GENERAL INFORMATION

Many of Andalucía ’ s cultural highlights can be found in the Moorish cities of Córdoba , Granada and Seville , but there is a great deal more to discover throughout the expansive region , both on the coast and further inland . Fascinating towns are home to a wealth of architectural delights which reflect the region ’ s diverse history , with Islamic mosques alongside Roman ruins and Baroque churches . There is also great diversity in the natural environment , with snow-capped mountains , natural parks filled with extraordinary flora and fauna , desert-like landscapes , and rocky coves and sandy beaches along the 800km coastline .

LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS

The magnificent Mezquita in Cordoba , a mediaeval mosque turned Catholic cathedral . The magical Alhambra in Granada , a 9th Century palace fortress set amongst vast gardens . The three World Heritage Sites of Seville : the Alcazar palace , the gothic Cathedral and the General Archive of the Indies . Sherry cellars in Jerez de la Frontera , as well as dressage displays which are held at The Royal Andalucían School of Equestrian Art . Cadiz , the oldest city in Europe . Ronda , a spectacular city which is split in half by a narrow gorge . Malaga , birthplace of Picasso and home to a Museum which displays a collection of his work . Baeza , a small town with stunning examples of Renaissance architecture . Almeria , a coastal city which is dominated by the largest Moorish fortress in Spain . Flamenco performances . The numerous beaches – long , sandy beaches along the Atlantic coast , numerous resorts of the Costa del Sol , sandy coves south of Granada ; and rugged coastline near Almeria . The picturesque white-washed villages in the Sierra Nevada mountains which surround Granadas . The Sierras de Cazorla , Segura y Las Villas Natural Park in the east of the region , the largest protected area in Spain where you can find hiking trails , mountain villages and many wild animals . The Cabo de Gata Natural Park , a land and sea reserve near Almeria which is home to unspoilt scenery and an abundance of wildlife . The Doñana National Park in the west , an extensive area in the delta of the Guadalquivir River which includes marshland and sand dunes , and is a breeding ground of the endangered Iberian Lynx .

LOCAL EVENTS

There are numerous local festivals held in villages , towns and cities throughout Andalucía , many of which have a religious significance .

5 January : Three Kings parades , February : Shrove Tuesday Carnivals , February : Seville Tapas Fair , February – March : Jerez Flamenco Festival , March / April : Holy week celebrations , April – October : Seville Bullfighting season , April / May : Seville Spring Fair , April / May : Úbeda Classical Music Festival , Mid May : Jerez Horse Fair , June – July : Granada Music & Dance Festival , June - July : Cordoba Guitar Festival , August : Malaga Summer Fair , September : Ronda bullfighting festival , November : Granada Jazz Festival .

GASTRONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS

Cuisine in Andalucía combines Arabic flavours with more common Mediterranean ingredients . As the birthplace of tapas , Andalucía is an excellent place to try the snacks which are often served free with drinks in Granada . Other specialities include Serrano ham from the Sierra Nevada and sherry from Jerez de la Frontera , as well as dishes such as ‘ Ajo blanco ’ ( a white gazpacho ), ‘ Espetos de sardinas ’ ( roasted sardines ), ‘ Huevos a la flamenca ’ ( baked eggs with vegetables ) and ‘ Fritura de pescado ’ ( mixed fried fish ).

MULTI-CENTRE SUGGESTIONS

A recommended multi-centre holiday is to combine the three cities of Seville , Cordoba and Granada ( easily done by train ). This can be extended with a relaxing stay in the countryside or on the coast .

Andalucian street

View of Granada

Andalucian dish

Typical patio

TRAVEL

By air : The region ’ s main airport is in Málaga , served by flights to cities throughout Spain and the rest of Europe by airlines including British Airways . Trains run frequently between the airport and Malaga city centre , taking just 10 minutes . From here you can then continue by train to your final destination . Transfers are possible to resorts in Marbella and Estepona . British Airways also flies to Granada Airport and Seville . No-frills airlines also fly between the UK and airports in Jerez-de-la-Frontera , Seville and Almería . By rail : There are train stations in all the main towns and cities within Andalucía , with regular services making rail travel a convenient option . Many long distance trains travel to Andalucía , with services running from Malaga and Seville to both Barcelona and Madrid . This allows visitors to travel from the UK to Andalucía via Paris . Hire-cars : We recommend a hirecar for any multi-centre holiday in Andalucía if visitors wish to venture outside the main cities . It is not necessary to have a hire-car for stays in Cordoba , Granada and Seville as these are all easily accessible by train . Similarly , a car is not needed for a long stay at a coastal resort .

CLIMATE

Spring and early autumn are generally warm and sunny without the excessive heat of the summer months . Temperatures reach 40 degrees centigrade in July and August with little rain – many locals descend on the beaches as temperatures are highest inland . Winter temperatures reach around 20 degrees centigrade along the coast , with cooler temperatures inland . Rainfall varies throughout the region with the highest levels found in the west , and there is often snow in the mountains .

For expert advice call our travel consultants on 01392 441276 35