Seville - Where the heart of Andalusia beats
Seville is the capital and cultural center of the holiday destination Andalusia. Those who want to experience the authentic Andalusia come here - a little off the beaten track in the holiday paradises on the Mediterranean coast and the surf spots on the Atlantic. From the other bank of the Guadalquivir River, you can enjoy the view of one of the largest and best-preserved old towns in Europe. In the center of the city, the cathedral soars into the blue sky, which was once the third-largest church in the world alongside St. Peter's and St. Paul's in London. Parts of the church and the tower, the Giralda, were once a mosque built by the Moors in the 12th century. The Gothic part of the church dates from the 15th and 16th centuries. Also worth seeing is the Real Alcázar, a palace in the Moorish style from the period between the 10th century and the Gothic period. Here, the Spanish king stays when he visits Seville. Experience the Prodo on a small scale in the Museum of Fine Arts. The former Monastery of La Merced attracts visitors with a high-quality collection of paintings by great Spanish masters such as El Greco, Velázquez, Zurbarán, and Murillo.
Granada – The Moorish Andalusia in all its perfection
The absolute highlight of Andalusia is the magnificent city of Granada with the Moorish palace complex of the Alhambra. The name translates to "the red fortress." The huge complex consists of several palaces, residential and defensive castles, and gardens and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited attractions in Europe. Those who have seen the intricate decorations of the Nasrid palaces with their idyllic gardens will never forget them. The Moorish style of Islamic art and architecture achieved such perfection nowhere else. A whole day should be set aside to visit the Alhambra, and it is best to come in the off-season. The complex consists of the Generalife (the summer palace), the Medina, the Nasrid palaces, and the citadel (Alcazaba). In addition, the palace of Charles V from the 16th century is located within the walls. Andalusia, particularly Seville, Málaga, and Ronda, still hosts bullfights from March to October. It's up to you whether or not you want to watch such an event. Simply book a cozy holiday accommodation or an apartment, a finca with panoramic views or breathtaking sea views, or a comfortable holiday home, for example in Torrox in Malaga, in Cómpeta, or in the coastal city of Marbella, and explore coastal towns, nature parks with breathtaking landscapes, and enjoy a relaxing holiday between beaches and the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Between two seas - Swimming, surfing, horse riding
Depending on where you rent your beautiful holiday accommodation, house, finca or apartment in the holiday region privately, for example in a coastal town in Andalusia in a beautiful landscape, different activities are in focus: Beach vacationers prefer the Costa del Sol on the Mediterranean coast, wind and kite surfers choose the Costa de la Luz for a beach holiday on the Atlantic Ocean. The water temperatures there are somewhat lower. For children, the resorts on the Mediterranean are more suitable. The beaches gently sloping into the water have fewer strong currents than on the Atlantic. A good alternative for holidays in the hinterland is a holiday with a pool in Andalusia. Especially in the hot summer months, nothing is better than a refreshing dip on the terrace of your private holiday home, apartment, or accommodation with a sea view. Horse lovers should not miss a visit to Jerez de la Frontera. There are renowned riding schools and regular demonstrations. The Royal Andalusian Riding School is world-famous, and in mid-May, there is a large horse riding and horse festival (Feria del caballo). Take a trip to Seville and other beautiful towns in the area. Visit the provinces of Almeria, Cadiz, or Cordoba as well.
In the land of tapas - More than just little things
Your holiday destination Andalusia is the birthplace of tapas. The delicious small dishes are as iconic as the paella, both of which are considered Spanish national dishes. In the past, bars used to serve a small plate with each glass of wine or beer, which could be used to cover the glass against annoying flies (Spanish: tapar). On the plate was a piece of meat, some salad, a potato, or some fish as a snack to accompany the drink. This tradition has evolved into today's tapas. The selection of "little things" is huge, ranging from fish and seafood - grilled, fried, or a la plancha (prepared on a hot plate) - to oven-baked meat dishes, Spanish omelettes, and stews. In the hot summer months, nothing beats a Gazpacho, a cold vegetable soup. Try pickled anchovies, oxtail, or chipirones, small grilled squid. By the way: Paella is not from Andalusia but from the autonomous community of Valencia.
Dolor y Corazon - In the rhythm of Flamenco
A visit to a flamenco show is a must for every holiday in the Andalusian holiday region. The local music style is unique, characterized by its distinctive performance style and the accompanying dance, which deal with themes such as painful love, the highest passion, and also suffering. Since 2010, Flamenco has been on the UNESCO list of Intangible World Cultural Heritage. In Andalusia's schools, Flamenco is a fixed part of the curriculum. In addition to the impressive shows on large stages, Flamenco is alive and well in the nightlife of Andalusia. Go on a tour of the bars in the neighborhood of your accommodation, your apartment or holiday home, and you will certainly come across one or the other, often spontaneous, performance. Visit, explore, and admire untouched nature and typical sights of the surroundings.
Mediterranean, Atlantic or inland - The diversity of Andalusia
The dreamy holiday destination Andalusia is the southernmost part of the European mainland and is located in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula between the Mediterranean coast, the Atlantic coast, and the border with neighboring Portugal. The British overseas territory of Gibraltar is located on the Rock of Gibraltar at the strait between Europe and Africa. The capital of Andalusia is Seville and is located inland. The largest airport is located in Málaga on the Costa del Sol. Other airports serving Northern Europe are Jerez, Almería and Granada. The rail network connects all major cities in Andalusia, as well as the Spanish capital, Madrid. Rent a cozy accommodation or a splendid holiday home, a finca or an apartment, for example in Córdoba or in Nerja, in the region with panoramic views, and enjoy a relaxing holiday between sandy beaches and villages.