Culture, Cooking And Costa Blanca Hotels – The Moorish Influence

The dominant Moorish presence in Spain left a cultural legacy that can still be felt today, from breathtaking monuments and mosques to aromatic spices and agriculture. This is apparent more so in the culturally rich and fascinating southern region of Andalucia. There are a huge choice of Costa Blanca hotels to stay in to delve deeper into Spain’s Arabic and Berber past.  

With many Torremolinos hotels featuring their very own on-site authentic spas, the traditional Arabic bath house, or hammam, has been widely adopted throughout southern Spain. You’ll be able to enjoy a massage and a hot soak before a typically Moorish cup of mint tea served on cushions.  

At almost every turn you’ll be able to see fascinating Moorish architecture  during your stay in southern Spain. Find out more about the history by travelling inland to the city of Granada. With its straight lines, arched windows and gleaming orange tiles, the former royal residence of Dar-Al Horra is one of the key buildings to visit, as well as the domed-roofed El Banuelo bathhouse and the Colegiata de San Salvador and Iglesia de San Cristobal.

Many stunning monuments and mosques were left behind by the Moors, and the most magnificent examples are to be found at the Great Mosque at Cordoba and the 10th century palace of Alhambra. If you’re planning a trip, it’s worth asking at reception as many Benalmadena hotels arrange visits or can offer advice on the best tour operators.   

Cumin, saffron and mint are typically Moorish spices that remain popular in traditional Spanish cooking. Distinctive Berber flavours are a strong feature on many menus, particularly when it comes to desserts. Made from a deliciously sticky mixture of almond flour, honey and pine nuts, pasteleria is a tasty Moroccan cake. Although Costa Blanca hotels may be known for catering for the UK palate you’ll still find a tantalising array of Arabic influences on the menu.