Spain
Cadiz, La Coruña & Malaga
Spain has a rhythm all its own, sun-drenched plazas, winding alleys, and the kind of food that makes you pause mid-bite just to savour it. On my recent travels, I explored three coastal gems: La Coruña, Malaga & Cadiz - twice, in fact. Each had its own flavour, but Cadiz stole my heart.
Cadiz: My Favourite Coastal Companion
Cadiz felt like a warm hug from the moment I arrived. I rode around on the iconic big red double-decker tour buses, the kind where you can hop on and off wherever you fancy. It’s the perfect way to get your bearings and revisit your favourite spots. From the top deck, the views were spectacular - sunlight bouncing off whitewashed buildings, the sea glinting in the distance, and the hum of life below.
I loved the freedom of it. One moment I was admiring the architecture, the next I was stepping off to wander a market or sip a café con leche in a shaded square. Cadiz has a lived-in charm, a sense of history that doesn’t shout, it whispers.
La Coruña: A City Meant for Walking
In La Coruña, I swapped wheels for walking shoes. The city invites you to explore on foot, and I happily obliged. I wandered through cobbled streets, past churches and historic buildings that seemed to lean in with stories. There’s something grounding about walking a city, feeling its pace, hearing its sounds, and letting your curiosity guide you.
Every corner offered something new: a tucked-away courtyard, a local bakery, a glimpse of the sea. It was slower, more reflective, and beautifully immersive.
Malaga: A Blend of Bus and Foot
Malaga was a mix, half explored by organised tour bus, half by foot. The bus gave me a sweeping view of the city’s layout, while walking let me dive into its textures. I was struck by the eucalyptus trees lining the streets and the arched houses that reminded me of home in the 80s. There was a nostalgic comfort in it, like flicking through an old photo album.
And the food and drink ... fabulous. Malaga knows how to feed you well and leave you smiling.
Reflections on the Road
Each city offered something different: Cadiz with its breezy bus rides and coastal charm, La Coruña with its walkable soul, and Malaga with its sensory blend of movement and memory. But it was Cadiz that lingered, the kind of place you visit twice and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface.
Spain reminded me that travel isn’t just about ticking off sights, it’s about feeling a place. And sometimes, the best view is from the top deck of a red bus with the wind in your hair.
Let’s talk about the food. Cádiz knows how to feed you. I’ve had fresh seafood that tasted like it had jumped straight from the ocean to my plate - langoustines, grilled fish, and tiny fried shrimp. Pair that with a cold local beer, and you’ve got a meal that tastes like sunshine and sea. The Central Market is always buzzing, full of colour, locals, and the kind of food that makes you want to stay forever.
Even in the heart of the city, there are green spaces to breathe. I’ve found quiet corners in Genovés Park and along the Alameda de la Apodaca, where the sea breeze dances through the trees. And always, those orange trees, reminding me that beauty doesn’t have to be loud to be unforgettable.
Cádiz is a place that lingers. It’s in the scent of citrus on a warm breeze, the sound of waves against ancient stone, the taste of salt and sunshine in every bite. I’ve been twice, and I know I’ll go again. It’s not just a destination, it’s a feeling. And I’ll carry it with me, long after the sand has left my shoes.
