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.

El Tinao del Mar, La Herradura

Regional cooking at its simple best, which means seafood at this beach location.
El Tintero II, Málaga

Another open-air restaurant on the beach. There’s no menu, so the waiter will tell you what’s on offer – all fish, of course.
El Torcal

Málaga Province’s most dramatic natural sight is this limestone massif, carved by the weather over countless millennia into bizarre forms. The visitors’ centre explains how the wonders came to be.
El Torcal

A mountain nature reserve, great for hiking. The bizarre limestone rock formations are the big draw.
Emperor Carlos V

His reign (1516–56) left Spain nearly bankrupt, but with cultural legacies such as his palace in Granada (see Palacio de Carlos V).
Ensaladilla

“Russian salad” is sometimes an option for vegetarians – but not for vegans, as it usually consists of diced vegetables mixed in a thick mayonnaise. Watch out, however, as there are versions with cubes of ham mixed in as well. And make sure that this, and all mayonnaise-based dishes, are freshly prepared.
Equestrian Equipment

Jerez is also one of the best places in the world for refined horseriding gear. Arcab is a good starting point.
Ernest Hemingway

The American writer was a newspaper correspondent in Spain during the Civil War. For Whom the Bell Tolls is based on his Andalucían experiences.
Eshavira, Granada

This atmospheric club hosts flamenco, jazz and ethnic music concerts on Thursdays and Sundays. Decorated in Moorish style, the centuries-old water cistern has been transformed into a stage.
Eslava

This tapas bar offers specialities such as lamb with honey and courgette (zucchini) quiche.

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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