In 1990 the new Atalaya golf course was built next to the village of Minas de Rio Tinto; the original was founded in the 19th century within the Rio Tinto copper mine. The course is 2,300 metres long, with grassed greens but the fairways are bare earth, reminiscent of the original course used by miners and engineers.

Over the past ten years or so, out-of-town shopping centres ( centros comerciales, or CCs), whether supermarkets or fashion outlets, have become increasingly prevalent in Andalucia, located on the edge of towsn and cities or in their suburbs.

There are many English language radio stations in Andalucia, especially along the Costa del Sol and some inland areas where many English speaking residents have settled over the last few decades. A few of the pioneering English language stations are still going strong after and have long-term.

In Granada province is one of Andalucia's two national parks, the Sierra Nevada, a mountainous region containing the two highest peaks in the Iberian Peninsula and whose summits are often snow-capped. This is the place to come if you're into rock climbing, mountaineering, skiing or, for the less energetic, botany, since the park harbours an incredible array of rare and endemic plants.

The Montecastillo Golf Resort designed by the great golfing legend Jack Nicklaus is rated the 5th best course in Europe and deservedly so. It follows the principle that what you see is what you get, with no blind holes and with open, and big drive inducing, fairways.

Sherry and Golf, what an evocative combination they make, and now the name has become reality in the form of The Sherry Golf Complex. Situated just 1.5 kilometres south of the lovely town of Jerez, on the Autovia A-1V. Golf Sherry is typical of the modern American style of courses, wide fairways, big greens and lots of water.

Golf courses in Jerez are challenging yet fun for even the least experienced of golfers.

This course is situated in the foothills of the Sierra de la Almijara and has lovely views of the surrounding mountains. The first nine holes are mainly flat with large bermuda fairways and large sloping and curved greens. Lakes affect a large part of the course.

The Guadiana greenway is 17 kilometres long and runs along part of what used to be the mining railway line between Herrerias and Puerto de la Laja. Trains transported minerals to the river which gives its name to this route in Huelva province.

This is a tarmac greenway which runs for just over a kilometre and a half to the town of Olula del Río. The route is accessible on foot, by bike and in a wheelchair. Sierra de las Estancias and Sierra de Los Filabres are highlights in terms of beautiful landscapes which can be seen from this greenway.

The Lucainena de las Torres greenway runs for 5.5 kilometres, from the Punete del Saltador at the Rambla Honda to Lucainena de las Torres. It follows the path of the old mining train which ran from Lucainena to Aguas Amargas on the coast.

On this greenway, Minas del Plomo (Lead Mines), you can explore Linares’ mining past. The route is 11 kilometres long and runs between the town of Linares and Los Salidos de Linares mine. The route is accessible on foot, by bike and by horse. One section of the route, the part which runs from Ermita de la Virgen de Linarejos chapel to Restauración well.

Cadiz is one of Andalucia’s most vibrant yet underrated cities. With a rich history going back millennia, and a charming almost-island old centre, originally fortified, the city is much less touristy than other regional capitals, with wonderful beaches and seafood.

The Folk Museum near the main square Plaza Virgen de la Peña has an art gallery for exhibitions by local artists as well as a permanent exhibitions of paintings, photography, ceramics and tools used in the Mijas countryside years ago.

In Andalucia, there's a party every day - whether it's to celebrate a harvest (mostly in the autumn - grapes, olives, chestnuts, mushrooms) - a saint's day, or the town's own annual feria, when every town and village puts on a show, with casetas, sherry and dancing. Over 3,000 fiestas are celebrated every year in Andalucia, including fairs, pilgrimages, carnivals, mock battles between Moors and Christians.

Estepona is home to a wide range of golf courses that are enjoyable and challenging for both novices and professionals to enjoy. As well as the golf courses mentioned below there is also a municipal driving range located near the entrance to Estepona Golf, look out for the sign by the little bridge at the entrance to Estepona golf.

In Spain, it is possible to arrange civil and religious marriages between foreigners or a foreigner and a Spanish national provided you do your paperwork first. In addition, the Spanish government is working on agreements with major non-Catholic faiths in terms of accepting their religious marriage ceremonies.

In Benahavis there are plenty of fun, challenging and prestigious golf courses that both novices and professionals can enjoy: La Zagaleta Club de Campo, Los Barrancos, Los Arqueros, Los Flamingos golf, Monte Mayor Golf club.

Thinking of having your wedding in Andalucia? Then we have the complete guide to the what, where, when and how to plan your big day here in sunny southern Spain.

An increasing number of people are either bringing their pets with them when they move to Spain, or else acquiring them here, reassured by the fact that, if they have to move for any reason, their pet doesn't have to be left behind.