Andalucía

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.

Andalucía is a land of surprises and contradictions. Away from the mass-tourism resorts you’ll find some of the most pristine beaches in the country, while inland are green hills, white villages, huge nature reserves (one-fifth of Andalucian territory is under environmental protection), and the snowcapped highest mountain range on the Spanish mainland, the Sierra Nevada.

Deeply traditional yet ready to seize the modern world, Andalucians always live life to the full. Few visitors to their land fail to get caught up in the fun.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009