---

MUST EATS IN GRANADA, SPAIN: MIRADOR DE MORAYMA

If you have been following along on my Instagram and blog, then you know that I just recently returned from an amazing trip to the Andalusia coast of Spain + Mallorca.

While in Granada, we ventured to the ancient Moorish quarter, the Albayzín, where we had an incredible dinner at Mirador de Morayma. If you go, then make sure to request a table with views of the Alhambra.

C/O Mirador de Morayma

C/O Trip Advisor

---

We walked here from our hotel, Hospes Palacio de los Patos, which took about 25 minutes. As I said earlier, you walk through the Albayzín. On your way, you pass down this super narrow street that has so many shops on it. It feels like a bazaar. It was so cool! I wish that we would have had time to stop and check out some of the shops but we didn’t. We would have went back the next day, but I drank too much and proceeded to stay in bed until 1 pm :p.

C/O Gastrology

---

WHAT WE ORDERED:

I ordered the roasted suckling pig while Jarad ordered the grilled beef tenderloin with pumpkin and potatoes with spices.

---

If you’re heading to Granada anytime soon, then I definitely recommend checking this place out! You can thank me later!

MIRADOR DE MORAYMA

C/ Pianista García Carillo, 2
Granada 18010
Spain
WEBSITE
PHONE: (+34) 958 22 82 90 - 958 22 48 12

---

ABOUT ME:

I was born in Mississippi but raised a Tennessee girl! I attended undergrad at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where I received my degree in Biochemistry. I then proceeded to go to pharmacy school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center with my last 3 years in Knoxville. (Go VOLS!) 6 years ago I followed my sweetheart to Dallas, Texas, where I have been ever since!

I am currently a practicing Inpatient Pharmacist with a love for traveling. I love to get off the beaten path and go places/do things that are not the normal “tourist” thing to do. I love hiking and adventure travel!

—

Follow me: @thatblondetravels

---

With endless amounts of tapas, an incredibly rich history, and one of the most famous destinations for flamenco, Seville is the perfect place to begin your adventure in Spain. While there’s so much to see and do when visiting, there are a few highlights that are must-see’s when you’re on a time crunch.

HERE’S HOW TO SPEND 48 HOURS IN SEVILLE, SPAIN!

---

GETTING TO SEVILLE

BUS:

Seville Airport (SVQ) has a designated bus that travels between the city center (Plaza de Armas) and the airport, with many convenient stops. The bus departs every 30minutes and the fareis 4€ for a single ticket, which can be purchased on the bus when you board. The line is named Línea EA: Airport Special and will take around 30-35 minutes to reach the center in normal traffic.

BUS TIMETABLE

TAXI:

Taxi rides from Seville Airport (SQV) to the city center do not have a set price, but should cost between 20-25€ depending on where you are going in the center. The fare should be displayed clearly on a meter and the driver may only charge you what is displayed under law. Nevertheless, if you have a lot of luggage they may ask for extra. To avoid any issues, you can pre-book or ask for the approximate price of the driver before you take this method of transport.

There are two types of fares for the taxis:
Daytime rate: (Mon-Fri 7am – 9pm) the price ranges from 20-25€.
Night-time rate: (Weekends, holidays and evenings between 9pm – 7am) €25-27.
Be aware that Spanish Holy Days may incur an extra 25% on the night-time price.

---

GETTING AROUND IN SEVILLE

The best way to get around in Seville is via walking. There are bikes and scooters available for rent or you can always take a taxi. The streets are very narrow which makes for fun exploring via foot.

---

WHERE TO STAY IN SEVILLE

Hotel Rey Alfonso X

This hotel is within a 10 minute walk of the Cathedral. Hotel Rey Alfonso X is a nice hotel stay that won’t blow the budget.

Hotel Casa Del Poeta

If you want to stay somewhere that has everything within walking distance, then Hotel Casa Del Poeta should be your choice. It is located in the Old City within walking distance to many of the sights and a ton of yummy restaurants.

Hospes Las Casas Del Rey De Baeza

If you can stay at Hospes Las Casas Del Rey De Baeza, then this would be my top choice. Hospes brand in Spain is outstanding! Their breakfast and service are absolutely amazing. They go above and beyond to make your stay special and memorable.

---

DAY 1

Breakfast at La Cacherreria

This little bar is found on the hip Calle Regina, just behind the Metropol Parasol in Seville. They offer a wide variety of breakfasts including toast, yogurt with muesli, and smoothies – along with great gluten free alternatives! It is small, so you might have to wait a bit for their delicious coffee and lovely atmosphere, but it will be worth it. [Devour Seville]

Address: Calle Regina, 14

Free Walking Tour: Monuments of Sevilla

Being short on time, take a free walking tour to catch the major sights in Seville. These tours are great because do you not only get to see the major monuments, but you also get to hear the history behind what you’re seeing. These are usually ran by local students that are passionate about their cities so you are bound to have a great experience. Check out this one that we did through Free Walking Tours Sevilla.

Alcazar of Seville

Don’t miss this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning architecture and storied past. Definitely buy tickets beforehand so that you are not wasting precious time standing in line for tickets! You can either buy just a ticket or get a guided tour.

Casa de la Memoria Flamenco Show

We went to this Famenco show and it was so fun! The energy from the dancers and their passion was palpable throughout the room. This show is located in the Flamenco museum and only has seating for a small crowd. Get there early so that you can get a great seat! You can buy tickets here. There are also two shows a night. I would recommend the early show and then you can grab dinner.

Dinner at Eslava

This is seriously one of the best places that I ate while I was in Spain. If you have time, make a reservation at their Michelin Star restaurant and relax in the tapas bar while you wait for you table. If you’re not lucky enough to eat at the restaurant or just don’t have time, then I would highly recommend just getting full on their yummy tapas. You can check out my blog post all about Eslava here.

Address:  Calle Eslava, 3

---

DAY 2

Explore Triana

Grab an early breakfast at your hotel and head to Triana across the river for the morning. It offers everything from Spanish made ceremic pottery to delicious tapas restaurants. I’d recommend checking out the local Market hall, Mercado de Triana (Calle San Jorge, 6), for lunch or just some awesome snacks.

Triana is a vibrant old quarter in Seville, formerly known as Seville’s gypsy neighborhood, and otherwise known as Puente de Triana. If you’re up for it, then you can also go on a tapas crawl with Devour Seville.

Check out the Metropol Parasol

This is a wooden structure located at La Encarnación square, in the old quarter of Seville, Spain. It was designed by the German architect Jürgen Mayer H.

Dinner at Torres Y Garcia or Mamarracha

Either option is sure to be yummy! Make sure to get your reservations beforehand!

---

Overall

Seville is one of my favorite cities in Spain. It is so cute with so many great options for dinning and shopping.

---

Do you have any tips for spending 48 hours in Seville? Let me know in the comments!

SHOP MY SEVILLE ESSENTIALS FOR FALL/WINTER!

---

PIN FOR LATER!

C/O Cas X’orc

---

MUST EATS IN MALLORCA, SPAIN: CAS X'ORC

If you have been following along on my Instagram and blog, then you know that I just recently returned from an amazing trip to the Andalusia coast of Spain + Mallorca. This region of Spain has some of the most breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains with interspersed villages beautifully located along the winding roads.

When we were in Mallorca, we had so many amazing meals. The one that we had a Cas X’orc stands out as one of the best meals that we had during our entire trip! Cas X’orc is a local Finca (or hacienda or plantation) that is located at the top of the mountain and overlooks the valley below. The views here are incredible!! We made a reservation at their restaurant, which is a converted olive oil mill. The restaurant is so quaint and when you walk in they had a roaring fire going (this was during the fall - I’m sure that would not happen during the summer months!).

C/O Cas X’orc

C/O Cas X’orc

---

Cas X’orc was amazing, from the food and the atmosphere, so I’m adding it to my must try list when visiting Mallorca. Located on a hill between the artists’ village Deià and the picturesque Sóller lies our romantic Mallorcan gem at the edge of the Tramuntana Mountains. The carefully restored 18th century estate is characterized by olive groves, lemon trees and flourishing Mediterranean gardens. [Cas X’orc]

---

WHAT WE ORDERED

ASSORTMENT OF HOMEMADE BREADS

This fabulous assortment of homemade breads, including sourdough - my fav! This was served with an herb butter, aioli, and fresh hummus. Don’t forget about their fresh homemade olive oil!

Mughal chicken korma served with Pappadum and spicy rice

This delicious dish was the perfect medley of chicken tikka masala with a Mediterranean flare.

Carob Waffle, Almond Ice Cream and “Palo” Sauce

If you’re ordering dessert, might as well go all out and get the coffee too! Please don’t be like my husband though and stay up all night when you have a 6 am flight..lmao.

Assortment of homemade breads

Carob Waffle, Almond Ice Cream

Mughal Chicken Korma

Cappuccino

---

C/O Cas X’orc

If you’re heading to Mallorca anytime soon, then I definitely recommend checking this place out! You can thank me later!

CAS X’ORC

Carretera de Deia, 56.1km
07100 Sóller Islas Baleares
Spain
WEBSITE
PHONE: (+34) 971 638 280

See my review on Yelp!

---

ABOUT ME:

I was born in Mississippi but raised a Tennessee girl! I attended undergrad at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where I received my degree in Biochemistry. I then proceeded to go to pharmacy school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center with my last 3 years in Knoxville. (Go VOLS!) 6 years ago I followed my sweetheart to Dallas, Texas, where I have been ever since!

I am currently a practicing Inpatient Pharmacist with a love for traveling. I love to get off the beaten path and go places/do things that are not the normal “tourist” thing to do. I love hiking and adventure travel!

—

Follow me: @thatblondetravels

---

A GUIDE TO VISITING CAMINITO DEL REY IN SPAIN

Written by Lauren Bailey

—

www.thatblondetravels.com

---

COMPREHENSIVE CAMINITO DEL REY GUIDE:
ABOUT
WHEN TO VISIT
WHERE TO STAY
HOW TO GET TO CAMINITO DEL REY
GETTING TO THE START OF THE TRAIL
CAMINITO DEL REY HIKE
CATCHING THE BUS
FINAL TIPS

El Caminito del Rey is a walkway, pinned along the steep walls of a narrow gorge in El Chorro, near Ardales in the province of Málaga, Spain. The name derives from the original name of Camino del Rey, abbreviated locally to el caminito. The walkway had fallen into disrepair and was partially closed for over a decade. It was previously known as “the world’s most dangerous hike” following five deaths between 1999 and 2000. The hike reopened in 2015 with a new walkway. [The Rough Guide to Andalucia, 1995]

While doing tons of research on my husband and I’s Spain trip, I came across this hike and knew that we had to do it!

WHEN TO VISIT

The path is closed every Monday, and January 1st, December 24th, 25th and 31st December.

The hike is doable year round. The opening hours differ depending on the season: in the winter season (November–March) 10 am to 2 pm; in summer season (April–October) the walkway is open from 10 am to 5 pm. One can enter every 15 to 30 minutes.

---

WHERE TO STAY NEAR CAMINITO DEL REY

Ronda

This beautiful white-washed city is home to the famous Puente Neuvo. Located on a hill-top overlooking a deep gorge, this is one of the most famous of Andalucia's pueblo blancos (white towns). You will not be disappointed in the impressive views if you decide to make this your base camp for the night. I would recommend a stay at Hotel La Fuente de la Higuera which is a converted olive mill with amazing views or for a more luxury property, Hotel Montelirio.

Málaga

Málaga is known to many as the gateway to the Costa del Sol. Having not been here myself, I cannot really recommend it personally, but given the chance, I would definitely love to visit. I would recommend staying at Palacio Solecio, which is a luxury hotel in Málaga.

Antequera

Antequera is a city most known for its ancient burial mounds. Hotel options here include: Finca Eslava and Hotel Convento La Magdalena.

---

HOW TO GET TO CAMINITO DEL REY

C/O CAMINITO DEL REY

BY ROAD:

If you travel by road from Málaga through Ardales or Álora:

If you start your trip in Málaga City, take the A–357 motorway and go towards the MA-5403, through the Towns of Cártama, Pizarra, Carratraca, and Ardales. This route is 59.1 km long, and it takes a bit more than 50 minutes by car. In Pizarra, you can also go to Álora by road, and then along the A-343 to El Chorro Train Station. This route is a little bit longer – 60 km, and you will take a little more than one hour to get to your destination. The road is narrower and curvier than the previous one.

Coming from Antequera:

From most points of Andalusia, placed to the north of the El Caminito del Rey, the best way to the trail is coming from Antequera (which is usually accessed by the A-92 motorway). At Antequera, you can choose one of the following two ways:
a) The first one is towards Camplillos (the A-384 motorway), which leads to the reservoirs of El Chorro (A-357 and MA-451) in Ardales. This route is 55 km long and takes about 54 minutes.
b) The other one is from Antequera to Abdalajís Valley (A-343), and then to El Chorro Train Station (MA-4401). This route roads are much narrower, have more curves and their surface is worse. Nevertheless, the way is shorter (34 km long, and you take 45 minutes).

Coming from Ronda:

Finally, you can also arrive at the trail coming from Ronda, along the motorway that stretches from Cadiz (A-367) and goes to Ardales. There you can take the above MA-5403. This route is 60 km long and takes one hour to be crossed.

---

BY TRAIN:

On 1st February RENFE short-distance trains are starting to run again, offering tickets which include journeys by Train and Bus, and the entrance to El Caminito del Rey

These trains connect Málaga and Seville, but use the road between the stations in Pedrera and Osasuna and the opposite. The rest of the route is along the railway).
• Direction Sevilla-Málaga:
1. Train MD 13900 (34950), which stops at El Chorro station at 10:15 a.m.and  leaves it at 10:24 a.m.
2. Train MD 13904 (33904), which stops at El Chorro stationat 3:49 p.m. and leaves the station at 3:50 p.m.

• Direction Málaga-Sevilla:
1. Train MD 13907, which stops at El Chorro at 4:51 p.m. and leaves the station at 4:52 p.m.

The train that goes from Málaga to Ronda and back keeps using the road and has no station El Chorro-Caminito del Rey.

---

The above information can be found in detail on Caminito del Rey’s official website - Please check there for any updates to roadways or parking situations.

---

GETTING TO THE START OF THE TRAIL

There are two paths if you come from the surroundings of the Conde de Guadalhorce (the Count of Guadalhorce) Reservoir in Ardales. The first one is shorter and it takes from 20 to 25 minutes. It goes through the smaller lit tunnel, which is placed some 200 m before El Kiosko restaurant, to the control cabin at the Gaitanejo Hydroelectric Power Station. The second path is longer, and it starts at the Chair of Alfonso XIII (this is a signposted downhill path). These 2.7 km can be covered in 50 minutes.

1. It is 10 minutes distance from the control point to the access to the boardwalks.

2. Total length of the inland route takes 150 minutes to be crossed: The controlled area: boardwalk – Hoyo Valley – boardwalk.

3. From the boardwalk exit at El Chorro (Álora) to the control cabin: 15 minutes.

4. From the control cabin (Álora) to the train station: 15 minutes (the distance from point 4 to 5 is 2.1 km).

When you come to the end of the path, you can take the train or go to your car if you parked it at El Chorro. If not, you should go back to the northern access by shuttle bus or on foot (as mentioned before, this way is rather long and goes along a narrow local road with no hard shoulder at some points).

See full details on the website linked above.

CAMINITO DEL REY HIKE

All-in-all, the hike was not strenuous in any respect. The path is mostly flat with a few stairs. I am actually very afraid of heights - if this is you, then I would take a look at photos or watch some videos before attempting this hike. The path is literally suspended to the side of the canyon with a raging river running below you. The views are absolutely breathtaking!

The pathway recently reopened after being closed for several years. When you are walking through the canyon, you can see why! Much of the old path remains below the new one..there are no handrails, many broken boards, among other hazards - you can easily see why this was named as one of the most dangerous hikes to attempt. The Spanish government really did an excellent job repairing this hike and making it as safe as possible to enjoy!

---

CATCHING THE BUS

After you have hike the 5 km, you will either need to walk back to your car (which I do NOT recommend - it is very far!) or catch the bus. The bus pickup is a hike in and of itself to be honest. There were several signs that stated “bus stop 300 m”. I feel like this was actually the longest part of the day. The bus ended up being almost a mile from the end of the hike so just keep going when you finish and eventually you will make it.

The bus picks you up and then will drop you off at either of the two restaurants at which point you can either grab a bite to eat or a cold beverage (the cider is wonderful!) and use the toilet before heading to your final destination for the night.

---

FINAL TIPS

1. Buy your tickets ahead of time and do not miss your time slot! - We saw several people walk up to the control tower without realizing that they needed to purchase tickets in advance only to be turned away.

2. Take the shorter path to the start of the hike. If you go through a tunnel and you see a sign that states “Caminito del rey - 2.7 km”, then turn around! If you go out to the main road and walk a little ways down, then you will see another entrance that is a much shorter walk.

3. I do not think that you need a guide for this hike as the trail is very well marked and there are several employees that are interspersed throughout the trail. If you would like to have a guide, then you can book a guided hike here.

---

If you’re heading to Spain, don’t miss my How to Plan Your Own Andalusia Spain Trip.

PIN ME FOR LATER

---

MUST EATS IN SEVILLE, SPAIN: ESLAVA

Written by Lauren Bailey

—

www.thatblondetravels.com

---

I just recently returned (i’m talking on Sunday) from an amazing trip to the Andalusia coast of Spain + Mallorca. This region of Spain has some of the most breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains with interspersed villages beautifully located along the winding roads.

While visiting this region of Spain, we had so many amazing meals that it honestly is very hard to pick a favorite. Some restaurants had amazing views and ambiance, some had ambiance plus delicious tapas, and some not so much. Fortunately, the bad meals were few and far between and usually because we just stopped in for a quick bite while touring a local monument. I hate how in large tourist areas, it seems like a lot of the terrible restaurants are right beside the tourist spot. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could have an amazing meal AND see the local attraction at the same time?!

Anywho, this post is about one of the wonderful restaurants that we had the pleasure to dine at while visiting Sevilla.

C/O ESLAVA

---

When you first walk into Eslava, expect to see a crowded tapas bar with a great atmosphere. Ask one of the servers to recommend you a class of Vino Tinto to start (Spanish wines are delicous!). When you get you glass of wine, you will also be served some homemade sourdough bread and some fresh aceitunas (olives) that are mixed with fava beans - you MUST try these! They are so yummy!). Aslo, don’t forget to request some aceite de oliva (olive oil) with some sea salt. I think Spain could give Italy a run for their money on olive oil - it was literally the best! The olive oil is the best when it is produced on a local Finca (or hacienda or plantation). We bought some to bring home from a local Finca that you can actually stay at in Mallorca, called Cas X’orc (another post for another time).

TAPAS TO TRY

---

Tataki de buey con gominola de jengibre

Beef tataki with ginger - These thin strips of beef topped with sea salt and drizzled with olive oil will leave your mouth watering for more! We actually ordered two plates of these. As you can tell, it is not a huge portion but the flavor is outstanding. There are dollops of ginger sauce on the plate that enhance the flavors of the beef.

---

Croquetas caseras de cerdo y ternera

Pork and beef homemade croquettes (bechamel-filled, breaded and deep-fried) - I must say that I thought that I would absolutely love the croquettes in Spain since it is definitely a staple tapas at most Spanish restaurants. While the croquettes were definitely delicious, they were not my favorite of all the tapas that I sampled. That being said, you still must try them!

---

Yema sobre bizcocho de boletus y vino caramelizado

Slow-cooked egg served on boletus cake with caramelized wine reduction (1st Prize, Sevilla en Boca de Todos 2010 contest) - This one is very interesting and worth a taste!

---

Un cigarro para Becquer (3º premio Sevilla en Boca de Todos 2013)

A cigar for Becquer. Brick pastry cigar-shaped with cuttlefish and algae) - The texture on this definitely different but the flavor was surprisingly good!

---

Costilla de cerdo con miel de romero al horno

Roasted pork ribs glazed in rosemary honey - MUST get these!! These are like a Korean BBQ style short rib with incredible flavor!!

---

Here is a link to the entire tapas menu. We didn’t get a chance to try everything but if you’re feeling up to it, then I would recommend at least sampling a few more of their delicious tapas!

---

C/O EAT SPEAK WRITE

If you’re heading to Seville anytime soon, then I definitely recommend checking this place out! You can thank me later!

ESPACIO ESLAVA

Eslava, 3
41002 Sevilla
WEBSITE
PHONE: (+34) 954 906 568

See my review on Yelp!

---

ABOUT ME:

I was born in Mississippi but raised a Tennessee girl! I attended undergrad at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where I received my degree in Biochemistry. I then proceeded to go to pharmacy school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center with my last 3 years in Knoxville. (Go VOLS!) 6 years ago I followed my sweetheart to Dallas, Texas, where I have been ever since!

I am currently a practicing Inpatient Pharmacist with a love for traveling. I love to get off the beaten path and go places/do things that are not the normal “tourist” thing to do. I love hiking and adventure travel!

—

Follow me: @thatblondetravels

---