Discovering Andalusia’s sierras in the beauty of autumn
Flamenco dancing, bullfighting, sunshine and tapas, Andalusia is famous for many things that have attracted visitors to this unique part of southern Spain for centuries.
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Flamenco dancing, bullfighting, sunshine and tapas, Andalusia is famous for many things that have attracted visitors to this unique part of southern Spain for centuries.
Perched at the top of a rocky limestone ridge with stone castle walls adjoining a sheer cliff face that drops to the River Guadalete below, Arcos de la Frontera is hailed as being one of Andalucía’s most dramatically positioned of its Pueblos Blancos – whitewashed villages.
Facing the exhilarating Atlantic Ocean, extending from the renowned surfing haven of Tarifa in the south to the mouth of the mighty Guadiana River, the Costa de la Luz – Coast of Light – has long been a popular family holiday destination.
Andalusia is scattered with mighty sierras, where jagged mountain peaks can be carpeted in snow or take on an arid desert-scape, depending on the season.
El Gastor is a beautiful whitewashed village that sits high on a hillside at the feet of the magnificent mountain range of the Zahara de la Sierra in the Cadiz region of Andalucía.
If you’ve yet to visit Andalucía’s ‘big three’ cities, you’re certainly in for a treat when you do. By ‘big three’ we mean Granada, Cordoba and Seville, three remarkable Spanish cities, laden in extraordinary Moorish architecture, brimming with zest, traditionalism and vivacity and paradisal for culture vultures, foodies, musicians, shopaholics, historians and more.
Etched in history and culture and brimming with stunning architecture, the city of Seville is a fascinating place to visit for all the family. This beguiling city seems to have a fantastic surprise around every corner, including a beautiful green open space known as the Maria Luisa Park.
The traditional and distinct southern region of Andalucía is brimming in wacky, wonderful and thoroughly unique fairs and fiestas all year round. In fact, you don’t have to travel too far or for too long to come across a memorable festival in Andalucía and party amongst the locals.
The shimmering white-washed town of Ronda, stood high on a hillside overlooking a vista of mountains, meadows, and lakes, is a true sight for sore eyes. This ‘pueblo blanco’ – white village – is one of the most celebrated in Andalucía, with good reason.
Set amongst impressive blue hazy mountain ranges, where olive green trees predominate, the white-washed villages of Andalucía stand out from a distance, shimmering in the hot Spanish sun. They appear timeless and, in fact, many of them have changed little over the years. These charming villages may have one or two roads that you can
Many artists have one thing in common – they seek places that are doused in inspiring light. Gauguin on the South Sea island of Tahiti, Van Gogh in Arles, the South of France, Monet in Giverny – they all sought the perfect light.
Dominated by the Spanish Muslims, for many centuries Andalucía and the Alpujarras were considered to be the poor man’s part of Spain, owned by absent landlords. Poor farmers had a tough life on the land. In more recent times, however, the Alpujarras’ fortunes have changed and the area is known for its wonderful landscape, likened
The sun-scorched lands of Andalucía in southern Spain are brimming with secret gems, quirky sites and off-the-beaten-track delights. Vintage Travel explores some of Andalucía’s lesser-known treasures. Cave houses You may not fancy living in one, but the cave houses of Andalucía are well worth a visit. You can stand on a hill amongst numerous white
Panoramic vistas, traditional culture, the iconic Puente Nuevo 18th Century Bridge, and a dramatic gorge formed by the Guadalevin River are just some of the things that make the hilltop town of Ronda a ‘must see’ Andalusian destination. The gorge is 100 meters deep, and synonymous with this famous historic site.
The city of Granada in Andalusia is an incredible place to visit, with even its name sounding exotic! Though we have to admit, the jewel in Granada’s crown is the Alhambra Palace.
Often described as ‘the most charming city in Spain’, with its unique Moorish and Christian heritage everywhere you look, Seville in Andalusia is a city you simply have to visit. A city of beautiful streets full of culture, a cathedral with its bell tower of Giralda, the stunning Lebrija Palace, the Royal Alcazar Moorish fortress,
After the hot plains of central Spain, coming down to the lush countryside of Andalucía is like entering a different land. A wide vista of green and gold, with olive trees stretching into the distance, it would be easy to imagine that you are entering a dreamy land where nothing much goes on. But that
Some cities have a name that just resonates in your imagination, even if you have never been there. Seville is one of them and absolutely must be visited if you are a fan of culture, history and the vibrant Spanish way of life.
Together with Sanlucar de Barrameda, Chiclana, and Puerto de Santa Maria, Jerez forms what is known as the “sherry triangle”. The area is positioned midway between the sea and the mountains, and is perfect for growing white grapes. For anyone who likes a good Sherry, in the traditional tulip shaped glass (Copita), or in any glass for
Spring in Andalucía is like the awakening of body, soul and the land, in the vibrant country of Spain. It is the time of colour and fiestas, where people come together to celebrate the end of winter, not that it was ever that cold! Not only people, but the countryside awakens, it’s time to visit
Arcos de la Frontera – 750th anniversary: This magical hill top town celebrates its 750th anniversary this year, marking independence from the Moors and becoming part of the Kingdom of Castille. Throughout 2014, a special committee will be organising various events to involve as many of the local people and tourists alike. These events include open
International Sherry Week (ISW) invites all Sherry lovers to join in a global celebration of Spain’s unique Sherry wines. Developed and managed by an independent group of Certified Sherry Educators positioned globally, the 2014 campaign has been designed in consultation with the regulatory council of Sherry Wines to support the promotion of Sherry worldwide. International Sherry Week
If you’re looking for a quality, romantic and stylish villa that is great value for money on the Costa de la Luz, Vintage Travel recommends Casa Abeto. With its golden sandy beaches and a stunning backdrop of sand dunes, dense pine forests and colourful fields of sunflowers, Costa de la Luz couldn’t be in a
Situated just a couple of kilometres from the Atlantic coastline and a string of beautiful beaches but within the tranquillity of the countryside, at Casa da Oliveira you get the best of both worlds. This classically-styled Algarve family villa is built amongst other similar houses in a fine and well-to-do residential area of Vilamar, not