Andalucia is one of the most unique
and beautiful regions in the southern part of Spain. With an
easy-going way of life and the highest peaks in Spain, Cordoba,
Granada, Seville and Ronda, Andalucía can satisfy the cultural
appetite of any visitor. It is the region for many cultural
phenomena that are seen as distinctly Spanish; bullfighting,
flamenco and the Mudejar architectural style. The region remains
romantic, dusky, gypsy and exotic imagination and hugely satisfying
with its vast sleepy villages, warm landscapes and a history
distinctly different for the rest of the Spain. You can explore the
ancient mountain villages, town and cities, white-sand beaches,
beautiful national parks and delicious local food, drinks. In fact,
Andalucía boosts the right ingredients for a perfect holiday.
VILLAGES, TOWNS AND CITIES
La Taha de Pitres, Alpujararras
This is a small village high in the Sierra Nevada National Park; a
few hours' drive from Malaga. It is connected by the ancient path,
Caminos, which offers an excellent base for stunning scenic
walking. Visit in early November to see the glut of wild walnuts,
almonds, figs and chestnuts, and don't miss the Fiesta de las
Castanas in Mecina Bombaron.
Alhama de Granada
It is one of the most beautiful places in Spain, located in the
fertile southern Andalucía with authentic food, incredible light
and great people. It boasts several churches, spectacular gorges,
lovely squares, an Arabic quarter, a red Moorish fort, fresh food
shops and dozens of restaurants and café-bar, all in easy walking
distance. The town is famous for its thermal baths next to the
river.
Vejer de la Frontera
Vejer de la Frontera is a beautiful hilltop Moorish town, only
nine kilometres from the golden beaches of the Costa de la Luz. You
can walk around the ancient cobbled street and eat delicious local
foods in one of the many street cafes and restaurants. You can sit
on the terraces of the hippy chic hotel la Casa Del Califa with a
glass of local sherry and watch Morocco twinkling away.
Etnosur at Alcala la Real
Etnosur at Alcala la Real is a home to vibrant multicultural
festivals of theatre, music, cinema, circus, workshops,
exhibitions, crafts, conferences and food among others. It has a
good selection of restaurants and hotels as well as a reasonably
priced camping area. The festivals the world's best performers
every year, and the events are absolutely free.
Calle Granada, Malaga
Malaga has two fabulous museums, an Arab fortress, an impressive
cathedral and palace. There are also clear blue seas and miles of
white sandy beaches lined with chiringuito bars serving fresh
sardines. Calle Granada is the top street in Malaga where you can
visit tapas bars, including El Piyayo, a cross the road, more
upmarket with seats outside; La Campana, a tiny, noisy and crowded
bar, which serves fresh fish at an affordable price; and the famous
El Pimpi, a wide, rambling palace full of Spanish character. You
can try them all.
BEACHES
You are spoilt for choices on the beach front. The Costa de la Luz
and Costa Almeria are empty stretch and rugged coves, while Costa
del Sol serves up super-sized sweeps of sand.
Costa de la Luz
It is the Spain's most south Costa, which stretches from the
strait of Gibraltar to the Portuguese border. You will find white
sandy beaches with Turquoise Ocean backed by pine forest, fishing
villages, Moorish towns and laid-back beach resorts. It is a place
where the scenery and traditional way of life hold sway over high
rise and holiday crowds. You can fly into Faro and stay at cosy
costal hideaway, land in Jerez or Islantila, and kick back on the
huge stretch of sand at Chiclana De La Frontera. Places to check
out are: Tarifa, the windsurfing capital and gateway to Africa;
Canos de Meca, a hippy hangout since 1960s; Bolonia, which is a
well-preserved Roman City; and Conil, a tuna fishing village.
Costa del Sol
Costa del Sol is packed with the full spectrum of beach holiday
goodies. In fact, it has everything you would need in a beach. For
instance, Benalmadena has everything families can enjoy. It has a
super-sized stretch of white sand and Sea Life Centre as well as a
theme park you can explore. There are no shortage of shops, bars
and restaurants. Besides, visitors can go old-style in the
refurbished old town of Benalmadena Pueblo.
The Costa de Almeria
This beach is located in the southeast corner of Spain, between
Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol. Despites its calm to fame as the
sunniest sport in Spain, it is one of the most attractive beaches
for holidaymakers. If you love golden beaches and rugged desert
scenery, then Costa del Almeria is a must visit for you. There are
numerous goodies of traditional hilltop villages, where you can get
a taste of old-school Spanish life.
WILDLIFE AND NATURE
You don't have to look far; nearly one fifth of the Andalucía's
massive territory is made up of mountainous national parks and
protected reserves to provide a truly satisfying experience.
Camino Mozarabe
Camino Mozarabe runs from the town of Alcaracejos to the village
of Villaharta. Its forests, shade fields, farm tracks and beautiful
streams offer the best day walk. There are also great vistas at the
start to inspire you along this leisurely walk.
Parquet Natural de Cobo de Gata
This place is full of arid hills, cliffs, picturesque fishing
villages and spectacular beaches. You can stay in San Jose if you
want a small taste of nightlife or stay at Escullos, either on the
campsite or in the hotel. During the day you can take a walk to the
destroyed volcano and spend the evening on the warm rocks by the
sea.
Lobo Park
This park is located in the hills near the beautiful El Torcal
national park in the Malaga region. At the park, you can take
guided walking tours any time of the year to see packs of four
species of wolves, living in a spacious and very natural
environment. Get the unforgettable experience: eye-to-eye contact
with a wolf.
Parquet Natural del Torcal
El Torcal Natural Reserve is a real hidden gem with extraordinary
rock formations, stunning views of the mountains of Malaga. The
foxes, wild ibex, vultures and the lizard will give you a real
sense of adventure. You can also take a walk in a prehistoric
landscape and visit the nearby El Chorro gorge.
Donana National Park
This national park is one of the most prized assets in Spain.
Usually, the number of visitors is restricted to protect it. If you
love birds, you will have the opportunity to watch flamingos and
imperial eagles. You can also see wild boar, red deer, mongoose and
lagoons, dunes and spectacular forest.
ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD
If you want an independent self-catering holiday in your own
comfortable rented accommodation, with excellent facilities, these
inland country villas and hotels offer just that.
Alqueria de Morayma
Alqueria de Morayma is a traditional group of farm buildings and
homesteads that are beautifully transformed into apartments and
hotels. They are peaceful, strategically located and boasts
quality, inexpensive foods and wines. These apartments and hotels
allow you to enjoy fantastic views of the Sierra Nevada National
Park. In fact, they have vineyards, swimming pools, tables and
other amenities you can get in modern bed and breakfast.
Comares
Comares are traditional Spanish houses located near the gorgeous
Andalucian Mountains and offer quiet and rare peace for writers.
You wake every morning to the blue skies and stunning views across
olive gloves and almond trees. They have the remains of the Moorish
fort, incredible views down to the sea and great restaurants: you
can't miss something to eat.
El Ventorro
Located a few kilometres outside Alhama de Granada, this rural
hotel and restaurant offers incredible local food, from cheese and
Serrano ham to mushrooms collected in the forest, washed down with
amazingly delicious locally produced wine. You can choose to enjoy
the atmosphere, Arabic baths, built in the next door caves, or walk
to the historic town of Alhama de Granada through the Sandstone
River valley and canyon.
Taberna Macande
Taberna Macande is lovely café/ bar that make you feel welcome the
moment you walk in. There are a mixture of Middle Eastern and
Spanish food and other international varieties. The tapas are
abundant and free, provided you order the beers.
WHEN TO GO
The interior is best explored outside of the intensely hot summer
months. Granada is romantic in the crisp winter sunshine. The
Seville is at its best in the early spring. Cadiz is exceptional
during the carnival celebrations. Andalucia holidays in winter
sometimes include skiing in the Sierra Nevada. If you love walking,
consider holidays in Andalusia during the autumn or spring to avoid
extreme heat. The beach resorts are at their best from July to
august, when most Spaniards have their holidays. However, the
entire south coast has a reliable beach holiday from spring to
early autumn. The region also makes a great winter escape when
there are plenty of blue-sky days and the temperatures are very
pleasant. You will see more rain in winter, especially on the Costa
de la Luz. So, you will need a jacket for cooler evenings.