Video and tourist information about Andalusia
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.
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.
The Guadalquivir is Andalusia’s most important river and brings life to many areas in its journey across the region.
In barely forty 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.
The whole ensemble represents a range of attractions for tourists that goes from impressive monuments in large towns to typical small villages, which have provided a constant source of inspiration for all kinds of artists.
Andalusia today is a modern region with well-developed infrastructure. It offers a warm welcome to visitors and, while conscious of the need to modernise and move forward with the times, it is also careful to take care of its roots and maintain its important cultural heritage and monuments, legacy of the region’s ancestors.
Andalusia is the main holiday destination for Spanish nationals and one of the principal destinations for overseas tourists.
Andalusia has a wealth of culture that will take you way back in history, with major archaeological sites, the legacy of the different cultures and civilisations that made their home in this rich, beautiful land in the south of Spain.
The Alhambra in Granada, the Great Mosque of Córdoba and the Giralda in Sevilla are World Heritage monuments, an immense artistic legacy passed down across millennia of history.
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.
Come and explore these emblematic places as well as magical, symbolic traditions and rites.
Travel through time, discovering the Andalusia of past, present and future. Immerse yourself in a network of itineraries whose trails will uncover a unique land for you.
Eight hundred kilometres of coastline, over three hundred 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.
This is 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...
Andalucia has been a object of desire for the most advanced cultures and civilisations since the beginnings of history.
Iberians, Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans laid the foundations of many of the cities which today amaze us with their artistic, historic and natural heritage.
Hidden throughout the length and breadth of the rich geography of Andalusia’s eight provinces are lovely cities which deserve a privileged position for their beauty, their priceless architectural heritage, or simply for their traditions.
The Mediterranean diet is in fashion. Basic products such as fresh vegetables and pulses, fruit, fish and virgin olive oil have made Andalusian cuisine a major attraction.
Andalusian cuisine centres on fresh, local ingredients, with fish dishes available in coastal provinces and the finest meat dishes inland. A huge variety of fruit is to be found throughout. Perhaps the only difference is the personal touch that each town and village gives to its typical dishes.
Andalusia’s gastronomy is a faithful reflection of its history, packed with aromas, flavours and colours . It is a highly varied cuisine and its traditional products make it different and delicious.
The gastronomy of Andalusia owes much to the Moorish cuisine of Al-Andalus. Its refinement came to transform many customs. It was the people of al-Andalus who created the dining room and the current order of dishes in a traditional Andalusian meal.
Casseroles with vegetables and pulses , game stews, along with different seafood dishes are the essence of this cuisine. The most universal Andalusian dish, on account of its nutritional value and easy preparation is gazpacho, a cold soup made with tomato, cucumber, pepper, garlic, olive oil and vinegar, although there are many variations that add or omit ingredients such as "salmorejo", "porra" and "ajoblanco". They will all delight the most demanding palates.
All these elements make Andalucia a great place for holidays, where you will find thousands of quality holiday rental properties.
SOURCE : official tourism website of Andalucia