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
Together these three buildings form a remarkable monumental complex in the heart of Seville. The cathedral and the Alcázar - dating from the Reconquest of 1248 to the 16th century and imbued with Moorish influences - are an exceptional testimony to the civilization of the Almohads as well as that of Christian Andalusia.
The Alhambra: the most romantic building in the world, and Spain's top tourist attraction (book tickets well in advance), full of exquisitely decorated palaces with hidden courtyards. Exhibitions, and outdoor plays and concerts in summer.
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.
Although these beaches are in the municipality of Chiclana de la Frontera, they are actually located some 7km away near the village of Sancti Petri. This popular beach stretches 2.5km from the the puerto deportivo of Sancti Petri to the old watch tower, Torre de la Bermeja.
If you want a break from the clamour and crowds on the Costa then explore Mijas, Alhaurin, Coin, Monda, Ojen and also Istan. The scenery is quite spectacular and the roads are well-travelled, yet perfectly good.
If you're arriving at Malaga airport, you don't have to head straight to the coast. There is lots more to see in this beautiful province, from the city itself, full of outstanding art galleries and museums (Picasso), to the stunning national parks and picturesque mountain villages with narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and flower-filled balconies.
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.
