Spain is a kingdom in southwestern Europe that occupies the bulk of the Iberian Peninsula. It is one of the culturally richest countries in the Old World. Here is architecture of unprecedented beauty, palaces and temples, houses and squares, parks and fountains, museums and monuments, white beaches and turquoise lagoons, citrus and olive gardens, etc. And finally, Spain is the birthplace of the greatest figures of world culture: Goya , El Greco, Velazquez, Salvador Dali and others. All the advantages of the kingdom of Spain can not be listed. This explains the incredible popularity of the country in terms of tourism. Here everyone will find what he dreamed of, thinking about the delights of the land of flamenco and bullfighting, about such a wonderful country like Spain. Andalusia, Granda, Malaga and other regions are places with a rich history. However, Andalusia is rightfully considered the most beautiful area of Spain, and in this article we will take an excursion through its ancient cities and attractions.
Ancient Andalusia. Spain - a mixture of all cultures
The southernmost region of Spain is Andalusia. Its coast is washed by the waters of the Atlantic, Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea. This is the hottest point in all of Europe and the most interesting region from the point of view of history, since Arab, Moorish, African and European cultures intertwine here, which affects the life and customs of modern Andalusians. Tourists who visit this country are often amazed at this particular feature - a mixture of different cultures. Such a colorful assortment is given, first of all, by Andalusia. Spain is an international country. And here, under one sky, representatives of different peoples and ethnic groups coexist perfectly.
Seville - the capital of Andalusia
According to an ancient legend, this wonderful city was founded by the hero of Greek myths Hercules himself. Here you can find sculptural compositions dedicated to this giant. The exact date of the founding of the city is very difficult to name, although it is assumed that it was a very, very long time ago. In a word, Seville can rightfully be considered the cradle of civilization. Every year, millions of tourists choose the most interesting route "Spain-Andalusia-Seville" and come to visit this truly legendary city. Without exaggeration, each of the structures in Seville, whether it is a residential building or some kind of temple or palace, are architectural monuments. Tourists in Seville will not be bored. Wherever they turn, everywhere on the way they will come across noteworthy sights.
Infrastructure of Andalusia
Andalusia includes eight provinces: Almeria, Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaen, Malaga and Seville. The center of each of them is the city of the same name. Architectural and cultural sights are concentrated in them, as well as objects of regional significance. In six major cities belonging to the Andalusia region (Spain) - Malaga, Almeria, Seville, Granada, Cordoba and Jerez de la Frontera, of which only the latter is not a provincial center - there are airports: two international in Seville and Malaga, and the rest is of local importance. High-speed AVE trains travel from Cordoba, Malaga and Seville to the capital, Madrid. The major ports in this region are the same Malaga, as well as Almeria, Algeciras and Cadiz. Despite the fact that public transport is inexpensive, the best way to get around here is by bike.
Hotels and beaches of Andalusia
The best beaches in this region are Costa del Almeria, Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz, Costa del Tropical and others. What Spain (Andalusia) primarily attracts millions of tourists to is a beach holiday. In fact, you can’t imagine a trip to this amazingly bright, sunny and warm country without visiting the sea coast. All the beaches of this region were awarded the honorary Blue Flag, which is evidence that this beach in its cleanliness, grooming and equipment deserves all praise. The biggest chip of Spanish beaches is the smallest sand of various shades - from ash-black to light beige.
Costa del Almeria is a relatively young resort with the most modern tourist infrastructure on the entire Spanish coast. Costa de la Luz is a favorite destination for lovers of water sports and entertainment. The sunniest of the Andalusian beaches is the Costa del Sol, whose name translates from Spanish as "sunny beach". Here the sun shines 325 days a year, almost no rain in the summer, and you can relax here all year round. Frequent guests of these places are residents of the northern regions of the European part of the mainland. They almost always lack solar heat, which is why Andalusia attracts them so much. Spain, a vacation in which cannot be called cheap (especially for residents of Russia), nevertheless annually meets millions of tourists. The popularity of the resorts of Spain is explained by the fact that here, in addition to a lazy beach holiday, tourists can enjoy exploring the unique Spanish attractions. Hotels in Andalusia are distinguished by an excellent level of service, however, there are a lot of budget one-star and two-star hotels on the coast, where unpretentious tourists can stay.
Mysterious Andalusia. Spain: Natural and Man-Made Attractions
Many monuments of architecture and culture, which Andalusia is rich in, are included in the list of objects protected by UNESCO, since they were recognized by this organization as cultural objects of world heritage. These include:
- Alhambra - Moorish Palace in Granada.
- The bell tower of the Giralda Cathedral, located in Seville.
- Assumption Cathedral of the Virgin in Cordoba.
In addition to these architectural masterpieces, there are many other, no less magnificent palaces and temples, built in various styles and directions. But the unique natural sights include the magnificent view of the Gibraltar Strait, places where there are winds blowing from different parts of the world and forming a "wind rose", as well as the Garganta del Choro gorge. On the largest of the rivers of Andalusia, the Guadalquiviru, a river bus runs. A ride on it and admire the natural beauties spread along the banks of the river is a pleasure.
Bullfighting and Flamenco
For tourists visiting Spain for the first time, perhaps, there is nothing more remarkable than a real Spanish bullfight. By the way, this custom arose precisely in Andalusia, in the city of Ronda, on the Costa del Sol coast. By the way, in these parts, in addition to bullfighting, there is another entertainment related to trained domestic animals. This is a fun show of Andalusian horses in the city of Jerez. Their unforgettable dance also impresses many tourists. What else attracts tourists to Andalusia, Spain? Reviews and stories of tourists about trips to this magical country indicate that the rhythms of Spanish temperamental dances, especially the passionate flamenco, cannot leave anyone indifferent. But the work of the great Spaniards (Velazquez, Goya, Picasso, Murillo, Dali) is of interest only to selected connoisseurs of high art. Here is such a wonderful land of Andalusia! Spain, the attractions of which attract millions of tourists from all over the world every year, can truly be proud of both its unique natural landscape and climate, as well as its talented sons.
Andalusian cuisine
The culinary features of these places have been influenced by Moorish traditions. More than 6 centuries have passed since the reign of Al-Andalus, however, until now, serving and serving dishes, especially meat and vegetables, in this region are most often carried out in accordance with Arab traditions. Meat dishes prevail in the mountain cuisine, but on the coast, naturally, seafood specialties: shrimp, grilled octopus, tuna, sea urchins, salted fish, etc. Vegetables, fruits, cereals, legumes, cheeses and olive oil are present on the menu of almost all taverns and restaurants. Rich culinary traditions are another of the attractions of the Andalusia region. Spain - passionate and melodic, hot and green, sea and mountain, tasty and hoppy - has always been and will remain the most desirable country for visiting tourists from all over the world.
The ancient city of Malaga
Visiting Spain and not visiting the homeland of the great Picasso will simply be sacrilege. So, we choose the route "Spain – Andalusia – Málaga". This is a coastal town on the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the center of the resort of Costa del Sol. Malaga conquers with its medieval winding streets, green boulevards, lushly blooming gardens. For tourists from the northern regions, this is a real paradise. The city was founded in the XI century BC and was part of Ancient Phenicia. In Phoenician, the name Malaka (that was the name of the city in those ancient times) means "salty." Then the city was under the rule of the Roman Empire. Since the VIII century AD, its territory was captured by the Arabs and became part of the Cordoba Caliphate. In the Middle Ages, Arab rule fell, and Malaga began to develop according to Christian customs. Today, this province is a mixture of architecture of all styles and directions, which gives the area an unforgettable flavor. This is the liveliest of all areas of Andalusia, but at the same time the poorest.
Beach Holidays in Malaga
The coastline of the province of Malaga has 16 beautiful beaches. In the western part, the coast is covered with dark fine sand, in the east, sandy beaches are interspersed with cliffs. The most popular are the recreational areas of La Malagueta, Pedregalejo La Misericordia and San Andrés. All of them are located in the central part of the coast of Malaga and for their well-being and cleanliness awarded the Blue Flag. Some of the beaches belong to this or that hotel. They are equipped with everything necessary for adults and children. More remote beaches are Campo de Golf and Guadalmar and Campo de Golf. They are more suitable for lovers of a quiet family holiday. By the way, a small plot in Guadalmar is a favorite place for nudists. Cabopino beach, where the campground is located, is suitable for lovers of savages.
Where to stay in Malaga
However, most tourists are attracted to Spain by the desire to relax in comfortable conditions. The hotels of Andalusia, in particular Malaga, offer high-class service, rich entertainment programs and divinely delicious cuisine. Here you can find suitable housing for people with different requirements for both comfort and service. For unpretentious tourists there are guesthouses (they are indicated in tourist offers as hotels with 1 and 2 stars). Convenient hostels are available for student and youth companies. Especially popular for renting are villas and apartments. As for hotel complexes, here you can see hotels belonging to world brands, such as Marriott and others.
Malaga Attractions
The hotel administration offers the organization of excursions in Malaga itself and in other directions. For example, you can visit the many palaces that are called palacio. The Palacio de la Aduana, the Palacio Episcopal and the Palacio de los Conde, the Plaza de Torros, the fortress of Alcazaba, the castle lighthouse of Hibralfaro, the Roman theater and amphitheater Flavia, the Cathedral of Encarnacion. Since Malaga is the birthplace of Picasso, there are two beautiful museums dedicated to the great Spaniard.
Granada
Another route that is most interesting for tourists who come to this country is Spain-Andalusia-Granada. This province with the city of the same name, its center, is located on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It was founded in the VI century BC. It is an extremely beautiful city in the east of Andalusia. The sights of Granada are the ancient quarter of Albasin, the cathedral of Granada, built in the 16th century with the chapel of Capilla Real, where Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile are buried, who liberated Granada from Arab rule, as well as the Dame and Torre de la Vela towers, multi-tier gardens Portals, etc., etc. And yet Granada’s hallmark is considered the world-famous Alhambra fortress (“Red Fortress”) - the residence of the Moorish rulers (XI century). The names of all the sights of Granada can not be mentioned in one article, it is difficult to make a description of them. All this must be seen with my own eyes. Granada - a real museum under the open Andalusian sky.