Andalusian mountains on the world map. The "White Village" of Andalusia: Arcos de la Frontera

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Why go and what to see in Andalusia

Andalusia is the southernmost region of Spain, washed by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic. The cities of Andalusia are filled with history and extraordinary architectural sights, while the coast is famous for its endless sandy beaches and amazing landscapes. For a traveler, Andalusia is a “two-in-one” region – it is at the same time suitable for sightseeing holidays and beach holidays. And if the beach season lasts from May to September inclusive, then a varied excursion is possible all year round, since the region has a mild climate and there is rarely bad weather.

The history of Andalusia is closely connected with the reign of the Moors in the early Middle Ages. It is not surprising that in many cities of the region, amazing monuments of Islamic heritage have been preserved, which are adjacent to typical Catholic churches and cathedrals (Spain is a traditionally Catholic country). Practically in all major cities Andalusia has its own alcazar (palace) and alcazaba (fortress). Andalusian cities that are definitely worth seeing include, in particular, Seville, Granada, Malaga, Cordoba, Cadiz and some other smaller towns.

Speaking about the beach component of the holiday, it is worth noting that almost unlimited opportunities open up for tourists here. The main beach holiday areas in Andalusia are the Costa de la Luz, the Costa del Sol and the Costa de Almeria. Each of the coasts has its own characteristics, and resort centers can be called such towns as Marbella, Cadiz, Almeria, Benalmadena, Torremolinos, Nerja and others.

There are many sights in Andalusia that are not connected with the sea. For example, dozens of natural parks are located here, including the famous mountain park Sierra Nevada, Doñana National Park, Cabo de Gata Coastal Park, Tarifa Dunes and more. Andalusia owes its diverse nature to the climate, which varies from the typical Mediterranean on the border with Portugal to the semi-desert on the territory of the Almerian Desert (by the way, the only one in Europe). Read also what other regions are popular for .

Martin Haisch/Malaga

Visa and entry rules to Spain

To enter Spain, a Spanish national or Schengen visa type C (tourist) is required. You can also get to Spain on a visitor visa (an invitation from the Spanish side is required). You can open a Spanish visa at the embassy or consulate of Spain (Moscow, St. Petersburg) or at numerous visa centers which are available in almost every major city. In order to open a visa, you will need to collect a standard package of documents, take biometric fingerprints (directly upon submission of documents), issue (the sum insured is not less than 30 thousand euros). Return tickets and hotel reservations where you are going to be accommodated are also attached to the documents. As a rule, a visa is opened within a period of several days to two weeks, less often - longer.

The rules for entering Spain are standard in relation to Europe, since Spain is part of the Schengen area. During passport control, you may be asked to show a printout of travel insurance, hotel reservations, return tickets, so you need to have them on hand. The rest of the procedure is standard and does not take much time.

harvey barriso/roman bridge

Climate and weather in Andalusia

Most of Andalusia has a Mediterranean climate, while in the continental part the weather is hotter, in the coastal part the heat is mitigated by the sea breeze, in the Sierra Nevada mountains snow falls in winter, but in the desert of Almeria all year round you can observe the "lunar" landscapes. Despite the wide variety of climatic zones, the weather in Andalusia is quite mild and one of the warmest in Europe, due to the proximity of Africa (across the strait).

Summer time in Andalusia is ideal for a beach holiday, the water on the coast warms up to comfortable temperatures closer to June and lasts until the end of September. It is also worth noting that cold currents can come to the Costa del Sol several times during the summer, but this phenomenon is not long in time. As for the Costa de la Luz, you can swim here starting from June, despite the fact that the coast is washed Atlantic Ocean. The temperature reaches maximum comfort for swimming in July-August. The Costa de Almería opens the swimming season the earliest, as it has a semi-desert climate.

lucia.lence/sunset at St. Petri

How to get to Andalusia

The most popular ways to get to Andalusia are flights to Malaga or Madrid. Malaga is located in the eastern part of Andalusia, on the Costa del Sol, from here it is convenient to relax in such resorts as Marbella, Benalmadena, Nerja, Torremolinos, Mijas, etc., as well as to explore Granada and Ronda. Madrid is located not in Andalusia, but in the neighboring region of Castile, from which it is convenient to get to cities such as Seville and Cordoba, as well as visit the resorts of the Costa de la Luz, including Cadiz, Huelva and Tarifa. There is a convenient railway connection between the cities, so you can get from one part of Andalusia to another in just a couple of hours. It is also worth noting that train travel in Spain is one of the cheapest in Europe.

Flights to Malaga and Madrid are carried out by both Russian and Spanish airlines. Flight time is approximately 5-5.5 hours from Moscow. There are also flights with transfers in European cities (such flights are usually cheaper than direct ones). You can also fly to Madrid and Malaga directly, in addition to Moscow, from St. Petersburg, from other Russian cities you will need a transfer in the capital. You can check the flight schedule for the desired route on the ticket booking services:

Planes land in Malaga at international Airport Costa del Sol, which is located 8 km from the city center. There are 3 terminals at the airport, aircraft from Russia are served by terminal number 3. You can get from the airport to Malaga and other resorts of the Costa del Sol by bus, suburban train or taxi. Bus stops and the railway station are located right next to terminal number 3, which is very convenient for landing. A taxi car can be found at the exit of the terminal, or you can order a transfer in advance.

On services and you can book a transfer service to any desired resort on the Costa del Sol (Marbella, Benalmadena, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Mijas, Nerja and others). You can travel to other Andalusian cities from Malaga by train. So, the travel time from Malaga to Granada will be about 3 hours, to Ronda - 1 hour 50 minutes. Schedule - at the railway service .

Kamyar Adl/Marbella

Public transport in Andalusia

For movement between the cities of Andalusia, among public transport, it is most convenient to use trains, because. this method is the fastest and most comfortable. By train, you can get to almost any, even the smallest settlement (although there are exceptions, for example, you cannot get to Marbella by rail). You can always check the train schedule to the desired city at the railway service . You can also travel between cities by regular buses, but the number of such routes is limited, and the travel time is much longer. You can see the bus schedule on the website Alsa and on the websites of several other regional carriers.

In the cities themselves within the historical centers, where the main attractions are concentrated, you can move around on foot. In addition, major cities in Andalusia, such as Seville and Malaga, have a well-developed public transport network, including buses, metros and trams.

Min Zhou/Metropol Parasol

Andalusia by car Rent a Car

Andalusia is a fairly large region by European standards, there are 8 provinces here at once, and all of them are interconnected by high-speed highways, along which you can easily, quickly and comfortably travel by car. In general, traveling around Andalusia by car is one of the best ideas for independent tourism. Firstly, by car you can get to such places in the region that are inaccessible by public transport, this concerns, first of all, . Secondly, when traveling by car, you can forget about not always convenient public transport schedules and travel at your own pace and rhythm. Thirdly, having a car at hand solves many applied problems, such as the issue of transfers, city transport tickets, etc. It is not surprising that car rental in Spain is becoming more and more popular year by year.

In order to rent a car in the cities of Spain, you must present a standard set of documents - a passport, driver's license(international or national new sample with a Latin entry) and bank card to pay for services and block the deposit. The registration procedure itself does not take more than 20 minutes, and you can also be offered additional car insurance. A convenient option is the ability to book the desired class of car in advance. You can do this on car booking services, just select the city in which you plan to rent and actually the desired class of car:

Emilio/Motorways of Spain

Cities of Andalusia

In Andalusia - every city is a real pearl of architectural thought. Even in small towns In the region, you can sometimes find unique historical monuments, to say nothing of large cities, which, in fact, are major tourist centers not only in Spain, but throughout Europe. The most visited cities in Andalusia are Seville, Granada, Cordoba, Malaga and Cadiz. Read more about the attractions of each of them below:

is the administrative center of Andalusia, its cultural and tourist capital with many historical monuments and architectural landmarks, some of which are even included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Holidays in Seville are a mixture of varied excursions, excellent cuisine, bullfighting and flamenco. The main tourist sites are the Alcazar of Seville, the Cathedral and the Giralda Tower, Plaza de España and the Maria Luisa Park, the Metropol Parasol umbrella, Pilate's house, the Torre del Oro tower, the Maestranza bullring, the Flamenco Museum and much more;

- a city where Moorish motifs and flaming Gothic mixed up, and the Mudéjar style was born. Granada boasts a huge number of UNESCO monuments, the main of which is the Alhambra of Granada and the ancient quarter of Albaciin. In addition, the Cathedral of Granada, the palace and gardens of the Generalife, as well as the Abbey of Sacromonte in the vicinity of the city, certainly deserve attention;

- a city that appeared back in time ancient rome and since then has experienced a rich history, and one of its most striking milestones was the kingdom of the Caliphate of Cordoba in the Middle Ages. Among the attractions of Cordoba are the Alcazar Palace, the Mezquita (Cathedral Mosque), the Roman Bridge, the Jewish Quarter, the Calahorra Tower, the Merced Palace. All objects are perfectly preserved and have survived to this day in their authentic form;

- a port city and a major tourist center on the Costa del Sol. Here you can walk along the medieval streets and visit the fortresses and forts that defended the city, have fun on the Malagueta beach and go on a further journey along the coast, Malaga is called the “gateway” of the Costa del Sol for a reason. The top attractions of the city include the Cathedral, the Picasso Museum, the La Malagueta bullring, the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro fortresses, Botanical Garden La Concepción, the old port of the city, and, of course, local beaches;

- is considered the most ancient city in Europe. Cadiz is located on the Atlantic coast, has breathtaking sandy beaches and a number of historical attractions that make the city unique and inimitable. Despite the fact that Cadiz can be considered as a beach resort, there are no less opportunities for a sightseeing trip. The main objects of the city, in particular, include the Cadiz Cathedral, the Candelaria Bastion, the Genoese Park, the fortress of St. Sebastian, etc. The best beaches in Cadiz can be called Playa Santa Maria del Mar, Playa Victoria, Playa Cortadura and Playa Caleta;

LWYang/Granada

- a picturesque town, lurking on sheer cliffs. The best views of Ronda are natural. Tourists willingly go to the city to see the famous Punta Nuevo Bridge, which hangs over a rocky abyss, at the bottom of which the Guadalevín River flows. In this case, it would be fair to say that the Punta Nuevo arch bridge is better to see once than to hear about it a hundred times;

- this is the birthplace of the famous sherry drink, it is not for nothing that the city is often included in the route gastronomic tour across Andalusia. In addition to wine tasting, Jerez is definitely worth stopping by to see one of the largest Cathedrals in the region, walk around the local alcazar, visit the Church of St. Michael and museum complex Atalaya. Do not forget that hundreds of wineries are located in the vicinity of the city, which invite guests to taste their products;

- a small but very colorful town located in the vicinity national park Doñana and next to the Portuguese border. Huelva is not a typical Spain, there is a lot of English here, both in architecture and design. From what is definitely worth seeing in Huelva, one can name the Cathedral, the Roman aqueduct, the Church of St. Peter and, of course, the house of Columbus. There are also many attractions in the vicinity of Huelva, for example, the monastery of Santa Clara, the temple of the Virgin de la Cinta, the Doñana National Park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The spacious sandy beaches of Huelva also cannot but fascinate;

- the main attraction of Tarifa is the starting point that separates the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. This point is not symbolic, having arrived in Tarifa, you will really see how the translucent emerald water of the sea and the black blue of the ocean mix off the coast. Tariff is the most south point Europe, Africa begins through the strait, so it is not surprising that it is here that local sandy beaches turn into real dunes and dunes. However, swimming here is not always comfortable, strong winds blow, but the place can be advised to all lovers of windsurfing and kiting.

steven gerner/Ronda Bridge

Andalusia: beaches and resorts

Andalusia is one of the best places for a beach holiday in Spain. The beaches here are entirely sandy, golden, spacious, while surprisingly clean, well-groomed and, most importantly, free. Local authorities strictly monitor the cleanliness here, so many marked with a sign blue flag as the most clean beaches peace. Conventionally, the entire coast of Andalusia is divided into three large areas - Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light), washed by the Atlantic, Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun), washed by the Mediterranean Sea and Costa de Almeria, which is also washed by the Mediterranean Sea , but has differences in landscape due to the proximity of the Almerian desert.

Of the above cities, beach resorts, of course, include and with their amazing golden sandy beaches. Both resorts are located in the Costa de la Luz area, i.e. washed by the Atlantic Ocean. The swimming season here lasts from late May to mid-September, best months for swimming - July and August, when the water off the coast warms up to maximum temperatures. More about other beach resorts in Andalusia:

- the resort is located on the Costa de la Luz, here the Guadalquivir River merges with the Atlantic, and here is the Doñana National Park. The best beach area can be considered a series of beaches Bajo de Guía, Calzada, Piletas and La Jara, as well as the beaches of neighboring Chipiona;

– a secluded resort on the Costa de la Luz with crystal clear white sandy beaches and calm waters of the bay. The best beaches you can search in the St. Petri area, which is considered a protected area;

- one of the most popular resorts coast of the Costa del Sol. The advantage of the resort is its developed infrastructure. The beach line of Marbella is sandy beaches with a gentle entrance to the sea, equipped to the maximum, from sunbeds, umbrellas and deck chairs to equipment for aquatic species sports, bars, cafes and outdoor parties;

- the main resort on the Costa de Almeria. This resort is quite young by the standards of Spain, but modern infrastructure makes it highly competitive. The main advantage of Almeria, in addition to its developed infrastructure, is the sandy beaches, inflated from the African desert. The coast of the Costa de Almeria is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, and the holiday season lasts from June to September inclusive;

kevin pacheco/Beaches of Almeria

- the second largest beach resort on the Costa del Sol after Marbella. The best beaches here are the beaches of Malapesquera Torrebermeya, Bil Bil, Arroyo de la Miel, La Viborilla, Las Yucas. Another advantage of the resorts is all kinds of entertainment complexes, natural parks and other activities that only Benalmadena can offer in a number of resorts on the Costa del Sol;

- the closest beach resort to Malaga is the Costa del Sol. The development of infrastructure, together with long sandy beaches, make Torremolinos a very popular place in the "high" swimming season. The beach line of the resort is conditionally divided into two parts - El Bajondillo in the east and La Carihuela in the west, both are great for swimming and relaxing;

- the resort is famous for its cleanest 8-kilometer beaches, listed in the Blue Flag. The coast is washed by the waters of Middle-earth, there is a gentle entrance to the sea, the place is great for family vacation, incl. with small children. The best beaches in Fuengirola are Los Boliches, Las Gavitolas, San Francisco and Torreblanca;

- a small but very comfortable resort on the Costa del Sol. The place is famous for its Mijas Costa coastline and Aquamijas water park. To visit the local water park, tourists come to Mijas from all nearby resorts, including Marbella and Fuengirola;

is both a beach and sightseeing city. The beaches of Nerja are located in secluded sandy bays, which are sheltered from the winds, in addition, they are surprisingly picturesque. The bays are surrounded by local mountains, climbing which you can see breathtaking landscapes. It is not surprising that it is in Nerja that the “Balcony of Europe” is located, from which good weather you can even see the coast of Africa. You should definitely visit the caves of Nerja, which are fraught with many surprises;

- the Costa del Sol resort, the most remote from Malaga, is suitable for those who are looking for solitude. The main attractions of Estepona are beautiful deserted beaches, snow-white houses of the old town, a botanical garden, and a zoo. Just think, the beaches of Estepona stretch along the coast for 22 kilometers, is this not a paradise for beach lovers!

rey perezoso/Caleta Beach

Hotels in Andalusia, Spain

Andalusia has a well-developed hotel infrastructure. In large cities, you can find chain hotels, bed and breakfasts, and budget "twos" and "threes", while in resorts along the coast there is a whole chain of beach hotels with a full range of relevant functions. The price category of hotels in Andalusia is considered quite democratic and is comparable, for example, with the prices of hotels in Catalonia. Also in Andalusia, such a type of accommodation as renting apartments has become widespread. Moreover, accommodation in apartments is popular, both in large cities such as Seville or Malaga, and in small towns on the coast.

You can find a suitable hotel / apartment in Andalusia, as well as check the availability for specific dates on specialized services for finding hotel offers:

Booking - hotel reservations in 120,000 destinations around the world;

roomguru — best deals from thousands of hotel booking sites.

When choosing a hotel, pay attention to such parameters as location, availability of a beach area (if it is a resort on the coast), type of food, parking availability (if traveling by car). In anticipation of the high season, it is recommended to book accommodation in advance.

elliott brown/Mijas

Travel insurance

Going on a trip to Andalusia or any other part of Spain, do not forget to take out a travel insurance policy, which is mandatory already at the stage of obtaining a tourist visa (must be presented when applying for a visa). You can take out insurance on your own without leaving your home. There are special services for this:

- online insurance for people traveling abroad and traveling in Russia;

- Oonline service for choosing and buying travel insurance with the ability to compare offers from various insurance companies;

You can buy a policy online and then print it on a regular printer. Insurance must be attached to the documents for a visa, you also need to have it with you at the time of passing through passport control upon arrival at the airport. Please note that the minimum amount of insurance coverage for a trip to the Schengen countries (including Spain) is 30 thousand euros. Medicine in Spain is paid and in each case can be very expensive, so having insurance with you is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Jorge Franganillo/Sacromonte District

We will be happy to answer your questions in the comments!

Photo at the beginning of the article: Edmund Gall

With the onset of autumn, there are fewer and fewer days to enjoy the hot sun and warm sea. What to do if you do not want to say goodbye to the Spanish summer? It is best to travel south to Andalusia. And to get to know the amazing culture of this beautiful region, visit the famous "white villages". In our new review, we will talk about one of the most beautiful of these villages - Arcos de la Frontera.

There is a legend that the great-great-grandson of Noah once came to these lands, built several houses with his sons and planted a garden. Soon the small settlement on the rock turned into a beautiful village. The land in this region has long been fertile: the locals grew grapes and wheat, made strong wine and baked the best cakes. With the arrival of the Romans in Andalusia, the small settlement turned into a military fortress, from which it was convenient to observe the valley, tracking the troops. After the Romans, several graceful columns in the courtyards of houses have been preserved in Arcos, which can still be seen today.

Andalusia- this is one of the most beautiful Spanish provinces, which, like a magnet, attracts tourists from all over the world.

It is inextricably associated with beautiful weather, sunshine, spectacular monuments, beautiful beaches (this is where the famous Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz are located), as well as picturesque white villages.

Andalusia is also the birthplace of flamenco and bullfighting and a place where the mountains (here is the highest mountain range of the Sierra Nevada in continental Spain) and the warm sea complement each other perfectly, creating a wonderful landscape.

1. Granada

Granada is a beautifully located city, which is known for its beautiful palace-castle complex in the form of a fortress - the Alhambra.

beautiful fortress Kalat Alhambra(translated from Arabic Red Castle), built by the Moors, courtyards (the most famous of which Lion Yard), fountains, border towers, as well as beautiful terraced gardens take us to a completely different, oriental world.

Be sure to pay attention to the incredible decorations and rich decorations in the form of bas-reliefs, mokarabes(incrustations in the form of stalactites), ceramic tiles in various shades and calligraphic inscriptions.

Further, after Alhambra the path leads us to the water gardens ( Generalife), from which a beautiful view of the northern part Granada, in particular, located two kilometers north of the city center Hospital Real(Royal Hospital of the Catholic Kings) - today it houses University of Granada.

While in Granada, it is worth visiting the cathedral complex, which consists of several extremely interesting buildings, such as royal chapel, Old Exchange, building former town hall, and Cathedral with paintings Alonso Cano.

However, the absolute hit of this place, like the whole of Granada, is interior of the Royal Chapel with a unique golden presbytery and the mausoleum of the Catholic kings.

Andalusia is an autonomous region of Spain, located in the southeast of the country. Its area is 87,268 sq. km, 6.95 million people live here. Its constituents are eight provinces, each of which takes its name from major cities: Cadiz, Cordoba, Almeria, Malaga, Granada, Seville, Jaen, Huelva. Once Andalusia, and especially the provinces of Malaga, Granada and Seville, was the poorest region of Spain, today it is one of the most popular places recreation. And all thanks sandy beaches, picturesque corners, breathtaking mountain views, famous monuments and open, welcoming people. Andalusia is the birthplace of the national flamenco dance and bullfighting. Andalusia is 900 kilometers of coast mediterranean sea, 70% of which is sandy. These are the Costa de Almeria, the Costa Tropical, the Costa del Sol (Sunny Beach) on the Mediterranean and the Costa de la Luz on the Atlantic coast.

Landscape and climate

According to the nature of the relief, Andalusia is divided into three regions: Mountain chain Sierra Morena; the valley of the Guadalquivir River, the width of which, when it flows into the Atlantic Ocean near Ubeda, reaches 300 km; as well as the Cordillera Betica ranges, consisting of the Subbetic ranges in the north and the Penibetic Cordillera in the south from the very high peak peninsula - Mulasen (3478 m). Traveling along this region, you will be amazed by the diversity of the landscape - fertile plains are replaced by desert areas, green river valleys, impregnable mountains, snowy peaks. In the spring, Andalusia is like a motley carpet of changing colors - these are fields of poppies, sunflowers, cotton, orange and olive groves. The slopes of the mountains are covered with pine trees, evergreen shrubs, myrtle and thyme. Andalusia has more than twenty natural parks under state protection. The climate is characterized by mild winters and long, hot summers. In February, the thermometer drops to +12 °C, and on the Costa del Sol - up to +20 °C. In spring the temperature can rise up to +28 °С in May, in summer up to +35-40 °С. The mountainous areas are cooler in summer, but can get really cold in winter. In spring, the water is cool (+17-18 °C), suitable for hardened people. In summer it warms up to +23 °С.

Story

Around 1000 BC. e. The Phoenicians founded the trading post Gadir (Cadiz) here. In 206 BC. e. The Romans conquer the Iberian Peninsula. In the 5th century Germanic tribes appeared on the territory of the future Andalusia, and in the VI century. The Visigoths settled on the territory of almost the entire Iberian Peninsula and created a kingdom with the main city of Toledo. The created state fell under the onslaught of the Arabs. For more than seven centuries, since 710, when they first landed in the town of Tarifa, the Arabs ruled over the peninsula. The heritage of Moorish culture gives a special charm to Andalusia. The traditions of the distant Moors are visible in architecture, decorative art, and are felt in music. The Moors are a mixture of Berbers and Arabs who entered Spain from North Africa through the Strait of Gibraltar and conquered the peninsula, called al-Andalus. It was very difficult to win back the territory of Spain: the famous Reconquista lasted from 722 to 1492. During their rule over the peninsula, the Arabs developed civilizations in the cities of Cordoba, Seville, and Granada. The Umayyad dynasty founded the Emirate of Cordoba, which in 929 under the ruler Abd-ar-Rahman III becomes a caliphate, which in 1031 broke up into small Islamic states.

In 1086-1145, during the reign of the North African Berber Almoravid dynasty, Moorish rule on the peninsula was strengthened. In the second half of the XII century. the Berber Almohad dynasty drives out the Almoravids. In 1232-1492. The Moorish kingdom of Granada is a vassal of Castile. The kingdom then included the provinces of Malaga, Granada and Almeria. In 1492, the Reconquista ends with the expulsion from Granada of the last king of the Nasrid dynasty, Boabdil.

In each city, magnificent traces of Moorish culture have been preserved, the most valuable and unique of which is the Nasrid Alhambra Palace in Granada, called the "Earthly Paradise". Its splendor inspired the Christian king Pedro I to build something similar for his Alcázar residence in Seville. Moorish traditions are visible in urban architecture: for example, everywhere the walls of houses and courtyards are decorated with glazed tiles of azulejos, as well as arabesques, representing an intricate pattern of floral ornament.

Even during the Reconquista, the kingdoms of Aragon and Castile were formed on the territory of Spain. Since 1479, when the dynastic union of Castile and Aragon was concluded, Spain became a single state. In the XVI century. absolutism is established in Spain, the Spanish colonial empire is taking shape, which, however, did not last long: first, predominance at sea was lost, then, as a result of the War of the Spanish Succession, the most important fortified point at sea - Gibraltar passes to England.

The history of the 20th century begins with a decline associated with the loss of the colonies - the Philippines and Cuba, as well as a civil war that ended with the defeat of the monarchy and the establishment of the dictatorship of General Franco. Despite the fact that Spain did not take part in World War II, Franco supported the side of the Axis, as a result of which the country suffered from a blockade at the end of the war. Only in 1975, after the death of Franco, was democracy and the monarchy restored, with King Juan Carlos I at the head. In 1982, according to the new constitution, Andalusia received political autonomy.

Flamenco

Southwestern Andalusia is the birthplace of this beautiful dance, which became famous only at the end of the 18th century, while the beginning of its history dates back to the 15th century. Flamenco is a mixture of gypsy musical tradition and oriental tunes, not just a dance, but a whole art form. Its most important elements are singing-cante, dance and guitar accompaniment. Initially, there was simply singing, popular in pubs and restaurants - "cafe cantantes". Flamenco is also improvisation. The famous Spanish poet and writer Frederico Garcia Lorca called flamenco the most magnificent achievement of the Spanish people. You can get the most complete idea of ​​flamenco at the Cante Jondo festivals, which are held in June-October on the main squares of small towns. Flamenco season peaks with the "De Bulerhas" festival in Jerez de la Frontera and the "Biennale of Flamenco Art" in Seville in September.

Those who want to get to know the festive life of Andalusia better can be advised to visit the carnival in Cadiz before Lent, visit the April fair in Seville, the grape harvest festival in Jerez de la Frontera in September, the Flamenco Verdiales music festival in Malaga in December.

Bullfighting is an integral part of Andalusian life. Initially, bullfighting was a privilege of the Spanish nobility, something like jousting tournament. Then they recognized the folk game, a foot fight with bulls, began to build special arenas, developed the rules of the duel. The duel lasts twenty minutes and usually ends with the death of the bull. Until 1974, women were forbidden to act as bullfighters, but today this discrimination has been eliminated. Now not a single holiday is complete without bullfighting, it is something like a national sport.

Andalusian cuisine

It is believed that its distinguishing feature is poverty. It is even called the "poor man's kitchen". Indeed, a significant place in it is occupied by flour, bread, potatoes, beans and eggs, lard and olives. However, when you visit Andalusia, you are amazed at the variety of dishes prepared from these simple ingredients. And this is due to the use of additional ingredients - garlic, chickpeas, sherry, onions, etc. Tortilla is very easy to prepare - potatoes fried with onions and poured over an egg, and if ham or mushrooms are added to it, it is excellent both hot and cold. and cold. Spaniards often take tortilla on the road and on a picnic. Tomatoes, paprika, onions with cucumbers and olive oil - cold gazpacho soup.

As an appetizer, all cafes and restaurants offer tapas. Tapas can be cold or hot. This is a whole range of different dishes: a salad similar to our Olivier, eggplant, artichokes, various shellfish, goat cheese and much more. Once upon a time, tapas was served free with wine, which is rare today. Granada - last city, in which, along with a glass of wine or beer, you will be served such an appetizer for free. This tradition dates back to the reign of King Felippe II, who issued a decree ordering tavern owners to serve some food with wine (a round slice of sausage was placed directly on the glass) in order to reduce alcohol consumption. This tradition is said to be the reason why you don't see a tipsy Spaniard on the street. Today there is a tradition to taste tapas, moving from one bar to another. Young people spend evenings on weekends this way. On the night from Friday to Saturday and from Saturday to Sunday, bars and pubs are crowded, people are talking, dancing, walking.

It is impossible to be in Andalusia and not try seafood. Five provinces of this region have access to the sea coast (Almeria, Granada, Malaga - to the Mediterranean Sea, Cadiz and Huelva - to the Atlantic Ocean). A variety of fish and seafood dishes can be imagined, but what you see and taste exceeds all expectations. Vacationers who are not very well versed in the names of fish and other inhabitants of the sea should study them in advance or take a dictionary with them, because for those who do not know Spanish, the waiters may not be able to explain what you will be served. Fresh shrimp, mussels, scallops, crab, lobster, anchovies, sardines, mackerel, hake, salt, tuna, stingray, swordfish and much, much more. All these products are not only fried, but grilled with garlic and parsley sauce, baked with potatoes and vegetables or in a salad.

The famous Spanish paella is also common in Andalusia. It is made from yellow rice with corn, peas, sweet peppers, shrimps or ham. This is a festive dish that Spanish women prepare on Sundays and for picnics.

If you are an admirer of good wine, then Spain is what you need. Legends say that the history of wine making in this region goes back 2000 years. Here (in the areas of Navarra and Rioja) excellent grape varieties are grown, from which red wines are made. The area between Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barameda and Puerto de Santa Maria is the birthplace of Jeres or Sherry wine. The British discovered this wine as early as the 16th century. and named it "sherry". There are four types of sherry: dry, light yellow fino, semi-dry amontillado, semi-sweet, dark yellow oloroso, and sweet, dark red crim. Beer (cerveza) is also extremely popular in Spain. The most famous brands are San Miguel (brewed in Malaga), Alhambra (from Granada), Cruzcampo (from Seville), Mahou (from Madrid).

In restaurants, you need to be vigilant: sometimes side dishes or snacks that you did not order can be included in the bill, so you should check everything in advance. Between 1 pm and 4 pm there is usually a siesta (from the Latin sexta, which means "sixth", obviously meant the sixth hour of work), when all institutions, banks, shops are closed for the afternoon break. This also applies to some restaurants. This tradition of relaxing in the middle of the day, associated with hot weather, does not apply to restaurants located in tourist places- here you will always find where to dine or have a snack. Tipping is usually not included in the bill, so it is customary to leave up to 10% to the waiter.

Tourism

The most convenient way to travel around Andalusia is by car. It is easy to rent from an international or local rental company. V resort towns they are located at every turn. If you pay for the car in cash, you will have to pay a small deposit. The driver must have an international license, be at least 19 or 21 years old, have a license for more than a year. The roads of Spain are branched and good. There are paid and free highways. Speed ​​limits are 60 km/h in the city and 100-120 km/h on motorways. Parking problems can arise in the summer, at the height of the season, the rest of the time it is not difficult to find a parking space. You can also travel around Andalusia by bus, such trips will cost you inexpensively.

Costa del Sol - beautiful place recreation for golf lovers. The second name of this resort is Costa del Golf. There are many top-level golf courses concentrated here. On 50 fields, which are at the disposal of players in winter, holidaymakers from northern Europe give their favorite game. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains ski resort Salt and Nieve. This is the southernmost resort in Europe, where the air temperature is much higher than in other resorts. The best time- from December to April. The resort is located 45 minutes from Granada, an hour from the city's airport.

sights

Travelers in Andalusia are advised to try to combine beach holiday and sightseeing. Being in resort towns, you get an idea only of the coast. You can truly feel Andalusia only by examining:
Seville, ancient capital states of the Almohad dynasty (Cathedral of St. Mary, Royal Alcazar, Palace of Pedro I, Museum fine arts, which stores the canvases of Velazquez, Zurbaran, Murillo);
Cordoba, the metropolis of the Arab Caliphate, which has preserved monuments of the past - the Mesquita (mosque), a Roman bridge with sixteen arches across the great river Guadalquivir, the Jewish quarter;
Granada, located on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada, with its magnificent Alhambra, the pinnacle of the Arab-Andalusian building art, the Generalife gardens, the cathedral, built in honor of the victory of the Catholic Church over the Muslims;
Ronda, located on two rocky plateaus separated by a deep gorge (100 m), has become the birthplace of bullfighting (here is the first bullring). The road to Ronda is picturesque - the traveler climbing the mountain serpentine has a beautiful breathtaking view of the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.

Be sure to get to Gibraltar - the British enclave in Spain (you can get to its territory with a UK visa). This is the rock separating Europe from Africa. Until 1492, Gibraltar was in the hands of the Moors, as a result of the War of the Spanish Succession, in 1713, Spain transferred it to England. According to legend, Gibraltar will remain British as long as the monkeys brought by the Berbers live on it.

You can see the coast of Africa from the city of Tarifa, the southernmost point of Europe, which is of strategic importance (here and now there is a closed military zone). The dam connecting the military fortress and the cities separates the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

And now let's start exploring another very interesting region of Spain - Andalusia.

We suggest visiting 7 cities, in each of which you can spend 2-3 days: enjoying long walks, taking pictures of everything around, steaming in Arab baths, dancing to the rhythms of flamenco, tasting wine and watching bullfighting (here it is still legal, unlike from some other regions of the country).

MALAGA

It is convenient to start a trip to Andalusia from Malaga - the center of the province of the same name, a port city with rich history. Do not rush to go further, dedicate at least one day to Malaga. She has something to surprise you!

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1. Cathedral of the Incarnation (La Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación), built on the site of a mosque in the 15th century - business card cities. From Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 to 10:00, the temple and the museum located in it can be visited free of charge, at other times - for €5.
2. The Picasso Museum, located in the building of the Buenavista Palace (XVI century). Here are 285 works by an outstanding artist who was born in Malaga. The ticket costs €5 (an audio guide is included in the price).
3. Arab fortresses of Gibralfaro (XIV century) and Alcazaba (XI century), from the territory of which opens beautiful view to Malaga. You can visit both sites with a single ticket, which costs €3.5.
4. The Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful parks in Europe. For €5 here you can hide from the heat and admire exotic plants. On Sundays admission is free.
5. Roman amphitheater (1st century). The stage with a diameter of 31 meters and seats for spectators have been preserved, now concerts are periodically held here. Free admission.

What to try?

• fried anchovies (boquerones fritos);
• grilled sardines (espeto de sardinas);
• coffee. Locals drink it with milk or alcohol (rum, brandy, anise tincture);
• sweet wines.

How to get to Malaga from the airport? An express bus will take you to the city center in 15 minutes, which leaves from Terminal 3. The ticket costs about €3, you can buy it from the driver for cash. Alternative options: take the Renfe train on line C1, which connects the airport with the center of Malaga, take a taxi or rent a car.

GRANADA

One of the most beautiful cities not only in Spain, but also in Europe as a whole, located next to the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Most tourists come to see the Alhambra, a masterpiece of Moorish architecture, but we have a few more surprises in store for you! We recommend spending at least 2 days here so as not to miss anything.

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1. Alhambra - the former residence of Muslim rulers. The complex includes a citadel, several palaces, the summer residence of the emirs of the Generalife and parks. The general ticket costs €14 and allows you to visit all the main sites. The number of guests is limited, so during the season we recommend buying tickets in advance online or at any branch of the Bank of Spain.
2. Cathedral built in the 15th century on the site of a mosque. In the chapel, located nearby, the remains of the patroness of Columbus Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon, who conquered Granada from the Moors, are kept. The ticket costs €5 (audio guide included). On Sunday from 15:00 to 18:00 admission is free, advance booking through the website is required.
3. Albaicín Historic District, worth half a day for a walk. It has changed little since the reign of the Moors, except that restaurants and shops have been added to the delight of tourists.
4. Monastery of Saint Jerome. Built by the Spaniards immediately after the return of Granada. The main attraction is the altar decorated with relief images. Entrance costs €4.
5. Observation deck Nicolas, overlooking the city and the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada. It is best to come here at sunset to enjoy the spectacle while slowly drinking sangria.

What to try?

• variety of tapas;
• herbal teas with Moroccan spices;
• stewed oxtails (rabo di toro).

How to get to Granada from Malaga? By bus (one and a half to two hours, about € 12), by train with a change in Antequera (from 3 hours, about € 20) or by car (about an hour and a half).

CORDOBA

This city, which carefully preserves the heritage of representatives of many cultures, stands on the Guadalquivir River, in the heart of Andalusia. Stay here for a few days to see the listed historic center world heritage UNESCO, look into the famous mosque and visit other noteworthy places.

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1. Mesquita (cathedral mosque) - one of 12 architectural marvels Spain. It is surrounded by an orange garden where you can relax on a hot day. Entrance costs €10.
2. Museum in the palace of Viana (the building was built in the XIV century). A rich collection is kept within its walls, including tapestries, pieces of furniture, dishes, weapons, paintings, samples of Roman mosaics, etc. There is also a gallery of azulejos (traditional Spanish painted tiles).
3. Medina As-Sahara. The palace city, 8 kilometers from, built in the 10th century, which is called the "medieval Versailles". Excavations at the site are in full swing, with new treasures unearthed every month. The entrance ticket costs €1.5.
4. The Alcazar Palace, built on the site of a Moorish fortress, served as the residence of the rulers of Cordoba for more than two thousand years. In this building, Isabella of Castile received Columbus and listened to the plan of his journey to India. The ticket costs €4.5.
5. The Jewish Quarter, where the main synagogue of the country is located.

What to try?

• thick cold salmorejo soup. It can be tomato, pumpkin, watermelon, almond, with seafood;
• pork fillet with jamon, cheese or sausages breaded with eggs and breadcrumbs (flamenquín).

How to get to Cordoba from Granada? By train (two and a half hours, from €30), bus (almost 3 hours, from €15) or car (about 2 hours).

It is worth spending at least 2 days in the capital of Andalusia. Corrida, flamenco, a series of noisy holidays and festivals, a variety of tapas (it is believed that they were invented here), wines ... This city falls in love with itself from the first second!

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1. Maria de la Sede is the largest Gothic cathedral in Europe (116 meters). Its interior is decorated with paintings by Velasquez and Goya, and the cross is said to be made of gold brought by Columbus from America. Here, perhaps, the great navigator found his last refuge (there is a version that the remains buried in the temple do not belong to Columbus, but to his son). Entrance costs €9.
2. Plaza de España is one of the most beautiful in Western Europe. It was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exhibition and is now a favorite place for walking locals.
3. Bullfighting arena and museum. Bullfighting in Seville is held from Easter to the end of October, mostly on Sundays. On other days, you can explore the oldest arena in Spain and look into the thematic museum located right there. The €8 tour program includes a visit to the chapel where the bullfighters pray before the fight and the infirmary, where those who are unlucky are taken.
4. Arab baths are the legacy of the Moors who once ruled in these parts. Travelers praise Air de Sevilla - a complex that offers 14 types of relaxation procedures, ranging from €25 to €195. This is a great way to escape the heat or relax after a long hike.
5. Torre del Oro (Golden Tower) is one of the few well-preserved Moorish buildings. Inside there is a maritime museum where you can see navigational instruments, weapons, models and details of real ships. The ticket costs €3, admission is free on Mondays.

What to try?

• salted cod (remojon);
• cold tomato soup gazpacho (gazpacho);
• buns with almonds and sugar (mostachones).

How to get to Seville from Cordoba? By train (about 50 minutes, from €25), bus (almost 2 hours, from €15) or car (about an hour and a half).

CADIS

One of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean. It is ideal for those who want to combine sightseeing and beach holidays or dream of swimming in the ocean (the season here lasts from May to October). Playa Caleta Beach is located in the Old Town, Playa Santa Maria del Mar, Playa Victoria and Playa Cortadura stretch for 10 kilometers along the modern quarters.

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1. Old town, divided into 4 quarters: Populo, Santa Maria, Viña and Mentider. Populo, where the city's nobility once settled, pleases the eye with rich baroque and renaissance mansions, Santa Maria founded by the Romans is known as the center of flamenco, Viña is a paradise for connoisseurs of fish, and the most famous clubs and discos of Cadiz are concentrated in Mentider.
2. Roman theater built in the 1st century. It has a capacity of 20,000 spectators and was the largest building of its kind in Spain at the time. Free admission.
3. The Cathedral is one of the largest in Spain. The north tower overlooks Cadiz. The ticket costs €5.
4. San Sebastian Castle, located on an island opposite Caleta Beach. You can get here from Cadiz by a causeway. Inside, exhibitions of works by local artists are held from time to time. Free admission.
5. Tavira - one of 160 towers that protected against intrusions medieval city. On the second tier is observation platform, on the third - the hall of the camera obscura, where an image of city blocks is projected onto a canvas screen, and even higher there is a terrace with stationary binoculars. The entrance ticket costs €6.

What to try?

Fortified sherry wine, of course! You can go to the birthplace of the drink - to the nearby city of Jerez de la Frontera, or buy a bottle in one of the shops in Cadiz.

How to get to Cadiz from Seville? By train (about an hour and a half, from €15), bus (almost 2 hours, from €10) or car (about an hour and a half).

TARIFA

The southernmost point in Europe. The conditions here are ideal for surfing, so every year the city hosts participants and guests of the World Cup. And these places are also famous for their excellent views of the African continent and proximity to the Strait of Gibraltar, tours of which are available to everyone (if you're lucky, you can see whales and dolphins near).