Introducing Andalucía
Spain’s most southerly region is the true home of typically Spanish experiences. Bullfighting, tapas, flamenco, the guitar itself, all began in Andalucía and remain deeply embedded here. Other aspects of Spanish life take on their most extreme forms here: Andalucian fiestas are the noisiest and most colourful (can you hack the pace of Seville's Feria de Abril?), Easter processions have more pageantry, the summer heat is more broiling, the people are at their most vivacious, fun-loving and family-oriented. The coastal tourist resorts are the most densely crowded in the whole country, though you may be able to find a beach to yourself along the Costa de Almería if you're lucky.
Andalucía is the proud home of Spain’s most famous building, that bejewelled diadem of Islamic architecture, Granada’s Alhambra, as well as other marvellous relics of medieval Islamic Spain. The region also has a lesser-known but as fabulous heritage of cathedrals, palaces and castles from later eras. Contemporary Andalucía is ever more cosmopolitan and fashionable, with towns and cities like Córdoba, Cádiz and Málaga full of hip boutiques and hip bars, stylish restaurants and pumping nightlife - pulsating with life while maintaining their historic charm.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Tourists in garden patio.
- Micah Wright
- Lonely Planet photographer
