THREE GREAT OFF-SEASON DAY TRIPS

News

High season, peak season or just plain busy season is not always the best time to soak in the fabulous sights and day trips that Andalusia has on offer.   Take hold web folks, seize the day and enjoy what you can before the tourists arrive en masse.   Some of the “best things to do” are naturally suited to the summer months. A good example of such is Rio Chillar, which is in my mind one of the, if not THE best day trip on offer.  Why?  Well, it was the first time our brood plus friends enjoyed a day out without a) complaining and b) without spending a single cent and c) on returning home, they went straight to bed.  What’s not to like?, You park-up (parking can be the low point I admit) then set off on a walk navigating a river bed that meanders some 9km’s (less or more as you wish) through a stunning geographical landscape slowly uphill to a series of waterfalls.

 

 

THREE GREAT OFF-SEASON DAY TRIPS

High season, peak season or just plain busy season is not always the best time to soak in the fabulous sights and day trips that Andalusia has on offer.   Take hold web folks, seize the day and enjoy what you can before the tourists arrive en masse.  
 
Some of the “best things to do” are naturally suited to the summer months. A good example of such is Rio Chillar, which is in my mind one of the, if not THE best day trip on offer.  Why?  Well, it was the first time our brood plus friends enjoyed a day out without a) complaining and b) without spending a single cent and c) on returning home, they went straight to bed.  What’s not to like?, You park-up (parking can be the low point I admit) then set off on a walk navigating a river bed that meanders some 9km’s (less or more as you wish) through a stunning geographical landscape slowly uphill to a series of waterfalls.  This day trip is best left for the summer, when you can dip in and out of water to your heart’s content and best of all?  It’s free, totally gratis.  No need for a guide, buy a pair of Croc’s (shudder for any other purpose than this walk and the beach) and take in the stunning beauty that will engulf you step by step.   This is the must do, day out.  Or your gratis money back!  

Back to where we started, here’s our top three Day Trips to try out of season:

 
1. Alhambra, Granada 
 
According to the World Heritage list, the Alhambra is the most important surviving remnant of the period of Islamic rule in the Iberian Peninsula between 711 and 1492 (big numbers if you take a moment to consider what 8 Centuries looks like).  It was inscribed on the World Heritage list in 1984 due to its universal beauty and exceptional expression of Moorish and Andalusian culture as well as for its ability to convey the history of the changes to the region over time through its architecture and decorative campaigns.  This is without hesitation a MUST see and a HAVE to see.  Be warned, mid and peak season it’s a cruise ship, school and religious tour guide’s go to – out of season you have the space and time to drink in the visual wonders surrounding your every step.
 
 
2. Caminito del Rey 
 

El Caminito del Rey or The King’s Little Path is a walkway pinned along the steep walls of a narrow gorge in El Chorro, near Ardales less than an hour from Malaga. Its name derives from the original name of Camino del Rey or King’s Pathway, abbreviated locally to El Caminito. The walkway was constructed in the early 20th century, but by the early 21st century, it had fallen into disrepair and was partially closed for over a decade. After four years of extensive repairs and renovations, it re-opened in 2015. Whilst at one point it has been described as the “world’s most dangerous walkway” following five deaths in 1999 and 2000 it is now fastidiously secure, safe and an impressive way to spend a few hours away from the coast or the city.   This is a must see and a must do and even better out of season and with all the time in the world to take in the dramatic scenery. 

 

3. Ronda Wine Region
 
Some of us like to drink wine and some of us like to, well, drink wine and pretend to be interested in where wine comes from.   If you fit into the former or the latter then a visit to what could be Andalusia’s Sonoma or McLaren Vale (yes, stop drinking the stuff and start learning: California and Australia for Pete’s sake).  For those looking for outstanding natural beauty and top tier wines, look no further than a day out to Ronda.  There are numerous bodega’s spanning back three or four centuries, all of which offer a combination of both local wines and wine from overseas.  I challenge you to come away from a visit to Ronda without agreeing, there’s some world beating wines here.  Plus, not going mid or high season has to be the best time to enjoy the perfect drop. 
 

 

That’s all folks or at least until next time when we discuss three oddball day’s out you can enjoy at any time of the year.  

Related News Stories