It’s still pretty chilly here in the UK, so it’s hard not to spend the day dreaming of warmer climates. Two of the best places to visit for warmth, good food and culture are the coastal areas of Southern Spain and Morocco. With amazing architecture, bustling markets, natural landscapes and, of course, beautiful beaches, the coastal towns of these two fascinating countries are winners at any time of year.
Tips for an Enjoyable Trip
In order to ensure you have an unforgettable coastal adventure, here are a few suggestions on how to maximize it. First and foremost, embrace local cuisine – Spain and Morocco offer unparalleled culinary experiences with each region offering its own distinct twist on classic dishes. Try something different! Learning Spanish or Arabic will show your commitment and will be appreciated by locals – as well as being handy when navigating markets or ordering food! Make contact with an online Spanish tutor and take a crash course. Next, plan your itinerary but allow room for spontaneity – discovering less popular spots may lead to some of the most exciting adventures! Finally, respect local customs and traditions. Not only will this ensure a good impression is left, but it will also deepen your understanding of their culture.
Spain – Málaga and the Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol is an area that defies all of the stereotypes that you may have heard about it and the city of Málaga is the perfect jumping off point for exploring the entire region. As well as its famous beaches, it’s rich in culture and history. Highlights include the fabulous Alcazaba fortress which dates back to the 11th century and the Roman amphitheatre and garum (fish sauce) factory. Museums and art galleries include the Picasso Museum and a branch of the world-famous Centre Pompidou.
During the day, you can stroll round the beautiful old town, exploring the stunning Spanish architecture and great street art – and a walk through the amazing Atarazanas Food Market is a must. If you really want to get under the skin of Málaga’s food scene, we’d recommend a tour round the market and other local eateries with experts such as Spain Food Sherpas.
Ronda and Nerja
Ronda is beautiful town about 1h 45 mins from Málaga, famed for its stunning views and is cut through with a gorge that divides the new and old parts of the town. The two halves of the town straddle the 100 metre deep El Tajo Gorge – the 18th Century ‘New Bridge’ between them plunges gracefully down and is a definite must see. Ronda is also the birthplace of modern bullfighting and the historic bullring is open to visitors.
For some typical Costa del Sol sea and sunshine, Nerja is the place to go. Sitting on the edge of the Mediterranean and flanked by protected areas on its other sides, Nerja has managed to avoid over-development and retain the characteristics of the typical traditional Andalucian town. The coastal views from the famous Balcony of Europe are truly stunning.
Nerja is also home to one of the most surprising places we’ve come across on our travels – the Cuevas de Nerja. These ancient caves, discovered accidentally in the late 1950s are full of enormous formations of stalagmites and stalactites that have taken millennia to form. Even though only 30% of the cave system is open to the public, the caverns are so large they play host to music concerts and your walk round the epic formations culminates in the world’s largest freestanding stalagmite/stalactite column.
The Costa Tropical
The south coast of Spain isn’t just about the Costa del Sol. Its lesser-known sibling is a hidden treasure. Here you can do everything from visiting the Ron Montero distillery to exploring Moorish Gardens.
Morocco – Essaouira, El Jadida and Agadir
Essaouira
Essaouira is one of Morocco’s most famous coastal towns. The perfect blend of Mediterranean and North African influences, the town has it all. Climb the 18th Century ramparts built to protect the port before spending some time watching the boats come in. If you’re a fan of watersports, trade winds make Essaouira the perfect place for some windsurfing or kite surfing. A visit to the town’s UNESCO World Heritage Site medina is pretty much obligatory – here you can shop for some traditional crafts and pick up some souvenirs of your visit.
El Jadida
Further down the coast, El Jadida is known for its Portuguese heritage – it was a colony for more than 200 years. The blend of cultures is evident throughout the city with highlights including the Portuguese Cisterns, along with the nearby Cistern museum, the UNESCO-listed star-shaped Mazagan Fortress and the Central Market.
Agadir
If you prefer somewhere more modern, why not visit Agadir? The city was completely rebuilt after an earthquake in 1960 and is now a cosmopolitan town with a long beach that provides the perfect place to relax and enjoy a soft of sunbathing or a meal at one of the many beachfront eateries. There’s plenty of other things to keep you occupied apart from the beach though, including shopping at Souk El-Had and the opportunity to learn about Berber culture at the Museum of Amazigh Culture
Travelling from Southern Spain to Morocco
If it’s hard to pick between Spain and Morocco, fear not – you can easily visit both! FRS Ferries run regular services from Tarifa to Tangier, and from Algeciras to Ceuta and Tangier so it’s easy to have the best of both worlds.
