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ABOUT ANDALUCÍA |
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With beautiful beaches, majestic mountain ranges, scenic villages, historic monuments and cosmopolitan cities, Andalucía is a land of contrasts.
Located at the tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Spain’s southern-most province is lapped by the waters of both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean and offers visitors over 500 miles of scenic coastline. Here, over the centuries, merchants from the East and Moorish kings first set foot on European soil, and European explorers set sail for yet-undiscovered lands. But Andalucía is much more than beaches. The peaks of the Sierra Nevada and Sierra de las Nieves rise above the plains and offer panoramic vistas. They cradle picturesque pueblos blancos, ancient white-washed villages, seemingly untouched by time, once fortresses against a succession of invaders. Between the mountains and coast lie fertile valleys and prairies where acres of olive groves, and fruit orchards, sunflowers and vines offer an ever-changing palate of colors. For outdoor enthusiasts, Andalucía is home to two national parks and an assortment of natural parks ranging from river gorges to coastal wetlands. And for history buffs, the monuments of Sevilla, Granada and Cordoba, among Spain’s most celebrated, are striking testaments to their Christian and Moorish pasts. Whether you’re looking for a spot to rest and relax or ancient lands and civilizations to explore, Andalucía has a wealth of possibilities. Driving up from the coast or through the mountains, Ronda is a popular day trip. It is best known for the Puente Neuvo, "New Bridge," built in the 18th century spanning the ravine of the Guadalvin River and with spectacular views over the ravine and river valley. Its old Moorish quarter with lovely old houses sporting wrought-iron balconies overlooking charming stone streets beckon you to stroll. And Ronda is a stepping stone to other interesting sights. Nearby is Ronda la Vieja and the ruins of its Roman Amphitheater. West of Ronda on the road to Benaojan, you can marvel at prehistoric paintings dating from the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras at the Cueva de la Pileta. North of Ronda, visit the village of Setenil, where houses are built in the cave walls. And Grazelema and Zahara de la Sierra, northwest of Ronda, are scenic white villages. Or take a train ride. From Ronda, you can sit back and enjoy the breathtaking scenery on your way to the coast at Algeciras and Málaga or north to Sevilla. Nestled in the mountains close to the coast are still more picturesque villages, among them Casares, Gaucin and Jimena de la Frontera. Their narrow streets are lined with traditional white-washed houses decorated with wrought-iron grills. Views from the villages and the ruins of their old fortresses are nothing short of spectacular. If your travels take you further west, Cadiz, on the Atlantic Coast, is Spain’s oldest port city, attracting settlers and mariners for over 3,000 years. It is also a lively provincial capital with charming parks, plazas and 19th-century streets. Nearby, Jerez de la Frontera is another bustling city best known for sherry and horses. Horses play a dominant role in local festivals. And Jerez is home to bodegas such as Pedro Domecq and Sandeman, whose sherries are world-renowned. With its back to the ocean, Jerez looks out over fertile countryside. Like Cadiz, its striking architecture attests to its diverse past. And along with Sevilla, Jerez is considered the birthplace of flamenco, the region’s dramatic dance that is celebrated throughout the world. For those in search of sun and sand, the Costa del Sol (Sun coast) stretches along Andalucía’s Mediterranean coast from Tarifa on the west to Almeria on the east. Millions of visitors come annually to enjoy its wonderful climate, sandy beaches and diverse recreational activities. In recent years, the area has become a golfing paradise. In fact, due its mild winter climate, the Costa del Sol is now a year-round vacation destination. Most of the towns, formerly old fishing ports, have been transformed and boast upscale apartments, condominiums and elite residential communities. However, visitors can still stroll the streets of the old quarters with their whitewashed houses and facades decorated with black wrought-iron grillwork and displays of flowers. Marbella and Málaga are among the best known. On the far western edge, Tarifa is the most southern town on the Iberian Peninsula, just 8 miles from the North African coast on the Straits of Gibraltar. Converging air masses from the Atlantic and Mediterreanean and blessed with beautiful beaches, the town has become one of the foremost windsurfing destinations in Europe. And the old fishing port is still relatively peaceful with its delightful squares and streets. From the east, the drive from Algeciras to Tarifa offers stunning views of the North African coast. Continuing west towards Punta Paloma, there are small beaches and an impressive series of sand dunes. Throughout Andalucía, local fairs and festivals abound, and there’s sure to be one taking place during your stay. In addition to traditional religious events, most villages and towns have an annual feria, week-long festivities complete with parades, live entertainment, bull fights and amusements. Among the better-known events:
But you don’t have to be on the go to enjoy the best of Andalucía! Here the simple pleasures of daily life abound. Just take your cue from the people around you. In the morning, check out the local open-air markets with an array of tempting fresh produce, fruits, cheeses, fish, meat and artisan offerings. Enjoy an espresso or cold drink at a bar or café and watch the world go by. If it’s cocktail time, beer, sherry or sangria are the most popular choices, accompanied by tapas -- bite-sized appetizers ranging from tangy olives, to cured ham to tortilla española (potato omelette). In the south of Spain, life revolves around the sun. You’ll find that people get up and out in the morning to take advantage of cooler temperatures. Stores are open from 9 am - 1:30 pm and close mid-day. Meals are long and leisurely. Lunch is the main meal for most Spaniards and is generally served when it’s best to get out of the sun, around 2 pm. After lunch, it’s time for a siesta while it’s still hot outside. When the air starts to cool off, stores open again, from about 4 - 8 pm. And by 5 pm, the streets are full of people taking an afternoon paseo - a stroll. They’re running errands, shopping, chatting with friends and acquaintances. The cafés are full of friends engaged in animated conversations. Parks and playgrounds are alive with children. As the sun sets, most Spaniards return home for a light supper. Or for a special evening, they may have dinner in a restaurant or tapas bar. Dinner is served late by our standards, around 9-10 pm, so the streets are busy well into the night. |
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