The November long weekend is approaching, a perfect date for a getaway to an interesting city to discover or rediscover. During the fall, when the days begin to shorten and the temperatures drop, it is a pleasure to walk the illuminated streets of the city at night, with trees that take on orange and ocher tones. Autumn is an ideal season to travel.
For these dates, coinciding with the November long weekend, we have chosen the cities of Valencia, Toledo and Granada as destinations, with a spectacular history and heritage.
Valencia
This city combines Mediterranean charm with the fact that it moves with the pulse of the times. It is also the perfect size to visit because most of our destinations are within a 20-minute walk.
The historic center can be enjoyed from the Plaza de la Virgen and the Plaza de la Reina, where the Cathedral and the Royal Basilica of Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados are located or the Miguelete, that Gothic-style bell tower that stands out in the skyline Valencian. In its surroundings there are also other essential monuments for a visit, such as the Church of Santa Catalina or the Plaza Redonda, which can be accessed from four different streets.
It is a delight to walk along the old channel of the Túria River. The best option is to rent a bicycle to explore the different sections of the river. You can contemplate the various gardens that make it up, Gulliver Park or the Palau de la Música until you reach the City of Arts and Sciences.
The port area is ideal for afternoon walks. Nearby is also the Cabanyal and Malvarrosa neighborhoods. Its town essence makes it a unique neighborhood and it mixes the usual bars with alternative places. Another alternative area to dine or discover a bar is the Carmen neighborhood and also Ruzafa, modern but without losing the essence of the neighborhood.
Toledo
If you want a getaway full of history, Toledo is a fantastic option to disconnect from this bridge. An Imperial City with a rebellious character, it is one of the oldest in Spain. If you travel by car to the city, we recommend that you park your vehicle outside the wall. Visiting the historic center by car is not a good idea. The streets are very narrow and you will also have serious difficulties finding parking.
If you have time, it is best not to take the typical excursion to Toledo from Madrid for a single afternoon or to spend the day, it is a very beautiful city to visit at night, where at specific times emblematic buildings such as the Cathedral, the Alcázar -one of its main hallmarks- or the Puerta de Bisagra.
In Toledo, the City of Three Cultures, you will find countless buildings steeped in history. In addition to the Cathedral or the Alcázar, we will find on our route the Tránsito or Santa María la Blanca synagogues, or the Cristo de la Luz mosque, the churches of El Salvador or San Román, the El Greco Museum, the Caves of Hércules or the thermal baths.
The Alcázar is one of the buildings that you cannot miss. This fortress that Charles V ordered to be built currently houses the Army Museum and the Library of Castilla-La Mancha.
Another must-see is the Cathedral, Gothic in style and one of the most interesting and beautiful in Spain.
Although simply walking aimlessly through Toledo, through its narrow streets, discovering some of its beautiful and peculiar patios, the Jewish quarter or admiring the outline of its wall can be an indescribable pleasure. Be sure to visit some of its viewpoints, from which you can enjoy the beautiful views of this city bathed by the Tagus and declared a World Heritage Site.
Grenade
In Granada you can explore the majestic Alhambra, stroll through the Albaicín and delight in the tradition of going for tapas in the downtown bars, where each drink is accompanied by a free tapa.
The Alhambra is not just a palace, but a majestic citadel that looms over Granada, offering a panoramic view of the city and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Nearby is El Albaicín, a fascinating neighborhood, a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets, lined with whitewashed houses and flowery gardens, which can be explored with a free local guide.
Another essential place is El Paseo de los Tristes, a street that borders the Darro River and offers a stunning view of the Alhambra. Street artists and musicians meet there.
Another attractive plan is to go to the Alcaicería market, an old silk market, made up of narrow streets, full of small shops. In it you can find everything from jewelry to stylish clothing. hippie and Arab cafes. Another must-see is the Sacromonte neighborhood, known for its cave houses and flamenco shows.
With the international student atmosphere, the city’s bars and pubs hold themed parties these days of Halloween and decorate themselves with pumpkins, brooms and bones. If you go in costume you will surely receive discounts on drinks. Streets like Pedro Antonio de Alarcón, full of bars, are an ideal place to go dressed up and have a good time.
A few kilometers from the Andalusian city, La Alpujarra is located with impressive landscapes, where autumn colors the Sierra Nevada mountains in golden and reddish tones. There you can visit picturesque towns in the region, such as Pampaneira or Capileira that ascend the mountain.
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