avimuno -> RE: Recommended towns in Andalucia? (Jul. 20 2011 6:30:16)
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Hola! I am just returning from a 2 months trip to Andalucia. I spent most of my time in Sevilla but I have travelled around a bit. Definitely check Sevilla out... big city (well, big to Andalucian scale) with plenty of bars, restaurants and beautiful sights. Walking around the city is quite simply an experience in itself. Definitely check out Barrio de la Santa Cruz and the Catedral/Giralda area. But my favorite part of the city was La Macarena. Alameda de Hercules is a great place to party with pena Torre Macarena not very far from it, and Calle Castellar (good alternative flamenco scene - you might have to look for them, but persevere, they are worth it) a 10 min walk away. Triana is also nice, although too touristy for my taste, it is the entertainment district of Sevilla now... many clubs and bars, but you can find some decent penas... there's one on Calle Salado. I also loved Granada... beautiful city! It definitely has a more 'Arabic/North African' flair than Sevilla... it's also cleaner! Definitely check out La Alhambra. There are way too many loud tourists but the architecture and grandeur of the Nasrid palaces are quite simply unique and astonishing. Walking around the city I have also stumbled upon the old Arabic quarters (I cannot remember the name of the place now)... amazing tea/sheesha bars with really good Arabic/Moroccan food. I hate a really badass couscous with beef tagine there! Prices are very decent, as everywhere in Andalucia. Cordoba is also very nice, although there is less to see. La Mezquita is the obligatory stop. I was there for the Festival de la Guitarra and got to see Vicente Amigo play an almost 4 hour set so it was absolutely amazing! When it comes to flamenco, you'll find it everywhere in Andalucia. The bigger cities will tend to have a more touristic flamenco scene which might not be what you're looking for. But bear in mind that you can also find some amazing places for flamenco, all you have to do is talk to people and be ready to walk a bit. Definitely check out the Pueblos Blancos in between Cordoba and Granada. Moron de la frontera also has a great flamenco scene, although I haven't been there. And the little towns surrounding the bigger cities will have some good flamenco as the gypsies have moved there over the years... getting access to those juergas require knowing people however... but here again, don't be shy... make friends and they'll take you there. I have found people to be very friendly and welcoming in Andalucia so keep an open mind and be ready to experience it! All the best. Saludos, Avi
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