Lose yourself to Andalucia’s sweeping beaches, mountainous scenery, and ancient villages for the finest Spain under big open skies. Truly a place of magnetism and wonder, here, quaint pockets of rural life remain unspoilt. In addition, land is protected as natural parks and the mood is set by flamenco and prancing horses, wild olive trees and twinkling sea views. Sitting at Sotogrande’s fingertips, a sun-dappled world of adventure and memory-making awaits.
Immortalised in opera, art and literature from centuries gone by, Andalucía is typecast as a romantic, joyful land, filled with bullfights and Spanish dance, but there is much more to it: is created from a blend of religions and cultures, African influence and foreign spice. Early Islamic mosques sit near palaces replete with stucco work, Moorish-style teterías (teahouses) welcome in passing customers and cuisine is flavoured with Moroccan flair.
From travelling through mountaintop towns perched on craggy edges, to kitesurfing on golden beaches, there is plenty to see and do in Andalucia. One of the most intriguing and mysterious attractions is the ancient notion of Duende, the elusive spirit that infuses Spanish art, Flamenco especially. Duende is neither magic nor thing but more a feeling of intense emotion experienced during a performance, and it can be stirred if you mingle in the right places.
The capital of Andalucia and the birthplace of Flamenco, Seville, is renowned for being a city that is full of life and possibilities. Also famous for being the site of Christopher Columbus’s tomb, which is located in the Gothic cathedral that majestically anchors the city centre. Well worth a visit, is both the ornate Alcázar Castle complex and the mustard-yellow Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza bullring. The city of Granada is inexplicably alluring with many visitors drawn in by its compelling offerings. It is a place where Islamic architecture and Arab-flavoured street life go hand by hand, with the spectacular Alhambra Palace as its star attraction. One of the oldest cities in Europe, Malaga’s intrigue and history radiates through its architecture. The Picasso Museum is set within the 16th century Buenavista Palace in the heart of the city and has many flocking to the museum to see over 200 pieces spanning most of his career.
Andalusian dishes, passed down from generation to generation, are rich in flavour, as fresh as possible and contain a wide array of ingredients, including olive oil, fish, nuts, red wine and fruit. Whether it’s golden, saffron-infused Paella, refreshing Gazpacho soup or an abundance of sweets originating from Arab traditions, there is nothing quite as delicious as Andalusian cuisine. From the contemporary bohemia of Málaga to the ancient streets of Ronda, Andalucia’s towns and cities are separated by swathes of beautiful countryside, dramatic hills and stunning shores each inviting you to venture closer and explore.
