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Andalucia! Spains most charming region
Andalucia is Spain as you have always imagined it: white-washed hilltowns, Moorish palaces, orange blossom, sequined matadors, flamenco dancers, city carnivals, wave-pounded beaches, and sherry ‘bodegas’. There's a wealth of wonderful buildings, from Seville's little-known Roman ruins to Granada's world-famous Alhambra palace. And there are still some wonderful surprises, from horse-riding through the chestnut woods of Aracena, to snow-shoeing on Spain's highest peak in the Sierra Nevada. There are more tapas bars here than in any other Spanish region, and the quality and variety, especially in terms of seafood, is second to none.
Wherever you go, there is an enticing array of unique places to stay, from historic town mansions to charming country retreats, many of which outstrip the state-run paradors. If you stay in one of our privately owned homes and would like to take excursions to any of the places in Andalucia, we will be delighted to recommende one of these charming places and also organize a private driver to take you there.
Take part in the charming Andalucian life. Soak in the atmosphere from the people who really enjoy life. See the breathtaking and historic sites and let the beautiful nature take you by surprise. The mountains, rivers, harbours, countryside, seaside– you will be amazed. You will understand that throughout history, like today, people have come to this beautiful Spanish region called Andalucia and they have stayed.
With regular 2-3 hour flights from northern Europe to several Andalucian cities, there is nothing to stop you coming, even for a weekend. The hardest thing will be leaving so soon.
Andalucian kitchen!
If Spain is the home of tapas, then Andalucia is its kitchen. There are more tapas bars here than in any other Spanish region, and the quality and variety, especially in terms of seafood, is second to none. All the Spanish regions take great pride in its cuisine, and Andalucia is no exception: Moorish flavours (almonds, oranges) combine with local herbs (saffron, cumin, coriander) and healthy fish and meats (squid, ham) to make a distinct and delicious gastronomy. But meal-times are late – lunch starts around 2pm, dinner rarely before 10pm – and this is where tapas are so valuable, to fill the gaps, or to constitute an earlier meal in themselves.
Tapas are tasters or very small portions, great for the visitor as they allow you to try out lots of dishes without committing yourself. The word means ‘lid’, because originally they were served on a saucer which covered your drink. They are usually eaten standing or perched on stools at the counter or on a makeshift surface, such as an up-ended barrel. In authentic tapas bars you will find that your bill is chalked up on the counter in front of you (don’t attempt to understand the numerals!), and that the floor is covered in sawdust (to help those sweeping up afterwards).
An alternative is to dine at a ‘restaurante’ or a ‘marisqueria’ (fish restaurant), waiter-served restaurants offering excellent local cuisine at reasonable prices, particularly in the ‘menu del dia’ or ‘cubierto’ (fixed menu). As always, try and avoid restaurants near tourist magnets; and make sure you experience the tapas scene at least once!
What about the food? Specialities include ‘rabo de toro’ (stewed bull’s tail with onions and tomatoes), ‘solomillo de cerdo’ (pork sirloin) and, of course, ‘gazpacho’ (Andalucia’s famous cold tomato and cucumber soup, also called ‘salmorejo’ in Cordoba). You often find squid cooked in its own ink, a seafood paella called ‘arroz marinero’, fish stews, and seafood in ‘adobo’, a marinade of cumin, marjoram, vinegar, salt and pepper. Vegetables are usually ordered as side-dishes. Dessert are sweet and sticky, Arab-style, or sometimes variants on the crème caramel theme.
A glass of cool sherry or ‘cerveza’ (lager beer) are the favoured drinks, though ‘sangria’ (a strong wine-and-fruit punch) and red and white wines (either bottled, from Rioja, La Mancha, Catalunya etc, or local barrelled wine) are available.
Activities
Sightseeing
Romans, Moors and Christians have combined to leave us, among other sights, Granada’s Alhambra palace; Seville's lofty Giralda cathedral and museums; Carmona’s necropolis; Cordoba’s huge Mezquita mosque and Ronda’s bullring to mention a few.
Festivals
Cadiz’ February carnival outstrips Rio for flamboyance, wit and song, while Seville’s Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Feria de Abril flow with drink and dance.
Hiking and cycling
Sierra Nevada: everything from gentle rambles between Alpujarran villages to 3000m summit ascents. Huelva province: walk or cycle for hours through chestnut woods without seeing anyone. Natural Parks of Torcal and Grazalema: rock formations and stunning flora.
Horse Riding
Andalucia has a long equestrian tradition. Many of the fincas (country houses), including La Almuna have stables.
Golf
Andalucia boasts over 50 golf courses, half of them on the 'Costa del Golf'.
Windsurfing and water sports
Tarifa on the Costa de la Luz is Europe’s hottest windsurfing spot, with year-round winds and excellent waves.
Skiing
Europe’s sunniest ski resort, ‘Sol y Nieve’, lies near Granada on the Sierra Nevada (December to April).
Scenic drives and rail journeys
Europe’s highest road across the 3400m Sierra Nevada (summer only); the historic ‘Suspiro del Moro’ pass between Granada and Otivar; the breathtaking rail journey from Gibraltar to Ronda; and the El Chorro gorge near Torcal.
Shopping
Rugs, leather, ceramics, shawls, fans, guitars, inlaid wood and tailor-made boots all make excellent souvenirs.
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