Wandering through Spain

So somewhat reluctantly I left Barcelona last week and have been wandering around Spain, following the good weather, generally heading south. First stop: Montserrat.

Montserrat is an ancient monastery perched high up in some incredible limestone mountains.

A steep train climbs high into the mountains to get you to the monastery... and continues even higher into the mountains!

I followed the path up the mountain, past some small chapels used by the monks and nuns of the area...

... to the top of the highest peak with amazing views of the area.

Next stop: Valencia - the third biggest city in Spain, situated on the Mediterranean coast a few hours south of Barcelona. The most interesting thing to see in Valencia is the Ciudad de Artes y Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences) which consisted of some huge, fascinating buildings and the largest aquarium in Europe...

... including an incredible 70 metre-long shark tunnel!

... where you can get up close and personal with the sharks!

Next stop was Granada, but on my way I noticed some very high mountains from the window of the train - the Spanish Sierra Nevadas. So after a little investigation, I discovered that the highest mountain in Spain - Mulhacen, 3479 metres/ approx 11,500 feet - was only a short bus ride outside of Granada and a relatively easy day-hike to the summit...

So I went and climbed, passing a few ibex (Spanish mountain goats) on the way...

... to the top!

Where the clouds blocked most of the views but it was still a great hike.

So then I headed back to Granada where I explored the ancient and spectacular Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most visited monument in all of Spain.

I entered through the Gate of Justice.

And then I climbed the towers of the incredible Alcazaba fortress which was built almost 700 years ago!

The 14th century Royal Palace is said to be the most impressive Islamic structure in all of Europe... so I took a lot of photos.

View of Granada from the towers of the Alcazaba

Sunset over the Alhambra with the city of Granada in the distance

That night I met up with Jeff, Geraldine and little Lily who had made their way to Spain from France. We had dinner and planned our next week of travels together!

Next up... Gibraltar!