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Andalucía
Andalucía is the most southerly region of Spain and the Iberian peninsular, and it covers an area of 87,300 sq. km. and has a resident population of around 7 million people. It encompasses the major cities of Málaga, Granada, Seville, Córdoba, Almería, Jaén, Cádiz and Huelva, and has a wealth of history and culture.
The whole region has a colourful past and has been inhabited by many travellers including the Romans, the Moors and the Christians, and the first recorded history is from around the 3rd century BC. All the settlers here have left their mark and this can be seen throughout Andalucía in the beautiful architecture.
Andalucía is also the home of Flamenco dancing, Sherry and the famous Andalucían dancing horses. The region is very fertile despite its climate and grows every crop imaginable, from olives to oranges, from sugar to strawberries, from grapes to garlic and everything else in between. Although it is for its climate that most visitors come to this area of Spain.
Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol is the most southerly part of Andalucía, and its coast line stretches from Tarifa in the west to Nerja in the east, where the newly named Costa tropical takes over, some 155 km in all. The area is better known for its major tourist resorts of Torremolinos and Marbella, an it is this image that most people have of this area. However, there is much more to see and do, and e hope that you too will discover some of its many secrets.
Architecture
On the coast itself you will see the Moorish towers. These were built at Strategic points on the cliffs and used as lookout points to warn subsequent villages of invaders, where fires were lit in the tops of each one. |
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Inland there is much Roman architecture and many towns and cities have original Spa baths, and even the oldest preserved Roman city in Spain - 'Italica' - is close to the city of Seville.
The city of Granada was the longest lasting Arab kingdom in Spain, some 800 years in total. The Arabs built the world famous 'Alhambra Palace' in the city, and it is today the best preserved example of Islamic architecture. many other towns and cities have Arab influence and the distinctive buildings can be seen all over Andalucía.
Countryside
The mountain and inland areas have some of the most breathtaking scenery you will ever see, from rolling green filed to pine forests. From snow capped peaks to sheer rock faces. From tranquil lakes to dramatic fast flowing water falls.
From babbling brooks to majestic rivers. from sleepy tiny white villages to high rise cities bustling with activity. From minute churches to magnificent cathedrals. From cows grazing in meadows to goats scavenging dry hillsides. From rugged olive groves to pretty country lanes, in springtime full of wild flowers.
Each area has something different to offer, something that will always leave you wanting more, it is any wonder that this is the most popular area of Spain for visitors! |
