Moorish Spain
Get away from the typical tourist resorts and Andalucía is home to rich architecture, breathtaking landscapes, mesmerising people as well as some of the most attractive scenery in Europe.
Our base for this trail will be in Ronda. This gorgeous town straddles the El Tajo Gorge and we will have lots of opportunity to capture this iconic sight both at dawn and dusk. A favourite of Ernest Hemingway (who based a book on the town) and numerous other artists Ronda today still has the feel of a somewhat daring artiness. The town is also famed for its bullring which creates some interesting graphical compositions.
During our time here we will make forays to local pueblos (villages) into the Serrania de Ronda.
We’ll make a trip out to Malaga to photograph the historic centre and pop into the Picasso museum on the way to the visit the impressive Moorish architecture of La Alcazaba.
There will also be a visit to Granada to shoot the truly amazing Alhambra followed by some shoots in the town.
As an introduction to travel photography or simply to build some strong images for your book this trail through Southern Spain is ideal. See a gallery of pics from a past visit.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Malaga.
Fly in to Malaga to be met at the airport for transfer to Ronda. The journey to Ronda is about 1.5 hours from the airport. In the evening we will settle in to our comfortable accommodation and enjoy a few workshops in the evening.
Day 2: Photography around Ronda.
We’ll spend today around the town of Ronda. There is plenty to see and shoot, including the bridge over the gorge, the old town and the bullring. This will be a leisurely day with time for instruction and guidance while we play with different compositions and exposure styles. As usual on a Creative Trail trip, we will not be out in the middle of the day so will spend that time relaxing and reviewing our shots before heading out again the late afternoon.
Day 3: Photography around Ronda.
Today will be an early start and we will be in the prime positions that we scouted yesterday to get our shots in the dawn light. Again we’ll spend more time looking over our work and there will be talks during the day on photography with numerous tips on improving and getting the best out of our work.
Day 4: Granada and visit the Alhambra.
An early morning train ride to Granada and visit to the jaw dropping Alhambra. This Moorish palace, court and citadel is more than 700 years old. Known as the Red Fortress it has countless rooms, courtyards and other features. The architecture is legendary and provides a never ending array of photography opportunities. We will use all of our skills to get some great shots in and around the crowds. We’ll have a full day here and in Granada returning to Ronda in the early evening.
Day 5: Transfer back to Malaga.
After breakfast and a final shoot in Ronda we’ll transfer back to Malaga and set up in our comfortable accommodation in the historic centre. Often overlooked by visitors, who rush through the airport en route to a beach holiday, the old centre of Malaga is very charming. With narrow streets and tall buildings there are many interesting angles to shoot and its and ideal location to sit in outside cafe and take candid shots of the locals. Or, take a walk up to The Alcazaba to shoot this impressive fortress. There are stunning views from the top. The other key place of interest is The Picasso Museum. No photography is allowed but it’s well worth a visit before relaxing in the plaza.
What’s included
- All accommodation in Ronda and the one night in Malaga. Based on twin share and buffet breakfast. We use comfortable accommodation run by local businesses.
- Services of the Creative Trail leader and local drivers.
- Park entry fees, permits where applicable.
- All meals. These are based on a boxed lunch or light meal and set meal dinner in a local restaurant.
- Ground transport from Malaga to Ronda and back. Local transport around Ronda and train to Granada.
- Photography tuition and guidance from your leader.
Not included
- International flight to and from Malaga.
- Travel insurance.
- Visa costs and airport taxes if applicable.
- Tips and local payments to guides, porters and drivers.
- Meals, other than those listed and drinks, bar bills or snacks.
- Souvenirs, curios or other purchases and any other personal expenditure.
- Any photography fee or permit charged by cultural sites.