International Lodging Corporation

Customized travel services in Spain & Portugal since 1983

Sites to See…Spain’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites

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ILC-blog-Sites-to-See-Spains-UNESCO-World-Heritage-SitesWith 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Spain ranks third just behind Italy and China. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) administers the World Heritage Programme that designates and catalogs places that are of significant cultural or natural importance.

To help you plan your itinerary for your next trip to Spain we have listed below some of the top World Heritage Sites that you won’t want to miss:

Andalucía

  • The Alhambra, Generalife and Albaicín (Granada) – for more information, click here
  • Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias (Seville) – for more information, click here
  • Historic Center of Córdoba – for more information, click here
  • Renaissance Monumental Ensembles of Úbeda and Baeza

Barcelona

  • Works of Antonio Gaudí – for more information, click here
  • Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau – for more information, click here

Madrid and environs

  • Monastery and Site of El Escorial – for more information, click here
  • Aranjuez Cultural Landscape – for more information, click here
  • University and Historic Precinct of Alcalá de Henares
  • Historic City of Toledo – for more information, click here
  • Historic Walled Town of Cuenca – for more information, click here
  • Old Town of Ávila with its Extra-Muros Churches – for more information, click here
  • Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct – for more information, click here
  • Old City of Salamanca – for more information, click here

Extremadura

  • Old Town of Cáceres
  • Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida
  • Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe

Santiago de Compostela

  • Santiago de Compostela (Old Town) – for more information, click here

Valencia

  • La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia – for more information, click here

For a complete list of Spain’s World Heritage Sites, click here.

Photo Credit: © Christopher Pappas · All rights reserved. Photo of Seville’s Cathedral and La Giralda

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Golfer’s Paradise…Costa del Golf in Southern Spain

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There’s a reason why Spain’s Costa del Sol is often referred to as the Costa del Golf. With over 60 golf courses to choose from, including 4 of Europe’s top 10, there’s no wonder why the area is one of Europe’s top golf destinations. Couple this with a temperate year-round climate, over 300 days of sunshine, plus the backdrop of the shimmering Mediterranean, and it’s easy to see why this can be considered a golfer’s paradise.

Located 50 km. west of Málaga, the town of Marbella has long been considered the jewel of the Costa del Sol. There is a wide range of lodging options to choose from, world class restaurants and shops and sandy beaches, so everyone will find something to enjoy.

There are more than 20 golf courses in Marbella and about another dozen in the surrounding area, so golfers from beginners to pros will be able to find the courses that meet their skill level and preferences.

Here are just a few of the courses located in Marbella:

  • Aloha Golf Club – designed by Javier Arana, this course is one of the best known. For more information, click here.
  • Guadalmina Golf – established in 1959, there are two 18-hole courses and one 9-hole course. For more information, click here.
  • La Quinta Golf – overlooks Marbella’s Golf Valley; designed by Antonio García Garrido and Manuel Piñero. For more information, click here.
  • Los Naranjos Golf – designed by Robert Trent Jones; the front nine and back nine are quite different. For more information, click here.
  • Marbella Golf & Country Club – designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. – players must step up their game here. For more information, click here.
  • Real Club de Golf Las Brisas – designed by Robert Trent Jones, this course is a real challenge and is recognized as one of Europe’s best. For more information, click here.
  • Cabopino Golf – designed by Juan José Ligues Creus, this course offers superb Mediterranean views. For more information, click here.

Please note that a number of courses require a handicap certification in order to play their course. In addition, many have strict dress and etiquette rules; make sure you check with the course ahead of time regarding these matters.

Photo Credit: Real Club de Golf Las Brisas – Marbella (Málaga)

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Sites to See…What to See in Córdoba (Spain)

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ILC-blog-Sites-to-See-Cordoba-SpainOnce the capital of Moorish Spain, Córdoba was the most cultivated and magnificent city in 10th C. Europe. It is best known for the Mezquita, the stunning mosque that was begun in 785 and is considered the most splendid Islamic monument in the western world.

Today it is a city of about 330,000 inhabitants, with many artistic and architectural riches. Stroll down the narrow, winding streets of the old Jewish quarter and admire the lovely whitewashed homes with flower-filled private patios and balconies.

Here is a list of some of the things to see during your stay in Córdoba:

  • Mezquita – built between the 8th and 10th centuries, the mosque consists of 19 naves divided by marble columns holding 2 levels of red and white arches. A cathedral was built inside the mosque in the 16th C. For more information, click here
  • Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos – a military fortress built in 1328, where Ferdinand and Isabella held court, received Columbus and launched their conquest of Granada. For more information, click here
  • Judería – the labyrinth of streets and little squares conserves the Jewish quarter’s ancient flavor
  • Museum of Archaeology – housed in a beautiful Renaissance palace, the museum displays finds from Córdoba’s varied cultural past.
  • Torre de la Calahorra – tower located on the far side of the Roman Bridge, it is the oldest defense building in town (built in 1369). For more information, click here
  • Calleja de las Flores – a narrow, cobblestone street that is the most photographed in Córdoba. Located close to the north-east corner of the Mezquita, off the Calle Velázquez Bosco.

Book a private tour! You may want to consider booking a private tour with an English-speaking guide. Your personal guide can provide you with information on the city and its historic sites. For more information, click here.

Photo credit: © Christopher Pappas • All rights reserved.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.