Andalusian mountains on the map. Andalusia

Among other regions of Spain, Andalusia ranks second in area and has more population than any other part of the kingdom. According to the 2016 census, Andalusia has a population of 8,411,805. Administratively, it is divided into eight provinces: Cordoba, Almeria, Cadiz, Granada, Jaen, Huelva, Seville and Malaga. The capital is the city of Seville.

Tourists who find themselves in Andalusia are immersed in the festive atmosphere that seems to permeate everything around them. Incendiary extravaganzas all year round, cheerful and hospitable Andalusians - all this charges with amazing energy. In addition, Andalusia is the birthplace of flamenco. The most sensual Spanish dance is danced here like nowhere else in the world, and they also sing “cante jondo” - passionately, sincerely and soulfully.

Due to the fact that Andalusia is a fairly vast region, its guests will certainly not lack a choice of tourist routes and entertainment. The history and culture of Spanish, Arab and Moorish civilizations are closely intertwined on this land. The picturesque mountainous areas, suitable for hiking and hunting, combine with excellent beaches. Major cities abound with historical sites and cultural centers, not to mention entertainment venues, large shopping centers and colorful, crowded markets. Having been here, you will definitely keep a piece of Andalusia in your heart and will definitely want to come back here again.

Geography and climate

The area of Andalusia is 87,268 km², which is 17.2% of the country's territory. It borders with other autonomous communities: in the north - with Extremadura and Castile-La Mancha, in the east - with Murcia. The Strait of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea wash Andalusia from the south, and in the west there is a border with Portugal and access to the Atlantic Ocean.

The landscape of Andalusia is so diverse that it can impress even seasoned travelers. Here lie the Sierra Nevada mountains, the highest in the Iberian Peninsula. At sea level lie the coastal plains of the Guadalquivir River. The rainiest place in Spain, Sierra Alcornocales, is also located here. It is especially striking that some 50 meters from the Mulhacen peak, from which the snow never melts, there is the subtropical coast of Granada, and such contrasts are rarely seen anywhere. Mountainous Andalusia is separated from the lowland by the systems of the Beta Mountains and the Andalusian Lowland. This is the only region on the map of Spain where the hot Mediterranean climate is adjacent to the cold of the mountain peaks.

Hot climatic conditions are observed in most parts of the autonomy. The summer period is characterized by high atmospheric pressure caused by anticyclones from the Azores. This season is also characterized by severe drought, interrupted from time to time by heavy downpours. With the onset of autumn, tropical anticyclones recede and the weather becomes unstable. Autumn, winter and spring are the times of heavy rains, although the air temperature does not drop significantly. During the year, Andalusia has about 75 rainy days, and in the driest areas - for example, Cape Gata and the Tabernas Desert, the only one in Europe - only 50. From this we can simply conclude that the sun shines here 300 days a year.

As for the average annual temperatures in Andalusia, they do not fall below 16 degrees Celsius with the plus mark. In cities, say, Malaga, this figure is even higher - +18.5 °C. The average annual temperature in most of the Gualquivir basin remains at the same level. In some areas on the east coast of Almeria this figure is +20 degrees. The coldest month is January, when the average temperature in Granada drops to 6.4 degrees with a minus sign. The hottest months are July and August, with a temperature of +28.5 °C.

Malaga city

History of Andalusia

The first settlements on the territory of modern Andalusia appeared tens of thousands of years ago, which is confirmed by the remains of hunter-gatherer settlements found in the upper reaches of the Guadalquivir River and in the south of the Sierra Morena mountain system. Almost until the 5th century BC, the Tartessian culture flourished in this territory, to the disappearance of which the superpowers of that time “had a hand”: Phenicia and Greece, which began the colonization of Andalusia (Almeria).

As is known, the Romans won the battle between Carthage and Rome for power in the Mediterranean. In the territories they conquered, they formed the province of Spain Ulterior, or Far, which later became known as Betica. She gave Rome two emperors, Hadrian and Trajan. When the powerful empire fell in 411, the lands of Andalusia were captured by the barbarian tribes of the Suevi, Alans and Vandals, but their power lasted only until 418, after which they were expelled by the Visigoths. In 531, the Visigoths, having thoroughly strengthened their position in the village, made Andalusia part of their kingdom.

In 711, the Iberian (Iberian) Peninsula was captured by the Moors. Its territory was under the rule of Arab conquerors until 1492, until the capture of Granada, and it was called Al-Andalus. In 929, the Moorish state reached its greatest prosperity, at the same time King Abderraman III proclaimed the Caliphate of Cordoba, which disintegrated in 1031 into taifas, small independent states. But it was under the Arabs that the science and culture of the future Spain and, in particular, Andalusia achieved very great development. The legendary Alhambra Mosque in Granada, the Arabic temple in Cordoba and the Giralda bell tower in Seville, which have survived to this day, speak better than any words about what that “golden age” was like.

Andalusia is also associated with such a significant historical fact as the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus, because it was from the local port of Palos de la Frontera that in the same 1492 three caravels of the outstanding navigator sailed, who decided to find a western route to India, but ultimately discovered a new one continent. Subsequently, the trade of local aristocrats and bourgeoisie with America enriched them beyond words, and this region became one of the most prosperous in Spain.

However, in the 17th century, the economy of the kingdom began to decline, which did not bypass Andalusia. The life of the people became so unbearable that uprisings broke out in a number of places in 1640 and 1655. And when the War of the Spanish Succession was going on, Andalusia and, accordingly, all of Spain lost Gibraltar, which was captured by Anglo-Dutch troops. This small enclave is still under British rule to this day.

In the 18th century, an administrative reform was carried out, as a result of which the four kingdoms of Andalusia were abolished. Instead, five territories were created, directly administered from Madrid. In 1833, as a result of a reform proposed by the prominent Spanish statesman, politician and journalist Javier de Burgos, the region was divided into eight provinces, a division that continues today.

In the 19th century, the once prosperous Andalusia became perhaps the most backward region of Spain. The population, in search of a better life, began to move to more developed areas of the country or even migrated abroad. Such demographic processes dragged on until the 70s of the last century, after which a sharp turn, one might say, took place in the history of autonomy. The coast of the region, as well as Granada, Seville and Cordoba, became a tourist mecca, and Marbella became an elite resort.

Sights of Andalusia

From a tourist point of view, Andalusia is a developed region where a large number of interesting excursion sites are concentrated. One of them is the already mentioned Alhambra palace complex, which is world famous and has long become synonymous with romance and luxury at the same time. Being built on a high hill, it occupies almost its entire territory and majestically rises above Granada. A tour through its halls, which contain many priceless pieces of art and historical artifacts, will give you a lot of vivid impressions.

Alhambra palace complex

The largest temple not only in Andalusia, but throughout Spain is located in the capital of the autonomy, and this is the Seville Cathedral. Among similar structures in the world, it ranks third in size, and it is truly a very impressive and incredibly beautiful structure. In size, the Seville Cathedral exceeds even the Cathedrals of St. Peter in the Vatican and St. Paul in London. The history of the cathedral dates back to 1401, although its construction was completed only four centuries later. It also took a lot of time to design it. The craftsmen did their best: the interior decoration of the temple is fabulously beautiful. This iconic building houses perhaps the most expensive Gothic-style altar: just imagine, more than 3 tons of gold were spent on its creation. The Seville Cathedral is also notable for the fact that within its walls there is the tomb of Christopher Columbus, which in itself attracts thousands of travelers to the temple, admiring the personality of the great navigator.

Another famous religious landmark is located in Cordoba. This is the Mezquita Mosque or the Cathedral Mosque of Cordoba. It is also known as the Cathedral of Saint Mary, who is considered by locals to be the patron saint of Andalusia. The building was erected in the 9th century, but in 1236 it was converted into a Christian temple. The attraction is very interesting from an architectural point of view, because its appearance has many interesting features. Here you can see a fragment of an ancient Visigothic temple, a Muslim mosque of the Cordoba Caliphate, and the Cathedral of Christians. In Cordoba there is also the Alcazar fortress - it is not far from the Roman Bridge. Next to it is the Alcazar Garden, fascinating with its heavenly beauty.

The Alcazaba Palace and Mosque, located in Malaga, has also survived to this day from the reign of the Moors. This fortress was built in the 11th century and has witnessed the most important battles throughout its history. Thanks to her, the city remained impregnable in the face of enemies for many years. At the beginning of the last century, it was decided to carry out a complete reconstruction of the building.

The architectural heritage of Andalusia surprises with its richness and diversity, but why be surprised? Many great civilizations have left their mark on this blessed land: Phoenicians and Visigoths, Arabs and Jews, not to mention the Spaniards. Many cities of Andalusia, which are taken under the protection of UNESCO as a World Heritage of Humanity, can be called giant open-air museums.

Of considerable interest to travelers is the city of Cadiz, founded over three thousand years ago by the Phoenicians and being the oldest city in Western Europe. But the city of Tarifa can be proud of the fact that it is the southernmost point of continental Europe. The establishment of Moorish power on the Iberian Peninsula began precisely with Tarifa. But the cities of Baeza and Úbeda are living monuments of the Spanish Renaissance, and by visiting them you will learn a lot of interesting things.

Have you probably heard about the world famous variety of wine “sherry”? Its name was given to the city of Jerez de la Frontera, which attracts wine gourmets from all over the world. They also enjoy visiting large wineries such as Fundador and Tio Pepe. Jerez de la Frontera is also famous for its flamenco tradition, unique architecture and the Carthusian horse breed that was bred here.

Beaches and recreation areas

The calling card of Andalusia, in addition to world-famous attractions, flamenco and bullfighting, of which it is also the birthplace, has been and remains its picturesque beaches. The most popular beach resorts in all of Spain are concentrated in this region. The Costa del Almeria is considered one of the most unusual, although vacationers discovered it relatively recently. The resort's coastline is distinguished by its unique landscape and developed tourist infrastructure.

An equally famous resort is the Costa del Almeria, which is a magnet for surfing fans. Not far from its beaches there are prestigious golf centers.

Costa del Almeria

But the Costa del Sol is the calling card of all local resorts. Its unique climatic conditions have earned it popularity. Believe it or not, clear and sunny weather reigns on the coast of this resort almost all year round. Need I clarify that there is no better place for a beach holiday in all of Spain, not to mention Europe as a whole? Not far from the coast lies the Sierra Nevada mountain system, adjacent to areas known for orchards and ancient forests. These places are chosen with great pleasure by fans of eco-tourism.

As for the Sierra Nevada mountains, tourists who are passionate about skiing choose them for recreation, and this despite the fact that the slopes here are very difficult, mainly aimed at professional skiers.

Andalusia is also famous for its amusement parks, botanical gardens and large nature reserves. Tivoli Amusement Park is the largest and most famous of them; it is located in the town of Benalmadena, a very picturesque town in which life is literally in full swing. In this park, which is very large in area, the attractions are harmoniously combined with tropical gardens, recreation areas and very beautiful fountains.

Andalusian cuisine

In Andalusia, the most discerning gourmets will feel, as they say, at ease. This especially applies to fans of the Mediterranean diet, because many local dishes are based on fish, olive oil, fresh vegetables and fruits.

However, fish is more common in the coastal regions of Andalusia, and if you head deeper into the region, meat dishes will dominate, since the mountainous areas are very well suited for grazing.

Andalusia is also famous for its breed of black pigs, whose meat is used to prepare many delicacies, such as high-quality bacon. Among them, the national delicacy can be distinguished: jamon, it is also called “pata negra”, which translates as “black leg”. Cooking jamon has been elevated to the level of art here. Every year, experienced chefs even hold competitions in cutting it, and the winners receive well-deserved awards for high quality.

You can taste jamon in every local restaurant. Specialized stores sell dried ham slices, which return softness and tenderness when added to a dish.

Where to stay

There are over 4 thousand hotels in Andalusia, with different levels of star rating. Many of them are known far beyond the country's borders, for example, the Guadalpín Banus hotel in Marbella, which is a large-scale resort complex with direct access to the beach area. This fashionable hotel boasts its own golf school, a large children's club, excellent gastronomic establishments, swimming pools and terraces. The hotel's interior is thought out to the smallest detail, and its aristocracy is beyond praise.

If you find yourself in Malaga, you can stay at the historic Hotel Posada del Patio, housed in a restored ancient building. During the work, ruins of ancient buildings were discovered underneath it. Scientists suggest that there was once a defensive wall of an Arab city here. In addition to visiting the ancient buildings, hotel guests can also look into its exhibition hall, where unique historical artifacts are collected.

Hotel Posada del Patio, Malaga

The most famous and popular hotel establishment in Cordoba is the Hotel Exe Conquistador, housed in a luxurious building near the historical attractions of the city. The hotel has a picturesque courtyard where guests can relax in the garden.

Guests of Granada are advised to pay attention to the Alhambra Hotel, located in close proximity to the ancient walls. The hotel is luxurious and decorated in Moorish style. It probably couldn’t have been any other way, because the hotel is located in a historical castle, which has preserved its original layout. Not only from the rooms, but also from the spacious terraces there is a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area. The hotel has its own restaurant, specializing in Andalusian cuisine.

Alhambra Palace Hotel, Granada

Note to tourists

Despite the fact that Andalusia has an almost heavenly climate, lovers of excursions and hiking should not come here in the summer. And all because this time of year is not just hot - it is sultry, and probably not everyone can withstand exploring the sights at such temperatures.

Buses are the main type of public transport in the cities of the autonomy; the cost of a trip is about 1 euro. If you plan to use public transport often, then buy a special Bonobús card. If you get it at any travel agency, you will not regret it at all. You can pay with the card for ten trips and save a lot of money.

Trains remain the most convenient means of moving around Andalusia. Rail connections between smaller towns are provided by RENFE trains, while high-speed AVE trains operate between major cities.

Many tourists would like to travel around Andalusia by private car. This, of course, is not prohibited, but you need to be extremely careful. The fact is that local drivers do not really like to follow traffic rules. When you leave your car in a parking lot, you should be prepared to find minor damage when you return, and this is because the cars in them are located very close to each other.

There are tourist offices in every major city in Andalusia. You can find them near the main attractions or at train stations. You can contact us here for any question, and you will definitely be advised. In these same offices you can purchase tickets for events of interest, as well as a city map indicating the location of attractions.

You should be very responsible when choosing a suitable beach in Andalusia. The fact is that in some areas of the coast the water remains quite cool even at the height of summer. And since its temperature is changeable, it is simply impossible to say with certainty what it will be like tomorrow.

How to get there

Andalusia is “rich” in airports. There are two international airports in Seville and Malaga, and four domestic airports in Cordoba, Almeria, Jerez de la Frontera and Granada, respectively. All six airports accept flights, including from Madrid and Barcelona. You will stay in the air for no more than an hour and a half.

Seville airport

You can also get to Andalusia by sea - through the ports of Algeciras, Malaga, Cadiz and Almeria.

The main highway to reach this Spanish region was and remains the A-4/E-05, which runs through the Despeñaperros Nature Reserve. As an alternative, you can choose the routes AP-4 (Cádiz - Seville) and AP-7 (Malaga - Guadiaro).

Cordilleras Beticas Cordillera Betica Cordillera Betica 37°00′ N. w. 5°00′W d. / 37.000° N. w. 5.000° W. d. / 37.000; -5.000 (G) (I)Coordinates: 37°00′ N. w. 5°00′W d. / 37.000° N. w. 5.000° W. d. / 37.000; -5.000 (G) (I)

It stretches along the Mediterranean coast of the country for 600 kilometers from Gibraltar and the Gulf of Cadiz to the Gulf of Valencia. The mountain system is divided into a series of separate ridges and massifs, dissected by vast and deep internal basins-grabens, and therefore has long been well developed. The highest range of the system is the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The summit of this range, Mount Mulathen, has an altitude of 3,478 meters. It is the highest point in peninsular Spain and the entire Iberian Peninsula. The Cordillera Betica is the second highest mountain system in Europe after the Alps. One of the largest rivers in Spain, Guadalquivir, originates in the Cordillera Betica mountains. At the northern foot of the Cordillera Betica there is a vast Andalusian plain, formed in a foothill foredeep.

The mountainous landscapes of the Cordillera Betica are located in the hottest part of the peninsula and receive much less rainfall than the rest of Spain. In such conditions, slope exposure and the barrier effect in the distribution of atmospheric moisture are important. The lower areas of the southern-facing slopes facing the Mediterranean Sea are occupied by dry woodlands of Aleppo pine, wild olive, kermes oak and steppes. These communities climb slopes up to a height of 750 meters. Higher up they give way to sparse forests of holm oak, which above 1500 meters begins to be mixed with Pyrenean oak. At about 1600 meters pine stands appear. A belt of subalpine crooked forest of junipers, gorse and meadows with fescue is distributed above 2000 meters.

There are four main regions in the system:

Cordillera Penibetica (Spanish) Cordillera Penibética ) - Andalusia
Surco-Intrabetico (Spanish) Surco Intrabético) - Andalusia
Cordillera Subbética (Spanish) Cordillera Subbética) - Andalusia, Gibraltar, Murcia, Valencia
Cordillera Prebetica (Spanish) Cordillera Prebetica) - Andalusia, Murcia, Valencia

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Literature

E. P. Romanova. "Modern landscapes of Europe." Moscow, 1997

Notes

Spain, Andorra, Portugal // World Atlas / comp. and preparation to ed. PKO "Cartography" in 2009; Ch. ed. G. V. Pozdnyak. - M. : PKO "Cartography": Onyx, 2010. - pp. 58-59. - ISBN 978-5-85120-295-7 (Cartography). - ISBN 978-5-488-02609-4 (Onyx).
Spain, Portugal // World Atlas / comp. and preparation to ed. PKO "Cartography" in 1999; resp. ed.: T. G. Novikova, T. M. Vorobyova. - 3rd ed., erased, imprinted. in 2002 with diapos. 1999 - M. : Roscartography, 2002. - pp. 72-73. - ISBN 5-85120-055-3.
Pospelov E. M. Geographical names of the world. Toponymic dictionary. / answer ed. R. A. Ageeva. - M.: Russian dictionaries, 1998. - P. 36. - 503 p. - 3000 copies. - ISBN 5-89216-029-7.
Dictionary of geographical names of foreign countries / resp. ed. A. M. Komkov. - 3rd ed., revised. and additional - M. : Nedra, 1986. - P. 20.
// A - Questioning. - M. : Great Russian Encyclopedia, 2005. - P. 711. - (Big Russian Encyclopedia: [in 35 volumes] / chief ed. Yu. S. Osipov; 2004-, vol. 1). - ISBN 5-85270-329-X.
Geographical encyclopedic dictionary: geographical names / Ed. A. F. Treshnikova. - 2nd ed., additional. - M.: Soviet Encyclopedia, 1989. - P. 30. - 210,000 copies. - ISBN 5-85270-057-6.
Gvozdetsky N.A., Golubchikov Yu.A.. - M.: Mysl, 1987. - P. 236. - 400 p. - (The soldiers fell silent. The soldier, who was hit by the sergeant major, began, grunting, to wipe his face, which he tore into blood when he came across a fence.
- Look, damn, how he fights! “My whole face was bleeding,” he said in a timid whisper when the sergeant-major left.
- Don’t you love Ali? - said a laughing voice; and, moderating the sounds of voices, the soldiers moved on. Having got out of the village, they spoke again just as loudly, peppering the conversation with the same aimless curses.
In the hut, past which the soldiers passed, the highest authorities had gathered, and over tea there was a lively conversation about the past day and the proposed maneuvers of the future. It was supposed to make a flank march to the left, cut off the viceroy and capture him.
When the soldiers brought the fence, kitchen fires were already flaring up from different sides. Firewood crackled, snow melted, and the black shadows of soldiers scurried back and forth throughout the occupied space trampled in the snow.
Axes and cutlasses worked from all sides. Everything was done without any orders. They hauled firewood for the night's reserves, erected huts for the authorities, boiled pots, and stored guns and ammunition.
The fence dragged by the eighth company was placed in a semicircle on the north side, supported by bipods, and a fire was laid out in front of it. We broke the dawn, made calculations, had dinner and settled down for the night by the fires - some mending shoes, some smoking a pipe, some stripped naked, steaming out lice.
It would seem that in those almost unimaginably difficult conditions of existence in which Russian soldiers found themselves at that time - without warm boots, without sheepskin coats, without a roof over their heads, in the snow at 18° below zero, without even the full amount of provisions, it would not always be possible to keeping up with the army - it seemed that the soldiers should have presented the saddest and most depressing sight.
On the contrary, never, in the best material conditions, has the army presented a more cheerful, lively spectacle. This happened because every day everything that began to despondency or weaken was thrown out of the army. Everything that was physically and morally weak had long been left behind: only one color of the army remained - in terms of strength of spirit and body.
The largest number of people gathered at the 8th company, which bordered the fence. Two sergeants sat down next to them, and their fire burned brighter than others. They demanded an offering of firewood for the right to sit under the fence.
- Hey, Makeev, what are you... disappeared or were you eaten by wolves? “Bring some wood,” shouted one red-haired soldier, squinting and blinking from the smoke, but not moving away from the fire. “Go ahead and carry some wood, crow,” this soldier turned to another. Red was not a non-commissioned officer or a corporal, but he was a healthy soldier, and therefore commanded those who were weaker than him. A thin, small soldier with a sharp nose, who was called a crow, obediently stood up and went to carry out the order, but at that time the thin, beautiful figure of a young soldier carrying a load of firewood entered the light of the fire.
- Come here. That's important!
They broke the firewood, pressed it, blew it with their mouths and overcoat skirts, and the flames hissed and crackled. The soldiers moved closer and lit their pipes. The young, handsome soldier who had brought the firewood leaned his hands on his hips and began to quickly and deftly stamp his chilled feet in place.
“Ah, mamma, the cold dew is good, and like a musketeer...” he chanted, as if hiccupping on every syllable of the song.
- Hey, the soles will fly off! – the red-haired man shouted, noticing that the dancer’s sole was dangling. - What poison to dance!
The dancer stopped, tore off the dangling skin and threw it into the fire.
“And that, brother,” he said; and, sitting down, took a piece of French blue cloth from his knapsack and began to wrap it around his leg. “We’ve had a couple of hours,” he added, stretching his legs towards the fire.

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Why go and what to see in Andalusia

Andalusia is the southernmost region of Spain, washed by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic. Andalusia's cities are filled with history and extraordinary architectural landmarks, while the coast is famous for its endless sandy beaches and amazing landscapes. For a traveler, Andalusia is a “two in one” region - suitable for both an excursion holiday and a beach holiday. And if the beach season lasts from May to September inclusive, then a variety of excursions are possible all year round, since the region has a mild climate and there is rarely bad weather.

The history of Andalusia is closely connected with the period of Moorish rule in the early Middle Ages. It is not surprising that many cities in the region have amazing monuments of Islamic heritage, which coexist with typically Catholic churches and cathedrals (Spain is a traditionally Catholic country). Almost all major cities in Andalusia have their own alcazar (palace) and alcazaba (fortress). Andalusian cities that are definitely worth visiting include, in particular, Seville, Granada, Malaga, Cordoba, Cadiz and some other smaller towns.

Speaking about the beach component of the holiday, it is worth noting that almost unlimited possibilities open up for tourists here. The main beach holiday areas in Andalusia are the Costa de la Luz, the Costa del Sol and the Costa de Almeria. Each coastline has its own characteristics, and resort centers include towns such as Marbella, Cadiz, Almeria, Benalmadena, Torremolinos, Nerja and others.

There are many attractions in Andalusia that are not related to the sea. For example, there are dozens of natural parks here, including the famous Sierra Nevada mountain park, Doñana National Park, Cabo de Gata coastal park, Tarifa dunes and much more. Andalusia owes its diverse nature to its climate, which varies from typically Mediterranean on the border with Portugal to semi-desert in the Almeria Desert (the only one in Europe, by the way). Read also what other regions are popular for .

Martin Haisch/Malaga

Visa and entry rules to Spain

To enter Spain, a Spanish national or Schengen visa type C (tourist) is required. You can also enter Spain with a guest visa (an invitation from the Spanish side is required). You can open a Spanish visa at the Spanish embassy or consulate (Moscow, St. Petersburg) or at numerous visa centers, which are located in almost every major city. In order to obtain a visa, you will need to collect a standard package of documents, take biometric fingerprints (directly when submitting documents), (sum insured not less than 30 thousand euros). The documents also include return tickets and hotel reservations where you are going to stay. As a rule, a visa is issued within a period of several days to two weeks, less often – longer.

The rules for entering Spain are standard relative to Europe, since Spain is part of the Schengen zone. During passport control, you may be asked to present a printout of your travel insurance, hotel reservation, or return tickets, so you need to have them on hand. The rest of the procedure is standard and does not take much time.

harvey barriso/Roman Bridge

Climate and weather in Andalusia

Most of the territory of Andalusia has a Mediterranean climate, while in the continental part the weather is hotter, in the coastal part the heat is moderated by the sea breeze, snow falls in the Sierra Nevada mountains in winter, but in the Almeria desert you can see “lunar” landscapes all year round . Despite the wide variety of climatic zones, the weather in Andalusia is quite mild and one of the warmest in Europe, due to the proximity of Africa (across the strait).

Summer time in Andalusia is ideal for a beach holiday; the water on the coast warms up to comfortable temperatures closer to June and lasts until the end of September. It is also worth noting that cold currents may arrive on the Costa del Sol several times during the summer, but this phenomenon does not last long. As for the Costa de la Luz, you can swim here starting in June, despite the fact that the coast is washed by the Atlantic Ocean. The temperature reaches maximum comfort for swimming in July-August. The swimming season opens earliest in the Costa de Almeria, as it has a semi-desert climate.

lucia.lence/sunset in St. Petri

How to get to Andalusia

The most popular ways to get to Andalusia are by flying to Malaga or Madrid. Malaga is located in the eastern part of Andalusia, on the Costa del Sol, from here it is convenient to relax in such resorts as Marbella, Benalmadena, Nerja, Torremolinos, Mijas, etc., as well as explore Granada and Ronda. Madrid is not located in Andalusia, but in the neighboring region of Castile, with easy access to cities such as Seville and Cordoba, as well as to the resorts of the Costa de la Luz, including Cadiz, Huelva and Tarifa. There are convenient railway connections between the cities, so you can get from one part of Andalusia to another in just a couple of hours. It is also worth noting that train travel in Spain is one of the cheapest in Europe.

Flights to Malaga and Madrid are operated by both Russian and Spanish airlines. Flight time is approximately 5-5.5 hours from Moscow. There are also flights with transfers in European cities (such flights are usually cheaper than direct ones). In addition to Moscow, you can also fly directly to Madrid and Malaga from St. Petersburg, but from other Russian cities you will need a transfer in the capital. You can check the flight schedule for the desired route on ticket booking services:

In Malaga, planes land at Costa del Sol International Airport, which is located 8 km from the city center. The airport has 3 terminals, planes from Russia are served by terminal No. 3. You can get from the airport to Malaga and other resorts on the Costa del Sol by bus, commuter train or taxi. Bus stops and a train station are located right next to terminal No. 3, which is very convenient for those landing. A taxi can be found at the exit from the terminal, or you can order a transfer in advance.

On services And You can book transfer services to any desired resort on the Costa del Sol (Marbella, Benalmadena, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Mijas, Nerja and others). You can travel to other cities in Andalusia from Malaga by train. So, the travel time from Malaga to Granada will be about 3 hours, to Ronda - 1 hour 50 minutes. Schedule – at the railway service .

Kamyar Adl/Marbella

Public transport in Andalusia

To travel between the cities of Andalusia, among public transport, it is most convenient to use trains, because This method is the fastest and most comfortable. By train you can reach almost any, even the smallest settlement (although there are exceptions, for example, you cannot get to Marbella by train). The train schedule to the desired city can always be checked at the railway service . You can also travel between cities by regular buses, but the number of such routes is limited, and the travel time is much longer. You can view the bus schedule on the website Alsa and on the websites of several other regional carriers.

In the cities themselves, within the historical centers, where the main attractions are concentrated, you can get around on foot. In addition, major cities in Andalusia, such as Seville and Malaga, have an extensive public transport network, including buses, metro and trams.

Min Zhou/Metropol Parasol

Andalusia by car; Rent a Car

Andalusia is a fairly large region by European standards; there are 8 provinces located here, and they are all connected by highways along which you can easily, quickly and comfortably travel by car. In general, traveling around Andalusia by car is one of the best ideas for independent tourism. Firstly, by car you can get to places in the region that are inaccessible by public transport, this concerns, first of all, . Secondly, when traveling by car, you can forget about the not always convenient public transport schedules and travel at your own pace and rhythm. Thirdly, having a car at hand solves many applied problems, such as the issue of transfers, tickets for public transport, etc. It is not surprising that car rental in Spain is becoming more and more popular every year.

In order to rent a car in the cities of Spain, you must present a standard set of documents - a passport, a driver's license (international or national new type with an entry in Latin) and a bank card to pay for services and block the deposit. The registration procedure itself does not take more than 20 minutes, and you may also be offered additional car insurance. A convenient option is the ability to book the desired class of car in advance. You can do this on car booking services; just select the city in which you plan to rent and the actual class of car you need:

Emilio/Motorways of Spain

Cities of Andalusia

In Andalusia, no matter the city, it is a real pearl of architectural thought. Even in small towns in the region you can sometimes find unique historical monuments, let alone large cities, which, in fact, are major tourist centers not only in Spain, but throughout Europe. The most visited cities in Andalusia are Seville, Granada, Cordoba, Malaga and Cadiz. Read more about the attractions of each of them below:

is the administrative center of Andalusia, its cultural and tourist capital with many historical monuments and architectural attractions, some of which are even included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Holidays in Seville are a mixture of varied excursions, excellent cuisine, bullfighting and flamenco. The main tourist sites are the Alcazar of Seville, the Cathedral and the Giralda Tower, Plaza de España and Maria Luisa Park, the Metropole Parasol, the House of Pilate, the Torre del Oro Tower, the Maestransa bullring, the Flamenco Museum and much more;

- a city where Moorish motifs and flaming Gothic were mixed, and the Mudejar style was born. Granada boasts a huge number of UNESCO monuments, the main of which are the Granada Alhambra and the ancient Albaciin quarter. In addition, the Granada Cathedral, the Generalife Palace and Gardens, as well as the Sacromonte Abbey in the vicinity of the city certainly deserve attention;

- a city that appeared during the times of Ancient Rome and has since experienced a rich history, and one of its most striking milestones was the kingdom of the Cordoba Caliphate in the Middle Ages. Among the attractions of Cordoba are the Alcazar Palace, the Mezquita (cathedral mosque), the Roman Bridge, the Jewish Quarter, the Calahorra Tower, and the Merced Palace. All objects are perfectly preserved and have survived to this day in their authentic form;

- a port city and a major tourist center on the Costa del Sol. Here you can stroll along the medieval streets and visit the fortresses and forts that defended the city, have fun on Malagueta beach and go on a further journey along the coast; it’s not for nothing that Malaga is called the “gateway” of the Costa del Sol. The top attractions of the city include the Cathedral, the Picasso Museum, the La Malagueta bullring, the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro fortresses, the La Concepción botanical garden, the old port of the city, and, of course, the local beaches;

– is considered the most ancient city in Europe. Cadiz is located on the Atlantic coast, has stunning sandy beaches and a number of historical attractions that make the city unique and inimitable. Despite the fact that Cadiz can be considered a beach resort, there are no less opportunities for sightseeing trips. The main sites of the city, in particular, include the Cadiz Cathedral, the Candelaria Bastion, the Genoese Park, the Fortress of St. Sebastian, etc. The best beaches of Cadiz can be safely called Playa Santa Maria del Mar, Playa Victoria, Playa Cortadura and Playa Caleta;

LWYang/Granada

- a picturesque town hidden on steep cliffs. The best views of Ronda are natural. Tourists eagerly travel to the city to see the famous Punta Nuevo Bridge, which hangs over a rocky abyss at the bottom of which flows the Guadalevin River. In this case, it would be fair to say that it is better to see the arched bridge of Punta Nuevo once than to hear about it a hundred times;

– this is the birthplace of the famous drink sherry; it is not for nothing that the city is often included in the route of gastronomic tours of Andalusia. In addition to wine tasting, it’s definitely worth visiting Jerez to see one of the largest Cathedrals in the region, stroll through the local alcazar, visit the Church of St. Michael and the Atalaya museum complex. Do not forget that in the vicinity of the city there are hundreds of wineries that invite guests to taste their products;

is a small but very colorful town located in the vicinity of the Doñana National Park and near the Portuguese border. Huelva is not typical Spain; there is a lot of English here, both in architecture and design. Among the things that are definitely worth seeing in Huelva are the Cathedral, the Roman aqueduct, the Church of St. Peter and, of course, the house of Columbus. In the vicinity of Huelva there are also many attractions, for example, the Monastery of Santa Clare, the Temple of the Virgin of La Cinta, and the Doñana National Park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Huelva's spacious sandy beaches are also mesmerizing;

– the main attraction of Tarifa is considered to be the point of reference that separates the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. This point is not symbolic; when you arrive in Tarifa, you will really see how the translucent emerald water of the sea and the black blue of the ocean mix near the coast. Tarifa is the southernmost point of Europe; Africa begins across the strait, so it is not surprising that this is where the local sandy beaches turn into real dunes and dunes. However, swimming here is not always comfortable, strong winds blow, but the place can be recommended to all lovers of windsurfing and kiting.

steven gerner/Ronda Bridge

Andalusia: beaches and resorts

Andalusia is one of the best places for a beach holiday in Spain. The beaches here are entirely sandy, golden, spacious, at the same time surprisingly clean, well-groomed and, most importantly, free. Cleanliness here is strictly monitored by local authorities, so many marked with the Blue Flag as the cleanest beaches in the world. Conventionally, the entire coast of Andalusia is divided into three large areas - Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light), washed by the Atlantic, Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun), washed by the Mediterranean Sea and Costa de Almeria, which is also washed by the Mediterranean Sea. , but has differences in the landscape due to the proximity of the Almerian desert.

Of the above cities, beach resorts undoubtedly include And with their amazing golden sandy beaches. Both resorts are located in the Costa de la Luz area, i.e. washed by the Atlantic Ocean. The swimming season here lasts from late May to mid-September; the best months for swimming are July and August, when the water off the coast warms up to maximum temperatures. Read more about other beach resorts in Andalusia:

– the resort is located on the Costa de la Luz, where the Guadalquivir River merges with the Atlantic, and here is the Doñana National Park. The best beach area can be considered a series of beaches Bajo de Guía, Calzada, Piletas and La Jara, as well as the beaches of neighboring Chipiona;

- a secluded resort on the Costa de la Luz with crystal clear white beaches and calm waters of the bay. The best beaches can be found in the St. Petri area, which is considered a protected area;

- one of the most popular resorts on the Costa del Sol. The advantage of the resort is its developed infrastructure. The Marbella beach line is sandy beaches with a gentle entrance to the sea, equipped to the maximum, from sun loungers, umbrellas and sun loungers to equipment for water sports, bars, cafes and open-air parties;

- the main resort on the Costa de Almeria. This resort is quite young by Spanish standards, but modern infrastructure makes it very competitive. The main advantage of Almeria, in addition to its developed infrastructure, is the sandy beaches blown up from the African desert. The Costa de Almeria coast is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, and the holiday season lasts from June to September inclusive;

kevin pacheco/Almeria Beaches

- the second largest beach resort on the Costa del Sol after Marbella. The best beaches here are the beaches of Malapesquera Torrebermeya, Bil Bil, Arroyo de la Miel, La Viborilla, Las Yucas. Another advantage of the resorts is all kinds of entertainment complexes, natural parks and other activities that only Benalmadena can offer among the resorts of the Costa del Sol;

– the closest beach resort to Malaga is the Costa del Sol. The development of infrastructure combined with long sandy beaches make Torremolinos a very popular place during the “high” swimming season. The resort's beach line is conventionally divided into two parts - El Bajondillo in the east and La Carihuela in the west, both are excellent for swimming and relaxing;

– the resort is famous for its clean 8-kilometer beaches, included in the Blue Flag list. The coast is washed by the waters of Middle-earth, there is a gentle entrance to the sea, the place is excellent for family holidays, incl. with small children. The best beaches in Fuengirola are Los Boliches, Las Gavitolas, San Francisco and Torreblanca;

- a small but very comfortable resort on the Costa del Sol. The place is famous for its Mijas Costa coastline and the Aquamijas water park. To visit the local water park, tourists come to Mijas from all nearby resorts, including Marbella and Fuengirola;

is both a beach and an excursion city. The beaches of Nerja are located in secluded sandy bays, which are sheltered from the winds; in addition, they are surprisingly picturesque. The bays are surrounded by local mountains, climbing which you can see breathtaking landscapes. It is not surprising that it is in Nerja that the “Balcony of Europe” is located, from which in good weather you can even see the coast of Africa. The caves of Nerja are also worth a visit, as they are fraught with many surprises;

– the Costa del Sol resort, the most distant from Malaga, is suitable for those seeking solitude. The main attractions of Estepona are beautiful deserted beaches, snow-white houses of the old town, a botanical garden, and a zoo. Just think, the beaches of Estepona stretch along the coast for 22 kilometers, isn’t this a paradise for beach lovers!

rey perezoso/Caleta Beach

Hotels in Andalusia, Spain

Andalusia has a well-developed hotel infrastructure. In large cities you can find chain hotels, bed and breakfast hotels, and budget doubles and triples, while at the resorts along the coast there is a whole chain of beach hotels with a full range of appropriate functions. The price category of hotels in Andalusia is considered quite affordable and is comparable, for example, with hotel prices in Catalonia. Also in Andalusia, such a type of accommodation as renting apartments has become widespread. Moreover, living in apartments is popular both in large cities such as Seville or Malaga, and in small towns on the coast.

You can find a suitable hotel/apartment in Andalusia, as well as check availability for specific dates, using specialized services for searching hotel offers:

Booking - hotel reservations in 120,000 destinations around the world;

Roomguru - the best deals from thousands of hotel booking sites.

When choosing a hotel, pay attention to such parameters as location, availability of a beach area (if it is a resort on the coast), type of food, availability of parking (if traveling by car). In anticipation of the high season, it is recommended to book accommodation in advance.

elliott brown/Mijas

Travel insurance

When going on a trip to Andalusia or any other part of Spain, do not forget to take out a travel insurance policy, which is mandatory already at the stage of obtaining a tourist visa (must be presented when applying for a visa). You can take out insurance yourself without leaving your home. There are special services for this:

- online insurance for people traveling abroad and traveling in Russia;

- Oonline service for selecting and purchasing travel insurance with the ability to compare offers from various insurance companies;

You can purchase a policy online and then print it on a regular printer. Insurance must be attached to your visa documents, and you must also have it with you when going through passport control upon arrival at the airport. Please note that the minimum amount of insurance coverage for a trip to the Schengen countries (including Spain) is 30 thousand euros. Medicine in Spain is paid and in each individual case can be very expensive, so having insurance with you is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Jorge Franganillo/Sacromonte area

We will be happy to answer your questions in the comments!

Photo at the beginning of the article: Edmund Gall

Now let's start exploring another very interesting region of Spain - Andalusia.

We suggest visiting 7 cities, in each of which you can spend 2-3 days: enjoying long walks, photographing everything around, taking a steam bath in Arabic baths, dancing to the rhythms of flamenco, tasting wine and watching bullfighting (here it is still legal, unlike from some other regions of the country).

MALAGA

It is convenient to start your journey through Andalusia from Malaga - the center of the province of the same name, a port city with a rich history. Don’t rush to travel further; dedicate at least one day to Malaga. She has something to surprise you with!

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The Cathedral of the Incarnation (La Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación), built on the site of a mosque in the 15th century, is the visiting card of the city. From Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 to 10:00, the temple and the museum located in it can be visited for free, at other times - for €5.
Picasso Museum, located in the building of the Buenavista Palace (XVI century). Here are 285 works by an outstanding artist who was born in Malaga. Ticket costs €5 (audio guide included).
The Arab fortresses of Gibralfaro (XIV century) and Alcazaba (XI century), from which a beautiful view of Malaga opens. You can visit both sites with a single ticket, which costs €3.5.
The Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful parks in Europe. For €5 here you can escape the heat and admire exotic plants. On Sundays admission is free.
Roman amphitheater (1st century). The stage with a diameter of 31 meters and seats for spectators have been preserved; now concerts are periodically held here. Free admission.

What to try?

fried anchovies (boquerones fritos);
grilled sardines (espeto de sardinas);
coffee. Locals drink it with milk or alcohol (rum, brandy, anise liqueur);
sweet wines.

How to get to Malaga from the airport? An express bus will take you to the city center in 15 minutes, departing from Terminal 3. A ticket costs about €3, and can be bought from the driver for cash. Alternative options: take the Renfe train on line C1, which connects the airport to the center of Malaga, take a taxi or rent a car.

GRANADA

One of the most beautiful cities not only in Spain, but also in Europe as a whole, located next to the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Most tourists come to see the Alhambra - a masterpiece of Moorish architecture, but there are a few more surprises in store for you! We recommend spending at least 2 days here so as not to miss anything.

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The Alhambra is the former residence of Muslim rulers. The complex includes a citadel, several palaces, the summer residence of the Generalife emirs and parks. A general ticket costs €14 and allows you to visit all major sites. The number of guests is limited, so during the season we recommend purchasing tickets in advance online or at any branch of the Bank of Spain.
The cathedral, built in the 15th century on the site of a mosque. The chapel located nearby contains the remains of Columbus' patroness, Isabella of Castile, and Ferdinand of Aragon, who recaptured Granada from the Moors. Ticket costs €5 (audio guide included). On Sunday from 15:00 to 18:00 admission is free, advance reservation through the website is required.
The historic Albaicin district is worth spending half a day exploring. It has changed little since the reign of the Moors, except that restaurants and shops have been added to the delight of tourists.
Monastery of St. Jerome. Built by the Spaniards immediately after the return of Granada. The main attraction is the altar, decorated with relief images. Entrance costs €4.
Observation deck St. Nicolas, overlooking the city and the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada. It's best to come here at sunset to enjoy the spectacle while slowly sipping sangria.

What to try?

a variety of tapas;
herbal teas with Moroccan spices;
braised oxtails (rabo di toro).

How to get to Granada from Malaga? By bus (one and a half to two hours, about €12), train with a transfer in Antequera (from 3 hours, about €20) or car (about one and a half hours).

CORDOVA

This city, carefully preserving the heritage of representatives of many cultures, stands on the Guadalquivir River, in the heart of Andalusia. Stay here for a few days to see the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre, the famous mosque and other noteworthy sites.

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The mesquita (cathedral mosque) is one of the 12 architectural wonders of Spain. It is surrounded by an orange orchard, where you can relax on a hot day. Entrance costs €10.
Museum in the Viana Palace (the building was built in the 14th century). A rich collection is kept within its walls, including tapestries, pieces of furniture, dishes, weapons, paintings, samples of Roman mosaics, etc. There is also a gallery of azulejos (traditional Spanish painted tiles).
Medina As-Sahara. A palace city 8 kilometers from the city, built in the 10th century, which is called the “medieval Versailles”. Excavations at the site are in full swing, with new treasures being discovered every month. The entrance ticket costs €1.5.
The Alcazar Palace, built on the site of a Moorish fortress and served as the residence of the rulers of Cordoba for more than two thousand years. In this building, Isabella of Castile received Columbus and listened to the plan for his journey to India. The ticket costs €4.5.
The Jewish Quarter, where the country's main synagogue is located.

What to try?

thick cold soup salmorejo. It comes with tomato, pumpkin, watermelon, almond, and seafood;
pork fillet with jamon, cheese or sausages, breaded with eggs and croutons (flamenquín).

How to get to Cordoba from Granada? By train (two and a half hours, from €30), bus (almost 3 hours, from €15) or car (about 2 hours).

It is worth spending at least 2 days in the capital of Andalusia. Bullfighting, flamenco, a series of noisy holidays and festivals, various tapas (it is believed that they were invented here), wines... This city makes you fall in love with it from the first second!

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Maria de la Sede is the largest Gothic cathedral in Europe (116 meters). Its interior is decorated with paintings by Velazquez and Goya, and the cross is said to be made of gold brought by Columbus from America. Here, perhaps, the great navigator found his final refuge (there is a version that the remains buried in the temple do not belong to Columbus, but to his son). Entrance costs €9.
Piazza di Spagna is one of the most beautiful in Western Europe. Built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exhibition, it is now a favorite walking spot for local residents.
Bullfighting arena and museum. Bullfighting in Seville takes place from Easter until the end of October, mostly on Sundays. On other days, you can explore the oldest arena in Spain and look into the thematic museum located right there. The tour program, which costs €8, includes a visit to the chapel where bullfighters pray before a fight and the infirmary where those who are unlucky are taken.
Arab baths are a legacy of the Moors who once ruled in these parts. Travelers praise Air de Sevilla, a complex whose guests are offered 14 types of relaxation treatments costing from €25 to €195. This is a great way to escape the heat or relax after a long walk.
Torre del Oro (Golden Tower) is one of the few well-preserved Moorish buildings. Inside there is a maritime museum where you can see navigational instruments, weapons, models and parts of real ships. Tickets cost €3, admission is free on Mondays.

What to try?

salted cod (remojon);
cold tomato soup gazpacho;
buns with almonds and sugar (mostachones).

How to get to Seville from Cordoba? By train (about 50 minutes, from €25), bus (almost 2 hours, from €15) or car (about an hour and a half).

CADIZ

One of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean. It is ideal for those who want to combine sightseeing and beach holidays or dream of swimming in the ocean (the season here lasts from May to October). In the Old Town there is Playa Caleta beach, along modern neighborhoods Playa Santa Maria del Mar, Playa Victoria and Playa Cortadura stretch for 10 kilometers.

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The old town is divided into 4 quarters: Populo, Santa Maria, Vigna and Mentidera. Populo, where the city's nobility once settled, pleases the eye with rich Baroque and Renaissance mansions founded by the Romans. Santa Maria is known as the center of flamenco, Viña is a paradise for fish lovers, and Mentidera is home to the most famous clubs and discos of Cadiz.
Roman theater built in the 1st century. It was designed to seat 20,000 spectators and was the largest building of its kind in Spain at the time. Free admission.
The cathedral is one of the largest in Spain. The north tower offers views of Cadiz. The ticket costs €5.
Castle of San Sebastian, located on the island, opposite Caleta beach. You can get here from Cadiz via a causeway. Exhibitions of works by local artists are held inside from time to time. Free admission.
Tavira is one of 160 towers that protected the medieval city from invasion. On the second tier there is an observation deck, on the third there is a camera obscura room, where an image of city blocks is projected onto a canvas screen, and even higher there is a terrace with stationary binoculars. The entrance ticket costs €6.

What to try?

Fortified sherry wine, of course! You can go to the birthplace of the drink - to the nearby city of Jerez de la Frontera or buy a bottle in one of the shops in Cadiz.

How to get to Cadiz from Seville? By train (about one and a half hours, from €15), bus (almost 2 hours, from €10) or car (about one and a half hours).

TARIFA

The southernmost point of Europe. The conditions here are ideal for surfing, so every year the city hosts participants and guests of the World Championship. These places are also famous for their excellent views of the African continent and their proximity to the Strait of Gibraltar, excursions along which are available to everyone (if you’re lucky, you can see whales and dolphins up close).