A Brief Guide To Andalucia, Spain
Alhambra Palace
Andalucia is probably one of Spain’s most varied areas with its mountainous regions leading down to the Costa del Sol, Costa Tropical, Costa de Almeria and to the far west bordering Portugal, the beautiful Costa de la Luz. It is ideal for a holiday in winter as well as summer as there is skiing in the Sierra Nevada.
An Andalucia vacation has much to offer from its National Parks to a visit to Jerez for some sherry tasting. Also not to be missed are a day out to the wonderful city of Granada with its Alhambra Palace, Jaen or similarly Cordoba which also has much Moorish history.
The white towns (pueblos blancos) named because of the Moorish tradition of whitewashing the buildings are a glance back in time to traditional Spain. Towns such as Ronda, Gaucin and Jimena de la Frontera to name but a few.
Inland, rural Andalusia has three wonderful cities to explore, namely Cordoba, Granada and the capital of the region – Seville. In addition to these historic cities with their Moorish past, there are many traditional and picturesque whitewashed villages to visit, as well as nature reserves or simply walking or hiking in the scenic countryside.
Western rural Andalusia is home to the wonderful city of Ronda. It has a spectacular setting being located on a huge outcrop of rock. It is also famous for its bullring, which is the oldest in the country. The Punte Nuevo – ‘the New Bridge’ spans the gorge and links the old part of Ronda with the new. This part of Andalusia is also home to the whitewashed villages – pueblos blancos – of Gaucin, Jimena de la Frontera as well as picturesque towns and villages such as Alhaurin el Grande, Alhaurin de la Torre and Coin. Also in this area near the village of El Chorro is the geographical wonder of the Garganta del Chorro, a vast natural chasm in the limestone mountain. The national park of El Torcal is also popular with walkers, hikers and nature lovers.
In the east of the Malaga region Antequera is a busy market town within easy reach of Malaga for a day trip. It is a more traditional town and is well known for producing olive oil. It is possible to walk around the walls of the 13th century hilltop castle from where there are wonderful panoramic views over the surrounding area.
Some of the smaller rural villages in this area are Villanueva de la Concepcion, Alcaucin and the pretty white village of Competa. Here and in similar villages you will find a wealth of culture and a taste of real Spain. We have many holiday fincas and cortijos to rent as well as charming village houses all set in rural andalucian locations, yet the sea in most cases is within an hours drive. If you are looking for a vacation rental to get away from it all, then this is the area of choice.
Spain Vacation : A Perfect European Family Vacation
Spain Vacation
Who on earth will not display the desire to visit Spain? Nearly all and sundry dreams of setting foot to this highly remarkable place. Hence, make way for Spain as your exceptional European family vacation stopover. Touring Europe may be expensive. You will have to shell out much money from your bank account.
But with the fascinating destinations that you may marvel at such as Spain, sure enough, your expenses will be all worth it. Of course, it is such a wise move to avail of travel packages and the available freebies.
Annually, Spain opens its arms to the throngs of visitors from all over the world who come around to see for themselves the breathtaking sceneries that the country offers. The wide range of stopover choices clearly keep you informed of the rich Spanish tradition and culture, arts and architectural progress, and every little detail that is sure to remain imprinted in your very own memory.
Where should you go? Below is a list of the topnotch destinations that you may want to include in your itinerary.
Barcelona’s Modernisme. Barcelona was once placed under the rule of the pioneers of nationalism and anarchism in the 19th century. Some sights have preserved the modernism traces. In the effort of battling with the traditional ideals brought about by historicism, the catalan movement was established which aimed at the collection of the artistic inclinations of the inhabitants. Some of the names which rose as the products of the movement include Jujol, Gaudi, and Domenech.
Alhambra, Granada. Alhambra literally means “red”. Such destination reflects the then flourishing Moorish civilization in the nation. The Moorish kings settled in Alhambra which furthermore strengthened the Islamic belief. Some sculptures and other artistic products are on display.
Segovia’s Aqueducts. This stands out as the best preserved monument which recalls the progress of the then Roman empire. Its construction is by itself exceptional given the fact that the stones are not connected to one another by concrete or mortar.
Cordoba, Spain’s Mezquita. Mezquita means a “mosque” and it is the second rated biggest mosque in the world’s record. The cathedral asks for an entrance fee of 6 Euros, by the way.
Madrid clubs and bars. Bar hopping and clubbing is pleasurable in Spain especially that many people enjoy their nights doing these activities.
The Coto de Doñana National Park hosts a park that is filled with wildlife. Wetlands generally consist the park. The last species of the cats labeled as the Iberian Lynx is kept in here.
Sierra Nevada is the mountain range which is said to be next to the height of the Alps. In 1986, it held the title of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve because of the diversity of birds, plant, and animal species that it keeps and grows.
By going to La Mancha, you will feel as if the literary story of Don Quixote unfolds before you.
Toledo, on the other hand, was once a major cosmopolitan arena in Europe during the medieval times. It was previously known as Spain’s capital. For now, it has been appointed as another UNESCO world heritage place.
Now is the best time to plan out your destinations. A European family vacation can be twice the fun if you decide to visit Spain.