Programs Andalusia
Experiences | Activities
Tips
Many Arab heritages survived the reconquest and mark the Spanish scene, mainly in Andalusia, in the southwest of the country, where one can feel the magic of "Arabian Nights" story when entering the fortresses (Alcazabas), royal residences (Alcázares), mosques and gardens.
Among the most interesting cities in Andalusia, Seville, Cordoba, and Granada deserve a special mention.
Must visit & Major attractions:
- Sevilla: Seville, cut by the river Guadalquivir, navigable in its path, is known for its architecture, full of old palaces, churches and rich constructions at its height moment.
Cordoba: is another city that cannot fail to be included in any route through Andalusia. Its mosque is so large and beautiful that when the Christians captured the city, they didn't dare to destroy it: they preferred to build inside a Catholic temple. The city has a medieval layout, where it is very easy to get lost and lively neighborhoods at night, as is the case of Juderia (old Jewish quarter) full of pubs and restaurants.
- Granada: one of the most important tourist destinations in Andalusia, was the capital of the Muslim kingdom, before being conquered 250 years later by the Catholic kings (Fernando de Aragón and Isabel de Castilla). The main attraction of Granada, one of the most pleasant in Spain, is the famous Alhambra, a spectacular fortress on a hill that encompasses several towers and gardens and simply spectacular gardens. Alhambra can be considered the most spectacular Arab architectural heritage in European territory and perhaps the most important tourist attraction in all of Spain.
- Malaga and Sierra Nevada mountain: separating Granada from the sea is the Sierra Nevada mountain, a popular winter sports station, visible from the city. Malaga, already on the coast, is a very old city founded by the Phoenicians. At the time of the Islamic domain, it made part of the Granada kingdom and it also has a citadel. From the top of the walls of this 11th-century fortress, built on a hill, has the most magnificent view of the coastline.
- Antequera: it's a village in Andalusia's heart. Declared World Heritage of Humanity, Antequera preserves a historical center and a very well preserved old town center with magnificent churches and a castle that stands over the city. From afar it resembles a sleeping giant. La Peña de Los Enamorados, a mountain with 874m, also known as the "Indian of Antequera", named after the resemblance of an Indian's man head.
- Ronda: is one of the towns of Andalusia that more visitors attract. Built on top of a rocky promontory, Ronda stretches along the top of the promontory with a river canyon dividing the city. To cross the canyon a bridge was built in the 18th century that remains unassailable dominating the city. Explore the bullfighting arena or white Moorish village.
- The route to the White Villages (Route of the White Villages): The Route of the White Villages is one of the ex-libris of Andalusia. Discover some of the most beautiful villages of southern Spain, such as Zahara de la Sierra, Grazalema, Setenil de la Bodega, Gaucín, Arcos de la Frontera, Jimena de la Frontera or Ubrique.
Gastronomy
The first ingredient I remember when I think of Andalusian cuisine is the olive oil, as it is one of the main ingredients of all the typical dishes of the entire Andalusian territory. Nowhere else in the world grow more olive trees or as much extra virgin olive oil as in Andalusia. Olive oil is present in most traditional Andalusian dishes, such as a good gazpacho or salmorejo. Other dishes you also cannot miss in Andalucia are Migas, Patatas a lo Pobre (poor man's potatoes), Iberian ham and fried fish (be sure to try fried fish in the beach pubs). If you go there, of course, you probably want to try the typical tapas in every part of the region, that are often offered for free with the drinks. The best city to experience tapas is in Granada, although you find them throughout Andalusia.
Main events and festivities
Tapas Festival, Sevilla - February
Flamenco Festival, Jerez Frontera - March
Easter - Holy Week, Andalusia - March or April
Abril Fair, Sevilla - April
Backyard Festival, Cordoba - May
Horse Fair, Jerez Frontera - May