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Andalucía and Costa del Sol : Overview & Top 10

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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.

  • This 15th-century monastery has had its ups and downs over the centuries. During Spain’s Golden Age it was the favoured retreat of Christopher Columbus, whose remains were interred here for several decades. The monks went on to decorate their vast enclave with commissions from some of Seville’s greatest artists – most of the works are now in the Museo de Bellas Artes. In 1841 it became a ceramics factory. Finally restored as part of Expo ’92, the complex is today home to a contemporary art museum.

  • Casa Aire de Lecrin

    This little B&B is an absolute gem. Tucked away in the heart of Pinos del Valle, in the beautiful hills of the Lecrin Valley, the Casa is the epitomy of Andalusian style. The house was meticulously restored by the owner and your host, Anne-Muriel, whose flair for design and authenticity shines through in every corner. The bedrooms (all ensuite) are all individually decorated; we stayed in Shanghai, which is flavoured with oriental furniture and fabrics - we loved it. And the bed is one of the comfiest you will ever sleep in! There is a cosy sitting area with an extraordinary wooden fire place; and a little patio with dipping pool. There's also a dining room for breakfast in the winter, but as we were there in June, we ate on the beautiful roof terrace - from which you enjoy almost 360 degree views of the village and surrounding hills. Breakfast itself is fresh and healthy - juice squeezed from Anne-Muriel's own oranges; crusty bread bought fresh from the village bakery; fruits, yoghurts and preserves. Anne-Muriel herself is the perfect host - accommodating, helpful, friendly. Pinos is not for everyone - it's quiet (there's just one bar and a couple of shops); but if you are looking for a taste of the 'real' Spain and what to stay somewhere special, I can heartily recommend Casa Aire de Lecrin.

  • A few blocks from the main square, this is a premier tapas bar. It’s diminutive, but worth seeking out for the quality.

  • A 15th-century mansion, embellished with mosaics from Itálica.

  • This cultural centre is dedicated to Jewish influence. Top flamenco artists and renditions of Sephardic music.

  • Another museum, with performances.

  • Erroneously said to be based on the house of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem, this 15th-century gem is the most sumptuous of Seville’s urban mansions. It is a delightful blend of Mudéjar (Christian-Islamic), Gothic and Renaissance styles, punctuated with Classical statuary. Look for the head of the Greek boy, Antinous, who died as a teenager and was deified by his grief-stricken lover, Emperor Hadrian, in the 2nd century (see La Casa de Pilatos, Seville).

  • Few palaces are more opulent than this 15th–16th-century mansion. A mix of Mudéjar (Christian-Islamic), Flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance styles, it is also adorned with Classical sculptures, including a 5th-century BC Greek Athena and important Roman works. A noble residence to this day, it is filled with family portraits and antiques from the last 500 years.

  • In this delightful 17th-century house you will find tiled bathrooms, wooden floors, beamed ceilings, a charming patio and a sun-terrace. Ask for a room with a balcony and view over the rooftops.

  • This rustic favourite is known for its tasty regional cuisine.

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