Spain's southernmost and cheeriest area is Andalusia (Andalucia). The region draws visitors because of its festivals and customs, ferocious ferias held year-round and friendly residents. Here, summer lasts the longest, and the water is the warmest.
Southwestern Europe is where you'll find Andalusia. Southernly, it's washed by the Mediterranean Sea and the Strait of Gibraltar. And to the west, it shares a border with Portugal and the Atlantic Ocean. East Murcia, Castile-La Mancha, and Extremadura form Andalusia's northern neighbours.
The landscape of Andalusia is surprisingly diverse. High, almost impregnable cliffs alternate with fertile plains, and the deserted Almeria contrasts sharply with the swampy areas of Cadiz. Moreover, this is the only region where the hot climate of the Mediterranean is adjacent to the cold of the Alpine peaks.
Andalusian History
For thousands of years, in the territory of modern Andalusia, tribes, monarchies, and nations have been replaced with fantastic frequency. Barbarians in 411, Visigoths in 458, and Arabs in 711 captured this vast and prosperous region.
Andalusia was heavily reliant on Arab culture for an extended period. Language, science, and the arts come first, followed by farming techniques. They made several ground-breaking discoveries and advancements. Water pumps, windmills, and paper were just the beginning; so, too, were aromas and flavours that were foreign to Europeans. Granada, the last major Arab bastion in Europe, was retaken by the Catholic Kings in 1492.
Attractions and Recreation
Andalusia contains well-preserved old monuments - medieval fortifications and Arab towers of the XI century, churches, and lovely, white Andalusian towns in the foothills. Due to its position near the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula, Andalusia has a warmer climate than much of Europe. Because Andalusia has many sunny days a year and many beaches, the Mediterranean climate is perfect for tourist growth.
The Costa del Sol around Malaga is one of the most significant tourist areas, with the famous resorts of Marbella, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, San Pedro de Alcantara, and Estepona. Costa del Sol is Andalusia. However, Andalusia is the real Spain, precisely how tourists imagine it according to books and films, music, songs, and stories - this is the birthplace of bullfighting and flamenco.
The Costa del Sol in Spanish means "Sunny Beach"; its name is entirely justified - the sun shines here 11 months a year. The Costa del Sol, 300 km long, belongs to the category of expensive and prestigious resorts in Andalusia - mainly due to the chic resort of Marbella. Only elite hotels are located here, surrounded by beautiful parks and gardens, and along the coast for a whole mile - it is called the Golden Mile - stretches private villas belonging to members of royal families, Arab sheikhs, and the world celebrities. It has all luxury attributes - from yacht clubs, the most famous in the harbour of Puerto Banus, to beautiful golf courses and casinos.
Andalusian Cities
Andalusia's central city, Seville (Sevilla), is on the banks of the Guadalquivir River and is known for its eccentric culture and architecture. Seville dominated commerce with the American colonies for two centuries, and Andalusian influence is still felt in Latin American fiestas and carnivals today.
The 93-meter-high quadrangular Arab mosque Giralda (XII century), whose minaret was converted into the bell tower of a magnificent Gothic cathedral, the Golden Tower (Torre del Oro), an old Arab city wall bastion, the monastery of Santa Maria de las Cuevas, where Christopher Columbus was initially buried, and Discovery Park on Kartukha Island all make outstanding impressions. The third-largest Christian cathedral in the world is Seville Cathedral (constructed on the site of a medieval mosque; 116 m long; 76 m broad; 1402-1506).
The Arabs built a wall around the old city on the river's left bank, and some of that wall is still standing today. Santa Cruz, San Bartolome, San Vincente, San Lorenzo, and El Arenal are among the city's most recognizable neighbourhoods. Triana, a historic district on the other river bank, is one of the city's top tourist attractions, alongside the Old Town.
City landmarks include Plaza de España and Maria Luisa Park. The arches around Plaza de España are topped with the coats of arms of all the provinces in Spain.
Magic Island (Isla Magica) is a theme park located directly in the city. In addition to the rides, there is an opportunity to get acquainted with the history, culture, and art of different times and peoples, enjoy a water show, ride high-speed slides, and listen to exotic songs performed by numerous musical groups during lunch or dinner.
Granada, at the base of the Sierra Nevada, is east of Andalusia. The last Muslim state's capital was there in the Middle Ages. Albaysin's oldest district housed its first Moorish fortress. Moors had nowhere to go when Christians besieged the city.
The Alhambra Fortress, the Moors' sole surviving aesthetic landmark, is on a rocky outcrop above a forested hill near Granada. One of the world's seven wonders, this stronghold is the apogee of Moorish architecture, art, and culture. The "Court of Lions," which features a fountain supported by 12 miniature grey marble lions, and the "Court of Myrtle," which is an open space with a shallow pool surrounded by bushes and myrtles, served as the social epicentres of the Alhambra's palace. Arched niches bookend the courtyard, and the "Hall of Ambassadors," the Moorish monarchs' receiving hall, stands at the plaza's northern end. An exquisite cedar wood dome crowns the structure.
Cordoba was first attested in literature in the year 206. The Arabs were responsible for the country's greatest prosperity. The city is a fantastic blend of Islamic, Jewish, and Christian architecture, with sites like the Palace of the Caliphs, beautiful gardens with fountains, the Arab Mosque Mesquite (785-985) — the second largest after Mecca, later converted into the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin, the Roman Bridge, the Jewish Quarter, "El Cristo de Los Faroles" — a crucifix standing on a closed square from all sides, and the Archaeological Museum.
Andalusia Map
Holidays and Culture in Andalusia
A typical fiesta would not be complete without visiting at least one of Andalusia's world-famous bullfighting stadiums.
Initially, fights with wild bulls were the privilege of the Spanish nobility and were arranged like jousting tournaments. When at the end of the XVII century. In court society, it became fashionable to copy the costumes and customs of ordinary people, and they also recognized a dangerous folk game - an afoot fight with bulls. They began to build unique arenas, developed the rules of the duel, and published the first books on bullfighting. Lavish costumes for bullfighters are still sewn in the fashion of Goya's time. Andalusia is still considered the main centre of bullfighting throughout the Iberian Peninsula.
Flamenco music originates in southwestern Andalusia. In the last part of the 19th century, its popularity increased. Nevertheless, its origins presumably date back to the 15th century, when gipsy tribes from northern India began moving to Europe.
Сuisine of Andalusia
Arabic and Moroccan civilizations have heavily influenced the cuisine of Andalusia. Citrus fruits, almonds, and paella rice came to Andalusia with the Moors. Gazpacho, the popular cold soup, originated in Andalusia (gazpacho). Modern staples include tomatoes, olive oil, cider vinegar, and garlic. However, gazpacho was initially created with white grapes and almonds mashed in a Mauritanian mortar and pestle long before tomatoes arrived in Europe. Andalusia is also the birthplace of escabeche, a type of pickled fish, and the traditional salad of oranges and remojon (salted cod).
My ten most recommended things to do in Andalusia, Spain
- Caminito del Rey: Guided Hiking Tour with Entry Tickets
- Alhambra: Nasrid Palaces & Generalife Ticket with Audioguide
- Jerez de la Frontera: How the Andalusian Horses Dance
- Malaga: Sunset Sailing Catamaran Trip with Glass of Cava
- Seville: Royal Alcázar Entry Ticket
- Córdoba: Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba Skip-the-Line Ticket
- Seville: Guadalquivir River City Cruise
- Seville: Live Flamenco Dancing Show Ticket at the Theater
- From Seville: Pueblos Blancos and Ronda Full-Day Trip
- From Seville: Day Trip to Gibraltar
