Andalucia (Spain)

Andalucia Information

Overview

Things to do

Country Info (Spain)

Andalucia is the Spanish Autonomous Community with the greatest number of inhabitants and the second in surface. Its varied landscapes, the benignancy of its climate and the friendly character of its population have turned it into one of the most attractive regions.

3000 hours of sun per year, many kilometers of golden sand beaches and those beautiful natural ports made it a safe refuge already for Phoenician navigators, thousands of years before Christ.

The coast of Huelva and Cadiz corresponds to the Atlantic Ocean and is characterized by fine sand. The Mediterranean coast, from the Strait of Gibraltar to Almeria, on the other hand offers smoother climate with less wind and higher water temperatures.

Andalucia is crossed by Guadalquivir river, the "father" of old civilisations who have left along its borders an impressive monumental track, as well as the high mountain ranges of Sierra Morena and Sistemas Beticos .

The offer for visitors is extremely varied, from golden beaches to those beautiful mountain ranges with their highly interesting fauna, and the famous "white villages" with their richdom in folklore and artisany. There are great possibilities for most different sports as well, from skiing in the Sierra Nevada to surfing at the coast of Cadiz, where you will find ideal conditions as nowhere else in Europe.

Andalucia is the "mother" of the Spanish folklore which is probably best known abroad: here you will live the magic of Flamenco and bullfighting in their most authentic style, and myths like Don Juan and Carmen were born here. A land of great traditions, which has understood as well to assimilate the progress.

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Seville
The Andalucian capital, the third largest city of Spain, is among the most beloved places by tourists, thanks to its unique ambience and its great monuments: the Arabian belltower Giralda , the city's landmark, the enormous cathedral, Torre del Oro , and the old district Barrio Santa Cruz are among the highlights.

Granada
The Moorish Jewel , located at the foots of snowy Sierra Nevada mountain range, is a must-see. Most outstanding is certainly the great Arabian palace Alhambra .

Cordoba
The long-time center of Moorish Spain preserves monuments of outstanding importance. The Mezquita , the great Mosque, is perhaps most impressive.

Malaga
Among its major attractions are the Moorish Alcazaba and, of course, the splendid Mediterranean coast.

Costa del Sol
The coast of Malaga is of great touristical importance, thanks to its splendid beaches, outstanding installations and smooth climate. Among the most famous centres are Marbella , Torremolinos , Benalmadena , Fuengirola , and San Pedro de Alcantara .

Ronda
A beautiful town, surrounded by an impressive mountain range.

Almeria
Almeria is among those Andalucian cities which have best preserved their Moorish heritage. Of great touristical attraction is also its splendid coast, Costa de Almeria .

Cadiz
Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in Spain, founded by Phoenicians. It is fascinating for its typical Andalucian ambience with whitewashed houses and tropical vegetation.

Huelva
Of great importance as a fishing port as well as for its industry. The city itself and its surroundings are marked by Christopher Columbus , who started his travel to America from the nearby Palos de la Frontera . There you may still visit the monastery where he prepared his travel, alongside with a reconstruction of the port and the three famous ships.

Doñana National Park
This extense preserve including beach areas with moving dunes as well as marshy regions of great value concerning their fauna is located next to the outlet of Guadalquivir river, Matalascañas, Acebuche and El Rocio. Numerous species of migrant birds, on their way from Eurasia to Africa, stay here during the breeding phase.

Costa de la Luz
The "Coast of the Light" , in the provinces of Huelva and Cadiz at the Atlantic Ocean, offers splendid beaches of fine sand. Major centers of attraction are Punta Umbria, Islantilla, Isla Cristina, Mazagon, Matalascañas, Barbate, Algeciras, Tarifa, Conil de la Frontera, Chiclana de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa Maria, Rota, Chipiona, and Sanlucar de Barrameda.

Jerez de la Frontera
In the hometown of the world-famous Sherry wine several "Bodegas" may be visited. Jerez too is the site of a renowned equestrian school. Wine and horses mark the ambience of this manorial town.

Jaen
Jaen, located inland, is dominated by its medieval fortress. Additional attractions are the 11th century Moorish baths and the Renaissance cathedral. The nearby Sierra de Cazorla is an outstanding natural preserve.

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