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Spain’s southernmost region is home to many of the country’s defining cultural touchstones, as well as its finest beaches and some of its most stunning natural landscapes.
From the beaches of Marbella to the pueblos blancos of its hills, days spent exploring the architectural delights of Seville and Cordoba to nights wrapped in the sound of flamenco and the aroma of fresh tapas, there is so much to see and do that it might be difficult to know where to start.
Fortunately, Villanovo is here to set you on your way, with our guide to Andalusia.
What better place to start than the Granada’s iconic Alhambra. Perched atop a hill, towering over the romantic city of Granada, this UNESCO world heritage site is magnificent remnant of Andalusia’s rich Islamic past, is a must-see for anyone visiting the region for the first time. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, it’s a testament to the enduring beauty of Moorish architecture.
Another spectacular vestige of the region’s rich and varied past is the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba. Construction began in the 8th century when Cordoba was the capital of the Muslim-controlled Al-Andaluz, with regular additions taking place over the following 200 years. It was later converted into a cathedral after the Reconquista of Spain in the 13th century, with the minaret becoming a bell tower – but many of the original architectural flourishes remain intact. Since 1984 it has been a UNESCO world heritage site.
Andalusia has no shortage of gorgeous, whitewashed villages tucked away in its hills, but it’s unusual to find one that has actually been carved into them. The wonderful Sentinel de las Bodegas, located between Seville and Malaga, provides the setting for some fascinating architectural curiosities, not to be missed.
It’s impossible to mention the word Andalusia and not immediately conjure images of bullrings and flamenco. This traditional musical style provides perhaps the most visceral and passionate live music experience you can find in Europe. If you find yourself in Granada then head to the neighbourhood of Albaicin where you are likely to see street performances, or to the cuevas (caves) of the traditional Sacromonte neighbourhood. Those visiting Seville should try the “Los Gallos” tablao for an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.
For a fantastic experience with the family in Marbella, perhaps try a spot of canyoning. Children as young as 6 can take part in this excellent opportunity to take in some of the most stunning scenery in Marbella. Guided tours can be arranged via our local specialists.
Well, when in Rome…
Tapas restaurants may have popped up in many major cities around the world, but nothing beats the real thing. Take a look out our guide to Andaluz cuisine for more details. And don’t be shocked to see locals throwing their olive pits, toothpicks and napkins on the floor beneath them when they’re done with them – it’s an authentic part of the culture!
The pueblo blanco of Ronda is a sight to behold. Not only is it gorgeous in its own right, perched high on a hill overlooking a spectacular panorama of endless greenery below, but it boasts a stunning high bridge which has inspired many a writer – Ernest Hemingway among them, who based the most famous chapter of For Whom the Bell Tolls on events said to have taken place there.
This huge natural park containing mountains and limestone caverns is also home to the Egyptian eagle, a species that is seriously under threat. With over 30km of signposted walking routes, it offers anyone visiting Andalusia the opportunity to take in these spectacular sights, as well as to work off a bit of that jamon they overindulged in…
Andalusia boasts some of the best beaches in Europe, with Marbella and Cadiz in particular home to some wonderful stretches of sand and crystalline waters. With summer temperatures often reaching a blazing 40 degrees, what better way to cool yourself off than on one of the best beaches in Andalusia. Sea our dedicated guide for more details
Seville is home to the third largest cathedral in the world. This UNESCO world heritage site forms part of the wider Alcazar palace complex, where the King of Spain resides during his visits to Andalusia. The site possesses, gorgeous rooms, patios and gardens, as well as the Cathedral’s iconic La Giralda bell tower, the views from which stretch out across the whole city.
This unique complex of caves situated close to Malaga offers a spectacular view into an underground world, as well as our own past. The remains at the site point to human activity taking place there some 40,000 years ago, with a painting of seals found within the caves perhaps the oldest known painting produced by humanity. Meanwhile it’s awe-inspiring galleries of stalactites and stalagmites are equally jaw-dropping.
