Let's go on our own: A complete guide to Andalusia - Locals. Sights of Andalusia - what to see

A visa to Spain for citizens of Moldova is issued at the Czech Embassy. A package of documents and information about obtaining a visa on visa.md.

Why Andalusia? Maybe because it is the southernmost region of Spain, a place with a unique history associated mainly with the Moors and the Arab Caliphate. The name comes from the Arabic Al Andalus (as almost the entire Iberian Peninsula was called from 711 to 1492). The Arab Caliphate left a huge imprint on the territory of this part of the peninsula, and as for me, this gave Andalusia a slight charm of the east and an Arabian fairy tale. Or maybe it’s the passionate look of a bullfighter and a flamenco dancer, the grace of women and the most magical of sounds - the sound of a flamenco guitar in the small streets of the Santa Cruz quarter in Seville. I have always believed that the most beautiful things come from a mixture, and Andalusia is the clearest proof of this. What beautiful people and architecture, music and dance there are, you won’t find this anywhere in Spain.

And so, in the month of May, you board a plane to Malaga and fly out. Night, approaching Malaga, my head is spinning from the beauty around me. City lights on the black velvet of the night, and small fireflies, cars, on the roads. Look out the window when you fly up to cities at night, it’s very beautiful.

Flight Chisinau - Malaga from 650 euros round trip with one transfer (zbor.md), direct flight Bucharest - Malaga from 150 euros (blueairweb).

Malaga – Ronda – Seville

It's best to start with Malaga. Beautiful neighborhoods, small streets, geraniums on the balconies and the smell of baking. It was here that Pablo Picasso was born and raised. A small museum in the house where he grew up is located right in the center, and next to it is an incredibly beautiful cathedral. You can get lost in the small pedestrian streets, among the artisan shops and Bodegas (this is a national wine shop). And it’s probably better to choose May to get acquainted with Andalusia; the warm, intoxicating aroma of blossoming oranges fills the lungs, and the bright fruits in the green foliage tempt you to pick them and eat them. Colorful balconies, dancing in cafes, the Spaniards love to dance, it’s in their blood, it’s so touching to watch how people of all ages, gathering in small cafes, dance tango and flamenco. You won't find anything like this here.

And the sea, what a turquoise sea it is. And unlike India, where the ocean eats up the fiery disk of the sun, giving a crimson sunset, here the sea gives the first soft rays of the sun. And the lucky one who sees the first green ray can make a wish and it will definitely come true. Try it!

There is another incredibly beautiful place in this beautiful city, this is the fortress Al Kasaba and castle Gibralfaro, they are connected by a long wall. Al Kasaba is one of several fortresses left by the Moors in Spain. It is the sister of Alcazar in Seville and Al Hambra in Granada. It offers magnificent views of the city, mountains and coast.

Near Malaga, there are many small holiday towns on the coast (Toremolinos, Fuengerola, Benalmadena, Puerto Banus, Marbella and Estepona), with famous hotel chains and beautiful beaches, lying on which you can enjoy your holiday, drink sangria, eat tapas (local snacks) with delicious jamon and cheese, slowly acquiring a golden chocolate tan.

Mandatory program: Tapas, gazpacho, fried fish (pescaito frito in the local dialect), jamon from Jabugo, Valle de los Pedroches and Treveles, wines from Jerez de la Frontera or sangria.

An hour and a half drive from Malaga, at an altitude of 750 meters above sea level, there is a small town Rhonda, one of the oldest cities in Europe, the white city. According to the law, it is fashionable to paint city houses only with white paint. The city is declared a national monument of Spain and is built on both sides of the deep Tagus gorge. At the bottom of the gorge flows the Guadalevin River, which divides the city into 2 parts: the old city of the 13th century and the new city of the 18th century. Both parts are connected by the so-called "New Bridge", a viaduct built in the 18th century. The city was founded in the 4th century BC, but the architecture is dominated by Roman and Moorish features. The attractions of Ronda include the oldest bullring in Spain, Plaza de toros (1784), Arab baths built in the 13th - 14th centuries, the Moorish fortress of Alcabar (13th century AD), the cathedral church of Santa Maria de la Encarnacion ( 15th century AD), and 3 viaducts - the Old Bridge, the New Bridge and the Roman Bridge. When not fighting, the arena operates as a museum of tauromakia (the art of bullfighting).

Be sure to go to the observation deck near the arena, the view is more than breathtaking; when you approach the city, it seems that it is ordinary, but on the site you understand why it is special. I won’t tell you, go and see, it’s worth it!

You can see all this in one day and take the last regular bus to Malaga. Be sure to have lunch at a local restaurant, better where there are more locals; tourist places will never convey the atmosphere of complete authenticity.

Andalusia has a well-developed rail and bus network. You can also take advantage of the boats that travel between cities on the coast. Bus schedule on the website alsa.es, train schedule on renfe.es.

And now friends, the next city of my passion, Seville, stands on the Guadalquivir River.

I probably don’t have enough words to describe what happens to me when I stand in the heart of the city, look around and understand that I would probably bend my knee as a sign of respect and gratitude to the Moors, for the beauty that they left as a legacy to Spain. I even insist that it was the Arab culture that made Andalusia so unique. As mentioned above, Arab rule reigned here for a very long time, until King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella drove out the last spirit of the Moors from Cordoba in the 15th century. And before that, Seville, in 1026, became the capital of the emirate of the same name. But after it was liberated in the 15th century, it became a center of shipbuilding and trade, and it was from Seville that Columbus set out in search of India.

The symbol of the city is the ancient Arab Giralda tower, 250 meters high, which is visible from almost anywhere in the city. Once upon a time there was a mosque on this site, but Christianity came and the mosque was destroyed, leaving only the minaret. What’s also interesting is that exactly the same minaret can be seen in Marrakech. I saw both minarets, they are really identical, there is a third one, it is also located in Morocco.

Among the architectural attractions of Seville, one can also highlight the Gothic Church of St. John. It seems to me that he is undeservedly deprived of attention. It is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and the third largest Catholic cathedral after Peter's Basilica in the Vatican and St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Columbus and his illegitimate son are buried in the cathedral. This is the greatness of art and beauty, he is like a guard guarding the old Santa Cruz district, I get lost when I stand next to him.

To the left of the cathedral, the already mentioned Alcazar Castle, a mixture of Baroque, Gothic and Mudejar architecture. For almost 700 years it was the palace of the Spanish kings, the upper chambers of the Alcazar are still used as a residence by the royal family. The Alcazar was built as a fort of the Moors, and the palace was rebuilt by the Almohad dynasty. Magnificent gardens and ponds, I don’t have enough eloquence to describe the beauty of the castle, the azure blue colors of Mudejar ceramics, to convey the smell of freesias, oranges, pine needles and magnolia. The eyes are shining, the mouth is open, there are no words... And I’m not the only one, believe me.

Seville is rich in historical heritage and an incredible amount of architectural masterpieces. Plaza de España, building of the Seville Lonja Exchange (Archive of the Indies), documents related to the discovery of America are kept here. The Golden Tower, the white stones of which glow golden in the sun, is now a museum of navigation, but previously it controlled the movement of ships on the Guadalquivir River.

On Booking.com you can find options from 30 euros per night, if you want to feel the exoticism of the region, stay with locals using the airbnb service, the price will be from 20 euros per night.

Favorite place, Santa Cruz quarter When I walk there, I want to live in almost every house, drink sangria on every balcony, dance in every courtyard of a flamenco school and smell the aroma of bitter oranges, and sometimes kiss on quiet evenings near the Casanova monument, to the song of crickets and the cry of a Spanish guitar. How can you not fall in love in such a city, and not lose your head from a tall, hot Spaniard, with the eyes of a Moor, or from the grace of a flamenco dancer, whose dance makes your heart beat like a jackhammer?

This is how Seville and Andalusia are - bright, ardent, burning, it smells of bitter orange and bread rolls, warm sun and passion, its spirit is royally capricious and proud, and the light aroma of the East and Arabian fairy tales is in the air.

I love Andalusia, very much.

Southern Spain (Andalusia and Murcia) is the most valuable keeper of unique cultural monuments, Moorish roots and traditions that cannot be found in the rest of Spain. The southern regions of Spain are not the same - some got fertile soils, sun and the love of tourists, others got dry, poor land and a constant struggle for life.

Andalusia is an autonomous community in Spain and a region that is located on the southernmost part of the Iberian Peninsula. It consists of 8 provinces: Almeria, Cordoba, Cadiz, Seville, Granada, Malaga, Huelva and Jaén.

Photo: Beautiful Andalusia

Briefly about the region

Andalusia is a place with a rich history, in which the main role was played by the Moors (Arabs) and Muslim Spain - Al-Andalus.

Everything you think and imagine about Spain is actually about Andalusia. Passionate flamenco dance, juicy fruits, exciting bullfighting, the Tabernas desert, the Sierra Nevada ski resort, the underground labyrinths of Nerja with huge caves, ancient stone bridges in Ronda and the junction of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea in Tarifa - that's all about her. These are the Moorish palaces of Alhambra and Antequera, the snow-white beaches of Almuñécar and the mango plantations of Motril.

In the last days of the week of February, all life in the city of Cadiz (Cádiz) is paralyzed - a carnival begins with songs, masquerades and costumed performances. Future participants begin to think about decorations long before the start.

Photo: Carnival in Cadiz

In April, the best Spanish artisans come to Sevilla for a spring fair, the traditions of which date back to the 13th century. All week long the fair has fun day and night. The start is traditionally scheduled for April 18.

Every even year, for a whole month in September, Seville turns into an endless dancing city - the famous flamenco festival begins. Everything around breathes only in this rhythm.

In November, there is a new reason to get together - the olive festival begins in the city of Baena.

And there are also a huge number of religious holidays, which local residents celebrate on a grand scale.

So come to Andalusia any month - it will be fun and interesting!

Geographical differences

Photo: Spanish Flamenco

Andalusia is washed by many waters - the Atlantic Ocean, the Strait of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea and has the warmest climate on the entire European continent. The sea and climate were reflected in the culture, cuisine and development of the region in history and modernity as a resort.

How to get there and navigate around the place

Photo: Map of Andalusia

Andalusia has an international airport in Malaga. Aeroflot operates direct flights from Moscow. The average ticket price is 375 euros. Detailed information on the website www.aeroflot.ru. From St. Petersburg there are only connecting flights either through Europe or through Moscow. Cost from 280 euros.

There are options with transfers to Seville Airport, but flights are usually inconvenient, and the average cost is from 520 euros per person.

There are car rental companies right next to Malaga airport. If you book a car in advance, the rental cost is 20-30 euros per day. When constantly moving from place to place, this is perhaps the most optimal option in terms of price/comfort/quality ratio.

Why go

If you want to meet a gypsy with a guitar, fiery flamenco dancers, brilliant bullfighters and experience a real siesta, then in Andalusia you will see it all in the original. Among the most spectacular events that follow one another are the mournful Good Friday processions and vibrant flamenco festivals.

When to go

The best time is largely determined by the temperature - fresh April with fairs, pleasant May and the end of September, when the heat subsides and the crowds of tourists thin out.

Cultural and historical differences

Andalusia is a treasury of Moorish heritage that captivates with its grace and scope. Andalusia is the homeland of bullfighting, and a land where flamenco is the basis of festival culture, and the siesta has not sunk into oblivion. It is also the birthplace of Picasso, Velazquez and Murillo, whose paintings decorate temples, palaces and museums.

What to see in Andalusia

Photo: Beautiful Malaga

We will tell you a brief travel plan for the cities of Andalusia, based on our experience and, according to the reviews of experienced tourists, on how to spend two unforgettable weeks in the Spanish region itself:

Malaga

The old Alcazaba fortress, from whose centuries-old walls offers breathtaking views of the city and port.
In the very center stands, of course, the cathedral, built in the Baroque style. In Spain they like to take a long time to build - and this cathedral took a hundred years to build, but was never completed. One tower and part of the facade are missing. But this only adds to its charm.
The long promenade, Farola Alley, is decorated with a lighthouse - La Farola.
The Picasso Museum in the 16th-century Buenavista Palace, whose walls are decorated with 285 paintings by Pablo.
The Bishop's Palace with an ornate system of passages, stairs and galleries.
On a hot afternoon, we recommend taking refuge from the heat in the Alonso Gardens, which have relaxation areas and fragrant rose gardens.
Seaport – huge house-ships regularly come here as part of numerous cruises.

You can see the beauty of Malaga in this video:

Nerja

Huge caves with hanging stalactites from the ceiling and huge stalagmites from the floor. A long route leads from hall to hall, each of which is illuminated in an original way.
Nearby there is one of the many well-preserved ancient Roman aqueducts - Aguila.
There is a wonderful view of the sea from the so-called Balcony of Europe. In good weather, the African coast can be seen without binoculars.
After a busy excursion program, the ideal ending would be to plunge into the Mediterranean Sea. There are wonderful beaches here.

You can watch the beauty and sights of Nerja in the video:

Almuñécar

Snow-white beaches, and the San Cristobal rock juts out into the sea. Climbing the stone steps, you find yourself at the very top.
The Castle of San Miguel is part of the remnants of the Arab heritage on the Iberian Peninsula.

Watch a beautiful video about Almuñecar:

Salobreña

A small Arab town clinging to a rock. From here you have a wonderful view of all the nearby plains.
The streets here are so narrow that you need to be a fairly experienced driver in order not to catch anything anywhere. For pedestrians, some houses have special recesses that you need to jump into if a car is driving. You can only turn around at the top. Colorful facades, ornate doors and balconies compensate for the effort expended.
At the top stands the harsh but beautiful fortress of Castilo de Salobrena.

Watch the beautiful scenery in this video:

Almeria

Alcazaba Fortress - built in the 10th century by Arab conquerors, the first in a series of dozens on the coast.
The natural park of Cabo da Gata has perfectly clean beaches, and at the bottom lies such riches as ancient Roman amphorae, reefs and even a sunken ship of the Spanish fleet. We recommend traveling around its vast territory by bicycle. They are available for rent.

All the beauty of Almeria can be seen in this video:

Granada

The Alhambra is the pearl of Granada. A magnificent palace with elaborate gardens, arches and statues. Each detail has its own knowledge and function. When you get here, you feel like you are in a real Arabian fairy tale.
The cathedral is majestic and pompous, but the interior decoration is richer than the external facade. Construction lasted almost 200 years, and therefore the Baroque and Herreresco styles characteristic of Spain were mixed here.
The Generalife Gardens are a luxurious Moorish garden, best preserved in Granada.
The Park of Sciences is a huge interactive museum, where several exhibitions are held simultaneously in many halls.
Mount Sacromonte, where the dwellings look like well-appointed caves dug by Muslims and Jews once expelled from the city. Now there is a large diaspora of gypsies living there, who put on entire shows for tourists.

This video will not leave you indifferent and will inspire you to travel:

Cordoba

A unique combination of three cultures: Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Traces are everywhere:

Mezquita - Cathedral Mosque, one of the 12 architectural wonders of Spain.
Medina Al-Sahara is an Arab palace city, the territory of which is still being excavated.
The Jewish Quarter with a medieval synagogue and narrow ancient streets, the most famous of which is Calleja de las Flores.
The Alcazar of Cordoba was used for 300 years for the tribunals of the Spanish Inquisition. Later Napoleon's troops were quartered there in 1810. Until 1931 it served as a prison.
Calahorra Tower and Roman Bridge is the oldest tower in the city, made in the shape of a horseshoe.
The Viana Palace is a wonderful example of the life of wealthy aristocrats. Inside there are 12 courtyards with fountains, flowers and gardens. Inside, the real interiors of the former owners are presented.

The unique beauty of Cordoba is simply mesmerizing, you can watch it in the video:

Seville

Alcazar is a royal residence. Over many centuries it was rebuilt and completed many times. Parts from all buildings, dating back to the first Moorish buildings, have been preserved. We recommend planning a whole day to explore – there is a lot of interesting things to see here, and in the evening there are open-air concerts.
The cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in Europe and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Plaza de España is majestic and unlike any other European square.
Maestransa is a bullfighting arena, the oldest and most famous in existence.
Monastery of Saint Mary de las Cuevas - located on an island among a beautiful park.
And many, many churches and ancient houses in the old town - the main street is Sierpes.

The landscapes and beauty of Seville can be seen in this video:

Cadiz

The central market, with stalls bursting with seafood.
The cathedral in the city center, built in the Rococo and Baroque styles. There is an observation deck.
Tower of Tavira - used as a watchtower in the Middle Ages. Inside there is a miracle of engineering - a camera obscura, thanks to which projected views of Cadiz appear on the screen every 30 minutes.
Old city in Arabic style.
Castle San Sebastian on an island in the ocean is a powerful fort with thick walls. Nowadays works of contemporary Andalusian artists are exhibited here.

You can see Cadiz in the video:

Tarifa is a small Arab town, a favorite place for windsurfers due to its long beach and good winds. The southernmost part of Europe. A unique place where you can stand on a narrow isthmus between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

Photo: Arab town of Tarifa

Continue along the scenic road past wind farms to the Spanish town of La Linea, which borders... Great Britain! It is here that the small peninsula of Gibraltar - called the Rock - is over which Spain and Great Britain have been engaged in diplomatic disputes for many years. The border runs right along the runway - during takeoff and landing, pedestrians patiently wait for the border to open. Gibraltar is the only place where monkeys live in the wild.

Gibraltar is small, but very colorful - everything is in British style.

Photo: Gibraltar

Then along the sea to the paradise of those who love to have fun from night to morning - Marbella. In addition to natural parks and historical attractions, the most famous bars and nightclubs are located here, attracting partygoers from all over the world.

The most expensive and beautiful beach is Puerto Banus, where luxury yachts and boats dock. And on the shore stands the gift of Zurab Tsereteli - the Victory Monument.

Photo: Puerto Banus Beach

And back to Malaga - complete the trip with a walk around the city and a visit to the amusement park.

Main cities and attractions

Photo: Roman Bridge in Cordoba

It seems that Andalusia is one big UNESCO monument. The most impressive architecture and interesting sights are found in the main cities:

Seville is the capital of Andalusia and the land of continuous festivals. The main attraction is the Alcazar Palace with a marvelous mixture of Moorish and European styles, the Giralda bell tower (UNESCO), the grandiose Cathedral (UNESCO);
Granada is a bright, inviting city in the mountains, home to the Moorish fortress of the Alhambra (UNESCO) and the most ancient Moorish gardens of the Generalife (UNESCO). There is snow on the peaks all year round, but there is no sea here;
Malaga is a large modern city, a developed resort, full of ancient monuments and the birthplace of Picasso;
Cordoba is the former capital of Muslim Spain, and now a calm and beautiful city. The main landmark is the Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral (UNESCO);
Cadiz is the oldest city in Europe, an excellent resort and the most attractive place for climbers thanks to the Garganta del Chorro gorge;
Ronda is an unforgettable snow-white city hanging over an abyss.

What to do in Andalusia

Photo: Bullfight in Seville

During the trip you must:

Watch real flamenco in Seville;
Go to a bullfight in Seville;
Drink sangria by the sea in Marbella;
Collect shells in Tarifa, thrown out by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean;
Wander the streets of Salobreña;
Buy fish from the night catch at the Cadiz market;
Feel like a real sultan in the Alhambra;
Visit the most beautiful cathedrals and churches in Cordoba;
Descend into the underground labyrinth in Nerja;
See underwater wonders in Cabo de Gata Park;
Admire Picasso's creations in Malaga;
Sunbathe on a beautiful beach in Marbella.
Explore the world at the Granada Science Park;
Watch the sunrise on the coast after fiery fun in the nightclubs of Marbella.
Visit one of the majestic cathedrals of Andalusia.
Experience a breathtaking bullfight or visit the Maestransa bullring in Seville.
Rent a bike and go cycling through the snow-white suburbs of Ronda.
Get carried away by a flamenco show in the middle of the ancient streets of Cadiz, which have seen more than one generation.
See one of Lorca's plays in the fabulous Generalife Gardens in Granada.
Experience the thrill of the magnificent Garganta del Chorro gorge in the province of Cadiz.
See the unique views of Gibraltar.
See the “Andalusian horse dance” of the Royal Riding School in the small town of Jerez de la Frontera (province of Cadiz).
Take a boat ride along the largest river in Andalusia, the Guadalquivir.
Try gazpacho, drink sherry or a product from the Seville brewery Cruzcampo.

Shopping (What and where to buy)

Photo: Beautiful Spanish fans

The most popular souvenirs and gifts from Andalusia:

Figurines in the form of bulls and a flamenco dancer from Seville.
Moorish style pottery from Granada.
Fans of all shapes and colors.
Leather goods from Cordoba.
A bottle of local sherry.
Fruit teas and drinks from Granada.
Olive oil.
Macaroons from Seville (Almendra Suprema de Estepa).
Pork-cured chorizo sausage.
Inlaid boxes from Granada.

The Heads and Tails program will tell you in detail about shopping in Seville in this video:

Prices

All prices in Spain are in euros. It is advisable to exchange rubles for foreign currency at home, since the exchange rate abroad will most likely be unfavorable.

The price of a cup of coffee in a cafe is about 1.5 euros.

The price of lunch is from 10 to 20 euros, there are buffet options “menu del dia” with unlimited approaches.

The price of dinner with alcohol is on average 30-45 euros.

Magnets for memory – 1 euro.

A taxi costs 8-10 euros depending on the trip.

Gasoline at gas stations costs 1.20 euros per liter. Diesel – 1 euro.

A 3-star hotel room costs 15-20 euros per day per person.

Accommodation in hostels is cheaper - on average 10 euros.

For a large group, it is more profitable to stay in a large apartment with an equipped kitchen and living area.

Products:

Milk – 0.7 euros

Bread – 0.90 euros

Chicken, 1 kg – 5.70 euros

Fish (dorado) 1 kg – 7 euros

Tomatoes – 1.22 euros

The average travel budget, taking into account transport, accommodation and food, is about 100 euros per day.

Travel plan, tours for 1-3-7 days

Day	Morning	Dinner	Evening
1	Malaga. Alcazaba Cathedral, Cathedral	Picasso Museum, Bishop's Palace, Alonso Gardens	Seaport, lighthouse. We recommend ending the evening at the Gastroteca de Reding restaurant (Calle Ruiz Blaser, 2), where they serve excellent mushroom risotto
2	Nerja. Caves	Aguila Aqueduct, Balcony of Europe,	Relaxation on the beach. Dinner at the El Pulguilla restaurant (Calle Almte. Ferrándiz, 26) - here they can cook the freshest octopus in Galician style
3	Almuñecar. San Cristobal	Moving to Salobreña	Walk through the old town, Fortress Dinner at the local restaurant Meson Antonio (Calle Manila, 9), where, according to other tourists, they have some of the best steaks in the city
4	Almeria, Alcazaba Fortress	Cabo da Gata Natural Park afternoon	After such a busy program, we recommend trying the best tapas in the city - at the Taperia La Pinta bar (Campoverde, 20)
5	Granada. Alhambra, Cathedral,	Generalife Gardens, Mount Sacromonte	Park of Sciences
6	Cordoba. Mezquita, Jewish Quarter, Calleja de las Flores	Cordoba Alcazar, Calahorra Tower, Roman Bridge	Viana Palace Try the Spanish delicacy - Rabo de Toro soup (Ox Tail) at El Abanico restaurant (Calle Velazquez Bosco 7)
7	Archaeological Museum. Bull Museum.	Madina Az-Zahra.	Flamenco show One of the favorite dishes in Cordoba is lamb stew. Order this dish at Gongora Restaurant (Calle Conde de Torres Cabrera 4)
8	Seville. Explore the Alcazar all day		In the evening, be sure to go to the Bodeguita Romero bar (c/ Harinas, 10) and try their special dish - pringa - an Andalusian-style pork sandwich.
9	Seville. Cathedral. Plaza de España.	Maestranza, Monastery of Saint Mary de las Cuevas.	Walk through the old town. Bullfight. Salmorejo soup at El Caminante Andaluz (Calle Jose Diaz 8) is the best way to end the day
10	Cadiz. Tavira Tower, Central Market.	Old town, San Sebastian Castle.	Cathedral and relaxation on the ocean. According to reviews, the restaurant Las Nieves (Plaza Mendizabal) serves the best squid and eggplant in honey.
11	Tariff. An isthmus between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.	Moving to Gibraltar. Walk along the main street.	Visit to the Rock. Feel the atmosphere of real seamen at The Clipper restaurant (Irish TowN, 78b Irish Town). The most delicate Beef Stroganoff is served here.
12	Marbella. Relaxation on the beach.	Walk around Puerto Banus.	Nightlife in Marbella. Before visiting the clubs, it is advisable to eat something - the meatloaves are especially good at a place called Bodega San Bernabe (Travesia Carlos Mackintosh No. 3 Local 17 \| junto a la Alameda)
13	Arrival in Malaga. Roman theater.	Tivoli World is an amusement park.	We recommend ending your trip at an authentic Spanish establishment - Antigua Casa de Guardia (Alameda Principal 18), where they serve wonderful mussels.

What and where to eat

Photo: Gazpacho

People in Andalusia love and know how to cook amazingly delicious dishes that you should definitely try while traveling through this region:

Gazpacho or salmorejo is a cold tomato soup (some additional ingredients differ).
Any tuna dishes in the Cadiz area.
Cordoba flamenquin is a pork fillet dish that is fried in breadcrumbs and egg.
Alboronia – vegetable roast made from eggplant, tomato, pumpkin and pepper.
White fish soup.
Almond soup.
Chargrilled sardines.
Turkey with apples.

Meat dishes are more common in cities remote from the sea, but in coastal restaurants the choice of fish dishes is simply huge.

Best excursions according to reviews

We have collected five of the most interesting and original excursions in Andalusia:

To the Wild West of Andalusia - a trip outside the city, where ancient stone dolmens are preserved, as well as medieval castles, hot springs and fantastic landscapes reminiscent of America.
Three Stories of Granada is an amazing journey through time that brings together three urban legends: Jewish, Arab and royal. Only an experienced eye can see and read them on the facades of old houses, in crooked streets and luxurious gardens.
The Alvear wine cellars nearby in Cordoba are an opportunity to learn the secrets of winemaking that result in such delicious wine. By the way, at the end of the excursion, all participants will have the opportunity to taste different varieties.
Horseback riding around Cadiz - feel like a real conquistador on horseback while walking along the endless Atlantic Ocean.
Gibraltar - Climb the famous Rock of Gibraltar, see hidden caves that were used during World War II, see real wild monkeys and see Africa.

Look at examples of interesting excursions in the video “In search of adventures with Mikhail Kozhukhov - Andalusia.

How do we save up to 25% on hotels?

Everything is very simple - we use a special search engine RoomGuru for 70 hotel and apartment booking services with the best price.

Bonus for renting apartments 2100 rubles

Instead of hotels, you can book an apartment (on average 1.5-2 times cheaper) on AirBnB.com, a very convenient worldwide and well-known apartment rental service with a bonus of 2100 rubles upon registration

: the most visited - the cathedral mosque in (), the magnificent Alhambra complex in (UNESCO), and in (UNESCO), incredible landscapes, two Renaissance cities and (UNESCO) and the gateway to Southern Spain - Malaga.

Length the entire route is 788 km.
Total travel time: about 9.5 hours by car
Start: Malaga (the international airport is located here.
End: Malaga.
Transport: automobile
Total time: 5 - 7 days minimum.

Route around Andalusia on the map:

Andalusia route

The most interesting cities of Andalusia along the route:

1. Malaga

Malaga is the second most popular city in Andalusia and the sixth largest and southernmost city in Spain. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history dating back 2,800 years to its founding by the Phoenicians. The birthplace of Pablo Picasso, Malaga is one of the tourist centers of Spain.

Look: The Picasso Museum, the Romanesque Theater (1st century BC), the Moorish castle of Gibralfaro, the Alcazaba fortress, the royal residence, the Mudejar church of Santiago, the cathedral and the episcopal palace, as well as the Basílica y Real Santuario de Santa María de la Victoria.

2.

Ronda is a picturesque town located in a mountainous area, where the Guadalevin River has washed out a deep canyon, up to 100 meters, cutting the city into two parts. The sheer canyon walls and towering stone bridges create the incredible dramatic landscape that has made Ronda a popular tourist destination.

Look: one of the oldest bullrings in Spain, where Hemingway loved to visit, the New Bridge with a height of 120 m, Mondrajon Palace - the former residence of kings, the Robbers Museum.

3.

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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. Andalusia's cities are filled with history and extraordinary architectural landmarks, while the coast is famous for its endless sandy beaches and amazing landscapes. For a traveler, Andalusia is a “two in one” region - suitable for both an excursion holiday and a beach holiday. And if the beach season lasts from May to September inclusive, then a variety of excursions are 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 period of Moorish rule in the early Middle Ages. It is not surprising that many cities in the region have amazing monuments of Islamic heritage, which coexist with typically Catholic churches and cathedrals (Spain is a traditionally Catholic country). Almost all major cities in Andalusia have their own alcazar (palace) and alcazaba (fortress). Andalusian cities that are definitely worth visiting 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 possibilities 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 coastline has its own characteristics, and resort centers include towns such as Marbella, Cadiz, Almeria, Benalmadena, Torremolinos, Nerja and others.

There are many attractions in Andalusia that are not related to the sea. For example, there are dozens of natural parks here, including the famous Sierra Nevada mountain park, Doñana National Park, Cabo de Gata coastal park, Tarifa dunes and much more. Andalusia owes its diverse nature to its climate, which varies from typically Mediterranean on the border with Portugal to semi-desert in the Almeria Desert (the only one in Europe, by the way). 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 enter Spain with a guest visa (an invitation from the Spanish side is required). You can open a Spanish visa at the Spanish embassy or consulate (Moscow, St. Petersburg) or at numerous visa centers, which are located in almost every major city. In order to obtain a visa, you will need to collect a standard package of documents, take biometric fingerprints (directly when submitting documents), (sum insured not less than 30 thousand euros). The documents also include return tickets and hotel reservations where you are going to stay. As a rule, a visa is issued within a period of several days to two weeks, less often – longer.

The rules for entering Spain are standard relative to Europe, since Spain is part of the Schengen zone. During passport control, you may be asked to present a printout of your travel insurance, hotel reservation, or 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 the territory of Andalusia has a Mediterranean climate, while in the continental part the weather is hotter, in the coastal part the heat is moderated by the sea breeze, snow falls in the Sierra Nevada mountains in winter, but in the Almeria desert you can see “lunar” landscapes all year round . 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 may arrive on the Costa del Sol several times during the summer, but this phenomenon does not last long. As for the Costa de la Luz, you can swim here starting in June, despite the fact that the coast is washed by the Atlantic Ocean. The temperature reaches maximum comfort for swimming in July-August. The swimming season opens earliest in the Costa de Almeria, as it has a semi-desert climate.

lucia.lence/sunset in St. Petri

How to get to Andalusia

The most popular ways to get to Andalusia are by flying 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 explore Granada and Ronda. Madrid is not located in Andalusia, but in the neighboring region of Castile, with easy access to cities such as Seville and Cordoba, as well as to the resorts of the Costa de la Luz, including Cadiz, Huelva and Tarifa. There are convenient railway connections 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 operated 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). In addition to Moscow, you can also fly directly to Madrid and Malaga from St. Petersburg, but from other Russian cities you will need a transfer in the capital. You can check the flight schedule for the desired route on ticket booking services:

In Malaga, planes land at Costa del Sol International Airport, which is located 8 km from the city center. The airport has 3 terminals, planes from Russia are served by terminal No. 3. You can get from the airport to Malaga and other resorts on the Costa del Sol by bus, commuter train or taxi. Bus stops and a train station are located right next to terminal No. 3, which is very convenient for those landing. A taxi can be found at the exit from the terminal, or you can order a transfer in advance.

On services And You can book transfer services to any desired resort on the Costa del Sol (Marbella, Benalmadena, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Mijas, Nerja and others). You can travel to other cities in Andalusia 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

To travel 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 reach almost any, even the smallest settlement (although there are exceptions, for example, you cannot get to Marbella by train). The train schedule to the desired city can always be checked 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 view 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 get around on foot. In addition, major cities in Andalusia, such as Seville and Malaga, have an extensive public transport network, including buses, metro 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 located here, and they are all connected by 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 places in the region that are inaccessible by public transport, this concerns, first of all, . Secondly, when traveling by car, you can forget about the 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, tickets for public transport, etc. It is not surprising that car rental in Spain is becoming more and more popular every year.

In order to rent a car in the cities of Spain, you must present a standard set of documents - a passport, a driver's license (international or national new type with an entry in Latin) and a bank card to pay for services and block the deposit. The registration procedure itself does not take more than 20 minutes, and you may 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 the actual class of car you need:

Emilio/Motorways of Spain

Cities of Andalusia

In Andalusia, no matter the city, it is a real pearl of architectural thought. Even in small towns in the region you can sometimes find unique historical monuments, let alone 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 attractions, 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 Maria Luisa Park, the Metropole Parasol, the House of Pilate, the Torre del Oro Tower, the Maestransa bullring, the Flamenco Museum and much more;

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

- a city that appeared during the times of Ancient Rome and has since experienced a rich history, and one of its most striking milestones was the kingdom of the Cordoba Caliphate 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, and 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 stroll along the medieval streets and visit the fortresses and forts that defended the city, have fun on Malagueta beach and go on a further journey along the coast; it’s not for nothing that Malaga is called the “gateway” of the Costa del Sol. The top attractions of the city include the Cathedral, the Picasso Museum, the La Malagueta bullring, the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro fortresses, the La Concepción botanical garden, the old port of the city, and, of course, the local beaches;

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

LWYang/Granada

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

– this is the birthplace of the famous drink sherry; it is not for nothing that the city is often included in the route of gastronomic tours of Andalusia. In addition to wine tasting, it’s definitely worth visiting Jerez to see one of the largest Cathedrals in the region, stroll through the local alcazar, visit the Church of St. Michael and the Atalaya museum complex. Do not forget that in the vicinity of the city there are hundreds of wineries that invite guests to taste their products;

is a small but very colorful town located in the vicinity of the Doñana National Park and near the Portuguese border. Huelva is not typical Spain; there is a lot of English here, both in architecture and design. Among the things that are definitely worth seeing in Huelva are the Cathedral, the Roman aqueduct, the Church of St. Peter and, of course, the house of Columbus. In the vicinity of Huelva there are also many attractions, for example, the Monastery of Santa Clare, the Temple of the Virgin of La Cinta, and the Doñana National Park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Huelva's spacious sandy beaches are also mesmerizing;

– the main attraction of Tarifa is considered to be the point of reference that separates the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. This point is not symbolic; when you arrive in Tarifa, you will really see how the translucent emerald water of the sea and the black blue of the ocean mix near the coast. Tarifa is the southernmost point of Europe; Africa begins across the strait, so it is not surprising that this is where the local sandy beaches turn into real dunes and dunes. However, swimming here is not always comfortable, strong winds blow, but the place can be recommended to all lovers of windsurfing and kite surfing.

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, at the same time surprisingly clean, well-groomed and, most importantly, free. Cleanliness here is strictly monitored by local authorities, so many marked with the Blue Flag as the cleanest beaches in the world. 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 the landscape due to the proximity of the Almerian desert.

Of the above cities, beach resorts undoubtedly 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; the best months for swimming are July and August, when the water off the coast warms up to maximum temperatures. Read more about other beach resorts in Andalusia:

– the resort is located on the Costa de la Luz, where 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 beaches and calm waters of the bay. The best beaches can be found in the St. Petri area, which is considered a protected area;

- one of the most popular resorts on the Costa del Sol. The advantage of the resort is its developed infrastructure. The Marbella beach line is sandy beaches with a gentle entrance to the sea, equipped to the maximum, from sun loungers, umbrellas and sun loungers to equipment for water sports, bars, cafes and open-air parties;

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

kevin pacheco/Almeria Beaches

- 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 among the resorts of the Costa del Sol;

– the closest beach resort to Malaga is the Costa del Sol. The development of infrastructure combined with long sandy beaches make Torremolinos a very popular place during the “high” swimming season. The resort's beach line is conventionally divided into two parts - El Bajondillo in the east and La Carihuela in the west, both are excellent for swimming and relaxing;

– the resort is famous for its clean 8-kilometer beaches, included in the Blue Flag list. The coast is washed by the waters of Middle-earth, there is a gentle entrance to the sea, the place is excellent for family holidays, 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 the 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 an excursion 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 in good weather you can even see the coast of Africa. The caves of Nerja are also worth a visit, as they are fraught with many surprises;

– the Costa del Sol resort, the most distant from Malaga, is suitable for those seeking 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, isn’t this 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 breakfast hotels, and budget doubles and triples, while at the 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 affordable and is comparable, for example, with hotel prices in Catalonia. Also in Andalusia, such a type of accommodation as renting apartments has become widespread. Moreover, living 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 availability for specific dates, using specialized services for searching hotel offers:

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

Roomguru - the 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, availability of parking (if traveling by car). In anticipation of the high season, it is recommended to book accommodation in advance.

elliott brown/Mijas

Travel insurance

When 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 yourself without leaving your home. There are special services for this:

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

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

You can purchase a policy online and then print it on a regular printer. Insurance must be attached to your visa documents, and you must also have it with you when going 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 individual case can be very expensive, so having insurance with you is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Jorge Franganillo/Sacromonte area

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

Photo at the beginning of the article: Edmund Gall

Andalusia is a region for those who want something more than just Spain. The Orange Guide is a guide for those who want something more than just a guide. The author will tell you intelligently and carefully about this southernmost and most cheerful region of the country. You'll experience extraordinary holidays and traditions, vibrant year-round extravaganzas, and friendly people. In the most authentic "nutritious" establishments you will sip excellent wine and taste the best local culinary achievements. Enjoy the unique nature, carefully transformed into national parks. The orange guide will tell you with authority that Andalusia is a land with a rich past and its main cultural monuments and architectural ensembles of past times have been preserved to this day, so let's see them...

So, with a reliable guide in your hands, consider that you have already done half the work of organizing your best holiday in Andalusia. Did you remember to buy tickets?

Third edition, corrected and expanded.

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