Sol y Sombra tours

 Imagine yourself exploring beautiful white villages, visiting cultural treasures and tasting delicious tapas, at a leisurely pace that allows you to really experience the 'Real' Spain. We share our enthusiasm and insider's...

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Santiago de la Ribera- our shadows #santiagodelaribera #marmanor #toursinspain #spanishholidays2016 (at Santiago de la Ribera)

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Teatro Romano Cartegena, Spain. #romanamphiteatre #archeologicalsites #teatro #teatroromanodecartagena (at Teatro Romano De Cartagena)

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A stunning afternoon in the beautiful village of Chinchon, near Madrid #toursinandalucia #chinchon #madridtours (at Chinchon-plaza mayor)

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Salobreña our friend Phil's view from his rooftop is spectacular #thebestview #birdseyeview #toursinandalucia #spectacularviews#tapasobrooftops (at Salobreña, Costa Tropical)

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Dawn in Guadix- our excursion to this beautiful troglodyte town for the festival of Cascamorras #guadix #tourandalucía #toursinspain #sunrise #uniqueplaces #smallgrouptours #spanishtours (at Casas Cueva Guadix)

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The most colourful town In Andalucia - not long to go now- will be here in September. #spanishblogger #tourandalucia2016 #guadix #colorsplash #cascamorras2014 (at Guadix City)

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What is the best time to visit Spain?

So you've decided to travel to Spain, so is it better to take a tour in Spain in Spring, Summer, Autumn or even Winter? 

This is a really good question. So often I've heard people say that they would like to go on holiday to Spain in summer, July and August in the Northern hemisphere. This is possibly the hottest time to visit Spain as temperatures in some parts soar to over 40°celsius, especially in the interior region of Andalucía. If you are interested in walking or cycling in one of Andalucía's stunning National parks then the best time to travel to Spain, would be in my opinion in May/June and September/October.

The Autumn in Spain is slightly warmer than spring. The average temperature in September to October ranges from a low of 14°to a high of 32° celsius. As far as rainfall is concerned March is by far the wettest month. The village of Grazalema has one of the highest rainfalls in Spain, but only briefly and when it does, it rains like 'cats and dogs'. As Spain's climate is mostly dry it's perfect for outdoor activities in Autumn, not to mention the stunning colour change you will see as the landscape becomes a blaze of brilliant yellows and reds. The other thing to bear in mind is the food is fantastic in Autumn. 

The other time that is less popular is Winter, and even though it is cold, if you are a skier then this could possibly be one way of enjoying a side of Spain that most travellers overlook. The city of Granada is an attraction over the Christmas season and skiing in the Sierra Nevadas is fantastic. Add to this the advantage of cheaper accommodation and Hotel deals - especially Paradors that offer discounted rates in the low season, travelling in Winter could make for a 'White Christmas' like no other and be an extremely memorable holiday. One of the best photo opportunities to be found is the view from St Nicholas looking at the Alhambra with the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas seen in the distance. Again a day trip to the Alpujarras ending with an overnight stay and dinner in Trevelez at La Fragua II, you will be rewarded with one of the best wild game and dining meals you could ask for in Spain.

Subscribe below to receive travel discounts, delicious Spanish recipes and exciting news about our upcoming luxury tours in Spain that go 'off the beaten track', exploring remote villages making lasting friendships, enjoying great food and wine, 

[solysombratours]

What is the best time to visit Spain?

So you've decided to travel to Spain, so is it better to take a tour in Spain in Spring, Summer, Autumn or even Winter? 

This is a really good question. So often I've heard people say that they would like to go on holiday to Spain in summer, July and August in the Northern hemisphere. This is possibly the hottest time to visit Spain as temperatures in some parts soar to over 40°celsius, especially in the interior region of Andalucía. If you are interested in walking or cycling in one of Andalucía's stunning National parks then the best time to travel to Spain, would be in my opinion in May/June and September/October.

The Autumn in Spain is slightly warmer than spring. The average temperature in September to October ranges from a low of 14°to a high of 32° celsius. As far as rainfall is concerned March is by far the wettest month. The village of Grazalema has one of the highest rainfalls in Spain, but only briefly and when it does, it rains like 'cats and dogs'. As Spain's climate is mostly dry it's perfect for outdoor activities in Autumn, not to mention the stunning colour change you will see as the landscape becomes a blaze of brilliant yellows and reds. The other thing to bear in mind is the food is fantastic in Autumn. 

The other time that is less popular is Winter, and even though it is cold, if you are a skier then this could possibly be one way of enjoying a side of Spain that most travellers overlook. The city of Granada is an attraction over the Christmas season and skiing in the Sierra Nevadas is fantastic. Add to this the advantage of cheaper accommodation and Hotel deals - especially Paradors that offer discounted rates in the low season, travelling in Winter could make for a 'White Christmas' like no other and be an extremely memorable holiday. One of the best photo opportunities to be found is the view from St Nicholas looking at the Alhambra with the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas seen in the distance. Again a day trip to the Alpujarras ending in with an overnight stay in Trevelez dining at La Fragua II will reward you with one of the best wild game and dining meals you could ask for in Spain.

Subscribe below to receive travel discounts, delicious Spanish recipes and exciting news about our upcoming luxury tours in Spain that go 'off the beaten track', exploring remote villages making lasting friendships, enjoying great food and wine, 

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Cute chimneys in Guadix- #cutechimneys #chimneytops #drzuess #guadix #tourandalucia2016 #spanishblogger #spain2016 (at Casas Cueva Guadix)

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Surreal skies over the Alhambra during September makes this one of the best times to visit Granada Join us this September - learn more about it here: www.solysombratours.com/Andalucia-tour-east #alhambra #alhambrapalace #alhambradegranada #sunsetlovers #sunsetsnipers #sunsetsoverthealhambra #septembersunsets_ (at Mirador de San Nicolás)

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Collectable Flamenco posters in Cordoba with such great design #flamenco #bestoftheday #spanishdancing #cordova #posterdesign (at Córdoba, Spain)

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Vejer de la Frontera- the light is magical #vejerdelafrontera #magiclight #bestoftheday #spanishsunlight (at Vejer de la Fronter (Cadiz))

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Inside the magnificent Mesquita in Cordoba- such a peaceful place! #Mequita #cordoba #coloursofspain #worldwonders #greatarchitecture #toursinspain #andaluciatours (at Mezquita de Córdoba)

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Making friends with Julia-#pueblosblancos #owlsofinstagram #toursinspain #coolbirds #andaluciatours (at Balcón del coño de Arcos de la Frontera)

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Where are the best places to stay in Granada?

If you are planning a trip to Andalucia it's most likely you're about to make your first place to visit Granada. With the incredible world heritage site of the Alhambra Palaces and Generalife a must see on anyone's bucket list, this is a no-brainer.

What's not so easy though is where to find accommodation that is not dark, small and impossible to get to. 

The Albaycin

The upside: This is a wonderful choice for location as there are many bars and restaurants, the mirador San Nicolas is located here, and the view of the Alhambra at sunset is incredible ( as shown )The Albaycin's charming narrow streets and architecture give you a real sense of history. It is quiet and there is no traffic to contend with as this is the historic old quarter and limited traffic zone of Granada.

The downside: If you stay in this area, it's very difficult to drive in and out of. There are restricted times to get in and out and it's not easy to navigate. GPS does not work here. However, the best advice I can give is if you decide to stay here, park your car somewhere in the main town and get a taxi to your accommodation. It's far less stressful and relatively easy to find. There is a carpark by NH Victoria hotel and from there you can call a cab to take you to your destination.

Sacromente

The upside: This area is up towards the hills behind the Albaycin. The old Gypsey barrio, but don't let that put you off. It's a lively area, with a Bohemian feel. In the evenings you will hear Flamenco guitar and dancing nearby but it finishes around 12 pm. This area has recently become quite popular and it's possible to stay in some really amazing cave houses that have been renovated to a very high standard. The walk at dusk from Sacromente through the Albaycin is lovely. It is also possible to cross over the bridge and walk to the Alhambra from here.

The downside: The same driving conditions apply here so again a taxi might be the way to go.

The city centre or Realejo San Matias

The upside: The easiest part of town by far to stay in. Central to the Cathedral and main shopping area. There are buses that will take you directly up to the Albaycin and from there you can walk or catch a bus back down to the city centre. There are also buses that take you to the Alhambra from plaza Nuevo however if you choose to walk, the walk from Plaza Nuevo up through the Cuesta de Gomérez, through the gates of Puerta de las Granadas is stunningly beautiful and well worth it. 

Learn more about our next tour in visiting Granada in Andalucia today. Don't miss out as there are only three places left.

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Wow! As the sun sets in Ronda- the Puente Nuevo bridge is on fire! #offrhebeatentrack #andalusia #ronda #andaluciatours #toursinspain #pueblosblancos #coolsunsetshotz #itrocks (at Puente Nuevo)

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The beautiful Pueblo Blanco of Grazalema- Andalusia - #grazalema #toursinandalucia #raininspain #andaluciaviva #andalusia #pueblosblancos #offrhebeatentrack #spanishvillages (at Grazalema, Spain)