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News and Events For Andalucia
Andalucia is the most romantic and evocative region of Spain, a land of rich culture, dramatic scenery and historic cities. Our villas in Andalucia have been handpicked for their charm and individuality.
We feature restored farmhouses near Ronda, grand country estates around Seville and whitewashed villas near the pine forests and sand dunes of the Costa de la Luz.
We also offer beautiful stone houses in the Alpujarras Mountains, close to both the coast and the city of Granada.
Great reasons to rent a villa on the COSTA DE LA LUZ
The Costa de la Luz, meaning the coast of light, is located in the south west of Spain. Starting off in Tarifa in the south, it runs through the provinces of Cádiz and all the way to the province of Huelva in the north.
There are over 200km of beautiful beaches, from vast stretches of fine golden sand, to sheltered coves, particularly around the Conil area; these are known locally as the Calas de Roche. This stretch of coastline is particularly popular with Spanish tourists who come down in the summer months to escape the heat of cities such as Madrid and Seville. The next bay along is Cape Trafalgar, this is where Nelson defeated the Spanish and French navies. It is possible to snorkel off this coast and see cannons and cannon balls remaining from the battle.
The town of Tarifa enjoys views of Morocco, the town of Tangiers is just 16km across the straits. It is possible to catch a ferry and visit the North African soukhs and spice markets for the day. Tarifa is known as the windsurfing capital of Spain, and the recent trend is kite surfing - there are many schools offering equipment rental and lessons.
Further up the coast, the beach of El Palmar is also popular with the surfing crowd. For those wishing to relax and unwind, there are plenty of chiringuitos serving freshly fried fish and paella, washed down with an obligatory tinto de verano (summer wine) or the local tipple – sherry.
The white hilltop town of Vejer has become famous for its gastronomic delights and is often featured in the UK press as a place to come to try local tapas and the locally caught Almadraba tuna (the majority of which is shipped over to Japan for sushi). There is also a cookery school here offering day and weekly courses.
For sports lovers there are numerous golf courses set amongst pine and olives trees and on the coast itself. These include the prestigious Montecastillo course on the outskirts of Jerez and the Montenmedio Golf & Country Club 5km from Vejer. There are also marinas at Barbate and Sancti Petri for those interested in diving, fishing or canoeing. For nature lovers, the National Park of Doñana separates the provinces of Cádiz and Huelva and is the home to the Iberian Lynx. You can only visit this area in a 4x4 vehicle as part of a guided tour. The Costa de la Luz is also one of the busiest avian migrating routes in the world making it the perfect place to go bird watching.
The cities of Cádiz and Jerez are within a 20 minute drive of one another. Cádiz is said to be the oldest European city, its boulevards and narrow streets full of boutique shops and quirky tapas bars serving slithers of Iberian ham and fried fish. The fish and flower market are also popular attractions. Jerez is slightly inland and is the home to sherry, brandy and sherry vinegar, and most of the wineries offer tours and tastings, which are highly recommended. The people of Andalucia are renowned for their ability to party, one of the biggest fiestas in Spain being the Jerez Horse Fair which takes place each May. There is a pedestrianised shopping area in the centre of town, and the Alcazar, Cathedral and Royal Equestrian Centre are only a short walk away.
There are over 200km of beautiful beaches, from vast stretches of fine golden sand, to sheltered coves, particularly around the Conil area; these are known locally as the Calas de Roche. This stretch of coastline is particularly popular with Spanish tourists who come down in the summer months to escape the heat of cities such as Madrid and Seville. The next bay along is Cape Trafalgar, this is where Nelson defeated the Spanish and French navies. It is possible to snorkel off this coast and see cannons and cannon balls remaining from the battle.
The town of Tarifa enjoys views of Morocco, the town of Tangiers is just 16km across the straits. It is possible to catch a ferry and visit the North African soukhs and spice markets for the day. Tarifa is known as the windsurfing capital of Spain, and the recent trend is kite surfing - there are many schools offering equipment rental and lessons.
Further up the coast, the beach of El Palmar is also popular with the surfing crowd. For those wishing to relax and unwind, there are plenty of chiringuitos serving freshly fried fish and paella, washed down with an obligatory tinto de verano (summer wine) or the local tipple – sherry.
The white hilltop town of Vejer has become famous for its gastronomic delights and is often featured in the UK press as a place to come to try local tapas and the locally caught Almadraba tuna (the majority of which is shipped over to Japan for sushi). There is also a cookery school here offering day and weekly courses.
For sports lovers there are numerous golf courses set amongst pine and olives trees and on the coast itself. These include the prestigious Montecastillo course on the outskirts of Jerez and the Montenmedio Golf & Country Club 5km from Vejer. There are also marinas at Barbate and Sancti Petri for those interested in diving, fishing or canoeing. For nature lovers, the National Park of Doñana separates the provinces of Cádiz and Huelva and is the home to the Iberian Lynx. You can only visit this area in a 4x4 vehicle as part of a guided tour. The Costa de la Luz is also one of the busiest avian migrating routes in the world making it the perfect place to go bird watching.
The cities of Cádiz and Jerez are within a 20 minute drive of one another. Cádiz is said to be the oldest European city, its boulevards and narrow streets full of boutique shops and quirky tapas bars serving slithers of Iberian ham and fried fish. The fish and flower market are also popular attractions. Jerez is slightly inland and is the home to sherry, brandy and sherry vinegar, and most of the wineries offer tours and tastings, which are highly recommended. The people of Andalucia are renowned for their ability to party, one of the biggest fiestas in Spain being the Jerez Horse Fair which takes place each May. There is a pedestrianised shopping area in the centre of town, and the Alcazar, Cathedral and Royal Equestrian Centre are only a short walk away.
Easter in Andalucía
If you’ve booked a villa in Andalucía at Easter, don’t miss the opportunity to see at least one of the Holy Week processions. These take place in almost every city, town and village – in larger places there will be processions nearly every evening during the week, and in villages there may just be one on Good Friday.
For the uninitiated, Semana Santa in Andalucía is a jaw-dropping experience, totally unlike anything they have seen before. In the cities and towns, huge and heavy silver floats bearing individual statues of Jesus or Mary, or group tableaux, are carried through the streets on the shoulders of dozens - sometimes hundreds - of men. The fragrance of incense and the beautiful flowers which decorate the ‘tronos’, as the floats are called; the ringing of the bell which tells the men when to lower the float and when to raise it onto their shoulders and set off again; the haunting beat of a drum which is the only sound amid the silence; hundreds of candles on the floats, glowing in the darkness; penitents in long robes and tall pointed hoods, following in procession, many of them barefoot; a spontaneous ‘saeta’, sung from the balcony of a house as the float passes by; the emotional atmosphere… you don’t have to have any religious faith to enjoy the Holy Week processions, but you will not fail to be moved by them.
In Málaga and Ronda, the legionnaires proudly sing their traditional hymn as they bear the image of Christ on the cross through the streets; in Marbella, the exhausted ‘costaleros’ somehow find the energy to ‘dance’ the statue of the Virgin Mary back into her chapel in the early hours of the morning; in tiny villages, all the lights are turned out and the women walk behind the single float, carrying candles to light their way. Everywhere is different, but it is always beautiful, traditional, emotive, surprising… Semana Santa is an insight into Andalucía and the Andalucían people, and what is especially lovely is that everyone, no matter what their beliefs or nationality, is truly welcome to share the experience with those for whom this is the most important religious festival of the year.
For the uninitiated, Semana Santa in Andalucía is a jaw-dropping experience, totally unlike anything they have seen before. In the cities and towns, huge and heavy silver floats bearing individual statues of Jesus or Mary, or group tableaux, are carried through the streets on the shoulders of dozens - sometimes hundreds - of men. The fragrance of incense and the beautiful flowers which decorate the ‘tronos’, as the floats are called; the ringing of the bell which tells the men when to lower the float and when to raise it onto their shoulders and set off again; the haunting beat of a drum which is the only sound amid the silence; hundreds of candles on the floats, glowing in the darkness; penitents in long robes and tall pointed hoods, following in procession, many of them barefoot; a spontaneous ‘saeta’, sung from the balcony of a house as the float passes by; the emotional atmosphere… you don’t have to have any religious faith to enjoy the Holy Week processions, but you will not fail to be moved by them.
In Málaga and Ronda, the legionnaires proudly sing their traditional hymn as they bear the image of Christ on the cross through the streets; in Marbella, the exhausted ‘costaleros’ somehow find the energy to ‘dance’ the statue of the Virgin Mary back into her chapel in the early hours of the morning; in tiny villages, all the lights are turned out and the women walk behind the single float, carrying candles to light their way. Everywhere is different, but it is always beautiful, traditional, emotive, surprising… Semana Santa is an insight into Andalucía and the Andalucían people, and what is especially lovely is that everyone, no matter what their beliefs or nationality, is truly welcome to share the experience with those for whom this is the most important religious festival of the year.
Jerez Horse Fair
Jerez hosts its Horse Fair which has been declared of International Touristic interest. In 2013 this takes place between 6th - 13th May. There are over 200 "casetas" full of Jerezanos and visitors alike, wearing traditional short-jacket suits and flamenco dresses, whilst dancing, drinking sherry and eating tapas.
Spring Fairs
Most Andalucian villages have their own spring fair where the locals dress in short jackets or flamenco dresses and parade around on their beautiful horses. In Vejer de la Frontera this fair takes place 10th - 14th April and in El Colorado, near Conil 30th May - 2nd June.
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Holidays in Andalucía - Area Information
Andalucía evokes dazzling white towns, ancient cities, imposing mountain peaks, regiments of olive groves, golden sandy beaches, the scent of orange blossom, a temperate climate and the purest light. From the seemingly endless stretches of golden sand that line the undiscovered Costa de la Luz to the unmissable cities that bear witness to 700 years of Moorish influence, the region boasts a wealth of attractions that will not fail to impress.
Hilltop white villages of snaking narrow streets, hidden inner patios of abundant carnation pots, Islamic arches, formal gardens heavy with the scent of jasmine and orange blossom, breathtaking palaces, and above all, a warm, extrovert people who instinctively create an exuberant street life.
The historic hilltop town of Ronda offers the visitor tranquillity, a rich and diverse history and an authentic Andaluz atmosphere. Its eclectic mix of architectural styles stand testament to the diverse peoples that have fought over, occupied or simply visited the town across the centuries. Home to picturesque 'pueblo blanco ' streets, a profusion of wrought iron balconied houses and Spain's oldest and most splendid bullring, the Mercadillo quarter has its own special atmosphere.
Dividing the old part of the city from the new is a dramatic river gorge, its plunging 90m drop being bridged by the Puente Nuevo from where there are spectacular views. Our houses are scattered across the beautiful Serranía surrounding the town and all are within an easy drive. Further afield through a landscape of craggy forested sierras lies Sevilla, a city that lives life to the full. The luxuriant jungle of botanical gardens that is the Maria Lluisa Park, the once Jewish quarter with its picture book wrought iron clad houses and the vast cathedral are just a few of the good reasons to visit.
Heading west you will find Arcos de la Frontera, an original frontier town from the old Muslim kingdom of Granada, whilst the vineyards and wineries that start in earnest after here leave no doubt that you are entering the world capital of sherry production - Jerez.
The stunning stretch of coastline known as the Costa de la Luz is perhaps Andalucía's best kept secret. This magnificent, unspoilt fringe of golden sand stretches practically unbroken fromthe Portuguese border to the Straits of Gibraltar. Our property selection centres around the pretty white towns of Vejer de la Frontera and Conil de la Frontera. Nearby Cádiz is one of Europe's oldest cities. Now a busy port, it is rich in Moorish style buildings arranged around narrow streets and alleyways that criss-cross the historic peninsula.
To the east, dramatic scenery is formed by the deeply plunging gorge of El Chorro, which carves its way through breathtakingly pretty valleys of lush wooded slopes. North of here, Córdoba offers the awesome dimensions of the 'Mesquita' or Great Mosque and the myriad of white alleyways and flower filled patios that is its ancient Jewish quarter.
No visit to Andalucía would be complete without witnessing the spectacular sights of historic Granada. Nestling against a stunning backdrop of the often snow capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada, the imposing silhouette of its sumptuous Alhambra Palace towers above a delightful and intriguing network of ancient narrow streets that bear witness to the city's Moorish past. A short drive south of here, tucked between the Sierra Nevada and the coast, the delightfully undiscovered Alpujarras is unquestionably picturesque, its valleys and hillsides being dotted with oasis-like white villages and criss-crossed by a network of ancient paths that make this area a delight to discover on foot.
Climate
Its temperate, almost sub-tropical climate makes Andalucía Spain's kitchen garden, producing an appetising variety of fruit, vegetables, herbs and olive oil. Spring arrives early and brings with it warm temperatures, making the months of April and May a pleasant time to visit. Inland, summer temperatures frequently exceed 30°C, whilst sea breezes temper the heat on the Costa de la Luz.Local Cuisine
Local specialities include scrambled eggs with wild asparagus and various flavourful game dishes. Finish off with 'piñonate' (a sweetmeat of almonds and pine seeds) or the exquisite 'pestinos de almendras' (almond pancakes).
On the coast, tuna is offered in any one of over 1000 different recipes while the 'caldillo de perro' (fish soup) is always delicious. Meals can be complemented by a smooth glass of 'manzanilla' from Sanlucar de Barrameda, perhaps a sherry from Jerez or El Puerto de Santa Maria, or a glass of local wine from Chiclana de la Frontera. The light, white 'Tierra Blanca' is a perfect lunchtime accompaniment.
Jerez Horse Fair
Jerez hosts its Horse Fair which has been declared of International Touristic interest. In 2013 this takes place between 6th - 13th May. There are over 200 "casetas" full of Jerezanos and visitors alike, wearing traditional short-jacket suits and flamenco dresses, whilst dancing, drinking sherry and eating tapas.
Spring Fairs
Most Andalucian villages have their own spring fair where the locals dress in short jackets or flamenco dresses and parade around on their beautiful horses. In Vejer de la Frontera this fair takes place 10th - 14th April and in El Colorado, near Conil 30th May - 2nd June.
Bull run in Vejer and Arcos de la Frontera
Each year on Easter Sunday the towns of Vejer and Arcos secure the main streets and release a bull into the main square, which is then joined by the bravest residents. In 2013 this falls on 31st March.
Noche de San Juan
On Midsummer's eve many Spanish coastal towns including Conil and Chiclana de la Frontera burn effigies of people in the media and let off fireworks from the beach. 23rd June 2013.
Vendimia (Wine Harvest Festival) in Jerez
The city of Jerez celebrates its grape harvest each September, in 2013 this will take place 10th - 15th September. It commences with the crushing of grapes, street theatre, flamenco shows, horse parades and also features tastings, exhibits and markets stalls in the Plaza de Arenal.
Getting there
A wide range of scheduled, charter and 'no frills' flights operate from most regional airports to Málaga, which is 1.5 hours from Ronda, 2 hours from the Alpujarras and 2.5 hours from the Costa de la Luz. Alternatively, Ryanair offer services to Jerez and Sevilla whilst other scheduled flights fly to Málaga, Sevilla and Gibraltar. Another option is the 19½ hour sea crossing to Santander from where a 12 hour drive brings you to your destination.
Book your villa holiday online or telephone: 01954 261 431