Four Ways to Explore Andalusia
The region of Andalusia, the heart of Southern Spain, is
home to some of the country’s most varied and iconic scenery, from the Moorish Architecture
in Granada to the golden beaches of the Costa Del Sol, and the towering peaks
of the Sierra Nevada. Factor in the bullfighting, flamenco dancers, bustling
Tapas bars and an abundance of Sherry, and you are guaranteed a taste of
traditional Spain wherever you visit. A whole host of airlines offer frequent flights
to the main airports of Malaga, Seville, Jerez and Gibraltar; try Monarch for cheap flights to Spain.
Obviously you
could never cover the whole of this vast region in one visit, and although
Andalusia has a modern railway network connecting all major towns, services are
often infrequent, and coach journeys can be slow, so it’s easier to hire a car
to explore the more remote areas of countryside (try reputable providers such
as Hertz or Europcar at the airport, or book online before you travel with Holiday
Autos or Easycar). If you don’t fancy taking to the roads on holiday, and want just
a taste of this rich region, here are four different ways to discover Andalusia.
Sherry
Tasting in Jerez
The city of Jerez is the capital of sherry production,
and you can visit the well known “bodegas” of Gonzalez Byass and Pedro Domecq
to watch how the fortified wine if made (and stock upon your own supplies!).
The city is also famous for its equestrian schools, with public dressage
displays on Thursdays, and the 18th Century Palacio de Penmartin,
with exhibitions on the music and dance of Flamenco.
Scale the Sierra
Nevada
The snow-capped
peaks of the Sierra Nevada are a haven for active holidaymakers, whether you
want to hit the slopes in winter or hike up the verdant hills come summer.
There are several mountain refuges for serious mountain climbers, and Solynieve
is an ever-expanding ski-resort. For gentler pursuits, take a tour around Las
Alpujarras, the fertile valleys on the southern slopes, dotted with remote
whitewashed villages, where you can buy hand woven rugs and ham cured in the
cold mountain air.
Granada
The city is peppered with impressive architecture left
by its Moorish inhabitants. The old city centre is a maze of narrow streets,
where you’ll find the Alcaiceria, a reconstruction of a Moorish bazaar. Must-see
attractions include the Alhambra, a complex of 16th-and 13th
century palaces, and the country estate of the Nasrid Kings, with gardens
perched over the city.
Lazing on
the Costa Del Sol
With 300 days of sunshine a year and a yawning stretch
of sandy beaches, the Costa Del Sol offers a whole host of beach based
holidays, from the chic boutiques and flashy Marina in Marbella to the family-friendly
hotels on the Benalmadena Costa. Many of Europe’s finest Golf Course lie inland
from Marbella, and those looking for an unspoilt patch of sand should seek out
Rincon de la Victoria, perfect for a beach barbeque.