Andalusia

Map of Andalusia } Map of Spain

Sevilla - Real Alcazar

Plaza de España Seville

Sevilla - Barrio Santa Cruz

Granada - the Alhambra Palace

Granada - Alhambra´s Generalife Gardens

Granada - the Alhambra

Alhambra - Patio of the Lions

Cordoba - Roman bridge over Guadalquivir

Cordoba - Santa Eufemia

Cordoba - Belcazar Castle

Ronda

Ronda - Bridge over El Tajo Gorge

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Monumental Cities and Towns
History and Geography
Cuisine
Festivals
Itineraries that feature this region
Accommodation in this region
Others

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Andalusia , Spain is known to many as "the bridge between two continents" or "the gateway to Europe". The Andalusia region has been coveted by many cultures since the earliest period of mankind, and it is one of the areas of settlement of our prehistoric ancestors. The diversity of the landscapes, which form the Andalusia region, provide an entire spectrum. And it is this variety of environments that create a superb mix of tourist attractions, which range from the monumental towns to traditional villages. A continual source of inspiration for all types of artists.

Today, Andalusia is a modern community, that knows how to welcome its visitors, and which, despite being aware of moving with the times, takes great care to maintain its Andalusian traditions and to care for its important cultural and monumental patrimony.

Monumental Cities and Towns

Seville: home of the Europe´s biggest Cathedral and its adjacent minaret, La Giralda. Among the many sights of the city are the Torre del Oro, the atmospheric Barrio Santa Cruz "Old Jewish Quarter", Reales Alcazares and gardens, Plaza de Toros and the magnificent Plaza de Espana situated by the Maria Luisa Park..
Granada: the magnificent Alhambra is the landmark of the city. Close to it is the Generalife and gardens, and downtown is the superb Cathedral, the Palace of Daralhorra, the moorish quarter of Albaicin and the Sacromonte gypsy district where flamenco rings out.
Cordoba: Moorish city with a great mosque - the Mezquita, a fine Old Jewish Quarter with synagogue, the Torre de la Calahorra and the ancient walls, the Alcazar, Medina Zahara (785-787), and a strong flamenco tradition.
Ronda: one of the White Villages, it features the dramatic el Tajo gorge and 18th century Puente Nuevo, the Plaza de Toros (1785) and the Mondragon Palace.

History and Geography

It is possible that the Neolithic revolution and the evolution from nomadic to sedentary civilisation came to Europe from Africa via today’s Andalusia. Rome realised that these lands were an open door and its legions first appeared during the III century B.C, and formed part of the great civilised world for seven centuries. After their arrival in the year 711, the Moslems began a prodigious stay in the region and for eight centuries they developed the area with agricultural techniques, botanical and scientific knowledge, poetry and intellectual progress.

The Caliphate’s breakdown was used by the Christians for the Reconquista and the last stronghold, the Kingdom of Granada, was conquered by the Catholic monarchs in 1492. The 20th century began with the goal of regeneration. However, the persistence of social instability gave way to the Civil War of 1936 and its aftermath. After the remarkable economic and social transformation of the sixties and seventies, democracy returned to Andalusia once again and it was declared an Autonomous Region in 1981.
With a size of 87,268 square kilometres, Andalusia is the largest autonomous community in Spain. Its topography is marked by the depression of the Guadalquivir Valley, which runs between two mountainous areas: the Sierra Morena mountains to the north and the Betica ranges to the south. Within forty kilometres it is possible to travel from this alpine landscape to the tropical shores of the Mediterranean. The Andalusian coast, almost 900 km long, is home to a large number of towns and beaches. Andalusia generally has a mild winter; except in mountain areas, and very hot summers with temperatures often well above 30ºC.

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Cuisine

Andalusian gastronomy is heavily influenced by the Arab cooking of Al-Andalus. Vegetable and pulse stews, game dishes, together with the different forms of preparing fish, are the essence of their cookery. The best known Andalusian dish, famed for its nutritional value as well as ease of preparation, is gazpacho, a tomato-based cold soup containing cucumber, pepper, garlic, oil and vinegar. Other Andalusian dishes include: gachas (pancakes) from Almeria, the sardinas (grilled sardines) from Malaga, the excellent seafood from Cadiz, the rabo de toro (bull’s tail) typical from Cordoba or the huevos a la flamenca from Seville. Andalusia is also famous for quality cured meats such as jamón de Jabugo (cured ham) considered the best in Spain, excellent olive oil and sherry that comes from Jerez de la Frontera. Sweetmeats are also remarkable such as cabello de angel (angel´s air) and borrachos (drunkards).

Festivals

February: Carnival in Cadiz
Easter: Major celebrations happen throughout Andalusia but especially in Seville, Granada, Cordoba, Baeza, Ubeda and Malaga.
April: Feria de Abril in Sevilla (from the 16th on). Coloured tents, festive lights, non-stop merrymaking, flamenco and daily bullfights.
May: Horse Fair in Jerez de la Frontera (Cadiz) featuring riding exhibitions, competitions and a livestock show.
August: Horse races along the sands of Sanlucar de Barrameda (Cadiz).

Others

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Itineraries that feature this region

Themed Spain Tours

Spain´s Roman Silver Route - From Sevilla to Gijon

Spain Tours by Region

Jewels of Andalusia

Spanish Cities

Accommodation

Please click on the symbol to see the Spanish Hotels in this area and obtain information about each.