When people think of traditional Spain, they tend to imagine bright blue skies, flamenco dancers donning polka-dots and ruffle dresses, drinking sangria, bullfighting, and horses. Yet Andalucia, the culturally rich and historical hot spot of southern Spain, offers so much more than the typical stereotype. Colorful, vibrant, and alive, Andalucia embodies the spirit of Spain.
“Leave me in Granada in the middle of paradise where my soul wells with poetry…” – José Zorrilla
Sevilla, rich in culture and cuisine, exudes a mood of tranquility and calm. There’s no rush here, letting you spend your days in numerous plaza and sidewalk cafes, while Sevillan nights call you to spend the night bar hopping sampling tapas and drinks. Home to an incredible architectural and artistic heritage, Sevilla has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Additionally, the immense natural wealth of the region creates a beautiful setting for hiking, horseback riding, cycling, or golf, and frequent outdoor festivals simultaneously celebrate the openness and folklore of Sevillan people, who always welcome visitors.
Unmistakably Moorish, the city of Granada fell last in the 1492 “Reconquista,” where Catholic Monarchs reclaimed the Iberian Peninsula; the city’s storied past is reflected in its food, craftsmanship, design, and local culture. It’s no surprise that one of its oldest neighborhoods, the Albaicin, has been awarded a World Heritage designation. Granada, the cultural focal point and crown jewel of Southern Spain for centuries, nowadays boasts a broad and varied cultural identity. Its distinct setting contrasts an incredible coastline with warm blue waters, and snow capped mountain peaks ideal for skiing.
Stately white villages and expansive olive groves highlight Córdoba’s landscape, and its towns boast a rich culinary heritage, featuring Los Pedroches cured ham and virgin olive oil, as well as stewed bull’s tail and a variety of thick gazpacho known as “salmorejo.” This thousand year old city stands as a living monument to the grandeur of Andalusia’s past and present, and a celebration of the different cultures that settled Córdoba throughout its history.
An especially noble town in the province of Cadizin, Cádiz combines the splendor of aristocratic palaces with typical Andalusian homes. A cultural epicentre of the region, a visit to one of the city’s many aromatic wine cellars gives any wine loving traveler a deep understanding of Spain’s wine making tradition.
A driving tour to Andalusia’s Pueblos Blancos, or White Villages, is a highlight of any trip to Spain. The whitewashed villages are impressive historical monuments, and their citizens still live according to age-old traditions inherited from their Iberian, Roman and Moorish forefathers. Some are hidden in fog-shrouded mountain valleys, others look out to the Mediterranean, and others still rule the farmland from atop rocky hilltops. Within their cool, hushed alleys lie Andalusia’s bounty: marinated olives, fried seafood, and that most prized of hams, jamon iberico de bellota.
A warm-hearted and lively city, Málaga is one of Spain’s most popular holiday destinations, thanks to its mild climate, its beaches and its outstanding offer of golf courses. The city’s historic center boasts a Town Hall from the early 20th century, and the site of the house in which Pablo Picassso was born. A walk around the old quarter must include the busy streets of Pasaje de Chinitas and Calle Granada, and the glorious Museum of Fine Arts.
Marbella is dripping with celeb sightings and many of the world’s elite buy property here. Luxury hotels, über-chic bars and first-rate restaurants all add a touch of sparkle to the resort city. Enjoy luxurious beach club service, fine dining, high quality golf resorts and extravagant spas.
