We're referring to this page as Iberia, even though this trip included a short visit to Tangier, in Morocco, And, don't try to find it, because we haven't been to Andorra yet. With this trip and those that precede it such as Ireland 2008, the photo quality is a bit lower than later trips, and shot selection tends to be more abstract. As is our pattern on this site, the albums are displayed in the sequence of our itinerary.
Our stay in Lisbon was shorter than we wanted due to planning errors. The Hop-a-Bus is a good way to see the city, especially if one only has a day to do it. And here’s a tip we learned in Lisbon: don’t order paella from a restaurant that displays big pictures of them. Speaking of our itinerary and tips, the overnight train from Lisbon to Madrid is a nice touch if traveling in that direction. The best porters will speak to you in Portuguese while still in Portugal, but switch to Spanish at the border.
Seville rose to prominence after discovery of the new world as the focus of trade shifted from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. At one point all of the riches from Spain’s North American colonies flowed through Seville. In this album we have photos of structures built for the 1992 World’s Fair (Seville Expo ‘92). Most of these buildings were designed to be temporary, and, in fact, may not still be there.
Arcos de la Frontera is a picturesque town located on sandstone bluffs less than an hour south of Seville. The cliff views are wonderful. In both Arcos and Ronda we experimented with nighttime photography.
Ronda was a favorite hangout of both Hemingway and Welles. We enjoyed it too. Perched at the top of a canyon, Ronda is ideal for those with camera in hand. This was probably our favorite of the small towns in Spain.
Cordoba retains much of its Moorish architecture, although several buildings, namely the main mosque, have been “repurposed”. It’s a nice place for either a day-trip or a longer stay for those with interests in architecture. Be advised that Cordoba has some of the highest summer temperatures in Europe.
Tangier has flown many flags through its history including those of Carthage, Rome, Byzantium, the Vandals, various Caliphates, Portugal, England, and Spain. With so many influences, the culture is mixed, but there’s no doubt that one is in North Africa. Ferries between Spain and Tangier accommodate day-trips comfortably as customs are completed onboard the ship.
Gibraltar sits at the southern tip of Spain, connected to the mainland only by a road that dissects the airport runway. While some visitors will drive into Gibraltar, we felt that crossing the border on foot was most efficient. Except for the climate, the environment is very British.
Jaen was a sleepy provincial capital when we visited, known for an abundance of olive trees. The parador where we stayed is an old castle, and highly recommended. Many of our Jaen photos were taken in or around the parador.
Ubeda is another delightful little town in Andalusia. It’s a nice day-trip if based in Cordoba, Jaen, or Granada.
Madrid isn’t as trendy as Barcelona, but it has arts, history and parks. Being a transportation hub internationally and within Spain, Madrid is a very convenient place to spend a few days at the start or end of a Spanish holiday. And, although it's unfair to judge based on a handful of visits to the city, Madrid feels like it would be a good place to live.
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