Will be spending 16 days in Andalusia in September. Planning on the first 5 nights in Seville and the final three in Granada (managed to book the Parador there.)
Trying to figure out the in between time. Am looking at 4 nights in the white mountains - kinda settling on Arcos de la Frontera as a base. But would appreciate suggestions.
Also would like to spend some time, 3 nights, on the coast. Really want to avoid the main tourist areas.
Anyone got any suggestions for a town or village along the coast that would be a good base to explore some of the coastal areas of Andalusia? Should be within a three hour drive of Granada.
All advice would be appreciated.
Mike

Hello Mike;
Arcos is a fine base. You may also want to consider Vejar de la Fra.,Zahara de la Sierra or Olvera. Not a "white village" but with lots to do and in easy driving distance of a number of villages is Jerez.

As for non-tourist coastal areas, they are few and far between. Nerja (hour to hour and a half to Granada) has escaped a lot of the ravages that have visited other Costa del Sol towns.

We very much enjoyed Agua Amarga and area on the eastern edge of Cabo de Gata Park. It is about 2 and a half hours to Granada.

Dennis

I was going to suggest Nerja too as a coastal base. I hope you will find some time to visit Cordoba!

Thank you Shannon and Dennis.
I had hoped that there maybe a less commercial place than Nerja, but it does look nice.
I shall begin the search for a place to stay. If you have any suggestions, I would appreciate them.
Once again, thanks.

Hello Mike:
We are budget travellers so our choices may not suit you.
In Nerja area, Burrianna Beach is the large pebbly beach with newer condo/time shares in back of it. There are lots of beach restaurantsThe Parador anchors the end nearest the old town. It is a long walk up stairs from this area.

We prefer to stay in the town centre area and are lucky enough to have friends with an apartment there. We have noticed many smaller places for rent along the cliff edge just east of the Balcon. West of the Balcon there are many highrises. Be sure to check out the view prior to renting. You may be staring into the side of a building if not careful!In September, apartment rentals may require a week's let still.

If you're not stuck on "right on the coast" Maro 5kms to the east or Frigiliana 5-7kms north may offer a less touristy experience. Frigiliana can be touristy wioth day trippers.

Once again, thanks Dennis. Will take your advice.
I wouldn't necessarily call myself a budget traveler, but I love a bargain and hate to pay more than I need to.
Mike

Hi Mike,

I am always amazed at the Nerja fans on this website . It simply does not do it for me - an overbuilt (and very British) resort verging on the fish and chips brigade - sorry if that offends anyone, but not "real" Spain.
If you want good beach time - you should be looking at the Costa de la Luz, (as Dennis says, Vejer de la Frontera is lovely and within easy reach of the best beaches).
The alternative is further North heading into Almeria and the Cabo de Gata National park. Truly magnificent. I like Las Negras a lot for its "genuine" Spanish feel.

Personally, I would base myself in Ronda at the beginning of your holiday (although touristy during the day from coach parties from the coast) - just a bit better access to the white villages without having to spend a long time in the car each day.

Finally, and sorry to say it, but for the money there are many better Hotels in Granada itself. The Parador is on the Japanese/North American tour/coach circuit and consequently attracts a hugely inflated price, rather impersonal service and a restaurant that leaves a lot to be desired.

Granada city is "buzzing", has a good vibe, great tapas bars and restaurants and it is easy to get up to the Alhambra for the day or night visit (or both) - my recommendation is not to isolate yourself up there for the night, but to adopt one of the Slow Travel ethics - "live like a local" - stay in town! It is wonderful!!

I do hope this helps,

Michael

Go to gaucin.com. Gaucin is a lovely white village with magnificent views.

Arcos is good but it's just out of the mountains. I think Ronda is preferable but my favourite is Grazalema.
I warmly second Snannon's comment on Cordoba and try to go to Medina Azahara whilst you are there.

Hello;
I've read with interest all the comments and recommendations so far. I am being presumptuous but each of us has had experiences which lead us to recommend certain places based on those experiences. (ours was the festival of the burial of the sardine and a hike up the rio Chilar in Nerja). And Mike, everyone is correct! I know this doesn't help with planning.

I don't know if its still available but Jason Oliver in the Observer wrote an article on the "real Spain" www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2005...serverescapesection1 that I like a lot.

There are a myriad of places that one can experience life that is not dependent on package tours. We've visited all the places mentioned by others and each can provide a slice of life that is closer to "Spain as it once was" (to use Extremadura's tourist slogan).

Even the Costa del Sol - which I don't recommend - has pockets of tranquility and beauty. They are hard to find midst the highrises and tea shops but are there. You will find your place and bring back tales of the "real Spain" if you want more than the glitz and sometimes tawdry aspect of the Costas.
Dennis

Wow, thanks for all the comments and advice.
Obviously, Spain can cater to a number of different vacation styles.
Planning this trip is getting confusing. I think we will go to the Greek Islands, instead (Just joking).
Anamazinghotel - thanks for the comments. As for staying on the coast, we are not beach people, but really want a base to explore another part of Andalusia. To us, a beach is a place for a quick dip before cocktails, after a day exploring.
Nerja does seem a bit too commercial for my tastes, but it appears to be a good location for day trips along the coast. A compromise location.
I will check out some of the other locations mentioned before booking anything. After having spent 6 days in Seville and 4 more in Arcos de la Frontera, a nice quiet Spanish village on the coast would be perfect. If such a place, with a hotel or B&B exists.
As for Granada, my wife and I are history and architecture buffs. It seemed appropriate to emerse ourselves in it by staying in the Alhambra.
Obviously, there is no right or perfect place for everyone. Will just have to find our own "real Spain".

For a touch of real Spain it has to be the interior. In Andalucia try Jaen the only province that hasn't long been advertised to the world.

The Tourist Board have called in Paraiso Interior - Inland Paradise.

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