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Latest Pages

Latest pages

We are committed to updating our pages as regularly as possible, allocating over half of our editorial resources to this essential task, to ensure that you can always find the latest, most reliable information on popular topics and places.

Here is a list with the latest pages that have been updated or created. Most recent are at the top of the list.

Padel Tennis

This relatively new sport has become one of the most popular racquet games in Spain and the craze is spreading across Europe. A paddle (pádel' in Spanish) court is smaller than a tennis court, with simpler line markings. It has high surrounding walls of glass and/or solid construction.

Wild Swimming

One of the latest trends in adventure sports, or more daring or unusual outdoor activities, is wild swimming (bañarse/nadar en plena naturaleza in Spanish). This means swimming in any water, though more usually freshwater rather than saltwater.

Excursions

Group Coach Excursions from Costa del Sol.

Shopping

Shopping in Andalucia is  a mixture of small, often family-run, independent shops in the narrow charming streets of small towns, resorts and cities. In addition to this there are hyper-markets and shopping centres both in the city centre and out of town malls.

Rock Art

68 separate cave paintings in Velez-Blanco and Maria, Almeria; Almaciles and Huescar, Granada; Quesada, Pontones, Santiago de la Espada, Segura de la Sierra, Santisteban del Puerto and Aldeaquemada, Jaen

Andalucia GDP

The GDP (PIB Producto Interior Bruto in Spanish) is a measure of the total market value of all the goods and services produced by a country in a given period. GDP is widely used by economists to gauge the health of an economy, as its variations are relatively quickly identified. However, its value as an indicator for the standard of living is considered to be limited.

Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean Diet is classified by employing ten principles, which include using olive oil; eating plenty of fruit and vegetables (plus legumes and nuts); bread and grains; fresh, local, unprocessed foods; dairy products on a daily basis; moderate red meat, eggs and wine; plenty of fish and poultry; and lots of water.

Unesco World Heritage Sites

A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place (either a natural feature, such as a forest, mountain, lake or desert; or a manmade item, such as a monument, building or city) that is listed by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

Cordoba Patios Festival

Great news for Andalucia the patios entered into the perfect UNESCO Category: Social spaces promoting human contact and cultural exchange; promoting cultural diversity. As well as the historic centre of Cordoba, including the Mezquita, UNESCO has recognised one of the city’s best-loved annual events: the Patios Festival, which takes place every year during 12 days in early May.

What to wear in Andalucia

Andalucia enjoys a sub-tropical climate which means that in the middle of summer you may not need more than one layer of clothing even at 6 am in the morning. During the spring and autumn, however it is wise to wear layers of thin clothing which can be peeled off if and when necessary.

Travel Transfers

Travel transfers offer 24 hour transportation in a rental car with driver. You can book your travel transfers in Andalucia by Internet, even for public holidays. Your driver can meet you as soon as you arrive, at a pre-designated area in the airport holding a sign with your name.

Travel Agents

If you don´t have time to plan and organise your trip to Andalucia then why not consider using the services of a local travel agent. There are a number of specialist travel agencies operating throughout the country who can help you.

What to do in an emergency

The emergency medical services are extremely good and in virtually every town and city, you can dial 112 for the emergency services (Servicios de Urgencias). It is 061 for an ambulance, 080 for the fire service and 091 for the police.

Electricity

The Spanish domestic power system is 220 or 225 volts AC. Standard continental two pin plugs and three pin plugs (with earth) are used. A two pin plug will fit in a three pin socket. Americans with 110V equipment will need a transformer which can be purchased at most ironmongers while the British will only need a plug adapter which is easy to find.

Schengen Visa

Before making any plans travel to Andalucía or Spain you must ensure that you have the correct documentation. Andalucia is a region of Spain which has the responsibility over national border controls.  Spain is a full member of the EU and a member of the Schengen Area.

Cordoba

Cordoba's period of greatest glory began in the 8th century after the Moorish conquest, when some 300 mosques and innumerable palaces and public buildings were built to rival the splendours of Constantinople, Damascus and Baghdad. In the 13th century, under Ferdinand III, the Saint, Cordoba's Great Mosque was turned into a cathedral and new defensive structures

Tipping

Spaniards are fairly relaxed about tipping etiquette. However service is not usually included in restaurants and it is customary to leave the spare change, or perhaps up to 10% of the total in a smarter restaurant or a large group.

Sustainable Tourism

The Fuerte Hoteles group is legendary in Andalucia for providing quality accommodations and top service. Recently Brenda Padilla interviewed Joaquín Pineda, head of environmental policy, regarding the group's environmental policies, strategies and plans for the future.

A: What the Fuerte Hoteles' main goal in terms of environmental policy?

Petty Crime in Andalucia

Andalucía is a pretty safe place to be, particularly regarding violent crime. However, petty theft, such as bag snatching an puick pocketing is regrettably common, particularly in tourist resorts and big cities.

Caravans in Andalucia

If you're planning a holiday to Andalucia in your caravan, you'll be pleased to hear that the facilities in the area are excellent, with swimming pools, laundry services and supermarkets, as well as the basic electricity and direct drain.