Three amazing places in Southern Spain that will make you channel your inner Christopher Columbus! Let´s be explorers rather than tourists, shall we?!
Muelle de las Carabelas/ Palos de la Frontera, Province of Huelva
Caravel Dock Museum ( “Muelle de las Carabelas” in Spanish) was one of the stops on my road trip from Algarve back to Spain. Built in 1992 to celebrate the 5th Centenary of the Discovery of America, it has reproductions of La Niña, La Pinta and La Santa María (the three ships used by Christopher Columbus in his first transatlantic voyage in 1492).
However, besides the replicas of the boats, you could enjoy the medieval quarter and the Island of Encuentro (which attempts to recreate the indigenous culture of the island of Guanahani, the first island where Christopher Columbus disembarked on the 12th of October 1492).
Santa María de La Rábida Monastery /Palos de la Frontera, Province of Huelva
La Rabida Monastery (“Monasterio Santa María de La Rábida” in Spanish) is a Franciscan monastery of Gothic-Mudejar style built in the 14th-15th centuries.
Christopher Columbus stayed here before departing for the New World, when he was still preparing his project. Here, in the room called “El Portal de Belen de America”, the initial meetings and discussions between Columbus and Father Marchena took place (XV century).
Moreover, upon the return of some of the conquest expeditions, Hernán Cortés, Gonzalo de Sandoval and Francisco Pizarro arrived La Rabida Monastery as well.
Cadiz
While I’ve been to the South of Spain at least 3 times, Cadiz was never even on my radar. But only after two days of exploring its impressive history, I could state with all certainty that it is one of the most underrated cities in Spain: a visit is absolutely recommended…
Unlike many other cities in Andalusia that start turning quite international in these recent years – Cadiz still feels very “Spanish”. Here, aside from the ocean you could get some unique insights into our history: in between tiny cobbled streets of Cadiz you could find traces of different epochs and civilizations – from Phoenicians, Romans, and Moorish, to Columbus (who sailed from Cadiz on his second and forth journeys to America) and the inaction of Spanish Liberal Constitution in 1812. A cornucopia of history, right?! Read more…
Have you ever visited any of these sites? Are you an explorer yourself?
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There was a lot of activity in Cadiz towards the end of WW2 as well! It’s always fascinated me for that reason. Beautiful list lady!
-Emily http://www.coatandcoffee.com
Thanks, Emily! Cadiz is full of history, loved it as well!
Oooh I’ve only ever been to Mallorca in Spain but would love to see more of it! These places all look so full of history!
Soph – https://sophhearts.com/ x
They really are! Thanks for stopping by, Soph!
We’ve been to Cadiz and loved it, I remember reading Christopher Columbus sailed away from there. Totally agree with you that Cadiz feels very Spanish, I liked the fact bar staff didn’t speak English, plus it’s a beautiful city, full of charming and authentic streets, loved the Sherry there too!
Cadiz has surprised me as well, such an atmospheric city!
I would love to see these boats in real life! And Cadiz is already on my radar since I read your post last year! Thank you for the inspiration!
Thank you, Victoria!
Great post; I love how you followed the footsteps of Columbus to present the dock museum, the monastery, and the town. places. Cadiz looks beautiful. 🙂
Thanks a lot, Emese!
I find his journey to be so fascinating and it’s great that there are replicas of his ships! I’d really love to see those! #FeetDoTravel
Caravel Dock Museum with the ship replicas was such an interesting place to visit!
This all looks amazing! And I so agree with you on Cadiz!
#FeetDoTravel
Thanks, Esther!
Cadiz looks magical, I could explore the cobblestone streets and look at that architecture forever. We will add it to our list when we visit Spain one day. Thank you for sharing your adventure 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Scarlett! Great to see you back!
Following Columbus makes for a fun adventure. I am keen to get to Cadiz, but it does tend to get lost in the list a bit. I’ll be sure to make a concerted effort based on your recommendation, Anna. Great info and I’ve pinned it for later.
Thanks, Shona! Hope you´ll finally get to visit Cadiz anytime soon! Although places get lost in my list constantly – there are just so many of them lol!