family-run Casa Imperial is decorated in a traditional Andalusian style, with authentic wood and metal details, rich colours, fountains, stone arches, vaults and a quiet courtyard dotted with flower pots. The conditions of the hotel allow couples, families and groups of friends to stay.

Casa Imperial

The owners of the furnished 17th century mansion tried to preserve as many antique features and interior elements as possible in order to convey the spirit of Seville's "golden age". All six apartments are equipped with a balcony, bathroom and kitchen, and on the roof of the mansion there is a lounge area with an observation deck.

Suites Machado

The Lobby Room is located in the cozy Pickman Palace. The hotel offers three types of rooms from a comfortable deluxe to a penthouse with a Jacuzzi on the outdoor terrace. Fans of bright interiors will love it here. Spanish designers and artists worked on the style, so the decor fully conveys the flavor of modern Spain.

Hotel Lobby Room Sevilla

Theatrical performances and passionate flamenco

Day 2. Triana

The Triana region grew up on the right bank of the Guadalquivir thanks to the gypsy communities that migrated to Seville at the beginning of the 15th century. The inhabitants of the area were engaged in cattle breeding, blacksmithing, crafts, and lived in peace and harmony side by side with the gashes, as the gypsies called the native Andalusians. Rumor has it that it was here that the first bailors, flamenco performers appeared. On Thursdays, free concerts are held at the local market.

Snack on local delicacies like oysters, Iberian ham, and ortiguillas, vinegar-marinated, batter-fried sea anemones. Andalusian "fast food" is prepared here, for example, montaditos, a closed sandwich with various fillings, or a serranito sandwich with Iberian ham, tomatoes and fried peppers, served with chips and mayonnaise, sometimes grilled chicken is added instead of ham, and an omelet, instead of chips. Typical tapas include snails (caracoles), minced stew (pringá), spinach with chickpeas (espinacas con garbanzos) and cold boiled potatoes with eggs, peppers, tuna and onions (papas Aliñás).

Mercado de Triana

Triana

The theater is located inside the market and offers a repertoire for the whole family: flamenco, magic tricks, magic shows, comedy performances, music concerts, etc. The space can accommodate only 30 people, so the artists perform just a meter away from the audience.

CasaLa Teatro

At the Lo Nuestro bar, you will see real Sevillana and Rumba accompanied by live Spanish guitar accompaniment.

Lo Nuestro Bar

If you want to spend an Andalusian evening with traditional dances, guitars and castanets, feel free to go to Baraka Sala Flamenca. Professional artists from all over the country perform in the colorful tablao. The concert program will introduce you to the local culture, even for those who have never heard of flamenco. The hall is designed for only 50 people, so we advise you to book seats in advance.

Baraka Sala Flamenca

Every day in the art cafe you can drink coffee, beer or wine with snacks accompanied by live music. If you're lucky, you'll get to themed evenings, wine tasting and poetry meetings.

La Tregua Café-Bar

Triana Luxury Home is the perfect choice for those looking for an authentic accommodation with every comfort. For example, hotels offer a free bonus, early and late check-out. Guests are accommodated in both regular rooms and self-catering apartments. All rooms are designed in the same style, and the modern interior is complemented by a curious ethnic decor.

Triana Luxury Home

To experience the true character of Triana, we advise you to stay in the heart of the area at the Triana Backpackers Hostel. Traditional interior, comfortable rooms, privacy and silence, coupled with proximity to the sights of the city, all this awaits the guests of Triana Backpackers.

Triana Backpackers

Old Cadiz, beaches and musical fountains

Day 3. Cadiz

The oldest city in all of Western Europe is located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Cadiz was founded by the Phoenicians more than 2 thousand years ago, and monuments of ancient culture are still preserved in it, the Roman amphitheater and the ruins of the Phoenician settlement of Gadir. In the ancient streets and squares of Cadiz, you will hear traditional flamenco in a variety of interpretations.

The Almanaque restaurant occupies a historic building and continues the culinary traditions of Cadiz. Chef Juan Carlos Borrell and his team create simple but high-quality and appetizing dishes with seasonal products. Try the classic seafood paella, grilled lobster with truffle pate, unpeeled baked potatoes with crab or a salad of asparagus, green peas and mussels.

Almanaque

Juicy and bold fusion is what you can expect from the La Curiosidad de Mauro Barreiro team, which combines Spanish, Asian and South American dishes. For example, Chinese bao buns are stuffed with chili, herbs and classic Andalusian cuisine, stewed pork cheeks; and sea ruff, familiar to Spaniards, is served here with wheat tortillas and various side dishes so that guests can assemble Mexican tacos on their own.

La Curiosidad de Mauro Barreiro

The owners of the Código de Barra restaurant respect the gastronomic traditions of Cadiz, whether it is the choice of wine or the preparation of food. We recommend trying the shrimp tortilla de camaron and dorado en sobrehusa garlic sauce.

Código de Barra

The Sonámbulo bar offers a generous menu and a pleasant atmosphere. Grilled Andalusian squids (chipirones a la Plancha) are prepared here for you. Among the drinks, you should try Alhambra beer and Tinto de Verano, a red wine cocktail with fanta or sprite.

Sonámbulo

Eat with your eyes! - is the motto of Contraseña. You start drooling as soon as you get to know the menu, which includes a must-try Spanish cuisine: gazpachuelo with chickpeas and shrimp tartare, bread with Iberian pork, olives and pickled onions and the traditional dessert Poleá with white chocolate and ice-cream.

Contraseña

Ciclo's signature cuisine is known all over Cádiz and has three Michelin stars. As an appetizer you will be offered hummus, anchovies with aioli sauce and vegetable stew alboronia, borrowed from Arab cuisine. The classic ajoblanco soup, made of ground almonds, garlic, bread, water and butter, is on the menu. Wine connoisseurs will taste the traditional sherry barbadillo.

Ciclo

Cadiz

The famous city beach, which, due to its similarity with the coast of Havana, appeared in Bondiana in the movie "Die Another Day." On weekends, chirigotas, a traditional Spanish choir that is especially common in Cadiz, are performed at the ancient Puerta de la Caleta on the beach.

La Caleta Beach

This is a very lively urban space with street performances, shops, cafes and tapas shops. The main attraction of the Plaza de las Flores is the Mercado Central de Abastos, the oldest covered market in Spain, built in 1838.

Plaza de las Flores

The square becomes a stage during carnivals and festivals, but even on an ordinary day you will hear an interesting mix of flamenco, reggae and jazz. While listening to music, do not miss the moment to admire the 19th century Cathedral. In its architecture, you can see the baroque, rococo, and neoclassical features, because the cathedral was built for almost a hundred years, from 1739 to 1838!

Cathedral Square

We advise you to finish the day at the Square of San Juan de Dios, which is unofficially considered the main square of Cadiz. In the center there are musical fountains with colored illumination, which in the evenings play the Cadiz march and works by Spanish composers. Walking around the square, pay attention to the church of San Juan de Dios and Casa Pasos de Miranda, a neoclassical mansion that now houses the city hall.

San Juan de Dios Square

Art bar Teatro Pay-Pay is the epicenter of fun in the oldest district of Populo. Here performances are played on the stage, poems are recited, dances, songs and compositions from the legendary Cadiz carnival are performed. The club opened more than half a century ago and is one of the top locations for immersing yourself in carnival culture.

Café Teatro Pay Pay

Stay at the Hotel Casa de las Cuatro Torres, built in the 18th century. The building belonged to a shipping company, and was considered one of the most beautiful houses in the city, for which it was included in the list of cultural treasures of Cadiz. Here you will literally touch the past, because the owners of the hotel deliberately kept one unpainted brick wall from 1745 in each room. The rest of the hotel keeps up with the times and promises an exquisite neoclassical interior and excellent service.

Casa de las Cuatro Torres

An apart-hotel is a convenient option for those who want to experience a role of a local resident. La Casa del Consul is located in the heart of Cadiz in an 18th century mansion. It offers self-catering apartments and a range of classic hotel services, as well as a shared patio, a lounge area with a bar and a rooftop terrace.

La Casa del Consul

The Casa Caracol Hostel won’t get you bored, because movie nights, yoga on the roof, surf lessons, a chill-out area with hammocks, barbecue parties and mojitos are among the entertainment. Guests are accommodated in a hostel, a double room or a shared room for tourists who travel together. Casa Caracol cares about the environment, recycles waste and uses solar energy to heat water.

Casa Caracol

Historic quarters and Moorish palace

Day 4. Granada

The former capital of the kingdom of the Moors, Granada remained a Muslim city until the 16th century. Granada&#39;s music is international, whether it&#39;s folk songs or street art. Walk through two ancient districts: Albaicin, which owes its architecture to Muslims who lived here in the Middle Ages, and Realejo, originally owned by Jews.

The FM bar delights with fresh seafood and popular Spanish street food dishes: grilled squid, fried octopus with pesto, shrimp and cold Andalusian salmorejo soup.

The Arriaga restaurant is located at an altitude of 55 meters, offering guests not only a balanced and selected menu, but also a stunning panorama of Granada. The culinary repertoire of Arriaga refers to Basque recipes in a new way. The popular angus ribs and Andalusian seafood are like works of art thanks to their creative presentation.

Arriaga

Faralá's cuisine is inspired by the Granada character, passionate, daring and cosmopolitan. Falafel, Mauritanian chicken pie and mussels in lard and paprika sauce are ordered for a starter, and suckling pig, sea bass and oysters are ordered as a main course.

Faralá

The gastro bar with a spacious terrace and cozy rooms is the perfect place for lunch in the heart of Granada. The restaurant focuses on modern dishes: croquettes with Iberian ham, burgers, sandwiches, salad with avocado mousse, sturgeon confit and rosemary, beef tartare and puntillitas fried squid.

Maria de la O

Granada

This is the narrowest square in the city. Here you can meet street musicians, and also buy sweets in the family confectionery Casa Pasteles, which opened almost a hundred years ago.

Larga Square

Here you can admire the panorama of the Alhambra, Sierra Nevada, Vega de Granada and the most beautiful sunsets in all of Andalusia to the sounds of the Spanish guitar and folk songs.

San Nicolás Square

One of the main and oldest squares of the city, where tournaments and bullfights were held in the Middle Ages. Today you will not see bulls and knights, but you can listen to local bands, watch a musical flash mob, pantomime, bubble show and other performances.

The incredible architectural ensemble of the Alhambra is the decoration of Granada and one of the most visited monuments in the country. The luxurious oasis was built by the emirs during the period of Arab domination in southern Spain. The "Hall of the Two Sisters", the "Courtyard of the Lions", the Torre de las Damas tower are still considered a work of art and a great historical heritage. In late June - early July, the shady courtyards and halls of the Alhambra are buried in classical and modern melodies during the International Music and Dance Festival.

Alhambra

The five-star hotel is a kind of museum, because it occupies the buildings of the medieval monasteries of Santa Paula and Casa Morisca in the heart of the city and is included in the top artistic heritage of Granada. Guests will enjoy the haute cuisine of the El Claustro restaurant and 75 rooms from standard rooms to luxury suites.

Palacio de Santa Paula

Casa Miravalle is a visual find with photogenic views of the Granada Cathedral just 300 meters away. Enjoy morning coffee or evening sangria while admiring the majestic temple.

Casa Miravalle Apartamentos Catedral

The aparthotel is a few minutes from the center of Granada, but tucked away from the city's tourist arteries. Guests are accommodated in double, quadruple and six-bed apartments. The eclectic interior combines modern solutions and traditional Andalusian elements: bright ceramics, wrought iron, wood, columns and arches.

Palacio Cabrera – Lillo

Cueva theaters and traditional zambra

Day 5. Sacromonte

The gypsy district spreads out on Granada&rsquo;s Valparaiso Hill, where cave houses are still preserved! Only here you can hear the singing of cante jondo and see the traditional zambra dance, born from gypsy rituals, Arabic and Spanish motifs. Folk art is performed in the &ldquo;cuevas&rdquo; (caves). The Cuevas rooms are small, can accommodate few guests and are more like living rooms. So book your seats in advance. Guests are offered a traditional dinner with a tasting of local cuisine: wines, seafood, cheeses, etc., and then a zambra concert at home.

The gastronomic curiosity seeker at the Venta El Gallo restaurant should pay attention to the Sacromonto omelet (tortilla Sacromonte). Pork or calf brains and bovine eggs are boiled with bay leaves and black pepper, then finely chopped to stew with paprika, peas, potatoes and white wine. Then chicken eggs are added and fried like a classic omelete. Those who do not like to experiment will be offered alpujarreño with chorizo and potatoes, sometimes with the addition of fried eggs and ham.

Venta El Gallo

Sacromonte

At sunset, head to Cueva Los Tarantos for a zambra evening. The Los Tarantos program includes an interactive show. The artists choose the lucky ones and invite them to join the dance.

Cuevas Los Tarantos

The owners of the restaurant are the gypsy family Maya. If you decide to drop in here for dinner, book a seat on the terrace overlooking the Alhambra. During the evening, several dinners and performances are held here, the earliest dinner starts at 19:00.

Cueva de la Rocio

The place is named after Maria la Canastera, a flamenco performer. She became the only gypsy to be included in the list of 100 respected people of Granada of the 20th century. A monument in the honor of Maria was erected on Constitución Boulevard.

Zambra María la Canastera

The artists come from families of famous flamenco performers. The local restaurant also has a vegetarian menu.

Cueva Venta El Gallo

Flamenco and crafts are what the inhabitants of Sacromonte and their ancestors live by. In the museum, guests will see how rocky caves were turned into original dwellings, how the traditions of folk dances and singing were laid, and they will also learn about the life and traditions of the inhabitants of this unusual area.

Sacromonte Caves Museum

The magnificent 16th-century abbey rises on top of a hill. The monastery has preserved a stunning choir with a functioning organ, carved stalls and a pulpit. During church holidays and services, everyone can listen to singing and music. Also, the abbey is famous for its elegant patio, underground caves, the Gothic chapel of St. Dionysius, church paraphernalia and canvases on a religious theme. We recommend visiting the monastery in the first half of the day, as it can be crowded in the afternoon.

Sacromonte Abbey

In the Arab district of Albaicin, on the very border with the colorful Sacromonte, tourists will find the place Solar Montes Claros. The style of the hotel is reminiscent of Granada's Moorish past: guests are surrounded by oriental-style furniture, arabesque walls, tiles, wood decor and a secluded patio with fruit trees, colorful shrubs and flowers that are fragrant all year round.

Solar Montes Claros

Fans of authentic accommodation will not pass by the Fery & Nico guest house in the former Mauritanian district of Albaicin. Vaulted ceilings, heavy wooden doors with wrought iron handles, traditional tiles, stonework, a cozy indoor garden immersed in greenery, window shutters and homely furnished rooms will take guests to a weekend to an Andalusian grandmother.

Fery & Nico Guesthouse

If caring for the environment is not an empty phrase for you, choose ECO Hostel. Finishing materials in the interior comply with environmental standards and are reused. The hostel is located on Gran Via, an architectural landmark, where the most beautiful buildings of Granada of the 19-20th centuries are collected. This is not the only charm of ECO Hostel, they host paella cooking classes, mojito parties and free tours of Albaicin.

ECO Hostel

Andalusia is a region in southern Spain and the birthplace of the famous flamenco. You can get to know the rich musical culture just by walking through the streets of Andalusian cities.

Sounds of Andalusia