Andalucia has everything to offer the young budget traveller. Report by Lee Gutcher, who offers advice gained from his recent trip. The Alhambra (Granada) and the Mezquita (Cordoba) are truly world-class monuments amongst a host of other fascinating castles, cathedrals and churches.
Ronda bus station is located in the new part of the town, only four blocks along the Avenida de Andalucia from the train station and about 5 minutes' walk from the historic town centre. It is located at Plaza Concepción García Redondo.
Go into any bar and observe the clientele, whether standing at the bar or at small shelf-like bars along the walls, each is likely to have a small plate with a few bites of something to eat - a “tapa”. Tapa? Yes it comes from the Spanish verb "tapar", which means “to cover”.
Granada is renowned for its amazing tapas and for being one of the few places left in Spain where you can order a drink and be given a free tapa with it. The city is full of tapas bars, from the ones that are known only by locals, to the ones that are favoured by the international tourist. Here is our list of some of the best tapas bars across the city.
Sanlucar de Barrameda is delightful small town situated at the northern tip of the sherry triangle and is home to the first beaches of the Cádiz side of the Costa de la Luz. The first beach (i.e. the most northerly) on the Cádiz side of the Costa de la Luz is known for its calm waters and golden sand. Bonanza beach is very popular with the locals so can get busy during the summer months.
Andalucia is world-famous - and justifiably so - for its 800km of coastline: countless spectacular beaches with white sands and crystalline turquoise waters. Whether you want a nudist hangout, a family-friendly bucket-and-spade affair, high-adrenalin watersports, or a chiringuito with top-class fresh seafood, you have hundreds to choose from.
Huelva's capital city is home to just one beach, El Espigon. It is a relatively young beach, in that it was 'born' after works on the Juan Carlos I dock in the seventies. The 3 kilometre beach is located on a sand spit that can be accessed only by driving across las Marismas del Odiel wetland area.
Santa Elena is the closest town to the famous "Gateway to Andalucia" at Despeñaperros Pass. It is also the most northerly village in Jaen province (and Andalucia) when leaving or arriving in the region on the A4 Madrid motorway.
La Carolina is a small town of 16.000 inhabitants is located in the north of Jaen province adjacent to the A-4 Seville to Madrid motorway. It is the last town of any size to stop if heading out of Andalucia through the Despeñaperros gorge into Castilla La Mancha.
Sometimes tapas menus can be confusing, especially when they bad or no English translations.
Try some of these Spanish Christmas specialities this festive season. Christmas turkey and for dessert Polvorones, Roscos.
Try some of these delicious recipes for traditional Andalucian meat, game and poultry dishes.
Which its large expanse of coastline, it's no surprise that Andalucia is famous for its fish and seafood. Go to your local market and pick up some fresh fish and try these traditional Andalucian recipes.
Andalucia and Spain are home to a whole host of renowned chefs, both nationally and internationally. Here are some that we at Andalucia.com have had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing.
Olive oil is one of the main products of Andalucia and is a staple ingredient of many Spanish recipes. Here are some of the recipes from the gastronomy section that you can try out using the famous Andalucian olive oil.
Spanish desserts are typically not very sweet, just a little something to change the taste and end the meal, preferable with a cup of that wonderful coffee!
When we think of Spain, tapas are one of the first things that comes to mind. The delicious little plates of goodness that go perfectly with a caña of beer or a glass of wine are an icon of Spain, so spend some time hopping from bar to bar tasting them. There are so many to try, from gambas al pil pil and tortilla de patatas to albondigas (meatballs) and Russian salad, you'll never get bored of them.
Gazpacho is one Andalucia's trademark dishes and a sign that summer is truly here. Why not try out some of these recipes suggested by food writer Janet Mendel, with Porra recipes from the kitchens of Arte de Cozina in Antequera and a special Cherry Gazpacho recipe from Alfonso Rodriguez.
There is most certainly a difference between grabbing a bite of something on the run, or sitting down at table to eat a meal the "right" way, and the Spanish are experts on making meals so much more than just sustenance.
Award Winning Food writer Janet Mendel, author of several books about Spanish cooking, provides a taste of Andalucía. In this instalment, she introduces you to paella and beyond.
