ANDONI Iraola has already done some sight-seeing since becoming Cherries boss – having taken in the beauty of Durdle Door and sampling British cuisine such as fish and chips.

The Basque boss became the first manager of Cherries from outside the United Kingdom and Ireland when he was appointed in June.

Although his management career started off in Cyprus, most of Iraola’s footballing life has been based in Spain, playing mostly for Athletic Club in his native Basque country.

READ MORE: Andoni Iraola issues AFC Bournemouth injury update

A brief stint in New York ended his playing career, before his managerial journey took him back to Spain with Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano.

Bournemouth is famed for its proximity to many landmarks, with the Jurassic Coast just a stone’s throw away, as well as boasting golden beaches on its doorstep.

Whilst most of his focus has been on implementing his tactical ideas at Vitality Stadium, Iraola has visited one tourist attraction since moving to the south coast of England, using a rare day off to travel west and enjoy Durdle Door.

Although not a world heritage site, the condition of the limestone arch is monitored by UNESCO.

Iraola explained: “I think I've been lucky.

“I've been lucky because the place is really nice, really nice.

“There are very beautiful places.

“I hadn't had so much time, but the other day we had an off day, I went to Durdle Door, it was amazing. Very nice place.

“And I'm used now with the fish and chips and these things, and I'm starting to settle in.

“But I think there are a lot of beautiful areas that I don't know right now, but I'm starting to take all the information and when I have time, I will do my own research.”

Whilst visiting further tourist hotspots will have to wait, Iraola stated that he was more than content early on into his stint as Cherries boss.

“I'm really happy,” he continued.

“I think everyone has welcomed me very well.

“I think I know already a lot of the new faces and I'm more familiarised with the people in the club and working with the players.

“Now, it's a difficult period, pre-season, because you are working, you are thinking that you are doing the things correctly, but every team is doing the same.

“So until the competition starts, football wise, we don't know where we are.”

Cherries continue their preparations for the new Premier League season with two home friendlies, first welcoming Atalanta to Dorset this weekend, before hosting FC Lorient, another club in the Black Knight Football Entertainment stable.