tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90369621006062237722026-03-02T12:43:13.031+01:00Andalucia Explorer<br>Writings from Jaen, Andalucia. Travel, Food, Wine, Living, Musing, Reviewing, Tapas Tasting, Trip Planning......Rachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.comBlogger698125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036962100606223772.post-3335771389614576372026-03-02T12:43:00.001+01:002026-03-02T12:43:13.018+01:00Monday Morning Photo - Martos Hill after the RainMartos Hill and almond blossom after the heavy and constant rains of February. Clear blue skies and spring trying to press ahead. Birds shout away with relief and green grass covers the land. Rachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036962100606223772.post-77579804887112606392025-12-01T08:00:00.003+01:002025-12-03T17:56:05.992+01:00La Dehesa Experiences - Glamping in Sierra Morena Nature Reserve - Monday Morning PhotoA quick overnighter into the wilds of nature in Sierra Morena at La Dehesa Experiences where peace rules.Our pad between the holm oaks at La Dehesa ExperiencesSee my post on La Dehesa Experiences on my Only Spain site. Or my short video on my Where to Stay in Spain YouTube channel.Or head to my Monday Morning Photo page.Rachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036962100606223772.post-90042788513793174392025-11-07T19:29:00.003+01:002025-11-07T19:29:51.030+01:00Does in Get Cold in Andalusia?So Autumn has just hit. From lovely warm days of 25c or so to 16c today. Does it get cold in Andalusia (or Andalucia)? Yes, it does where I live. Andalusia is a mountainous region and where there are mountains it gets colder than on the coast.With a daytime temperature of 16c the expected over night temp is going to be 5c - that´s cold. Can´t complain though, it has only just come and we´ve only Rachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036962100606223772.post-50438377970616511892025-10-27T08:00:00.012+01:002025-11-01T18:24:24.013+01:00Monday Morning Photo - Ciudad Encantada - The Enchanted , CuencaThe geological site of Ciudad Encantada near Cuenca city is a 3km circular walk under towering pines and other native trees interspersed with eerie rock formations. Wind, rain and ice have sculptured the rocks, mainly the lower softer rock into weird and wonderful shapes, all of which have been named.El Tormo Alto, Ciudad Encantada
See the photo of Plaza Mayor, Cuenca.Visit the Monday Morning Rachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036962100606223772.post-16036925262667588732025-09-29T07:00:00.005+02:002025-09-29T07:00:00.120+02:00Monday Morning Photo - Plaza Mayor, Cuenca A weekend away to the spectacular town of Cuenca, cliff-top houses, colourful casas, ancient posadas and excellent local wines.Rachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036962100606223772.post-64514551188432131262025-09-20T20:55:00.005+02:002025-10-10T22:56:32.611+02:00Molino La Nava - Boutique Hotel in the Olive Groves of Córdoba ProvinceThe rather gorgeous ex-olive oil mill surrounded by olive groves and an abundance of peace called us yet again for an all-too-brief stopover. When life as an estate agent in inland Andalucia is too busy for us to take a proper break, we escape for the odd night here and there. We managed one night.If I´ve been out on the road a lot the last thing I want to do on an escape is be in the car for tooRachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036962100606223772.post-65453194004351058552025-09-15T11:48:00.003+02:002025-09-15T11:48:00.118+02:00When are the National Holidays in SpainSpanish National HolidaysAre you planning your year ahead? Spain's national holidays are handy to have on your calendar so you make the most of your time off. Whether you're coordinating work schedules, planning trips, or simply need to stay on top of important dates, this guide outlines all the official national holidays across Spain for the year. How many National Holidays are there Rachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036962100606223772.post-17598684754114392592025-09-08T21:29:00.003+02:002025-09-08T21:29:39.256+02:00 Spicy Spanish Chorizo and Lentil Stew RecipeSpicy Spanish Chorizo and Lentil Stew, an economical, healthy and easy to prepare dish. Lentils are full of nutrients, fibre, carbohydrates and folic acid. For a low calorie, inexpensive protein dish they can’t be beaten. Use them with cereals, eggs, nuts, seeds or meat for a complete protein meal.Low in fats and cholesterol and extremely high folic acid which necessary for women of childbearing Rachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036962100606223772.post-5349611943106434132025-08-25T08:00:00.003+02:002025-08-25T08:00:00.114+02:00Monday Morning Photo - River Guadalquivir Town - MontoroThe charming town of Montoro lies on a bend on the banks of the River Guadalquivir on its way from its source in the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas in Jaén province and Córdoba city.See Molino la Nava where I stayed near Montoro. This link goes off site to my Only Spain Boutique Hotel collection.Visit the list of Monday Morning Photos.Rachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036962100606223772.post-41746598994055219132025-08-08T19:02:00.004+02:002025-08-08T19:02:55.619+02:00Fresh Fig Harvest TimeIt´s the first week in August, my favourite time of year for gathering. Walking the dog quite early because of the temperatures in the late 30s and being able to pick a handful or two of figs on the way home to enjoy for breakfast. The pleasure never fades.Fresh Figs in a BowlThis morning´s haul was two varieties from two different trees. Pale green ones and green and purple ones, which tend to Rachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036962100606223772.post-71678669240592068972025-07-14T08:00:00.003+02:002025-11-02T18:51:29.877+01:00Zuheros Town, Cordoba, History, Charm and Stunning ViewsIt´s not the first time Zuheros has featured here on Andalucia Explorer. This very charming, white-washed hillside town is just 45 minutes from home and a favourite to take visitors too. Recently I had viewings there with some lovely clients looking for another home in this area. Leaving early to grab coffee and explore a little - there´s always a new corner I´ve not seen and the views always Rachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036962100606223772.post-32048116323834540292025-06-01T16:24:00.002+02:002025-11-02T18:40:56.315+01:00Andalusia or Andalucía?The autonomous region of
Andalusia
(Andalucía in Spanish) is in the southern part of Spain. It spans
from Atlantic coast in the west to the sheltered coast
of the Mediterranean Sea in the east and
from Málaga's Costa del Sol to the borders of Castilla – La Mancha
the famous flat lands and Don Quixote windmill country. With an
average of 300 plus days of sunshine a year the coastal area is Rachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036962100606223772.post-56053319049426692742025-05-04T20:50:00.001+02:002025-05-04T20:55:02.278+02:00Ruta Bancos Gigantes or Huge Bench Route in AndaluciaA new rage is slowly spreading across Andalucia with its beginnings in the province of Malaga and that is huge benches are being installed in beauty spots across the region. The Huge Bench Route or Ruta Bancos Gigantes #rutabancosgigantes can be found on Instagram where they are more active with updates on the new installations of these enormous benches and they have a Rachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036962100606223772.post-25903658109129654212025-04-18T18:18:00.000+02:002025-04-18T18:18:19.868+02:00The Wild Asparagus Hunters are Out and AboutIt´s that time of year. Cars parked in odd places, the solitary person - usually a man, popping up above a bank or from behind an olive tree. The hunters of the wild aparagus are here. The plentiful rain scattered with a day or two of sunshine has brought them out in droves. Some have their route, others instinctively know where to go. They appear, walking back to their cars, with a huge bundle Rachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036962100606223772.post-44120690056490236642025-04-14T21:11:00.000+02:002025-04-14T21:11:24.603+02:00Malaga´s Botanical Gardens - La ConcepciónMálaga´s Botanical Gardens in La Concepción are located 8km north of Málaga city. As you start climbing away from the coast heading towards Córdoba/Granada it´s possible to see a green and white-tiled dome roof of La Concepcion´s famous mirador glinting under the Mediterranean sunshine.Pond in Malaga´s Botanical GardensThe gardens and house were built in 1855 when two wealthy, local families Rachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036962100606223772.post-40861437396925979422025-04-07T08:00:00.000+02:002025-04-07T08:00:00.226+02:00Monday Morning Photo - Mountain Refuge Hut, Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y Las VillasWith the much needed quantity of rain in March and constant snow on the distant mountains my thoughts returned to my trip to the largest national park in Spain - Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas. A 4x4 guided trip took us up to the high plains, where the June temperatures plummeted dramatically the higher we got.Mountain refuge huts, such as this one in Campos de Hernan Perea, Rachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036962100606223772.post-76616976976889892792025-03-31T08:00:00.001+02:002025-03-31T08:00:00.229+02:00Monday Morning Photo - Spanish Windmill, Baños de la EncinaThe 12 metre high Santo Cristo windmill built of local sandstone has three storeys, it houses an exhibition on the history and evolution of windmills. This is windmill in Baños de la Encina is the only one of its type in Andalucia.See the Monday Morning Photo list.Read A Weekend Exploring (a tiny part of) Jaén Province post.Rachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036962100606223772.post-48833736858590896052025-03-24T20:40:00.003+01:002025-03-24T20:40:41.630+01:00Monday Morning Photo - Plaza Mayor, SalamancaOne of the most beautiful squares in Spain the Plaza Mayor, a baroque style plaza, on the north side is the City Hall building. Decorated with stonework medallions between each arch, including depictions of Carlos I, Alfonso XI, Fernando VI, Cervantes and Santa Teresa. The buildings are three storeys, supported by semicircular arches topped by a balustrade. Plaza Mayor, SalamancaSee myRachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036962100606223772.post-8350415164377498212025-03-17T14:05:00.003+01:002025-03-17T14:06:20.348+01:00Monday Morning Photo - Beja Castle, PortugalThe Medieval Castelo de Beja. A small castle with free entry within its walls, there is a charge to go up the tower. Beja is the capital of Baixo Alentejo which the lower part of the Alentejo region, not far from the Spanish border. Beja´s long history includes the Celts and Visigoths, the town fell to the Moors in 713.Beja Castle, PortugalSee the Momday morning photo list.Rachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036962100606223772.post-32336026104215253292025-03-10T08:00:00.003+01:002025-03-10T17:53:37.455+01:00Monday Morning Photo - Boca do Inferno, Hell´s Mouth, PortugalOn the west coast on Portugal in Cascais, not far from Lisbon is Boca do Inferno - Hell´s Mouth a rugged and dramatic sea-worn opening. Further up the coast a little is the not quite so picturesque Cabo de Roca, Europe´s most westerly point.Boca do Inferno, CascaisTaken on a blustery winter´s day on our recent Portuguese road trip. Read about our last (and first) trip to Portugal - Road Trip - Rachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036962100606223772.post-32080174565770471352025-02-17T18:36:00.001+01:002025-02-17T18:36:52.599+01:00Monday Morning Photo - Lopera Castle, Jaén Lopera Castle, one of the best examples built by the Military Order of Calatrava in Jaén province, near the provincial border with Córdoba. The castle was built in 13th century on the site of a Moorish fortress, became a residence of nobility in 20th and today is visitable by prior arrangement. Lopera CastleSee the Monday Morning Photo list.Rachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036962100606223772.post-2656602860350093832025-02-06T19:44:00.003+01:002025-02-13T19:43:10.597+01:00Road Trip - Andalucia to Extremadura to Portugal and BackWith limited time off and so many tempting Spanish cities to visit, as well as Portugal to cross into, we head north-west from home in Andalucia over the regional border into Extremadura, over the country border and back in time an hour into Portugal and vice versa. A long weekend turns into 4 nights, driving, city exploring, monument pounding and eating. Empty Extremadura RoadHeading Rachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036962100606223772.post-74528126931707702462025-01-13T08:00:00.025+01:002025-01-13T08:00:00.122+01:00Monday Morning Photo - Palacio de la Merced, CordobaOnce one of the most important buildings in Córdoba, Palacio de la Merced was founded in XIII century as a Mercedarian monastery. When the order was dissolved it became an orphanage then in the 1970s a Provincial Government seat. The Baroque portal is in the middle of the enormous frontage, the cloisters and monastery church remain and services are still held there today.Palacio de la Rachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036962100606223772.post-57864728426530889102025-01-06T19:37:00.006+01:002025-03-13T13:04:11.350+01:00Monday Morning Photo - Palacio JabalquintoThe stunning Gothic-style Palacio de Jabalquinto was declared a historical monument in 1931, it´s one of the most important Gothic buildings in Baeza with Mudejar influences, nowadays it the Universidad Internaciónal de Andalucía.It´s just one of the many fabulous works of architecture in Baeza, a gorgeous little city with a long history. it´s a Unesco site twinned with Úbeda just 7km away in Rachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9036962100606223772.post-44151635498879095882024-12-23T08:00:00.006+01:002025-03-13T13:03:01.105+01:00Monday Morning Photo - Arco de Villarla in Renaissance BaezaRenaissance Baeza, a unesco city twinned with Úbeda, 7km away, was a recent visit and first overnight stay. It dates back from the Visigoths but what we see today is an abundance of fabulous sandstone monuments built from the riches gained from agriculture in the 16th century, like the former Civil Court and Notary, now a tourist office.Puerta de Jaén and Arco de Villarlar and Tourist Office, Rachel Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04577817934117093679noreply@blogger.com