DK Travel : Andalucía and Costa del Sol

The diverse and politically semi-autonomous region of Andalucía has a population of some 7 million and embodies what is thought of as typically Spanish – an accurate portrait of the place and its people must include the bullfight, flamenco, gypsies, remote white villages, high sierras and mass tourism on endless stretches of beach. The memories you take with you after a visit here will be colourful, joyous, intense and deeply stirring.

Boating and Fishing

With so many marinas along the coast, sailing is big here. For deep-sea fishing, you need to obtain a five-year licence; for freshwater fishing, you’ll need a two-week licence. Contact the Spanish Fishing Federation for details.
Bodega El Pimpi, Málaga

Not only can you get the best of Andalucía’s vintages here, but there’s also a good selection of Spain’s finest, such as Ribera del Duero. Delicious tapas , too.
Bodega Francisco, Almuñécar

A forest of ham shanks hanging from the ceiling greets the eye, along with barrels of fino behind the bar in this traditional tapas bar. The attached restaurant next door, Francisco II, serves full meals.
Bodegas

You must visit some of the bodegas in and around Jerez.
Bodegas Alvear, Montilla

What distinguishes the wines here is two-fold. Giant terracotta containers (tinajas ) are sunk into the ground to keep the contents at a constant temperature, while the hot local climate ripens the grapes for a stronger wine (see Montilla).
Bodegas Andrade

This bodega was one of the first to realize the potential of the Zalema grape varietal for creating young wines.
Bodegas Gomara

This bodega produces the traditional Málaga wines as well as its own fino that is dry and pale. They sell the wines in souvenir bottles that may take the form of a matador, a guitar or castanets.
Bodegas Mezquita, Córdoba

This is an excellent place for finding local foodstuffs. Slow-cured hams, fine wines, olive oils and other delectables will tempt your palate.
Bodegas Quitapenas, Torremolinos

An excellent seafood tapas bar amid all the fast-food joints. Spanish seafood, including pulpo (octopus).
Bodegas Robles, Montilla

This organic wine producer employs an old system called solera , in which young wines on top are blended with older ones below, until they mature.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €20
- €20–€30
- €30–€40
- €40–€50
- over €50