Andalucia
Why go?
Andalucia is Spain as you have always imagined it: white-washed
hilltowns, Moorish palaces, orange blossom, sequined matadors,
flamenco dancers, city carnivals, wave-pounded beaches, sherry
‘bodegas’... clichés perhaps, but no less
charming for it. There's a wealth of wonderful buildings, from
Seville's little-known Roman ruins to Granada's world-famous
Alhambra palace. And there are still some wonderful
surprises, from horse-riding through the chestnut woods of Aracena,
to snow-shoeing on Spain's highest peak in the Sierra Nevada.
Wherever you go, there is an enticing array of places to stay, from
historic town mansions to charming country retreats, many of which
outstrip the state-run paradors. There are more bars than in any
other European country, serving some of its finest seafood and
sherries. And, with regular 2-hour flights from northern Europe to
several Andalucian cities, there is nothing to stop you coming,
even for a weekend. The hardest thing will be leaving so soon.
Any Downsides?
Steer clear of the tacky, British-dominated Costa del Sol, a 100-mile stretch from Gibraltar to beyond Malaga. For quiet beaches, head to the Atlantic coast, or east towards Almeria. Beware the cities' midsummer heat, and their petty crime. And, if you plan to visit during one of their world-famous fiestas, you’ll need to book well ahead.
What's where?
- Costa de la Luz: The unspoiled 'coast of light' - due to its ever-present sunshine - is lined with golden surfing beaches & nature reserves, from Tarifa to Cadiz Read More >>
- Granada & Sierra Nevada: Snow-topped mountains flank this lively city with its bohemian Albaicin quarter, great eats, live music and the spectacular Moorish Alhambra Read More >>
- Malaga & Cordoba: Wide, sandy beaches, the hidden charms of Malaga, chi-chi Marbella, hilltop hiking, flamingoes and flowers, and Unesco-listed Cordoba Read More >>
- Seville: Classically Spanish: passionate flamenco, world-class tapas, Moorish palaces, vibrant fiestas and fabulous Roman architecture Read More >>
- The White Villages: Spectacular train journeys through traditional hilltop towns, Ronda's gorge, Gaucin's views to Africa, fragrant pine forests and silvery cork forests Read More >>
Current Weather – Time
Seville