Playas

With nearly 5000 miles of coastline, it was no wonder I continually discovered beautiful beaches in every region of Spain. With names like Costa de la Luz and Costa de Sol (coast of light and sun) there is a beach of ever size, shape and blueness of the water.  Between the intense light and the dazzling blues, every color and shape takes on a new intensity.

















In the summer, with temperatures exceeding 110 degrees, it is no wonder Spaniards flock to the shores whenever they can.  Near Granada, which is land locked by the Sierra Nevadas, there is  span of coast called "Playa Granada," even though it os over an hour from the city, it is where all of the Granadinos head when the mercury rises. 

On a side note...Its no wonder, as you dig your toes into the sand, to imagine that so many great explorers came from Spain. Looking across the infinite stretch of blue water you can't help but wonder whats out there. Granted Spain was looking to increase their empire, find gold and spices and expand Christianity. But all that had to start with a curiosity of what waited beyond the azure horizon.

A Feria to Remember

Probably the biggest party of the year in Spain, the Feria in Malaga is a fiesta that lasts nine days and nights. It is a street party that stretches the entire downtown core, buzzing with color and life. The annual festival in Malaga city is one of the biggest national events. Spaniards travel from all over the country to take part in the festivities.

As I wandered the streets, it almost seemed as if each bar was competing with every other bar to see how loud they could play Spanish dance music, with thousands of merry people dancing in the street, in traditional Spanish dress, seemingly fuelled by large quantities of sweet Malaga wine. 

As the avenidas swarmed with women in flouncy flamenco dresses Marques de Larios, at the heart of the city's historic  center, the buildings are decorated with paper lanterns  and flags. The fair commemorates the re-conquest of the city by Isabella and Ferdinand in 1487 and lasts for ten full festive days, full of flamenco and fino (sherry). The horse driven carriages, that normally travel the streets in Malaga, are draped in finery. And as the sun goes down, the revelry continues on the outskirts of the city, were a makeshift carnival has been erected, complete with rides, games, and of course, wine.