Tag Archives: Spain

Roadtrip In Spain: Last Stops, La Manga, Cartagena and Murcia

Posted on April 3, 2025 | Leave a comment

On The Way To The Murcia Region

Last stop on this train road trip. We arrived from Madrid late in the day at the superb Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa, the most beautiful hotel of this exciting journey, which began in Barcelona. The grounds, the golf course where we had a lesson, the restaurants where we dined, the room, the spa, the pools… the breakfasts: everything is designed to make you feel happy! Even the weather, with a clear blue sky!

The very next day, we visited the famous Cartagena with a guide who was a fount of knowledge about the history of this maritime city, whose origins date back to antiquity. I particularly enjoyed the Molinete Roman Forum Museum, located on the very site of the Roman forum (photo above and photomontage “Day 2”). Then we went to the Roman theater, dating from the 1st century AD. Allow one to two days to discover the most iconic monuments.

Day three: we meet up with our friendly guide (from the previous day) in the student city of Murcia, whose origins date back to 831 BC. Arriving at the magnificent Plaza Cardinal Belluga, we discover Murcia Cathedral and the Episcopal Palace (with its beautiful painted façade). We visit a few more Baroque churches and monuments, and in the late afternoon, we relax on the terrace of a café located behind the cathedral. Enjoying the pace of the city.

                    La Manga, Cartagena and Murcia in pictures

Day 1 : The Hotel

Day 2 : Golf Lesson And Cartagena Visit

Day 3 : A Walk in Murcia

Informations

Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa, Spanish Tourism Board, Turismo Region de Murcia

Many thanks to the Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa, the Spanish Tourism Board and Turismo Region de Murcia . As always, these are my opinions.

Our Second Roadtrip in Andalusia, Spain: Cádiz

Posted on December 8, 2018 | Leave a comment

Stunning Architecture

A Walk In The Old Town

Finally in Cádiz on the Atlantic coast of Andalusia! We left the surroundings of Malaga around 10 a.m. this morning. On the way, we stopped at a beautiful deserted beach in Tarifa. Then on the road, we allso stopped at another beautiful beach in a natural reserve lost in the middle of nowhere. In short, we arrive in the historic center of Cadiz in the middle of the afternoon. Better late than never!

Big crush for the city: the seaside reminds me Havana! The old buildings are superb. The pace is indolent in the oldest city of the West founded by the Phoenicians 3000 years ago. A movie set in a soft light, without tourists at this time of the year. The old town is small, we quickly made the tour: I take pleasure in losing myself in its streets and take the same route several times.

Castillo de San Sebastián

While we are looking for a café overlooking the ocean, we come across an entrance to this fortress surrounded by water (left photo below): the Castillo de San Sebastián. A very pleasant walk where we can see another point of view of Cádiz (first photo of the article).

The Outdoor Café

Very cool, close to the cathedral of Cádiz and facing the ocean: the dream! On the left, when you are facing the Cathedral (back to the ocean). Relaxed atmosphere and great panoramic view! Excellent green olives with our drinks, I don’t want to return to Malaga (our base for this second roadtrip in Andalusia).

And if we stayed in Cadiz, darling? “The beauty of Cadiz has velvet eyes, Chi-ca! Chi-ca! Chic! Ay! Ay! Ay!“, translation: “The beauty of Cadiz has velvet eyes, Chi-ca! Chi-ca! Chic! Ay! Ay! Ay! ” (by Luis Mariano). Sorry (not sorry), I couldn’t help myself! Lol! A little vintage operetta. To be continued beautiful readers …

Informations

Related articles : Destinations & Hotel Reviews

Our Second Roadtrip in Andalusia, Spain: Marbella

Posted on December 3, 2018 | Leave a comment

A late afternoon in Marbella

Olá Marbella!

After a first roadtrip in Andalusia few weeks ago, here we are again! The itinerary between sea and mountain is differen. We arrive at 4 p.m. from Mijas, a very pretty (and very touristy) village in the mountains. Olá Marbella! First surprise: the city is much bigger than I thought.

We park on the beach side of Marbella, at Playa del Faro, where we start our discovery of the city. The long walk stretches along a huge beach (first photo of the article). Many 70s-80s buildings, some cafes and restaurants. The whole remains really pleasant despite a lack of architectural harmony.

As night quickly falls, we prefer heading towards the very charming old town with its small streets and squares, mandarin trees and old stones. Second surprise, everywhere people are friendly. I like to walk without a goal. At a random street, we have a drink in a lovely small hotel.

A Short Stop in Puerto Banús

Before Marbella city,

we made a stop in Puerto Banús, the marina of Marbella. To be honest, I was not impressed. The buildings housing luxury shops and restaurants are outdated and deserve a facelift.

Of course, there are yachts … But I saw some more impressive ones in the beautiful small port of Bonifaccio (Corsica). My advice, go directly to Marbella, much more nicer!