Moorish and Modern Gardens of Spain

Nestling below the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is one of Spain’s most fascinating cities. It was the last bastion of the Moors before it fell to the Christians in 1492, and its most famous monument, the Alhambra, provides a magnificent centrepiece to today’s tour. Exploring the former royal palace and fortress is a treat for the artistic soul with intricate Islamic architecture combining with captivating courtyards and geometric mosaics. After experiencing the UNESCO-listed palace, first-hand, you'll also be shown around the spectacular Generalife, the summer palace of the sultans which is set higher up the hill. Small cascades, pools and fountains greet you at every turn as you explore through shaded avenues, gazebos, and water gardens all of which once offered a cool escape for the king and his court during the hot Spanish summers.

This morning you’ll be taking an orientation walking tour of Almuñécar, a perennial favourite crowned by a handsome Moorish castle. The town is set on a small hill between two rivers, the Río Seco and the larger Río Verde. This peaceful waterside ambience is also responsible for irrigating Almuñécar's fruit orchards and coining the region, the Tropical Valley. The tour includes a visit to the palm tree lined park and the impressive ramparts of Castillo de San Miguel. After walking up to the castle, you’ll follow the twists and turns of its narrow alleys and steps that lead to the town square. After pausing for a well-deserved cup of the locally grown coffee, you’ll visit the serene Casa de los Bates, near Motril. This once forgotten private garden is situated across three levels, surrounded by avocado and cherimoya (custard apple) orchards. It’s the perfect place to complete today’s excursion as you sit back and enjoy the sunshine from beside the outdoor pool.

You’ll experience a couple of Andalucía’s best loved architectural gardens today. Firstly, the French baroque and English influenced Carmen de los Mártires creates a rather romantic interlude set within the grounds of a former convent. After admiring the statues, fountains, and wide-reaching views across the valley, you’ll move onto the expansive avenues and paths of Parque García Lorca. Named after the distinguished Spanish playwright and author, these modern gardens are set around the old ‘huerta’ where Lorca spent his childhood. It’s a wonderful setting to spend a couple of hours strolling in between plum, pear and pomegranate trees before seeking the shade of sequoias, pines, and flowering maples.

Your final optional excursion finds you in the centre of Malaga walking the peaceful promenade through the Paseo del Parque. It’s a pleasant place to stride under the palm and plane trees as a series of sculptures and ornamental fountains (including the Fuente de Neptuno) feature alongside the harbour. From here you’ll transfer to the far more formal Mediterranean-style gardens of the Jardin Pedro Luis Alonso. Situated within the grounds of the town hall, this garden was designed by architect Guerrero Strachan in 1945, and includes several walkways between orange trees and cypresses as well as a recently established rose garden. And where better to complete your day in Malaga other than the historic arboretum of the Finca de La Concepcion. Set on the banks of the Guadalmedina River, this beautiful botanical garden is filled with subtropical and native plants and some magnificent specimens of giant cedar, cypress, and umbrella pines.