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MarocMama

Spain

What to do with 2 days in Seville with Kids

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There are many reasons why you should visit Seville. It’s one of the best cities in Spain for any type of visit. Whether you are traveling to Seville with children, partner, friend, or on your own, there is always so much to do in this wonderful city. Winter in Spain is really a great time to visit, especially the south as the weather is temperate.

While you could easily spend a week in Seville with kids, this itinerary is for 2 days in Seville for families. With a wide range of family activities for all tastes and budgets, the capital of Andalusia is a perfect destination for a family vacation. The kids will definitely thank you.

You don’t need a car to get around Seville but in case you do decide you want one on your trip to the region this resource on renting a car in Spain may prove helpful.

2 Day Seville Itinerary With Children

Day 1 in Seville 

Visit the Cathedral of Seville

The Cathedral of Seville architecturally and historically is one world’s masterpiece. It is the third-largest in the world and impresses from the first sight. Once you look at this grand building from outside, you understand how majestic it is. But when you walk inside, then for the first a few minutes you just stand in silence not having any words to describe this beauty.

Besides the cathedral and grounds, there is also the bell tower, converted from the original minaret built here previously, where you will have a fabulous view. If you’re traveling with a stroller you can use the ramp to reach the top.

The tomb of Christopher Columbus who started his journey to North America from Seville, lies inside the Cathedral and is interesting for both adults and children.

This is a popular attraction so it’s worth getting your tickets in advance and considering a tour to get the full scope of the building and it’s importance.

Stroll Through the Santa Cruz Quarter

Next to the Cathedral of Seville, you’ll find the famous historical quarter of Santa Cruz. This is the former Jewish quarter, and is a maze of alleys and narrow streets full of pretty old houses in flowers, cute coffee shops, and atmospheric cafes.

It’s just nice to walk here and enjoy the beauty around and then sit down on a terrace of one of the cafes with a dessert. 

Santa Cruz Quarter has all the main attractions of Seville located near each other. While kids may be bored visiting all history-related sites such as the Alcazar, Hospital of the Venerables, or Palace of the Countess of Lebrija, they may really love The Archivo General de Indias museum which has a free exhibition about the Magellan’s trip around the world and personal journals of Christopher Columbus.

Walk to Plaza de Espana

Plaza de Espana is an impressive place, first of all, because of its scope and size. The square resembles the shape of the moon, 200 meters in diameter.

There is a large beautiful fountain in the center of the square where kids could splash and a canal going along the entire perimeter where the entire family can ride a small boat.

The government building, forming a semicircle, is something interesting to look at. It is decorated with niches-benches with mosaics exhibiting events related to the history of Spain. Each of the benches represents a specific Spanish province.

Seville is home to many parks and green spaces where everyone is invited to relax and disconnect. Maria Luisa Park is home to a large ship playground full of slides, bridges, and ropes to climb, bubbly fountain, and horse carriage rides. In fact, the largest playground in Seville is in this park towards the Plaza de Espana. 

If there are the dual pedal bikes available, it’s highly recommended to rent for a half hour or hour to cycle around the park. Its fun for adults and for kids!

In the southern part of the park, near the Museum of Archaeology, there is a small square where children feed the white pigeons that originally came for the Spanish-American exposition.  

Day cruise on the Guadalquivir River

The Guadalquivir River has more than 700 kilometers in length. This means that it crosses the entire Andalusian community, connecting it with the Atlantic Ocean. A cruise is a perfect option for parents and their kids. Going on such a cruise is a fantastic opportunity to contemplate Seville’s beauty from another angle.

There are many companies that offer cruise in Seville. From small boats to yacht cruises you’ll just need to choose the one that works the best for your family.

The boats have panoramic decks that allow you to observe monuments such as the Torre del Oro, the Triana Bridge, the San Telmo Palace (seat of the Andalusian Parliament), or the old Royal Tobacco Factory and then reach the Northern part of the city Isla de la Cartuja neighborhood. Children younger than 12 years old can often go on a cruise for free.

Another possibility to explore the waters of the Guadalquivir canal is by kayak. In many cases children can sign up from four years old, but the only requirement is to know how to swim, even if they carry a lifeguard.

Day 2 in Seville

Spend an Hour or Two in the House of Science (La Casa de la Ciencia)

One of the best things to do in Seville with children is to visit the House of Science. Here, the little ones can enjoy discovering authentic skeletons and life-size reproductions of the inhabitants of the Mediterranean Sea.

For those lovers of astronomy, they also have a planetarium where children can enjoy different projections. Also, depending on the date when you travel, your kids can attend a workshop here. Each month the museum staff carry out suitable workshops for kids to learn while having fun.

Walk through the Metropol Parasol

This is one of the coolest structures in Seville – it’s also one of the newest. The structure consists of six large, mushroom-shaped parasols, whose design is inspired by the arches of Seville’s cathedral and the ficus tree of nearby Plaza del Cristo de Burgos.

You can go up to the view points and there’s a restaurant inside as well as a nearby market. The basement of the building is an archeological museum that hosts the items that were found on the site when it was being converted.

Pay a Visit to the Flamenco Museum

Seville is the birthplace of flamenco! The songs and dances always fascinate the crowd and make the city both joyful and dynamic. The easiest way to see flamenco in Andalusian capital is to go to the museum of Flamenco which is open every day and where you can see a show! It is one of the best places in Seville that a lot of tourists miss.

The museum offers educational tours and flamenco shows in an intimate setting. All dancers, singers, and guitarists are very experienced and the spectacle that follows is simply exceptional.

Explore Seville by Bike

The Andalusian capital has 170 km of the bike lanes which makes it one of the most suitable European cities to go on wheels. One of the best starting points for biking with kids is anywhere near the river. You can also make stops for a picnic in different areas while enjoying the breeze.

The easiest way to rent a bike is at one of the 250 public service stations that the city has. Also, there are private rental shops scattered across Seville. If you’re wanting to combine biking and a tour an electric bike tour is a great option in Seville!

End Your Day With an Adrenaline Rush on Magic Island

If your children are not that little anymore and you love crazy rides, definitely look into the Isla Magica Theme Park. If you have been to major theme parks in the world, then this one is not going to impress that much. Yet, for the change of scenery and some activity, the park offers lots of fun.

Besides the theme park, you’ll find here a water park, multiple shows, and 4D cinema. There are a lot of attractions to keep kids busy all day long and a good selection of rides to suit all ages. 

Take a food tour

Tapas with Bacalao

We can’t share ideas about what to do in Seville without mentioning a food tour! There are a lot to choose from however we recommend Devour Tours for their authenticity and amazing food selections! They do offer private tours for families which may be ideal if you have smaller kids.

Search for more fun activities in Seville

This is a guest post contributed by Anya of Road is Calling where she shares stories and experiences from her families slow travel lifestyle. They share stories and lessons on how to do what they’ve done!

Find more inspiration for planning your Spain travels on my Spain resource page.

3 One-Day Itineraries for Tarifa, Spain

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Tarifa is one of the most accessible European trips from Morocco, with hourly ferries connecting the Spanish city to Tangier in less than two hours. An old town with a very young spirit, Tarifa is loved by people who want a hassle-free holiday, and water sports lovers alike.

Tarifa has a bohemian atmosphere which has not yet been touched by the giants of the travel sector. You will not find any big names in this small Spanish town, where visitors love to camp, share tapas, and buy local handmade products at independent shops. 

Tarifa is known among the water sports lovers for being one of the best places in Europe to practice kitesurfing, windsurfing or surfing.

Getting Around Tarifa

Tarifa is a very small laid-back town, where the attractions are within walking distance of each other. The town is split between the old town, inside the city walls, with narrow alleys, white houses and hidden plazas, and the new town, to the West.

While it’s not not recommend to drive in the old town, if you travel to Tarifa by car you will easily find a free parking spot in the new, residential area part of town. To enjoy the charm of the old town of Tarifa, I recommend walking everywhere.

Itinerary one: Highlights of Tarifa

The Castillo de Guzman el Bueno

The castle in Tarifa was built in the 10th century, during the Moorish occupation of Spain, to protect the city from attacks coming from the sea.

A ticket to visit the inside of the castle costs five euros. Once inside, you can climb the thick defence walls and walk on them to the Guzman el Bueno tower, which is the highest. From here, on a clear day you can admire a spectacular view over Africa.

On the inside of the castle you will find two beautiful courtyards, the ruins of a 14th century Christian chapel, a rebuilt Gothic church in the form of an Islamic qubba, and a one-meter thick Roman wall. Some of the artifacts inside the castle include a replica of a catapult and a bronze age ceramic dating from 2,000 BC.

The most Southern Point of Continental Europe

Did you know that Tarifa is the southernmost point of continental Europe? Isla de las Palomas is a small island connected by a causeway to the mainland, uninhabited since Roman times, when it used to be a limestone quarry. Over the years, the island has been used as a military base and is closed to the public.

It remains closed today, but from time to time the Estrecho National Park organizes group visits. It is always worth checking to see if there is a tour on the day you will be visiting Tarifa, because the island is fascinating to visit due to its long history and the artifacts found on it.

The causeway between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean

Even if you won’t be visiting Isla de las Palomas, it is still very nice to walk on the walkway that leads to it. This is the point where the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet. Halfway along the pier, the town of Tarifa installed two signs which make a great photo opportunity. Where else would you be able to stand between the sea and the ocean, without getting wet?

Iglesia San Mateo Eliza

The main church in Tarifa was built sometime during the 15th century, on the remains of an old mosque. It is an interesting church to visit because whilst the main structure has been built in Gothic style, the façade is redecorated in 18th century style, with Baroque elements. The cathedral stands out on Tarifa’s skyline because of its hemispherical dome, supported by Tuscan pilasters painted in a pale pink shade. 

The church is free to visit.

Itinerary Two: Beaches and Water Sports

Playa de los Lances

Playa de los Lances is the easiest beach to reach from Tarifa because it is practically in town. It is a 10 kilometres long beach, split into the sunbathing area, and the water sports area, so that all visitors can enjoy it without getting in each other’s way.

The part closest to the town is reserved for visitors who want to sunbathe. Because Tarifa is a very windy town, I recommend choosing a spot as close as possible to the pier, which provides shelter from the sand which is blowing around. The beach has many facilities, including a lifeguard service during the high season.

Tarifa has some gorgeous beaches, and if you have a car and want to explore more of them, drive up North and follow the coast. Some of the most surprising beaches are Punta Paloma – great for snorkelling and hiking on sand dunes, and Bolonia – great if you are looking for a local beach which is off the beaten path.

Learn to Kitesurf

There are over 60 kite surfing schools in Tarifa and, even if you are in town just for one day, you can still book a lesson to learn how to master this fun water sport. There are all sorts of classes available, from a 2 hour introduction to kitesurfing, to a full day’s beginner course.

Tarifa is known as the windiest place in Spain, which makes it very attractive to water sports lovers. No matter when you visit Tarifa, there will always be kitesurfers and windsurfers in the water, enjoying the waves and jumping in the air with their boards. Even if you don’t have the time or courage to book a lesson, it’s always fun to spend half an hour watching them.   

Itinerary Three: Shopping and Eating

The Boutique Shops in the Old Town of Tarifa

The old town of Tarifa is a labyrinth of narrow streets dotted with boutique shops, small independent cafes and local grocers. You won’t find any big brands here, just little shops selling local and handmade items, which make great souvenirs. There are also quite a few clothing and vintage stores in Tarifa.

Some of the shops worth checking out are Butterfly Tarifa and Natural Chic for boho clothing, Azogue Art for vintage items, and Maria Malo for gorgeous handmade jewellery. 

If you have a sweet tooth, I highly recommend stopping for a slice of cake or a bespoke chocolate box at Confitería La Tarifeña, on Calle Nuestra Seniora de la Luz. There always seems to be a queue here, which says something about how good their cakes are. 

The cafes in the plazas

Walking around the old town of Tarifa is very charming, following the narrow roads between white houses, and discovering tiny squares which are occupied by lively cafes. The locals love to go out for lunch and for drinks in the evening, when the entire town comes to life.

Menu del dia 

Can you think of anything better than relaxing in a cute little square, at one of the numerous cafes in Tarifa, enjoying lunch whilst watching people pass by? Menu del dia is a fantastic way to try some of the local dishes that Tarifa has to offer. Usually, the dishes from menu del dia change every day, depending on what ingredients are available in the morning.

A traditional menu del dia will include an appetiser, a main course, a dessert and a drink, sometimes even a coffee, and it will cost between 8 and 12 euros. In Tarifa, being a seaside town, on the menu del dia you will find many fish dishes such as fried calamari, boquerones, grilled tuna or pescaito frito – which is a typical platter from the South of Spain which includes a selection of deep fried fish and seafood.

Other places to eat in Tarifa

Chiringuito BienStar

Located just off the beach with beautiful views over the Atlantic Ocean, this typical Spanish beach bar is ideal to stop at for a cold beer or a cheeky gin and tonic. 

El Lola

Great tapas bar popular with locals, which serves typical local dishes focusing on fish. In the evenings there’s a great buzz around this place, with a lively atmosphere and friendly staff.

Mesón La Garrocha

Great tapas bar with a menu focused on fish dishes. The red tuna tartar and the tuna tataki are a must. Keep in mind that it is more expensive than your usual tapas bar in Tarifa.

BocaBuena

Probably one of the best restaurants in Tarifa, the food is delicious, portions are large and the prices very reasonable. They put great effort into making sure that each dish not only tastes good but is photogenic too.

Looking for more Spain travel ideas? I’ve got lots!

Guide to Using Ferries between Morocco and Spain

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With Morocco perfectly situated so close to southern Europe and Spain in particular, it’s only natural that people want to easily travel between the two countries. Luckily, there are several options for ferry travel between Morocco and Spain.

There’s also something cool to be said about taking the ferry. The Straight of Gibraltar is a sight to see. It’s also pretty cool to think that you are seeing where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. The ferries back and forth are frequent and popular with locals and tourists alike. Here’s the low-down on all of them.

Tarifa to Tangier Ferry

How to get to Tangier

Arguably the most popular of ferries connections to the southern-most tip of Spain, the ferry to Tangier runs several ferries a day running back and forth from Morocco to Spain. The trip lasts about an hour. Tickets average about $80 per person round trip.

Pre-booking will save you the hassle of finding that your desired ferry is already booked! If you decide to chance your luck, you can buy ferry tickets at the ferry offices or terminal in Tangier. Mid-afternoon gets busy so if you are going hoping to get a last-minute ticket, earlier is better.

Even if you do have re-booked tickets, you will still need to obtain your boarding pass from the terminal or ticket office in town. There are two ferry companies that use the Tangier Ville to Tarifa and return route; FRS Service runs up to eight times a day and Inter Shipping is six times a day. This can also change, though, depending on weather, high season, etc.

The consensus from our experts is that the Tangier Ville/Tarifa ferry is, although a bit more expensive than the Tangier Med to Algeciras option, the ferry is smaller, more efficient, and quicker. We have also heard that the staff is a little more helpful on the Tangier Ville to Tarifa ferries.

Tangier Med to Algeciras

If your destination is Algeciras, Spain, you will be taking the Tangier Med ferry across to mainland Europe. Last time we looked, the ferry companies provide a free ferry shuttle from the ferry offices to the ferry if you are a foot passenger. Do double-check, however, just in case.

Algeciras is mostly known as an industrial town and a transport hub; given their large port, but it is also considered a transit destination for further travel into southern Spain or beyond. For example, Cadiz is just over an hour’s drive northwest from Algeciras. Gibraltar is just about 30 minutes up and then down again on the southeastern coast of Spain. Continuing on, Marbella is another 30 minutes or so along the coast and Malaga is just under another hour, driving north from Gibraltar.  

Barcelona to Tangier Ferry

Sagrada Familia Barcelona

There are two companies that run this ferry line. The Grandi Navi Veloci operates 5 times a week while the Grimaldi Line runs once a week. But you may want to reconsider given the travel time of nearly 30 hours.

This ferry docks in Tangier Med located approximately 40km from Tangier proper. It might be an ideal route for someone traveling with a car or camper van and looking for a way to cross without a lot of additional driving.

Ceuta to Algeciras

There are three different ferries that run multiple routes daily between Ceuta and Algeciras (about 20 slots daily); FRS, Balearia, and Transmediterranea. The travel time is approximately 1 hour. Do keep in mind that this route is crossing from Spain to Spain so you will need to access Ceuta either with a passport that has Schengen entry or with a valid visa.

The ferries are both foot passenger and vehicle passenger accessible. You may also want to keep in mind that crossing border from Morocco into Ceuta can be a long process, especially with a vehicle so plan accordingly.

Melilla to Malaga

This crossing is available daily via Balearia and Transmediterranea ferries. The crossing time is approximately 6 hours. While Melilla is on mainland Morocco it is a Spanish territory and just like with Ceuta you will need permission to enter.

Also as with Ceuta do keep in mind crossing from Morocco to Melilla can take quite a bit of time. The border does sometimes close as well if there are issues with too much activity on the border.

Ferry to Gibraltar

Gibraltar is not a Spanish territory but part of the United Kingdom. I’m sharing it here as it’s often asked about as well and it has bridge access to mainland Spain. There is a weekly departure on FRS ferries from Tangier Med to Gibraltar. There is room for both foot passengers and car traffic.

As its once a week you’ll want to plan your trip carefully!

Tips For Traveling These Routes

  • Tickets costs start around 400dh per person each way, both for foot and car passengers. They increase based on vehicles as well as high seasons. Do be advised to double check all prices
  • If you are headed to Tarifa, it can be windy so pack a light jacket (there is a reason it’s called the European capital of wind sports!)
  • Snacks can be expensive on the ferry-we advise to bring your own. Also, if you do grab a coffee or something to eat, be advised that you can only pay with a credit card or Euros-no Moroccan dirhams.
  • Don’t rely on the ferry’s free wifi-it sometimes works but can be spotty.
  • When considering your arrival time at the port, leave at least an hour for arriving at the ferry in case you have to wait in line.
  • No luggage restrictions in terms of size for either car or foot passengers) so carry away! Our advice, if you are bringing alcohol, is to perhaps carry it in different bags so that your beer and wine are not all together.
  • Don’t forget the time difference-Morocco follows the UTC + 1 time zone, during Daylight Savings Time, Morocco is one hour behind Spain. In general you will want to double check the times on both sides!
  • The ferry from Spain to Morocco (and vice versa) can change or be delayed due to bad weather and/or winds; it is always a good idea to reconfirm your reservation.
  • Immigration and passport control-Returning to Morocco from Spain, you will need to go through immigration. Try to get in line sooner than later or you might end up having to wait. It’s a good idea to take care of this right away as sometimes the line is still going strong as the ferry is pulling into port.
  • Spanish supermarkets are known for their cheeses and deli choices-our suggestion is to bring grocery bags as well as a cooler and ice packs and then fill away.
  • If you plan on just spending the day in Spain, we suggest leaving your car in Tangier and go as a foot passenger. However, if you are traveling on from Tarifa via car, Tarifa is a nice, charming town to stop for a fresh seafood lunch and there is public parking within walking distance to the main cafe/restaurant area. Don’t miss delving into the quaint cobblestone streets of this quiet little town. During the summer months, Tarifa gets lost in a wave of visitors. Fall and spring are the nicest times to go.

Check Ferry Options and Rates

You can check the options and rates for these ferries online below as well as purchasing tickets. It’s highly advised that you do purchase tickets in advance during high seasons to ensure the best prices and that there is availability.

3 Different Ways to Spend One Day in Malaga

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Malaga is so close to Morocco and yet we had never visited until recently. Ryanair opened up a direct Marrakech to Malaga flight making it much easier (and faster!) then the ferry transfer from Tangier.

Our itinerary for this trip might be different than what you may consider. We flew from Marrakech to Seville and immediately took the train to Cordoba where we stayed for a few days. We then took another train to Malaga and flew Malaga to Marrakech home.

While we really enjoyed Cordoba, I think both MarocBaba and I were surprised at how much we liked Malaga. Truthfully it’s known a bit as the place elderly Britons go to retire so we were a bit apprehensive. But what we found was a fun city with some great food and a place we felt at home.

My personal recommendation would be to spend three days in Malaga but if you don’t have that much time, or will be visiting for a single day only I’ve created a few itineraries keeping that in mind. You can combine all of these or two of these if your time in Malaga is longer.

Getting Around Malaga

Malaga is a fairly small, walkable city. We managed fine without any special transportation. That being said we also made use of the city bus which is easy to understand and you can pay in cash when you enter. This was helpful for the long distances.

If you have Uber, Malaga also has Lime electric scooters – everywhere! It’s where we first were introduced to them and may have bought one to bring home to Marrakech. If you have internet connectivity you can download the app, check one out and use it whenever you’d like.

Itinerary One: Highlights of Malaga

Malaga is an old city; founded by the Phoenicians in 1000 BC. The Carthagians and Romans also ruled followed by the Moorish rule over Andalusia from 711 – 1487. Many of the buildings from the period before Christian rule in the 15th century have been destroyed but there are still some vestiges that you can see.

The Roman Theatre

This is, as you can see an old Roman theatre in downtown Malaga that does still hold performances today. You can visit the ruins and walk through them and there is a small museum with artifacts just to the left of this picture. If you walk just right of the theatre you will find the walkway that will lead you to visit another important site.

The Alcazaba and Castillo Gibralfaro

It is a quite a long walk to get to the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro from the theatre however if you’re someone that enjoys a good uphill walk it is worth it. It will take you about 45 minutes to make the walk and it’s a good idea to wear decent walking shoes and have some water with you.

This was a city on top of the hill, a palace fortress, that overlooks all of the surrounding areas. There are over 100 tower lookouts and kilometers of walkways. It’s a really interesting area to explore and entry is 5,50€ (it’s free Sundays after 2pm!) If you don’t want to walk you can take bus number 35 will bring you up as well.

Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga – Malaga Cathedral

This is the highest point in Malaga and you can see it from just about anywhere. Typically cathedrals have two towers but as you can see there’s just one on this church. It was constructed between 1528 and 1782, and it’s stated that the missing second tower is because the funds for that tower were diverted to help the United States to gain their independence from Great Britain. You can visit the interior for €6 and there’s an option to take a guided tour to the roof – if you can handle the 200+ steps.

Itinerary Two: Museums and Beaches

These two things may not really go together but I feel like if you’re going to spend part of your day inside you should also spend part of it outside – and there’s no better place to do that than in Malaga!

The Picasso Museum

Malaga is where Pablo Picasso was born and this museum is a tribute to the artist. It shows his journey as well as many of his works. I personally love art but MarocBaba is not a fan. I had to drag him here. We used the audioguide and toured in a little over an hour. It has a lot of Picasso’s works but not so many that it was overwhelming. I booked our tickets in advance which I recommend doing.

Order Picasso Museum Ticket

Center Pompidou Malaga

This is a branch of the Paris based Pompidou Museum. It features a permanent contemporary collection of artworks and rotates other shows throughout the year. Film, photography, dance, design, and architecture are also featured through temporary exhibits and performances.

Visit the Pompidou Malaga

Playa de la Malagueta

This is the easiest beach to reach in Malaga because it’s very close to the downtown area. It has a long stretch of sand, bicycle and walking paths, volleyball courts, playgrounds and chiringuitos (which are food and drink stands). We visited in late November so it wasn’t exactly ideal weather for getting a sun tan and many of the food places were closed however there were still some beachside restaurants open.

If you want to discover more Malaga beaches check out this post from my friend Lauren of Spanish Sabores.

Itinerary Three: Shopping and Eating

If you’re me you might skip everything above and just focus in on this but we have to have balance right?

Atarazanas Market

I can not turn down a trip to a food market – if there’s one in a city I will make it a point to visit. You can learn so much about a place and a culture by how they shop and eat! Fun fact, this market was actually built to be a shipyard during the Moorish rule in Malaga and didn’t become a food market until the 19th century. We spent a long time wandering here and some of the things I picked up were candied lemons and oranges, fried marcona almonds (the best!), giant olives, and miel de cana (sugar cane honey that’s put on fried eggplants here).

Be on the lookout for specialty foods that are found only here. For example at this cheese shop I discovered “lomo en manteca” which is marinated pork loin preserved in lard. This caught my attention because in Morocco we have khlii, which is sheep meat that is preserved in fat – same thing different animal. I have to believe there’s a connection to the Moorish past there and I LOVE finding unique things like this in my travels.

Outside of the market there are a lot of restaurants and food shops too so you can spend a long time wandering and eating your way around!

Calle Larios (and surrounding streets)

Just like most Spanish towns Malaga has pedestrian streets that are full of shops, restaurants and cafes. Here you’ll find the big name brands that are ubiquitous throughout the world but you might also find some gems. For example Primor is a perfume (and general cosmetics) store that sells perfumes at a price lower than many big box sellers. Even if you don’t want to buy anything this is a good place to take a walk and people watch!

Malaga Pass

If you are planning to hit up many of the attractions in one day or two you may want to consider investing in the Malaga Pass. It has admission to many of the sites of Malaga but also discounts on a wide range of things. You can purchase ahead of time and load onto their app so you can take advantage of things like hotel discounts before you even leave home.

Where to Eat in Malaga

Feel free to mix in these food suggestions throughout your stay! I haven’t specified days for these – I think it’s better to let your stomach lead the way.

Marisquería Casa Vicente

A very no frills place with some delicious seafood. We highly recommend ordering the shrimp as well as the fried eggplants. It’s close to the central shopping area and market in Malaga. There’s usually a crowd around meal times so be prepared.

Cafe Central Malaga

This is your sunset views if you choose to pull up a seat and enjoy a coffee and snack here. They do have a full menu but personally I’d stick to just a pick me up or a simple breakfast.

Farina Malaga

I know you’re thinking pizza in Malaga? It’s true and I don’t deny my need for some pizza. I love that this place offers tablas like this – a mixture of several different foods. The bad news? If you’re staying in central Malaga it’s a bit of trip to reach. But if you’re in need of a pizza there’s no distance too far right?

El Pimpi

Tapas, tapas, tapas yes please. This restaurant only works with local farmers to create amazing tapas and main dishes. Yes they have staples like patatas bravas, Spanish tortilla, and fried eggplant. But, you should also try one of their signature sandwiches made on a crunchy bread as well as the boquerones (anchovies) that are extra popular along Mediterranean coasts.

Looking for a low-budget eating option?

We’ve found that the cost of food in Spain can be really affordable. Head to one of the grocery stores in Malaga and pick up everything you want/need for a picnic! Thanks to lots of days with sunshine, a beautiful beach and plenty of take and go food options it’s easy to throw something together. Our go to staples in southern Spain?

Fresh bread, a couple kinds of cheese, olives, cured meats (yes they have cured turkey/chicken and beef too), cured tuna or sardines, and something sweet. In Andalusia we also always get a bottle of mosto – it’s the pressed grape juice right before the wine making process begins and we LOVE IT! You can easily put a meal together for two people for under €15.

Malaga is a really laid back destination for anyone visiting southern Spain or taking a day trip from Tangier!

Best Places to Visit in Andalusia with Kids

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This is a guest post from Anca of Dream, Book and Travel.

The South of Spain is a land sodden with history and legends, old customs and culinary traditions. It is one of the most fascinating regions to visit in Europe, especially for cultural travelers such as ourselves, who relish a region’s heritage and folklore as well as its rich history.

Following our recent Andalusia road trip with a toddler, we have put together below a list that ranks the five best places to visit with kids in Andalusia.

Seville

The regions’ capital is undoubtedly the best place to start exploring Andalusia and a good bet if you can only visit one place here. Elegant and mysterious, enveloped by the spirit of flamenco and bullfighting, it reminds best the days of the colonial Spanish empire.

Any visit to the city will take you to the world’s largest gothic cathedral right in the city center and its iconic bell tower, LA GIRALDA. If your kids already know their history, the tomb of Cristofer Columbus is inside the cathedral. Toddlers are free to roam the shaded orange garden and try on their new sunglasses (like ours did).

Whether or not you climbed to the top of the bell tower, you and your little ones should still spoil yourselves with the city’s best pastries at Cafeteria Pasteleria La Canasta just around the corner.

While an evening stroll through the city center and the atmospheric Santa Cruz neighborhood will be enjoyed by the entire family, mornings are best spent on the Plaza de Espana, followed by an afternoon stroll through Parque Maria Luisa.

The Plaza de Espana complex is a huge half-circle with buildings continually running around its edges. Along the entire perimeter of the plaza, there is a canal which can be travelled by boat, to the delight of little visitors.

They will also enjoy running around and playing hide and seek in the many tiled alcoves, each representing one region of Spain. Once they tire of this activity, you can go for a horse-drawn carriage ride and an ice cream in the shaded Parque Maria Luisa nearby.

For stays longer than a couple of days, there are several family friendly activities in Seville. A boat tour on the Gaudalquivir river, a visit to the Aquarium (themed on the travels of Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan), a climb to the top of Metropol Parasol, the world’s largest wooden structure, or a day of fun at the many aquaparks (Aquopolis, Isla Magica and Agua Magica).

We do not recommend visits with children at the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza and the Real Alcazar of Seville. The former is the famous bullfighting arena of the city. While learning about this tradition is an integral part of the Seville’s cultural landscape, children might find the information and weapons on display troublesome. The bullring is also an open area, thus it is not advisable to visit it with kids on sunny days.

Many families write that they enjoyed exploring the centuries-old Alcazar palace, with its beautiful Moorish architecture and gardens. Like with many sites, we were put off by the long waiting lines and the generally over touristic atmosphere of the place (groups being led around by guides holding a pole, crowds, overpricing). We found that booking guided tours of such sites does not improve the experience, as these simply take too long and kids get utterly bored.

What we particularly enjoyed in Seville was spending time in the authentic neighborhood of Triana, across the river. Our toddler’s schedule did not agree with the late-night dinner time that is customary in Spain.

Thus, we found it easier to shop at the fresh produce market and eat at local restaurants close to our hotel, where they were happy to provide something for the little one outside of the kitchen’s operating hours. It also gave us the opportunity to mingle with locals at the playground and practice our non-existent Spanish at the supermarket. All in all, a very pleasant stay.

Malaga

Malaga is the city that most often gets overlooked in Andalusia itineraries. We have found it to be an excellent alternative to more touristic places, with its laid-back atmosphere and rich palette of kid-friendly activities. While we only had one and a half days to spend in Malaga, we thoroughly enjoyed a visit to the port, where the toddler played on the waterside promenade and watched the ships come and leave.

There is also the option to do a one-hour boat ride from there. One evening, we took the elevator up to the Alcazaba fortress (yes, with the stroller) and enjoyed playing around in the Moorish gardens and rooms. We had the entire place almost to ourselves, which was a welcome change to other crowded Moorish sites in the region.

A visit to the Gibralfaro medieval castle can be equally rewarding, followed by a stroll in the city’s main park, right in the center. Older kids are spoiled for choice in Malaga. The interactive Airport Museum, the Selwo Marina Delfinarium, the Bioparc Fuengirola, or the Tivoli World Amusement Park are all viable options to be explored.

Especially worth a visit is the Sea Life Benalmadena, where children can experience the ocean and get a lesson in conservation. There are touch pools, a mini golf area, as well as the option to go on a boat trip out to the sea.

Under no circumstances, however, should one miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the many excellent sand beaches around the city. If you are looking for a place to spend a few lazy days at the beach with your family, this is it. Your kids will thank you for it!

Granada

I have had mixed feelings about adding Granada to our road trip itinerary with a toddler. I have an entire list of books on Andalusia that I read in preparation for this trip and the culture addict in me did not want to miss out on seeing it. It came out to be a great city, vibrant and authentic, with many options for entertainment.

We had booked a private tour of the Alhambra, which proved to be too much for our toddler. The guide took more than one hour going through the Nasrid palaces and we found out the complex does not really offer options to get a snack or take a break other than some overprized poorly serviced vending machines. Add to that the long walk up and you can understand why we aborted mid-tour.

I have since read a lot of positive accounts of visits to the Alhambra with children and there are even special-themed tours designed for them. Thus, my advice is to research ahead and give it a try. I would have regretted not having done so.

During our stay we enjoyed an evening walk in the Albayzin quarter, an afternoon spent at the Nevada Shopping Center (they do have a playroom), and a morning stroll through the city center by the Cathedral.

Older kids might be amazed by the interactive Science Park Museum that features exhibitions on health and the environment, a butterfly house, a maze, and an astronomy garden. In the Cave Museum of Sacromonte, kids can explore how it’s actually like to live in a cave, while the water park Aquaola and the Parque Federico Garcia Lorca are other great options to consider.

Cordoba

We had a limited time to explore Cordoba as we took some time to relax at the kids friendly Hotel Abetos del Maestre Escuela outside the city center. In the afternoon that we did spend in the city, our toddler enjoyed running around in the Mezquita while her parents marveled at the interplay of architectural styles. This is a great monument to visit with kids as there are no waiting lines and the temperature inside is pleasant at any time of the day.

There is an open-air inner courtyard called the Patio de los Naranjos (Patio of the orange trees), which we loved so much we even stopped for an ice cream break there. Cordoba is synonymous with narrow streets with white-washed patio houses and flower pots.

Casa Andalusi is a typical such patio house turned into an unforgettable small a museum. It recreates a typical 12th-century Andalusian house with its furniture and decorations. It also houses an Islamic paper factory. The cool patios with water fountains and lush vegetation were thoroughly enjoyed by our toddler during the visit.

If you have more time on your hands, be sure to check out the combiticket that allows access to the Botanical Gardens, the Cordoba Zoo, and the Children’s City entertainment center.

Cadiz

A small ocean-side city with a rich history and unforgettable character, Cadiz is ideal as a one-day family trip destination. Its two castles (Castillo de Santa Catalina and Castillo de San Sebastian) make for good exploration start points, while the beaches are the delight of little humans (Playa de la Caleta, Playa Santa Maria del Mar, Playa de la Victoria).

Parque Genoves with its shaped big trees and playground is another popular destination in the city. An indoors alternative is the  Puppet Museum (Museo del Titere) that boasts one of the best collections in the world, is free of charge, and does allow visitors to touch some of the exhibits. To make sure your little ones are exhausted at the end of the day, you can always climb to the top of the Tavira Tower, the city’s highest observation point.

While many might regard Andalusia as a region best explored kids-free, we are very happy to have had the chance to see it as a family. Our toddler’s schedule was a good incentive to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere more.

Locals are extremely helpful and open to welcoming families and we did get the best possible services anywhere we went. We can only hope our experience will convince other parents to consider the South of Spain as a family holiday destination.

About Anca: We are an international couple based in Vienna, Austria, with a passion for planning  personalized travel itineraries for both ourselves and our readers. Two years ago, we became the proud parents of a baby girl and this has prompted us to adjust the style of our travels and itineraries to such a degree that our blog is now almost exclusively about cultural family travel.

What (and where) to Eat in Cordoba

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If I said I do a little bit of research on where to eat when I travel that would be a lie. I do a LOT of research on where to eat when I travel. I create entire maps of places based on the time of day. I have been known to spend entire days just eating in different restaurants.

To me, exploring and experiencing a place is done through food so it is a top priority. Cordoba was no different.

This post is focused all on eating in Cordoba but if you’d like more insights on the city check out my post on what to do in Cordoba.

Breakfast in Cordoba

Cafe Don Pepe

A small cafe full of locals and zero tourists! They have more things on the menu but come for the churros and chocolate. You’ll find tables of older men and women talking and sipping cafe con leche with churros. This is one of those local spots you just happen into. Spanish is certainly a plus and the turn over is fast but a good, inexpensive breakfast.

Laquentra

Tortillas! This is one of my favorite Spanish foods and this is all you’ll find at this place. There are a handful of chairs but it’s mostly for take away. Behind the counter you’ll find a variety of potato tortillas with all kinds of fillings. You can buy by the piece or the entire thing if you’er feeding a crowd. Get it in bread or not.

Maddow Coffee Shop

Closer to the more touristic sites this is a juice and coffee bar that serves some tasty food too. They have toasts with different toppings, yogurt bowls and pastries. The juices are a bit on the expensive side but for fresh juice pressed on site I feel ok getting in some good vitamins to start the day!

La Bicicleta

I loved all the bike theme and decor here. They have breakfast, coffee and juices to start your day. Try one of the toasts that you can customize or a slice of cake- no judgment here.

Lunch, Snacks and Tapas

I’m grouping all of the afternoon and early evening eating together depending on when you might be out and about. Keep in mind many places in Spain close in the mid afternoon and Cordoba is no different.

Montecelio Bakery

A traditional Cordoba bakery with local treats and a variety of other sweets like doughnuts and pastel cordobés, the traditional pie/tart/pastry from here. I struggle to give it a name because it resembles all of them. There are a few seats and you can order coffee as well.

La Tarterie

If you really want cake then I would suggest visiting this bakery. It’s small and very near to the Roman temple. What’s available each day changes. I tried the oreo cheesecake but there were many other options as well. They do have vegan cakes (though sadly no gluten free options).

Mercado Victoria

This market has both fresh products (meats/cheeses/produce) as well as stalls that are selling prepared food and drinks. We went in the early evening around 6pm and there were people that were beginning to come for a drink and something to eat but it wasn’t too full. It’s open most of the day so if you’re stuck in an in-between eating time it might be a good time to visit.

We ate at O’Pulpino and it was ok. Not exceptional but we were hungry. Nearby was also an olive vendor and a cheese and meat tapas spot. There’s also a bar that sells 100% alcohol-free beer which was a nice treat for me!

Bodegas Mezquitas

This restaurant has a few locations but we ate at the one near the mosque. The menu is quite long and in some ways it did feel like it focused heavily on tourists however there were quite a few Spanish people also sitting and eating.

I liked that the menu featured dishes that are Christian, Jewish, and Muslim influenced and we tried some of each. We opted to do small plates (tapas) size dishes just so we could eat more. Overall, it was decent. I didn’t need to come back again but it was good. I especially liked the paella with oxtail instead of seafood.

Dinner in Cordoba

It’s important to remember in Spain meals are eaten late. The one night I had a dinner reservation for the earliest seating time was 8:30pm. We are used to this living in Morocco but if you’re coming from another part of the world (like the US) this might be a big adjustment. Growing up we always ate dinner at 5:30pm!

There are a LOT of restaurants in Cordoba so I’ve just broken down a few of my favorites to share here.

Noor

This was by far our splurge meal. This is a Michelin star restaurant located well outside the city center. We took a taxi and they called a taxi to take us back making things easy. There are only 8 tables and you must have a reservation. The concept is a recreation of foods that existed during 13/14th centuries using only the ingredients that would have been available – so no ingredients introduced from North or South America.

This is not just a meal but theatre. Each course is presented differently with completely new silverware and dishes. There are 3 meal lengths and prices with wine pairings if desired. I chose the short menu for us because I know MarocBaba has limited patience with this type of food.

The truth is we didn’t LOVE all the dishes, there’s 2 specifically that I really disliked but overall it was a special experience. If you’re someone who is adventurous and open to unique pairings and styles go for it. If you’re more picky than I’d probably say don’t try it.

(additional side note they can accommodate allergies – MarocBaba’s meal was 100% gluten free)

Al Abanico

This is a small local bar that is open at lunch or later in the evening for tapas and dinner. The food is all traditional dishes from Cordoba and they also have drinks available. The service seems to be hit or miss but I think it depends on what you expect.

El Astronauta

Expect a heavily Mediterranean menu full of tasty dishes. There are vegetarian and even some vegan options on the menu as well as an English menu and most staff speak at least some English if communication is a concern. They also have a few gluten free options as well.

Regadera

Modern Mediterranean dishes like the traditional Cordoba oxtail and paella dishes. Croquettes and ceviche as well as several delicious desserts all play off traditional Andalusian flavors.

Eating Gluten Free in Cordoba

Eating gluten free when traveling can be a big challenge. MarocBaba is celiac and so when we are traveling together I always have to be a bit more aware of what our options are.

Spain today has a LOT of gluten free options. Way more than even two years ago. Most all restaurants have gluten free items and do clearly list on their menu what is and isn’t gluten free.

Sensibles

A little shop off one of the main streets I just stumbled across it. They offer gluten-free crepes in the morning. They are 100% gluten free as well as offering vegan options. They also make other gluten-free treats so certainly worth a safe try!

Restaurante Sociedad Plateros María Auxiliadora

If you want to eat more traditional cuisine from this part of Spain this restaurant is worth a try. They have adapted the menu for several years now and offer a gluten-free menu of most of the traditional regional dishes. Reservations suggested.

Eating halal in Cordoba

There are a lot of Muslims that visit Cordoba (and Andalusia in general) to see the sites of Moorish Spain. You would expect there to be quite a few halal restaurants offering food for these visitors.

The good news? There are.

The bad news? There are not many.

Bocaito Andalusi was one place that we stumbled on in the Victoria market. The dishes were very Moroccan looking however not everything was something you’d find in Morocco so there was certainly some Andalusian influence.

Restaurante Qurtubah

This spot is not far from the mosque and has a menu that is Mediterranean/Moroccan/Middle Eastern with a variety of dishes. It gets good reviews but honestly we didn’t eat here so I can’t say how good or authentic it is.

If having halal only meat is very important to you, than you may want to stick to fish, seafood and vegetarian dishes. Luckily you’ll find quite a bit of all those.