Sorbet in the shade

 

You know it’s been a busy day when you get home at 11pm and go straight to sleep! Today I’ll be talking about yesterday and our drive from Córdoba to Ronda.

Driving through the countryside of Southern Spain, or Andalusia, two big things strike me in contrast to driving through the countryside of Scotland. First, it is so nice to be back on the “right” side of the road. Secondly, just as Scotland seems to be the land of the sheep, Andalusia is the land of the olives. 

Olive trees stretching on into the distance

It seems like immense olive groves stretch on for miles and miles, as far as the eye can see.

Our first stop was quick, it was a museum of archeology focussing on the city of Madinat Al-Zahra, just outside of Córdoba. Madinat Al-Zahra  does not exist anymore, so the museum just showcases some of its ruins and history. 

A fun little pitcher from the city’s ruins

Our second stop however was absolutely amazing. We spent a few hours at the Castillo de Almodóvar, a castle of Arab-Muslim origin which was also extensively used in the Middle Ages… and which was used in Game of Thrones! For any GOT fans, this castle was used in season 7 as the set of Highgarden, home of the Tyrell’s.

Walking up to Almodóvar Castle

Even if you’re not a GOT fan, this castle is still worth a visit. There were many towers to climb, lot’s of beautiful views, and fun medieval displays that you could interact with. 

Feeling regal on the balcony

Is Liam the future king of England?

View of castle turrets

Walking the castle walls

Our third stop was one of the most unique places I have ever been to: the village of Setenil de las Bodegas. This village’s claim-to-fame are its white-washed houses built right into the cliffside! It feels almost like a movie set when you look at it, and then you realize that the rocks are indeed real and a part of most of the buildings.

First views of Setenil

And the houses are not just resting against the rock, no, the cliffside is incorporated into the house as a part of the roof and the back wall as well! Being in the cliffs, the was quite a bit of shade which was wonderful in the hot weather!

Exploring Setenil

Wandering the cliff-covered streets

The rock actually covers over this whole street!

To beat the heat a little more, we got some delicious ice cream! I had a scoop of lemon-cream and a scoop of mango.

Some refreshing ice cream in the shade

We wandered around the beautiful Setenil streets for a while before heading back to the car for our evening destination, Ronda. 

Now, by this point it was 8pm any I was feeling a little carsick and unwell, but I’m so glad my family convinced me to go out for the evening. This was one of my favourite evenings yet. 

You may have heard about, or seen pictures of Ronda’s Puente Nuevo (or “New Bridge”), but nothing compares to seeing it in person. The scenery is truly plucked right out of a fantasy novel. 

Sunset from Puente Nuevo (photo creds to my mother)

The city of Ronda it built on two cliff sides, separated by the huge El Tajo Gorge, which is spanned by the bridge. The Puente Nuevo took 34 years to build and was finished in the mid-18th century, at almost100m tall it used to be one of the worlds tallest bridges.         

Looking out onto the Puente Nuevo

Looking down into the El Tajo Gorge from the bridge

After enjoying the views from the bridge, we spent some time enjoying the nightlife of Spain as there was a festival on, just by our apartment! We got sangria and fries and many samples of cheese. There was also wonderful flamenco guitar performances to listen to and plenty of stalls to get knickknacks. 

Stalls in the festival market

Lots of yummy food!

This was our first late evening in Spain, and it was such a wonderful experience. The city and the people really come alive after 10pm, and the hustle and bustle make the city seem vibrant, despite the surrounding darkness. 

We got home early for Spanish standards, around 11pm, and went to bed, excited to explore the gorge more the next morning!