Andalusia

Things to do in Andalusia

Mediterranean Atmosphere

Axis between Europe and Africa and meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, this region has been coveted by many different cultures throughout history and prehistory. The region of Andalusia has a surface area of 87,268 km² and represents 17.3% of Spain. It is, on its own, larger than countries like Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Austria or Switzerland.

Andalusia is one of the warmest regions anywhere in Europe. It has a warm, Mediterranean climate with dry, hot summers and mild winters with infrequent precipitation. If there is one characteristic trait of Andalusia’s atmosphere, it is its light. The high proportion of hours of sunshine marks the cheerful, hospitable character of the region’s people.

The diversity of landscapes and geographical terrain gives rise to an array of environments that go from the heat of the Guadalquivir River valley through to luxuriant mid-mountain areas, volcanic landscapes such as the Tabernas desert, and the snow-capped peaks of Sierra Nevada. In barely 40 kilometres you can go from Alpine mountain landscapes to tropical areas on the shores of the Mediterranean. The coast of Andalusia stretches for almost 900 kilometres and is home to a large number of cities, towns and beaches that are a delight to visit.

Andalusia’s age-old history has left behind a wealth of artistic heritage. The Alhambra in Granada, the Great Mosque of Cordoba and the Giralda Tower and old town of Seville are all World Heritage sites, but the majority of its towns and villages also bear witness to the peak of Andalusia’s artistic heritage over the ages.

The stunning Moorish, Renaissance and, above all, Baroque architecture to be seen in its most important buildings, the castles, fortresses and monasteries to be found throughout the region, complete a hugely valuable array of heritage. The native region of Velázquez, Murillo and Picasso is home to canvasses, sculptures, jewellery, images and archaeological remains to be found in cathedrals, museums, churches, convents and palaces, guardians of this important artistic development. Even in the most remote villages you can find a first-rate altarpiece, a masterpiece of painting or an item of the most intricate precious metal work.

TRADITION

The variety of fiestas and celebrations to be found in Andalusia is as broad as its geography and the calendar of events is a real encyclopaedia taking in the arts and customs of its people. The spring festivals, planting and harvest festivals, patron saint’s day fiestas, fairs, wine festivals, open-air fiestas and pilgrimages all demonstrate the finest local crafts, gastronomy, music and religious beliefs.

The Carnival celebrations give a noisy start to the season, with a humorous, satirical look at everyday roles in society. During Easter week, churches bring out their most valuable treasures to accompany the Passion statues for processions that follow their itineraries faithfully year after year. The Corpus Christi festivities are the inspiration for another dazzling parade. The May Crosses festival brings together the sacred and the profane in spectacular harmony.

Bullfighting has fundamental importance in Andalusia on account of its deep roots. For three quarters of the year there are bullfights held in many different bullrings, to coincide with local fairs that are the scene for dancing and song accompanied by the guitar. Flamenco music is the most authentic expression of Andalusian folklore. The flamenco festivals in summer offer a calendar of performances to suit all tastes.

DISCOVER ANDALUSIA

800 kilometres of coastline, over 300 days of sunshine a year, two national parks, whales, orcas and dolphins, the largest number of protected natural areas in Spain, a historic and artistic heritage unique in the world, towns with local festivities all twelve months of the year, and a cuisine which features top quality produce. Not to mention the olive groves, Ronda, Moguer, the forests of fir trees, Cadiz, Moorish castles, the palaces, Úbeda... And the flamenco music. And the people. And the art.

You can take a tour of the eight Andalusian provinces, a journey around the lands of Almería, Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada, Malaga, Huelva, Jaén and Seville. Each so close, and yet each so different...

Things to do in Andalusia

Mediterranean Atmosphere

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