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.

1. Moorish Granada: The Alhambra

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).
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2. Moorish Granada: Generalife
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3. Moorish Granada: Albaicín
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4. Seville Cathedral & La Giralda

These two chief wonders of Seville beautifully embody the juxtaposition of the Moors and the triumphalism of their Christian conquerors.
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5. Real Alcázar, Seville

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.
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6. Córdoba City

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).
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7. La Mezquita, Córdoba
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8. Cádiz

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.
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9. Ronda

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.
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10. Costa del Sol

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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