Cote d'Azur: Nice, Cannes, Monaco: Monaco Vila, Monte Carlo

Along this well-known beautiful coast, you feel a magical ambiance. The turquoise color of the sea is unforgettable. The coast extends from Menton to the Italian border. Here I only mention Nice, Cannes, Monaco (Monte Carlo & Monaco Villa) which are the most famous stops along this coast. Besides these St. Tropez is also advisable.

Nice

Nice, the capital of the Côte d'Azur, is a real cosmopolitan tourist destination.

A cute city, between Monaco and Cannes. If you plan to visit these two cities, Nice can be a perfect choice to stay, it is relatively cheaper than the others and close to both of them. With one-day trips, you can reach both of them easily. There are several free and private beaches in Nice. The legendary boulevard stretches around 6 km / 4 miles, featuring many bright blue chairs where you can sit, relax and enjoy the superb sea view. If you arrive there by plane take the bus to reach the city center. You can buy the tickets from the airport. Daily bus tickets might be useful too.

What to see

The legendary long coastline, Nice's beaches, the city center, Nice's Russian Orthodox cathedral, traditional shopping areas are the first places that come to my mind. Moreover, a trip up the hill into the Cimiez district results in a reward for a great city view. Besides these, there are several more tourist attractions:

• the Basilique Notre Dame,
• the Cathedrale Orthodoxe Russe St. Nicolas,
• Phoenix Parc Floral de Nice,
• the city's main botanical gardens.
• Cathédrale de Sainte Réparate
• Palais Lascaris

A number of good museums and popular art galleries attract tourists' attention too.

• the Musée de Palaeontologie Humaine Terra Amata (Museum of Human Palaeontology),
• the Musée d'Archéologie de Nice-Cimiez (Archaeological Museum),
• the Musée Départemental des Arts Asiatiques (Regional Museum of the Asian Arts),
• Musée des Beaux Arts (Museum of Fine Arts),
• the Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain (MAMAC)

Taking the touristic train (train with wheels, not a real train) to travel around the city is a joyful and easy way of transportation for tourists.

You have the chance to try different delicious French food with the perfect wine. Don't forget to try Socca too.

Besides the coastline of Nice which offers full of tourist attractions, nearby there is a number of attractive Côte d'Azur towns and cities. 
Monaco and Cannes are 30 minutes away by train. Especially in May, you can visit the famous film festival in Cannes and Formula 1 Race in Monaco.

Monaco (Monaco Vila, Monte Carlo) 

It is one of the richest countries in the world. At the same time the second smallest (1.95 sq km) one after the Vatican. There are two languages in Monaco: French & Monégasque. Monaco is part of the EU, however, there are no border formalities crossing to and from France.

It is easy to realize the wealth of the country, at first at the train platforms with the marble corridors and big LCD information screens. Then with shiny escalators, a series of free public lifts running up in the city center, 3D road systems, CCTV security cameras make you realize it for the second time. It is also possible to see the most expensive and luxurious cars and yachts in the world all around the city. However, all of the expectations about the train station building, are replaced with a surprise when you arrive at the end of the tunnel to the exit door. Since you realize that there is no station building but the rocks are structured and tunneled.

The country has two small cities next to each other; Monaco Vila and Monte Carlo. It is possible to walk from one of them to the other one.
The Castle zone with both cities' views is the most amazing part of Monaco Vila and in Monte Carlo, of course, the Casino area is the other lovely part of the city. Formula One cars during glamorous Grand Prix, impressive yachts, and the country's glamorous luxurious lifestyle are worth mentioning one more time. 

Extremely luxurious yachts, fashion boutiques, terrace cafes... The county gives you the feeling of having millions in the pocket :) The heart attack emergency sets in the streets, street public elevators, a pool in the middle of the city, Formula 1 preparations (depending on the season) are interesting unusual things for the visitors. 

PS1: Anywhere in Monaco if you see hundreds of stairs look around for a public elevator, for almost every hill there are several elevators unless you fancy using the stairs.

PS2:

Keep in mind that in order to buy train tickets from the machines credit cards with chips are required. This is important especially during the holidays since it is almost impossible to find anyone.

Cannes

The city makes you feel as if you walk through the streets of Hollywood. The Film Festival and an outrageously attractive and affluent set characterize Cannes. The city is well known for the Cannes Film Festival that takes place each May.

The hotels at the Croisette Bolivar with the gossips of artists, legends, beaches, not fixed chairs at the side of the bolivar by the coast, parks, museums, shopping streets, the castle, lovely parks, city center, the famous festival building, the old part of the city on top of a hill and islands are touristic spots. If you are interested in the details of the city there is a touristic train which obtains a full city tour including the old city.

Besides, there are two main islands pretty close to the city: Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat. During the daytime, there are frequent boat tours to the islands.

 The closest island is the island of Sainte- Marguerite that the “Man in the Iron Mask”, made famous by Alexandre Dumas, he spent eleven years in the prison of the Isle of Sainte-Marguerite. Today it is possible to visit the castle & the prison. The island is a natural park with beautiful, shining coasts.

The other island, Ile Saint-Honorat, has a Mediterranean coastal forest of native pine, eucalyptus, and cypress trees. It is also known as Zen Island, there is a monastery on it from the year 410 and it is still the home of monks. Modest dress is required for visitors and smoking on the island is not permitted.

Andalucia; Granada, Sevilla, Malaga, Cordoba

Andalucia is the southern part of Spain. Besides the Muslim and Romani cultures, it is also possible to see Iberians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines as well as Castillian and Jewish tracks.

The area is also well known for its hot weather. In the summertime, 40C is pretty normal to see. In the wintertime, the sun shines though, at nights it gets really cold.

Granada

Granada is the capital city of Andalucia with an average population of 300.000. Although this lovely city has many charming places, Alhambra is the first place to remember. This big castle includes gardens, fortifications, and charming palaces. It is constructed for the Arab Sultans which governed the area for years. It is one of the most visited monuments of Spain. Generally, it is hard to find the tickets of Alhambra so reserving or buying the ticket in advance can help you to save time. Keep in mind that visiting Alhambra can easily take half of the day or even a whole day. Also, be careful about the visiting hours of Nazrettin palace (a special part of Alhambra) which is stated on your ticket.

Another interesting part of the city is Albayzin. It is the old Arabic part located on the hill opposite the Alhambra. The area is known for cobble-stoned streets and small white houses. Walking in this area and climbing to the top may surprise you with the small squares, painters, gypsies, flamenco dancers, and with impressive views.














Sacromonte is another place that presents traditional gypsies' life, and flamenco.

The Cathedral and the shopping streets around it are also extremely touristic destinations.

 Unlike other parts of the country, Tapas culture is still alive in Andalucia. The food comes together with the selected drink.
In Granada, there are two main areas for bars: Pedro Alarcón and the area around Plaza Nueva and the Calle Elvira.

Sevilla

Sevilla is another unique city of Spain at the heart of Andalusia. Summertime it is really hot, for example, it is possible to see 48C easily. The city is also known as the home of bullfights, flamenco, and tapas. 

Places must be seen:

- Plaza de España (Amazing, detailed painted structure)

- The Moorish-style Alcázar palace (A royal palace reminds Alhambra).

- The cathedral ( the biggest Gothic Cathedral in the world from the 15th century)

- The  Giralda Tower (the bell tower of the cathedral)

 - Santa Cruz (the old Jewish quarter)

Also walking through the streets of Sevilla is a source of joy.

Malaga

Malaga has its own charm in the heart of Andalucia. Having beautiful sunny coasts and smooth weather, its history, the multicultural structure, being close to the other cities, and good transportation opportunities give a special flavour to the city.

 Places must be seen

- The Alcazaba of Malaga (it is a thousand-year-old and once it belonged to the old Muslim rulers)
- The Roman Theater (constructed at the 1st century BC and have been in use until the 3th century. right behind the Alcazaba.)
- The old city (at the heart of the city where you can find Picasso museum (Málaga is the birth city of the Picasso))
- The Catedral de la Encarnación (a nice piece from the Renaissance)
- Gibralfaro castle (built-in 14th century)
- The beaches and water parks of the beautiful coasts.

The interesting buildings that you can find when you are walking in downtown are 
- Aduana (The Custom), 
- Ayundamiento (The City Hall), 
- Banco de España (The Bank of Spain),
- Correos (The Post Main office), 
- Palacio de Congresos (The Congress Palace), 
- Palacio Episcopal (Episcopal Palace).

Day Trips from Malaga:

- Take day excursions to Granada, Sevilla, Ronda, Cordoba and Gibraltar,

- Visit the beaches of Nerja; an hour from Malaga (which has a nicer beach than the one in Malaga),

- Take an excursion to the Caves of Nerja,

- Visit the magnificent El Chorro Gorge and national park of El Torcal.

 



   Distances to other cities 

to  Ronda,  118Km,  2 hours by car.
to Granada 129Km, 2 hours by car.
to Sevilla     216km - 2h24 by car, 2h45 by bus, 2h30 by train.
to Cordoba 160 Km, 2.5 hour by car.
to Gibraltar 130 Km,  2 hours by car.
to Madrid    537km - 5h26 by car, 6h by bus, 3h45 by train, 1h flight.
to Barcelona 1,016km - 10h by car, 17h by bus, 13h30 by train, 1h30 flight.

Cordoba

Cordoba, a small lovely city of Andalucia, has an interesting historic background. In the 11th century it was one of the important capitals in Europe. It was the zone where Jews, Muslims and Christians were living peacefully together, and creating art and science. Also, it has the second-largest old city center in Europe declared World Heritage by UNESCO. The city is also famous with flamenco, bullfighting.

Places that must be seen:

- the Great Mosque of Córdoba and current cathedral (la Mezquita),
- the Roman bridge,  - Roman Temple, 
- the old Jewish quarter (close to the cathedral and includes beautiful original streets),
- the Synagogue and the Sephardic House. 
- the Roman walls (Surrounding the large Old town) 
- the Old Town (in addition to the cute streets there are several palaces such as Palacio de Viana)
- The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (in the old town)

Besides the monuments, it is a wonderful experience to be in Cordoba in spring in their famous festival which is called Patios Festival/Contest. Also known as Battle of Flowers. During the fest the residents of the old town open their decorated patios to public.

Also upper north part of the city, the luxurious zone of the city, is a nice area to see and to inhabit (there are several options for tourists).

Enjoy Andalucia !