Andalucia travel information

Think of Andalucia and you might think of villages of whitewashed houses, flamenco dancing and guitar music. Andalucia has all this and more - it also contains several of Spain’s most historic and fascinating towns – Cordoba, Granada and Seville – as well as dramatic mountain ranges and the country’s largest nature reserve. To many visitors to Spain, Andalucia is the most distinctive and fascinating area of the country and is the highlight of their visit.

Seville is arguably one of Europe’s loveliest cities – the name conjures up flamenco dancing, castanets and gypsies, and all these things can be found here. Seville is also the home of some great works of art as well as the largest Gothic church in the world – the 15th century cathedral and Giralda Tower. The city boasts some lovely shaded squares and excellent shopping and after dark you can visit authentic flamenco clubs or enjoy a performance at the Opera House.

Cordoba almost rivals Seville in terms of great architecture. Its most famous building is the Mezquita, or Mosque, with its distinctive red and white striped walls, dating from the 8th century. Don’t miss the narrow winding streets of what were the old Jewish and Arab quarters of the town, as well as the huge arched stone bridge which dates from Roman times. Cordoba is also well known for its artisans and craftsmen; it’s a good place to buy authentic souvenirs.

Granada boasts one of Spain’s biggest attractions – the Alhambra, (meaning Red Castle) a stunning reminder of Muslim rule in Spain, parts of which date from the 11th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Sight covers several acres and is a bewildering complex of palaces, towers, courtyards and gardens. One of the highlights is the beautiful Court of Lions, with its fountain supported by twelve stone lions, which represent the signs of the zodiac.

The port city of Cadiz is considered to be one of Europe’s oldest cities, dating from 1100 BC. The city has been shaped by the Romans, Arabs and Phoenicians and today it’s still a vibrant melting pot of nationalities. Cadiz boasts several good beaches, a pleasant promenade and cathedral, although you shouldn’t miss the atmospheric Barrio del Populo, the old medieval quarter of the city, which still retains its three gates dating from the 13th century.

If you enjoy a glass of sherry, you should visit the lovely town of Jerez de la Frontera, famous as a centre for producing the sweet wine. An estimated 100 bodegas or sherry houses are located in and around Jerez, where you can learn all about the production, as well as enjoy a free sample. Another big attraction in Jerez is the School of Equestrian Art, where dancing horses perform regularly; even if the horses aren’t performing, you can visit the tack room and stables.

At some point during your visit, you should explore the countryside – Andalucia is home to Europe’s second highest mountain range, the Sierra Nevada. This whole area offers good hiking, bird-watching and skiing, including Solynieve, which is Europe’s most southerly ski resort. Another excellent place to see birds and wildlife, including the endangered lynx, is at the huge Coto Donana National Park, Europe’s largest nature reserve covering over 247,000 acres.

Andalucia is famous for its white towns, so called because of their distinctive white washed buildings. The most visited is Ronda, which sits on a rocky outcrop, divided by a steep gorge. The dramatic setting is sufficient reason to visit, but you can also explore the 13th century Palace of Mondragon, several beautiful mansions and the well preserved Moorish baths. Ronda is also considered the home of bullfighting; the town boasts one of Spain’s oldest bullrings.

Many British visitors don’t venture outside the resorts of the Costa del Sol – Marbella, Malaga and Torremolinos. If you are visiting this area on holiday, make sure you take the time to explore one of Spain’s most fascinating regions.