Overview of Andalucia

The Autonomous Community of Spain, which has the highest population, is Andalucía; it also has the 2nd largest surface in Spain, with differing landscapes, a mild climate, and a friendly population. All of these make it a very attractive tourist region.

Climate at Andalusia

There is plenty of sunshine every year, stretches of beaches full of golden sand, and lovely natural ports, making it a safe haven, to the Phoenician navigators, many decades ago. The Cadiz and Huelva coasts face the Atlantic Ocean, with its fine sand, whereas the Mediterranean coast, running from Almeria to the Strait of Gibraltar, has warmer waters, less wind, and a milder climate.

Sights of Andalusia

Andalucía is picturesque with the grand Guadalquivir River and the Sierra Morena and Sistemas Beticos mountain ranges. Andalucía offers so much to the visitor; from sandy, golden beaches to impressive mountains ranges, spectacular fauna and the renowned ‘white villages’ that are rich with artistry and folklore.

For the active visitor, different sport activities await, such as skiing at the Sierra Nevada slopes or surfing the coast of Cadiz. Andalucía is well known for its Flamenco magic and authentic bullfighting.

Famous myths were born here, such as Carmen and Don Juan.  Its large offerings of splendid traditions need to be slowly understood and appreciated.

Places of interest

Seville, as well as being Spain’s 3rd biggest city, is also the capital of Andalucía. It is one of tourists’ favorite places to visit, due to its very different ambience. It also has some amazing monuments, such as the city’s landmark, Giralda, an amazing bell tower of Arabic origin. There are also its huge Torre del Oro cathedral and the old Barrio Santa Cruz district.

Granada is situated at the foothills of Sierra Nevada. The city is called the ‘Moorish Jewel’ with the most impressive Alhambra, an Arabian palace. Cordoba is the preservation center of Moorish Spanish monuments, such as the impressive Cordoba Great Mosque.

Malaga offers the resplendent Mediterranean coastline, as well as the Alcazaba, which is of Moorish origin.Costa del Sol is part of Malaga’s coast with splendid beaches, a temperate climate, and fantastic tourist centers.

Ronda is a quaint little town, which is surrounded by a beautiful mountain range. Antequera is famous for Bronze Age remnants and outstanding monuments, together with the awesome Torcal de Antequera mountain range.

Almeria has the best preserved Moorish heritage and a fantastic coast.
Cadiz, as one of Spain’s oldest cities which the Phoenicians founded, has tropical vegetation with the Andalucían influence of whitewashed houses.

Huelva functions as an important fishing port as well as an industrious city. It was marked by the arrival of Christopher Columbus, with its reconstructed port, monastery, and three famous ships.

Doñana National Park is a vast preservation of beaches, moving dunes, rich fauna, and marshy regions situated near the Guadalquivir River, El Rocio, Acebuche, and Matalascañas. Plenty of migrant birds of different species make this park their breeding spot, flying all the way from Eurasia.

Costa de la Luz, or ‘Coast of the Light,’ is located near the Atlantic Ocean in the provinces of Cadiz and Huelva. It offers fine, sandy beaches in many of its tourist attraction centers.

Jerez de la Frontera is famous for its Sherry wine and wineries or ‘Bodegas’ as well as an equestrian school. Jaen is situated inland and has a massive medieval fortress containing Moorish baths from 11th century. It also has a cathedral from the Renaissance era and a natural Sierra de Cazorla preserve.