Spain/Portugal June 2024

By now, the skies have truly opened up again to travellers (after Covid) and we certainly weren't going to miss out.

This trip was a little tricky to plan, due to the size of Spain, and quite a few places in the North had to be left out for another trip, another time. After travelling through much of Europe both by car and motorcycle, the Iberian Peninsula, where Spain and Portugal are situated, is very dry and arid compared to the rest of Europe. As a result, driving between major destinations was often not very exciting and often awkward to find a nice rest stop.

Our tour starts, flying into Barcelona, where we spend two nights adjusting to our new timeline and gathering ourselves before setting off. As you can see by the map below, we head west across Spain, directly through to the Coast into Portugal, then continuing south to Lisbon, where we head east across Southern Spain, then finally north, up the east coast of Spain back to Barcelona, travelling a total of 3800km.

Set to go. Our Emirate flights to Spain were the smoothest. most comfortable we've experienced yet.

We didn't waste any time sampling the local food on our first night in Barcelona. In this case, tapas.

After our first night's sleep, we head into Barcelona and straight to it's famous food market. La Boqueria.

The choice of both fresh and ready to eat food is unbeatable in this place, and is a must see for anyone visiting.

Choc coated strawberries anyone?

Along with the freshest of fruit and vegetables.

I went nuts for nuts.

Cathy in her absolute element.

Even the freshest of seafood.

This cured pork is absolutely everywhere in Spain and Portugal.

Perhaps a sample of the local wines.

My personal favourite.

Ready to eat snacks.

Decisions decisions.

How about a fresh fruit juice to wash it all down?

By this time we needed a break from the food, with yet more food, and a beer of course.

Ok, time to take a walk around the old city to work some of those calories off.

When we stumble across a walk up bar. I think I'm in love.

Cathy setting the pace while the others enjoyed a bus tour around the city. We have been to Barcelona before and already did the bus.

Cathy and her bloody stairs. My little Mountain Goat.

This converted monastery was nice to see. 

Also cool, out of the mid-day sun.

So much to see when you're in a foreign city and best done on foot.

We then head to the main city plaza.

So many pigeons.

Next, we visited the maritime museum. We're not usually in to museums, but this was interesting.

Note the eye of Iris on the bow. Also commonly found on traditional Maltese boats.

A canon off an old navy boat.

The star of the museum was definitely this huge Galleon.

The artwork all round it was incredible.

Bloody huge too.

A view from above.

Even the Phoenicians got a look in.

Old scales from the trading port.

The next morning, we set off on our drive, visiting Montserrat Monestry along the way.

The road climbing up to the monastery was scenic in itself.

Loving life.

At the very top, we find the famous monastery.

The view from up here is breathtaking.

We couldn't help but think about how much work was involved building this place all those years ago with only a dirt track to take them up the mountain.

Climbing the stairs to the monastery proper and it's cathedral.

The stone masonry is truly special.

Inside the cathedral, the style was quite Gothic and rather dark, like so many we encountered on our drive.

Finally some colour.

Behind the cathedral, the faithful were able to purchase various candles and light them for their loved ones who have passed.

And more spectacular views.

That afternoon, we arrive in Zaragoza quite early for a one night stay but we certainly made the most of it, visiting some of the main attractions before night fall. 

This cathedral is among the largest we've seen and free to enter.

Absolutely beautiful inside and well preserved.

And yes we were into the tapas again that night.

There's nothing quite like a walk through an old European village at night.

The view from our apartment.

The next morning, we had time to explore more of Zaragoza, before continuing on our tour.

Starting with the central food market of course.

Then these old Roman ruins, just across the way.

We bought an all inclusive pass to visit three attractions close by.

First stop, a visit to the local Cathedral.

Still loving life by the way.

Then time to climb the bell tower

The view from up top was spectacular.

Then a walk along the river before a look at the crystal Palace.

Most of these pieces were spectacular coloured glass and quite special.

We left Zaragoza late morning to visit the small village of Siguenza. This was our BnB for the next two nights. A converted barn with so much character and one of our favourites.

We took a quick look around before settling in for a beer or three.

These small villages are really pretty by night. This is the main square, just a short walk from our BnB.

The next morning, we began with a good walk around the entire village. It was beautiful to say the least.

This park has a couple of beer gardens in it, where we enjoyed drinks the previous evening.

The cathedral with it's monastery just across the way.

This street lead into the village, directly to the cathedral. Lined with stone crosses, representing the 12 stations of the cross.

The rustic charm of original homes.

Just another old hand built bridge.

Looking up at Parador Castle, over looking Siguenza. Now used as a hotel.

What looks like snow is actually fluffy seed pods from a local variety of tree.

The archway from inside of the city walls, leading to a beautiful walking track. 

Cathy doesn't wait for anyone.

Looking up from beneath the castle.

Poppy flowers were everywhere in this area.

She's still not waiting.

So serene. Even Cathy stopped to enjoy the surroundings.

And now, were back in the town.

This day, we decided to have a lunch of local yummies with some fresh bread from the bakery.

The tomatoes were some of the best we've had.

After lunch, we head out for a more in depth look about the village.

Th monastery grounds were now open.

And it was time to take a closer look at the castle.

Beautiful European charm.

And a closer look at the cathedral.

And back to the plaza.

Travelling through Europe, you will often find drinking fountains fed by mountain water filtered through rock.

Finally the walk back up to our BnB.

The next morning, we made our way to our next destination, Segovia. Along the way, we stop to take a look at a couple of places of interest.

There wasn't alot to this little village but interesting just the same.

The main square seemed deserted.

Further on, it was time for lunch, but not before exploring the place first. Here we walked up away from the town, looking for remains of a castle.

The view over the town was amazing.

Nearing the top, we wondered where this bloody castle was, but these homes built into the mountainside were interesting.

We eventually came across a local who invited us to taste his home made wine.

Ans at last, what remains of once what was, a castle. Well, just a wall actually.

Ok, enough walking up mountains. Time for lunch.

We arrive in Segovia, later that afternoon, and by then, we were very thirsty, so we found a pleasant bar for a drink or two. We were here for two nights, so plenty of time to explore the next day.

Exploring the town and surrounds, we came across this magnificent aqueduct and in such great condition.

The most astonishing thing about this structure, is that not one bit of mortar was used to hold it together. 

Every large stone just staying in place due to their accurate cut.

A view from up top.

Yes, we climbed more bloody steps to the top.

We walked on through the town toward the cathedral.

It's hard to miss due to it's size, and interestingly, the last Gothic Cathedral built in Spain.

We all decided that it was worthy of a guided tour.

And guess what? more bloody steps. A very interesting story was projected on to the walls and explained by our guide.

At the top, once again, the views are fantastic.

History oozes from within it's walls.

Huge old tapestries hung from it's walls.

At the very top, we see the bell tower.

One of the bells with it's rocking mechanism, causing it to chime.

There were quite a few.

This one had a hammer.

Back inside, this sculpture of Christ.

Then on to the monastery next door.

The architecture so incredibly detailed.

Then on to more tapestries and artwork.

This historical bible caught our eye. 

Kept in it's own case for preservation.

One of the chapels within the cathedral.

Next, we walked on to see the Alcazar Fortress.

Not sure what this souvenir shop was in to? Kept the girls interested though.

First glimpse of the palace.

Storks nesting around the town were quite common.

Loving it.

Inside the palace, was packed with history.

High up on the walls, were statues of royalty, seated along side each other.

Eventually, we found stairs to access the outside.

You could imagine medieval archers lined up protecting it's walls from invaders.

Back inside, more interesting items to peruse.

Oh God, more bloody steps. Very thirsty work, I can tell you.

But if you don't climb, you don't see.

These plants growing out from solid rock, amaze me.

Thousands of red poppy flowers cover the field in the distance.

A section of the outer wall.

The cathedral in the distance.

Another angle from the walls.

Gatekeeper's house perhaps?

We return to the town to find a contest going on to determine who makes the best cured pork.

And in time for dinner.

Moving right along, the next morning we made our way to Salamanca, taking a break to peruse the beautiful walled 6th century village of Avila along the way. This was a great find with great timing to witness a feast and Holy procession.

Avila's walls are the best preserved we've seen anywhere, and so grand.

Walking up to the front entrance.

So wonderful to stumble upon these places along our drive.

Inside the walls, the 1500 year old city was amazing to see.

It's main plaza.

Being the day of a holy festival, there were a few shrines set up around the city, where people could lay branches of rosemary and perhaps say a prayer.

With it's own aqueduct.

Walking through history, is how it felt.

Being a feast day, there was this procession and it happened that the children were making their first Holy Communion.

People everywhere.

The band leading the procession.

Here are the children having their special day.

And of course, the Holy Statue for all to see.

Just when you thought the wall couldn't  get any more spectacular.

This busker was great to listen to, playing traditional music.

Leaving Avila, we have a quick stop at a look out point to appreciate the city from a distance.

A totally new perspective, taking in the whole walled city.

Gives you an appreciation for the amount of work that was put in, building this magnificent wall.

We arrive in Salamanca in the afternoon. In time for a quick scoot in to the city.

These old walled cities are interesting to see. So full of history and remarkable architecture.

The main cathedral was huge.

The carvings in the stone were quite something.

The cathedral was so large, just a section of it was set aside for regular masses.

The old streets could tell thousands of stories.

Looking back across the bridge toward the town.

Another, more modern bridge nearby.

Looking toward the old city of Salamanca from the other side of the river.

And time for an evening beer on the veranda of our BnB.

The next day was dedicated to really exploring the city and, of course, Cathy had us climbing more stairs. I tell ya, it's enough to drive a man to drink.

As usual, it was well worth the effort. The views are fantastic.

Coming back to ground level, we visit the monastery nearby.

I thought the shells on it's walls were interesting and wondered, why shells?

Inside the courtyard.

Several statues, such as this dotted the city.

The live traditional bands were always an attraction.

And several small green spaces were always a welcome sight.

The pigeons enjoyed a bath in the warn weather.

Soon we came across yet another lovely old church, but not quite as large.

Always worth a look see, as they are all a little differant and worth the time.

The main drag, where you'll find many ways to part with your cash.

We've never seen a round church before. The Roman church of San Marcos. 

No respectable European city is complete without it's fountain.

Cathy just keeps on walking and I keep following.

This lovely statue had alot of character.

All of Spain's cities had their own central market it seems, and always worth a sticky beak.

The entry to the main plaza was quite the attraction.

The main plaza was huge.

You guessed it. Cathy found another bell tower to climb. It was interesting to see the storks nesting on the rooftops.

Lets not forget those huge bells.

I don't know how they put up with the bells chiming. The babies would be born deaf.

Yet more lovely scenery.

After a short break back at the BnB, it was decided to revisit the city at night, as it was reported to be quite the sight.

A totally different experience, with little crowds and the perfect lighting.

Still loving life.

Remember the plaza? Wow, just wow.

We found the famous spaceman that was carved into the cathedral wall. It turns out to be a recent addition when renovations took place.

Looking back across the old bridge on our way back home. Stunning.

Leaving Spain, we finally cross the border into Portugal.




Along the way we stop to admire the small village of Almeida.

So quaint.

Another fortified town, but in the shape of a star. Yes, more steps.

Looking at the village from the walls.

Eventually we arrive at our BnB in the mountain village of Vila De Nova. A beautifully renovated farm house in such a quiet spot.

The view from the second level.

We became obsessed with the fat little bumble bees.

The local pussy cat seemed to like us.

When in Portugal. The traditional tarts are well known, but the beer is nice and cold.

This little village was so quiet, but so nice to be the only tourists around, especially at dinner time.

They just seem to shut the street and turn it into an open air restaurant.

Portugal's homes are often decorated with traditional tile

The local government building.

The combination of old stone buildings and decorative plants were beautiful and so typical of Europe.

On our way to Porto, we take a lunch break in Resende.

Meals and drinks, were generally cheaper in Portugal and the people easy going.

Stopping by a roadside water fountain for a cold fresh drink of water.

You see some weird stuff when you drive in a new country.

Here we enter the Douro Valley and follow the Douro River into Porto.

Coming across several bridges along the way.

Then this huge lock across the Douro river. Built to assist boats to travel upstream.

We didn't get to see it operate unfortunately.

The Douro Valley is well known for it's wineries.

We finally arrive to the Portuguese city of Porto. The next morning, we waste no time catching the train in to the city for some sight seeing.

One of our activities, was to do a bridge cruise along the Douro River.

It's always worth seeing cities in Europe from the water, or most cities actually. It gives you a totally different perspective of the area. 

Couldn't resist taking a pic of this fisho.

Fishing high off the banks too.

Basically, this whole area is famous for it's fine port wines. The Douro River played an important part in transporting the grapes to the wineries on the coast.

After the cruise, we had time to take a bite to eat, before heading to the Porto Cellars for a port wine tour.

A different perspective of Poto's main bridge.

So much choice of where to eat and drink.

Soon it was time for the tour.

The groups were small and made for a personal experience.

Even these cellars were oozing history.

Some old machinery on display to remind us of how things were once done.

This guide was excellent and spoke very good English.

These wine barrels were ginormous.

Those gated cellars were under lock and key, reserved for those who can afford to buy the top shelf stuff.

At the end of the tour, there was a taste test, yum.

Not all port is created equally.

These young fellas were jumping off the bridge, but kept coming down to pressure onlookers to drop cash into their collection hat. Can't blame them for trying I suppose.

Old mate was freezing his tits off while the other was trying to score some cash.

What do you know? Still loving life !

At the end of the day, we decided to walk back to our BnB, which took about 45 min, and a great way to see even more sights and find places to eat and drink.

You guessed it, more historical churches and architecture. 

Each country in Europe seems to have it's own style of home, making it uniquely theirs.

Let's not forget those old walls.

Walking across the bridge, back over the Douro River.

We've never seen so many terracotta rooftops.

This walled palace just on the other side.

There's always time for a snack and a beer or two.

On our second day in Porto, we walked back into the city, to see another half that we missed the previous day. We had read about a train station in the city that was famous for it's traditional ceramics lining it's walls.

Each wall, had a tiled mural, (azulejo) telling it's own story.

Well worth the effort to see.

The station even had trains funnily enough.

Then it was back on the search for things to see and experience.

More food markets. Yummy.

I couldn't believe the price they were selling these Sea urchins. Five Euro each and so tiny compared to what I catch here at home

The fruit and veg was absolutely the best though. 

But wait. More tiled walls. On the walls of a church this time.

The sights were interesting to say the least, but the food was better.

Being on the coast, seafood was on the menu. BBQ octopus for Cathy.

Fried mackerel for me. 

It soon came time to head south on the Portuguese coast toward Nazare. Along the way, we stop at Aveiro, known as the Venice of Portugal, due to it's low lying location on the coast, creating natural lagoons and waterways.

This tiled walkway, must have taken an enormous amount of man hours.

Some sort of festival was taking place. There was colour everywhere.

Due to it's low lying position, Aveiro was the perfect location for salt pans and production.

These gates allowed salt water in as needed, when the pans dried out.

This old crane would once have been used to load and unload boats in the canal.

Imagine hanging your washing out across the road from your home for all to see.

These tiny cars make so much sense in parts of Europe, especially in those tight little streets of the old towns and villages.

Must have been beer o'clock.

Approaching the halfway mark in our drive of Spain and Portugal, we arrive in the seaside town of Nazare, in Portugal. Getting there in the afternoon, meant we could capture our first seaside sunset.

Nazare is a fishing town but is becoming popular with tourists.

I was fortunate enough to see some seafood being prepared for sun drying.

It may be off putting to some, but this is an effective method of preservation, and eating later on.

As you can see, the fish are attached to a wooden frame, bound with wire.

I thought the octopus looked bizarre.

Later, on our first morning in the area, we set off on a drive to Fatima, to take in one of the holiest places for the Christian faithful. 

There happened to be an outdoor mass and there were thousands of people everywhere. Some were on their hands and knees, making their way toward the alter.

People were lined up for an hour or more to light candles in memory of loved ones passed.

We were there to visit the chapel, marking the spot, where three shepherd children were visited by the Holy Mary back in 1917.

This was it. Very unassuming I thought.

Heading back to our car, we saw this little beauty.

On our way back to Nazare, we head high up to the headland, over looking Nazare.

The view up there was quite spectacular.

Quite a few tourists around too.

Walking around to the other side of the headland, we discover this interesting monument to surfing. Nazare is famous for it's enormous surf during the winter months.

You can check out the surf here.

And of course, a small chapel at the top where you can say a prayer or two before battling those huge waves..

Inside was decorated with those beautiful mosaics.

Heading back down to our BnB, we discover a beach soccer tournament taking place. Now this was something else.

The fitness level of these guys was through the roof, having to run around in the soft sand. Very entertaining to watch and free entry.

Our apartment was right on the beach.

You guessed it. Still loving life.

It was time to head further south, toward Lisbon. On the way, the coastline became quite dramatic.

These two points were within walking distance of each other.

And one of my favourites, a lighthouse.

A colony of birds nest on a small rock island of their own. I suppose nothing will bother them out there.

Oh, it's beer o'clock again. Actually, come to think of it, Beer o'clock came around quite frequently.

Continuing on, we stopped by a family run, roadside diner. Take the tip. This is the sort of place you want to eat at, away from tourists and tourist prices.

Yes, those are snails and they were superb.

Arriving in Lisbon, you can imagine our shock when we saw our BnB from the outside. It looked so tiny but was alot larger than it looked, and in the older part of the outskirts of town.

The first morning in Lisbon, we decided we would walk into the city, seeing as though it was just 45 mins away, and taking into account the amount of food and drink we were consuming, it was just as well.

Old mate was even there to greet us along the way.

Graffiti seems to be encouraged and quite interesting if I'm honest.

This bridge looked like the Golden Gate in San Francisco, and in fact, built by the same company. 

More graffiti.

Electric scooters are very popular over here.

Walking along the river bank made for a pleasant experience.

These painted rock sculptures were interesting.

Weird but interesting.

Eventually, we arrive in Lisbon's main plaza.

Grandeur as expected.

Love the ornate sculptures.

Lovely alley ways around many corners.

What do you know? Beer o'clock.

For all of us, not just me.

These old trams were nice to see. Not alot of space for pedestrians.

So much colour about the place, tells us that there's a fiesta on the way.

A cruise ship docked in the distance.

Famous Portuguese BBQ'd chicken over coals. The smell was incredibly good.

Then this view point overlooking the city through to the river.

So many lovely old churches to see. Each different to the other.

This one dedicated to Saint Antonio.

Now back around to the rear of the plaza.

Finally, Cathy got to taste chiros, coated in cinnamon.

On our first evening in Lisbon, we found this family run restaurant, with high rated reviews, run by a Mother and Son team.

The food was incredibly good and traditional.

Nothing left on our plates. In fact, the food was so good, we returned the next night as you'll see.

Day two in Lisbon, saw us take a train to beautiful town of. Sintra

A charming Portuguese town, once frequented by nobles to escape to their own piece of paradise, but now a World UNESCO site.

There were several parks and gardens to explore.

Up closer.

The town itself was very pretty, and one of the highlights of our trip..

A quick look around a small palace garden.

Grapevine archway, practical and attractive.

Ok, time to walk up a hill in the heat.

Walking, although good exercise, is also the best way to see a place.

Another larger palace coming our way.

Also with it's own walled garden.

And more tourists. Although we got there early and beat most of the crowds.

More and more, these little cars made so much sense in Europe.

We then realised we can still make  our way up the hill to the castle, but through a beautiful, scenic garden. The Garden of Sintra was huge.

So well kept with surprises around every bend.

Nothing was done by halves it seems.

One of the hard working gardeners maintaining perfection.

The cobble stone path continued all the way up.

The gardeners quarters back in the day.

Quite posh I thought.

Leaving the garden and still heading upward to the castle.

Steps, steps and yet more steps.

At last !

But wait, there's still more walking and climbing.

This servants' quarters still had relics of the past.

Then this huge wall, surrounding the main castle.

And there, finally, the castle. We didn't go inside, because by this stage, we'd seen so many castles and palaces, we were all castled out.

-
A few more pics on our way down to the village.

A well deserved beer back in the town.

After, freshening up back at the BnB, we returned to the little restaurant we ate at the previous night. This young fella was great and took the time to explain the dishes of the day to us.

I dared the chicken cooked in it's own blood sauce. It looks rather nasty, but I assure you, it tasted "bloody" fantastic

More tiled displays.

Leaving Lisbon, we head west in to the mountains, for one last night in Portugal. Along the way, we find the village of Alcacer do Sal.

Very quiet and picturesque.

Yep, she found more steps to climb.

The local church.

Great little spot for toilet break and a drink.

We reach Vidiguira in mid afternoon.

So quiet and not a tourist in sight. Just the way we like it.

Our BnB.

Time to take a quick walk about town and enjoy a drink or three before dinner.

Beef casserole for Cath.

Ribs for me.

Leaving Portugal, we cross the border back in to Spain, making our way to Seville for two nights.

Yet another beautiful old Spanish city steeped in history.

The Seville Cathedral wasn't open till later, so we made our way to the famous Royal Alcazar.

A Royal Palace from the Islamic era.

Oh goodie, my favourite two things. Tourists and line ups.

By luck, we purchased the last four tickets of the earliest time slot.

Whinging aside, this place was incredible to see and a must visit.

Perfectly maintained.

With it's own hall for meetings of the prominent.

And more bloody steps.

These ceramics were priceless and so many examples throughout the palace.

Also a collection of rare old examples.

I still have nightmares about all these bloody steps.

So many rooms and outdoor spaces, it was easy to lose your way.

The Game of Thrones was partially filmed here and icluded one of these pools......but it wasn't this one.

Lovely gardens within it's walls and much larger one outside.

The amount of stone masonry was gob smacking.

So much detail.

Apparently, this was the pool used in Game of Thrones. I wouldn't know because I never watched it.

And again.

Imagine having the task of carving all this?

Time to head back outside, in the gardens.

The underground baths, now empty and cleaned up to visit.

We even got to see Bat Man.

Back outside to see the huge gardens.

The fine weather made for some great pics.

We soon realised that you could view the entire garden from this raised walkway.

Much easier in the heat of the day.

Back in to the town, it was well passed time for a cool beverage.

Definitely beer o'clock.

Trudging on, with still so much to see.

In the park, we stumble across this busker, flamenco dancer.

Then this parliament building.

The old theatre.

Eventually we make it to the Seville Plaza.

This place was enormous.

More steps to get these shots.

Yep, still lovin it.

The water could use a clean to be honest.

Continuing along, we find a couple more small parks to enjoy the shade.

Making our way toward the river, before heading back to the cathedral.

Still waiting for the cathedral to open, we continue along the river.

Determined to visit the cathedral, because it was the burial place of Christopher Columbus.

As expected, a very grand cathedral indeed.

Eventually, we find the crypt of Christopher Columbus. The famous explorer himself. Well, what's left of him.

The altar was spectacular in itself.

Of course we climbed the bell tower.

Again, those spectacular views. Here you can see the main bullfighting ring of the city.

The sprawl of Seville.

Moving right along, it was time to make our way to Grenada. Here we stop for a cool drink and none too soon.

And lunch of course.

Nearby, these two were cooking up twp. of the largest paellas we've ever seen.

It was a fund raising event and we weren't invited.

Just around the corner, Craig's birthday was celebrated in style, kind of.

And lunch.

We eventually arrive in Grenada, and what a lovely surprise this place was.

This park was really pretty and well kept. Just across the road from our BnB. We spent the entire day walking, taking in everything we could as our trip was coming to an end.

We were in Southern Spain and the Valencia oranges were everywhere. So many in fact,. they were left to simply rot on the floor.

This canal has flooded a few times, drowning the place and causing untold damage.

So much colour.

And , of course, it's own main cathedral.

So refreshing to see so much green space and well kept gardens.

Obviously one of the older homes. So much character.

Cath and I made our way on foot, up the high part of the city, making our way to check out a private garden, open to the public. We pass this palace, now used as up market accomodation.

This gateway marks the entrance to the private estate.

The views from up the top were incredible, once again.

But the gardens were what we came to see.

Stunning to say the least.

It was good to see that although the family were obviously well off, they were willing to share their home with others.

They even had a collection of exotic birds, roaming the place.

And an aqueduct. This place required some serious watering due to it's size/.

And spread out over at least three levels.

We then, made our way across to the old town of Albaicin.

Another beautiful gem, to visit.

the famous Alhambra Palace towering above the old town.

Simply another perfect walk through history.

We continue up yet another hill to see the famous cave houses, passing this gorgeous cafe, where we stop on the way back home.

I really admire that these homes have been lived in for hundreds of years and they're important to me as they compare to those in Malta, where my father's ancestors once lived. 

Some were done up a little for the sake of comfort.

This one was lovingly restored and lived in full time. That's his out house, front right.

At the very top, there was a fella, selling ice cold beer and drinks out of his living room window. We were more than happy to part with a few Euro in the heat of the day.

All with an uninterrupted view of the Alhambra.

Walking across the top of the cave homes, before heading back down, we come across another well presented home.

There's those terracotta tiles again.

As planned, we stop at that cute little cafe on the way back down. to enjoy lunch and another cold drink.

A complimentary bowl of Gazpacho (Spanish spicy tomato soup served cold)

Following the river back to town, we come across this old farm house.

Oh the stories this bridge could tell.

Leaving Grenada, we make one more stop in the seaside town of Los Alcazares, before heading to Barcelona and back home, via Bangkok.

This last stay was designed purely to kick back after our huge drive around Spain and Portugal.

It seemed deserted while we were there, but fills right up in the summer holidays. We were just early and appreciated the serenity and lack of crowds.

The drinks were so cheap, we had several to celebrate.

We still had our walks. Well we had to exercise all that good food off somehow.

Their version of a life guard's post.

And another.

Just a sleepy seaside village waiting for the crowds to arrive.

Even the beach was bare.

Cocktail time. In the morning at that.

Smoked salmon and capers. So good a combination, I'll tell you.

The graffiti was a little more orderly here.

Had to make the most of the octopus dishes while we could. It was cooked to perfection.

This was another wonderful trip, taking us across Spain, down through Portugal and back across the south and east coast of Spain. We travelled 3,800 km in our rental at a leisurely pace and never felt rushed. Spain and Portugal, although part of Europe, have a very different feel to them, being so close to Northern Africa. There is a distinct Arabic flavour that influences their cuisine and their manner, yet so inviting, especially to us Australians. I can't say that they are pretty countries, like say Switzerland or France, but are interesting in their own right and with their own flavour. The thing with their landscape, is that in between the cities and towns, the landscape is dry , rocky and arid, so there's little to stop for while touring, although we certainly kept busy and thankful for the hospitality we experienced.