Flying and flopping isn't for everyone, but neither is trawling the museum in 30-degree temperatures. So allow us to propose a compromise that has the best of both worlds: a city tour followed by traditional horizontal sunbathing on a two-stop road trip through southern Spain.
seville
It was already the end of April when I arrived sevilleMuch to my relief, the “frying pan” temperatures the city has nicknamed have yet to hit. After a quick taxi ride from the airport, I was at Christian Bader of Sevilleits backdrop is the rather imposing skeleton of a former theater designed by the same architect who designed the city's iconic Plaza de España. It seems to be going through a design moment with lots of terracotta here, I guess, as I recently purchased bedside tables in the same color to inject a Mediterranean villa vibe into my London apartment. There's tie-dye rug everywhere: on the floor, on the walls – the latter is hard to pull off without looking like a panic room, but somehow here it works. My room, overlooking the street below, had a blue interior and a bathroom as big as the bedroom. joub everywhere. It may not be particularly hot today, but I still go to the roof to bask in the sun milk cafe Still, took a dip in the pool.
Christine's Courtyard often hosts events, but there weren't any during my stay, so I set off in search of a flamenco show. My first experience with traditional dance was Spanish Charlie Sheen's avant-garde show in Madrid, so I appreciated their commitment to classic polka dot and ruffle forms. flamenco theater.
The next morning, my first stop was royal alcazar (Also known as Dorne game of Thrones Geek), a majestic palace with manicured labyrinths and towering palm trees, is still used by the Spanish royal family more than a thousand years after its founding. Alas, the weather was overcast and drizzly, but I took a moment to imagine its fountains and courtyards against the more familiar Andalucian backdrop of bright blue skies and blazing sun.
That night, I moved to Rey CorralIt is one of Europe's first boutique hotels and has been open since 2007. When I walked into my room I was pleased to find that it had lost none of its charm and there was a staircase leading to another terrace with a swimming pool. my private Mirador Overlooking the towers and rooftops of Casco Antiguo (Old Town) and the narrow streets below. Late at night in the cafeteria Lastianda Walking down the road, I ignored the harsh lights and focused on the authentic tapas experience, sitting on a stool surrounded by locals and admiring the seafood behind the counter, ordering prawns marinated in sizzling garlic oil and a variety of fish fillets on soft bread. It’s a bit strange to eat close to midnight, but in Seville…
sotogrande
The next morning, on the drive south to the Andalusian coast, there were plenty of rest stops that provided me with scenery to stretch my legs. My first destination was Jerez de la Frontera, where I stopped to stroll around its golden buildings and massive cathedral. There are many snack bars on the street. I stopped to eat some more. bravas potatoes and some shadows.
Located south of Sotogrande, a 2-hour drive from Seville, follow the highway and are flanked by lush green mountains. Ocu Andalusia This is a manicured, purpose-built resort where you'll be playing golf in no time. I walked through the gated entrance and drove down the hilly, palm-lined streets that led to the hotel. After checking in with a glass of cava, I was taken to my room on a golf cart—a necessity because the resort is huge, with more than 250 rooms lining the hillside. The adults-only spa is a neutral-toned temple with an arch-lined indoor pool, powerful therapists and a meditation courtyard. If you wish to undergo a broad wellness program, one of the more niche treatments on offer is laughter therapy.
The sports center also tempts you away from the classic sun worship of the Costa del Sol, with its cricket pitches, tennis courts, football pitch and adjacent golf course; as well as the lively beach club with DJ performances. Needless to say, I prefer the massage table and sun lounger, so stay put until you enjoy a delicious dinner of chilli garlic prawns, spicy ceviche and perfectly grilled sea bream.
A 20-minute drive along the coast to Marbella, Sotogrande is an upscale residential resort in San Roque with sandy beaches, polo fields and, of course, world-class golf courses. Also nearby are the Rock of Gibraltar and Los Alcornocales Natural Park. But if you're here for the coastline, choose the marina-facing Playa de Sotogrande, just west of the Guadiaro River; the spacious Playa de Torreguadiaro Kilingitos; and the tranquil Playa de Guadalquitón, a quiet area backed by sand dunes. Or, if you like sardines, head to Playa de Cala Sardina, where you can eat them fresh off the boat.
On my way back to Seville airport, I took a detour to Cádiz, a city built on the tip of a long peninsula with a busy industrial port and vast borders. The old town is naturally the most charming place, and there are more tables seveserias After you've explored the historic harbor, cathedral and labyrinth of narrow streets, settle down at a snack bar.
As big cities go, Seville is compact and easy to get around on foot, so this is a streamlined version of a city and beach trip. Even in the sweltering heat of summer, siestas and cool courtyards help visitors accustomed to cooler climates ease into life in Seville. It’s a great place to get acquainted with a bit of culture before experiencing what Spain does best – sun and fun. Costa.
A simpler combination of cities and coasts
Stockholm and Lidinge
Stockholm The city is built on an archipelago, with 14 islands in its center and thousands of surrounding islands in the Baltic Sea. It takes a few hours by ferry to reach the farthest islands of the network, but an easy way to experience the Stockholm archipelago is to head to Lidinge after a short stop in the city centre. You don't even have to get on board – stylish city accommodation is less than 30 minutes' drive away, e.g. Etter Helm or Stockholm City Hotel. on the island, Ellery Beach House Awaiting you – there are plenty of pools, cocktail bars and sun loungers, perfect for enjoying those sunny days. You can press the buzzer to summon champagne and South American-inspired small plates.
Athens and the Athens Riviera
You don't even have to leave official boundaries athens Experience the enduring appeal of its coastline. Start from the center where you can admire the Acropolis, e.g. Dolly Located on the edge of the city center neighborhood of Plaka, about 40 minutes' drive from the Athenian Riviera. You will travel together on the coast of Glyfada, where the only aesthetic Located in the former Asteria Hotel. A few summers ago, Stavros Niarchos' superyacht was moored in front of my villa while I was staying. Glyfada and the wider Riviera has always been a super charming place holiday playground For decades, it has welcomed famous visitors such as Jackie and Aristotle Onassis and Maria Callas. Another hotspot is Vouliagmeni, where you can find point souniolocated next to the Temple of Poseidon.
Copenhagen and Kee
Scandinavians are not only masters of extreme temperatures; Hagridbut also knows how to spend the summer. Pretend you're one and travel to the Twin Centers copenhagen Koe – The latter is a historic port town located 40 kilometers southwest of the capital. After admiring Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses and walking along the Havnegade Promenaden for a few days during our stay Sanders Hotelheading to coastal health resorts Rocks Resort Located in Køge, it overlooks the Øresund Strait just outside the town centre. You won't find any Scandinavian minimalism here – the interior designers preferred damask fabrics, lots of pattern and scalloped headboards. When you're ready for a soak, three rooftop pools and the Baltic Sea are at your side, and a sauna helps you warm up afterwards.
View more of our urban destination Spend a summer in the city, or stay at these wonderful places on the coast seaside hotels in europe
