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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.

  • Andalucía’s 1,300-year-old Moorish heritage evokes pure Romanticism that is hard to equal. The delicate art and architecture is among the most splendid to be found on European soil (see Moorish Granada: The Alhambra).

  • These two chief wonders of Seville beautifully embody the juxtaposition of the Moors and the triumphalism of their Christian conquerors.

  • A mix of styles is evident in this vast and luxurious pleasure palace, built almost entirely by Moorish artisans on behalf of their Christian overlords, including the lush gardens.

  • This was once the most important city in Europe, a fact that is illustrated by the architectural masterpiece of La Mezquita, the Great Mosque (see Córdoba City).

  • Said to be Europe’s oldest city, Cádiz still retains an aura of ageold mystery. The golden-domed cathedral on the waterfront is a spectacular sight.

  • The largest of several white villages (pueblos blancos ) scattered throughout the region, Ronda is built on a table of rock that is spectacularly split by the Tajo gorge. It is also reputed to be the birthplace of the modern style of bull-fighting.

  • From the wealthiest of the yachting-set enclaves to all-inclusive package deals for young families, this famous expanse of sand and former fishing villages has something for everyone.

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What’s on now in Andalucía and Costa del Sol
  • Granada International Festival of Music and Dance
    The International Festival of Music and Dance is held in the exquisite setting of Granada's Alhambra, the Generalife Gardens, monasteries and the cathedral. It should have any sensible music... Read more
  • Dance of Patatú
    Twice a year, the village of Obejo pays homage to its patron saint, San Benito, with the Baile del Patatú (Dance of Patatú). The dance's origin is ambiguous, as it is a strange mixture of... Read more
  • Jazz en la Costa
    Jazz en la Costa, one of Andalucía's hottest jazz festivals, is set in Almuñecar's tropical Parque el Majuelo, in the shadow of a Moorish castle. Around 12,000 people enjoy the event's eclectic mix... Read more
  • Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horseraces
    One of Spain's three definitive sherry-producing towns, the seaside town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda is also home to some of the oldest horse races in Europe, which take place along the beach every... Read more