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www.andalucia.org
amazing
ANDALUSIA
White washed villages P/3
EVOCATIVE
ANDALUSIA
Andalusia: cultures & religions P/6
ANDALUSIA
REGION’S
GUIDE
Andalusia famed for its cuisine P/8
FOOD,
FESTIVALS
& FIESTAS
Unique location for this sport P/10
GOLF, SUN
& SAND
1
La Barrosa beach,
CÁdiz
White sand and crystal
water
2
Beach Las
Acacias, MÁlaga
Urban beach with
family atmosphere
3
puerto rey beach,
AlmerÍa
Famous for its blue
water lagoon.
4
Motril Carchuna
Beach, Granada
Clear water perfect for
fishing enthusiasts
5
Matalascañas
beach, Huelva
A“must see”beach
Andalusia (in Spanish
Andalucía) is the largest
autonomous community in
Spain in terms of popula-
tion, the second largest
in terms of land area and
certainly the most attrac-
tive. It is crossed by the
fertile basin of the Guad-
alquivir River that flows
between the foothills of the
Sierra Morena mountains
to the north and the Sierra
Sur in the south, irrigating
a rich and fertile valley. The
region is made up of eight
provinces Huelva, Seville,
Cádiz, Cordoba, Malaga,
Jaén, Granada and Almeria,
all named for its major
cities. Its capital and largest
city is Seville, also the third
largest one in Spain, and
one of the most beloved
destinations by visitors for
its culture, monuments and
gastronomy.
Not many regions of
the world can match with
Andalusia’s cultural legacy,
historical complexity and
richness where east meets
west in an exotic melting
pot of Jewish, Gypsy, Arab
and Christian cultures.
Andalusia boasts a mag-
nificent Muslim heritage,
including some notable
examples of the Moor-
ish architecture like the
Mezquita in Córdoba, the
Alhambra in Granada or the
Reales Alcázares in Seville,
to name but a few. The
name Andalusia dates back
to the Arabic language
Al-Andalus, after the Moors
invaded Spain in the 8th
century and the region was
transformed into a centre
of unimaginable wealth,
sophistication and power
in the Muslim-dominated
Iberia.
Andalusia’s diverse
geographical setting make
it a land of great contrasts,
blessed with achingly
beautiful landscapes such
as the valley of the mighty
river Guadalquivir, stunning
stretches of coastline (853
kilometres of beaches),
mountain ranges, colour-
ful villages, towns and
cities, more than 300 days
of sunshine and Europe’s
only desert. Each itinerary
in Andalusia is absolutely
unique and it has drawn
and inspired some of
Europe’s greatest writers,
poets, actors and painters.
Andalusia produced Pablo
Picasso and the 17th cen-
tury royal painter Velasquez
and it also held an endur-
ing fascination for writers
Ernest Hemingway and
Washington Irving.
To fully appreciate the
breathtaking scenery of An-
dalusia, you need to relax,
unwind and enjoy yourself.
People in Andalusia are at
their most vivacious, fun-
loving and family-oriented.
They instinctively create an
exuberant street life. Anda-
lusia is just about as close
to paradise as it’s possible
to get and, once bitten, you
will forever be drawn back
to places that will sing in
your memory.
In most people’s minds, Andalusia evokes dazzling white washed inland villages, meandering cobbled streets beneath
wrought-iron balconies, endless golden sun-kissed beaches, stunningly beautiful ancient cities packed with historic
monuments, imposing mountain peaks, the unmistakable scent of orange blossom, lush green vineyards,
scattered olive groves, and the purest light.
1
espeto de
sardinas
BBQ’d Sardines, a
typical seaside“snack”
2
salmorejo or
porraantequerana
A thick gazpacho
topped with ham
3
Jamón
Iberico
This ham from acorn
fed pigs, literally melts
in your mouth!
4
tortilla de
patatas
Typical Spanish dish,
egg omelette with
fried potatoes
5
Pipirrana
Refreshing salad with
peppers, tomato,
onions & cucumber.
1
Valderrama golf
club, CÁdiz
Where Europe won the
Ryder-Cup in 1997
2
parador de golf,
MÁlaga
Near the airport and
a short walk to the
beach
3
mijas golf intl,
MÁlaga
Its flat courses are one
of the most visited
4
montecastillo
golf, CÁdiz
Widely regarded as the
finest course in Cádiz
5
Real Club de Golf
Sevilla
With wide fairways,
large greens and
lakes.
TOP 5 Tapas
TOP 5 Golf holidays
TOP 5 Beaches
Andalusia’s cultural
legacy, historical
complexity and
richness where east
meets west in an
exotic melting pot
of Jewish, Gypsy,
Arab and Christian
cultures.
Contents
EVOCATIVE
ANDALUSIA p/3
ENDLESS WAYS TO
ENJOY ANDALUSIA P/4
THE 8 PROVINCES OF
ANDALUSIA P/6
FESTIVALS, FEASTS
AND FIESTAS P/8
CULINARY DELIGHTS AND
FINE WINES P/9
INDULGE YOUR
PASSION FOR GOLF P/10
the mind, body
and spirit P/11
EVOCATIVE
ANDALUSIA
ANDALUSIA’S
TOP 5
www.andalucia.org
RealClubdeGolfdeSevillaCourtesyofPatronatodeTurismodeHuelva
CourtesyofBarcelóMontecastilloResortCourtesyofPatronatoProvincialdeTurismodeGranada
MijasGolfInternacional
CourtesyofParadordeMálagaGolf
Photograph:BrianMorgan,courtesyofClubdeGolfValderramaCourtesyofPatronatoProvincialdeTurismodeCádiz
©TodoslosderechosInstitutodeTurismodeEspaña(TURESPAÑA)
©JoséHidalgo/TurismoCostadelSol/www.visitacostadelsol.com
OficinaMunicipaldeTurismo/Excmo.AyuntamientodeVerawww.vera.es
3metro visit: amazing andalusia
A land of year round sunshine. Our best tips to get the most
out of your stay in Andalusia any month of the year.
Scuba diving: Plunge straight into the sparkling, azure waters of the Mediterranean! Cabo de Gata-Níjar
Nature Reserve in Almería is perhaps one of Andalusia’s best-kept secrets for snorkeling. The waters are packed
with a fantastic variety of fish, a genuine paradise for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Expect to see
snappers, pollacks, grouper, ocean sunfish, barracudas, eagle rays, brown meagres, moray eels, conger eels, white
bream, and many red sea fish. Most of Cabo de Gata’s greatest wealth is hidden under the warm, clean and clear
sea. For environmental reasons underwater fishing and scuba diving on your own is prohibited in the reserve, but
various points along the coast offer guided dives.
October
September
November december
January
Skiing, Snowboarding: There are not many places in the world where you can bathe in warm seas in the morning
and ski or snowboard in the afternoon. Sierra Nevada near Granada is a unique location with over 50 kilometres of slopes.
There is snow for approximately four months of the year and the higher peaks are covered practically all year round. There
are a number of ski schools and the Costa Tropical is within easy reach by car.
February
May
March
April
Horse riding: Explore
equestrian holidays and dis-
cover spectacular landscapes and
tranquil white-washed villages
nestled in the Alpujarra. This
consistently beautiful scenery, on
the southern slopes of the Sierra
Nevada mountain range, offers
some of the best horse riding
countryside in Europe. Gallop
along the hidden trials through
chestnut, oak and pine forests.
This is just one of the many
places you can experience horse
riding in Andalusia, a region with
deep-rooted equestrian tradi-
tions. There are literally hundreds
of horse-trainers’, stables, riding
schools and trails to choose from.
Kite & Wind-Surfing: Tarifa is a kite and
windsurfers paradise. There are a handful of spots for
advanced professionals but also experienced instruc-
tors for amateur kite and windsurfers who will guide
you with maximum safety and the latest equipment.
Skydiving, Paragliding: Andalusia is the
perfect destination for adrenaline junkies addicted to
aerial sports. Enjoy the wonderful sensation of flight
and be delighted with stunning views before landing.
Several schools can be found in Algodonales and
Seville.
Hiking and Biking: Sierra
de Aracena and the Picos de Aro-
che Nature Reserve in Huelva are
popular for their footpaths and
centuries-old drovers’tracks. Sur-
rounded by picturesque moun-
tains and lakes, walk or bicycle
through the so-called Vias Verdes
(literally,“green-ways”), old dis-
used railway lines that have been
recovered and reconditioned, a
great place for Ecology-conscious
travelers. March up hillsides and
along cobbled stoned village
streets or sample some of the
adventure travel opportunities.
Plenty of tailor-made mountain
hiking and biking holidays can be
found all over Andalusia.
Bird watching: Both its geographical location (it
is a natural bird route between the European Continent
and Africa) and climate make Andalusia one of the
prime bird watching sites in Europe. Tarifa, Costa de la
Luz, and the Doñana National Park, the largest Natural
Reserve in Spain, attract ornithologists from all over
the world. The bulk of the spring migration takes place
from March to May when millions of passerines, rap-
tors, storks and other migrants cross over the Straits of
Gibraltar. This entire stretch of coastline is the crossing
point for many birds and a great place to watch unique
bird species.
Caving: There are surprising number and variety of
natural caves that allow the adventurous to explore and
discover a part of Andalusia’s natural beauty that few
people know exists. Cueva de Gato measures 4.5km in
length and crosses the Sierra de Grazalema, following an
underground river that forms huge caverns and under-
ground lakes that can be accessed only with a permit
and guide, as the interior can be dangerous in winter.
There’s a cool pool for bathing under the waterfall at the
mouth of the cave open to all. Other caves, which are well
known and open to the public, can be found throughout
Andalusia and its mountainous areas.
Golf: If golf is your passion, Andalusia is the best
region in Spain to practice this sport. Choose from one of
the many quality golf courses and luxury resorts. Andalu-
sia is now a world-class destination for golf. Thanks to the
excellent climate, you can enjoy playing golf in the sun
whatever the season.
Sunbathing inthe Mediterranean:
Along the eastern coast of Andalusia is
Costa del Sol, made up 300 kilometres of
magnificent, soft-white sandy beaches,
rocky headlands and hidden coves
amongst cliffs, making it one of the world’s
favourite holiday destinations. The quantity
and quality of bars, restaurants and resorts
on Costa del Sol is what attracts most
people, young and old, to this delightfully
sunny part of southern Spain. Further up, in
the south-eastern corner of Spain is Cabo
de Gata Nijar Natural Park, Andalusia’s larg-
est protected maritime coastal area, cover-
ing 460 square kilometres, including the
town of Carboneras, the mountain range of
Sierra de Cabo de Gata, and 120 kilometres
of the sea as a part of a maritime reserve.
Here you can find some of Andalusia’s most
unspoiled beaches. In 1997 it was desig-
nated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
July
Bathing in the Atlantic: Hot, hot,
hot! Unsurprisingly, both local and foreign
sun-seekers have made Costa de la Luz of
Cádiz and Huelva one of their favourite va-
cationing spots. Stretching from Ayamonte
along fine sandy beaches, past national
parks teeming with colorful birds, down
rugged cliffs and into fishing ports this
“costa”boasts unparalleled treasures.
Bathing in the Mediterranean:
Costa Tropical is a relatively new name for
the stretch of coastline between Almune-
car and Alméria. Previously it was part of
the more popular and highly developed
Costa del Sol. Costa Tropical takes its name
from the sub-tropical climate, which allows
the cultivation of exotic crops. It is not as
well known as the neighbouring and glam-
orous Costa del Sol making it an ideal spot
for snorkeling or even scuba diving with
crystal clear water.
August
EXPLORE: This is one of the best times of year to visit any of the inland towns
and cities in Andalusia. Pack a hat, visor or other sun gear, visit Granada, Seville,
Córdoba, Ronda or any of the other numerous historic cities and immerse yourself
in their haunting Islamic palaces and monuments on pleasantly warm, clear days. If
you hunger for peace and quiet, hide away in one of Andalusia’s unspoiled villages.
June
Spas and beauty: Treat yourself to natural hot
springs, steam baths, contrast showers, sauna, pools with
water jets, heat chairs and massages, amongst others.
Andalusia is one of the best destinations for spas and
wellness treatments.
www.andalucia.orgwww.andalucia.org
ENDLESS WAYS TO ENJOY
ANDALUSIA
5metro visit: amazing andalusia4 metro visit: amazing andalusia
Andalusia, the most southerly region of Spain, consists of 8 small paradises each with their own identity.
the 8provinces of
ANDALUSIA Punta Sta. Catalina
BAHŒA DE CEUTA
E S T R E C H O
D
E
G I B R A L T A R
GRANADA
ALMERÍA
JAÉN
CÓRDOBA
SEVILLA
RONDA MÁLAGA
CÁDIZ
HUELVA
M
E
D
I
T
E R R A N E A N
A N D A L U S I A
C O S T A
D
E
L
S
O
L
C
O
S
T
A
D
E
L
A
L
U
Z
C O S T A T R O P I C A L C O S T A D E L A L M
E R
Í A
A T
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A
N
T
I
C
S
I E R R A N E V A D A
P A R Q U E
N A T U R A L
D O N A N A
P A R Q U E
N A T U R A L
C A B O D E
G A T A - N Í J A R A
Also known as mini-Hollywood, where some of the greatest spaghetti westerns
were made, including A Fistful of Dollars and For a Few Dollars More, Almería is
also famous for its long stretch of natural beach along the Mediterranean Sea and
landscapes of outstanding beauty. The natural tourists spot also comprises of places
which have originated due to volcanic eruptions. Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park the
main marine nature reserve in Andalucía, a wild and isolated landscape with some of
Europe’s most original geological features.
On a narrow spit of land surrounded
by the sea, the city’s 18th century walls
still stand, such as the Landward Gate.
The old, central quarter of Cádiz is
famous for its picturesque charm, and
attractive vistas and well-preserved
historical landmarks.
Worth a visit are the city’s Cathedral
and churches of Santa Cruz and San
Felipe Neri, which is famous throughout
Spain as the place where, in defiance of
Napoleon’s siege, the provisional gov-
ernment was set up with its own liberal
Constitution. Other points of interest
are La Santa Cueva, home to several
paintings by Goya, and stately mansions
such as the Casa del Almirante and Casa
de las Cadenas.
Córdoba is divided into two large
areas of similar size but with totally dif-
ferent, often opposing, characteristics:
the Sierra Morena in the north and the
Campiña (farmlands) in the south, sepa-
rated by the River Guadalquivir.
Its capital city, also named Córdoba,
was the capital of the Spanish Muslim
dynasty of the Ummayads (756-1031).
It is a whole world of striking and
astounding history and mix of archi-
tectural styles ranging from Arabic-
inspired buildings to Renaissance
churches, Baroque convents, some still
visible in the Great Mosque of Córdoba
(La Mezquita), one of the most beautiful
examples of Muslim craftsmanship that
was founded 785 CE, the Jewish quarter
with its beautiful patios full of flowers or
the Alcazar.
Famous for the expanses of olive trees
that cover Jaen’s landscape, dotted over
rolling hills of orange soil, Jaén is the
largest olive growing district in Spain.
A landlocked province in the north of
Andalucía, Jaén stretches from the vast
and wild Sierra Morena in the north
down to the border with Granada in the
south. The towns of Úbeda and Baeza are
literally crammed with important renais-
sance architecture whilst Alcalá la Real in
the south contains a fascinating Moor-
ish citadel. Its capital, Jaén, is a quiet,
undiscovered but interesting city with a
magnificent cathedral and castle.
This is probably the province of Andalusia with the widest choice for the visitor.
It has a tropical coastline to the south and the Sierra Nevada National Park, the
highest mountain range in Spain providing skiing in winter as well as outstand-
ing nature reserves for all kinds of rural pursuits. Then, of course, there is Granada
city, the former Moorish capital and the location of The Alhambra, an absolute
must. The Alhambra Palace and the old arabic part of the city“Albaicín”, nowadays
declared heritage of humanity. Besides: the Cathedral with the Royal Chaple and
the“Cartuja”-monastery.
Converted into a world capital of tourism, thanks to the development of the
Costa del Sol, today Málaga is a Harbour and merchant province. Its capital, also
named Málaga is the birthplace of celebrated Spanish painter Pablo Picasso and
there are several galleries showing his wonderful work. Visit The Alcazaba, one
of the many cultural sights you can see here. Due to its excellent weather and
beaches, it is located at the southernmost coast of Spain, Málaga is one of the most
popular destinations in the world to go sunbathing and enjoy its golden beaches.
Almería cÁdiz Jaén
cÓrdoba
granada
mÁlaga
There are various cultural routes
that you can take if you want to visit
this province while on holiday, such
as the Colombina route, the adven-
ture and mines, hiking the mountains
as well as the route of the Costa de
la Luz but the one thing you cannot
miss is a visit to Doñana National Park,
designated as a world heritage center
by UNESCO. This park occupies the
right bank of the Guadalquivir river
at its estuary on the Atlantic Ocean.
It is notable for the great diversity
of its biotopes, especially lagoons,
marshlands, fixed and mobile dunes
and scrub woodlands. It is home to
five threatened bird species and a
wintering site for more than 500,000
water fowl each year.
huelva
europe
Spain
www.andalucia.orgwww.andalucia.org
Seville certainly is one of the most beloved places by visitors to Andalusia. The
city of Seville is one of the largest historical centres in Europe, it has the minaret of
La Giralda, the cathedral (one of the largest in Christendom), and the Alcázar Palace.
Part of its treasure include Casa de Pilatos, Torre del Oro, the Town Hall, Archive of the
Indies (where the historical records of the American continent are kept), the Fine Arts
Museum (the second largest picture gallery in Spain) , plus convents, parish churches
and palaces.
seville
7metro visit: amazing andalusia6 metro visit: amazing andalusia
Each year, Andalusia holds ancient traditions mixed with popular fiestas in
every village across the region. And arguably the most important flamenco
exhibitions in the World.
It’s no wonder everyone
loves both the delicious
eating and the healthy diet
of Andalusia. The produce
of Andalusia is rather
varied, corresponding to
a region that is itself
extensive and
diverse. It’s
nutritionally
healthy diet
is mainly
based on
fresh vegeta-
bles, ripe fruit,
the finest olive
oil, quality grains
and legumes, all to accom-
pany excellent beef, lamb
and pork or the unforgetta-
ble Andalusian cured ham
“jamón ibérico”. A broad
range of fish and seafood is
plentiful in the coastal area,
including the best shellfish
and mollusks, sole, cod, sea
bass, bream, anchovies and
hake.
Much like the rest
of Spain, dining out in
Andalusia is an important
part of social gathering in
the cheerful informality
that prevails in restaurants
and bars. Experimenting
the secrets of Andalusian
cuisine and relaxing on
warm sunny evenings with
groups of friends is a crucial
part of your stay. What bet-
ter than commencing with
a chilled summer gazpacho
soup. Freshly harvested fish
and a salad dressed with ex-
cellent extra-virgin olive oil.
If you’re fond of fish
dishes, I recommend the
succulent“pescaditos
fritos”famous all around
the region and beyond. If
in Málaga, try the delicious
grilled sardines“espeto
de sardinas”which have a
great reputation through-
out Spain. Seafood lovers
will find prawns of every
size from tiny to gigantic,
together with langous-
tines, crayfish, lobster and
the much-heralded white
prawns from Huelva. El
Puerto de Santa María is
very well known for its
shellfish delicately prepared
with the enhanced flavours
of different aromatic herbs
and spices.
Ham and meat are more
popular inland. Iberian
cured ham comes only
from pure-bred Iberian pigs
(black and dark), which
are descendents of the
wild boar, and have a strict
diet of acorns. Andalusia
is reputed to produce the
very best cured Iberian
ham in the world in the
town of Jabugo in Huelva
and a small village in
the Alpujarras, in
Granada, Trevélez.
Experience this
mouthwatering
delicacy while
sipping on a
fruity glass of
wine.
Having said that,
Andalusia produces
one of the most appreciat-
ed wines and Sherry in the
world, grown in the area
around Jerez de la Frontera
and Sanlúcar de Barrameda
in the province of Cádiz.
Ronda also produces high
standard red wines in Anda-
lusia and most remarkably
affordable here. Don’t
forget Spain is the world’s
third-biggest wine produc-
ing nation.
Again, Andalusian cuisine
is very versatile and with
nuances that vary depend-
ing on the area where
it is made. Some other
traditional dishes include
´Salmorejo´ (a richer version
of gazpacho) tradition-
ally from Córdoba and in
Antequera known as ´Porra
antequerana´; Ajo Blanco
con Uvas, Málaga’s interest-
ing garlic broth variety
of gazpacho; Huevos a la
Flamenca, eggs broken over
a bed of stewed vegetables
such as tomatoes, peppers,
green peas, and asparagus
tips.
As you would expect, ol-
ive oil is the cornerstone for
all the region’s cooking. It
is so tasty that at breakfast,
toasted bread is drizzled in
virgin olive oil to eat with
morning coffee and fresh
orange juice. The most im-
portant olive oil producing
areas are in the province of
Jaén, a magnet for olive oil
lovers, also known as Liquid
Gold by many chefs.
CULINARY DELIGHTS &
FINE WINES
Andalusia is known
worldwide for its fascinat-
ing and colourful celebra-
tions. Over 3,000 fiestas run
the gauntlet every year in
Andalusia, including fairs,
pilgrimages, carnivals,
mock battles between
Moors and Christians,
religious processions and
the most amusing out-
door events throughout
the region. Fiestas are an
absolutely crucial part of
Spanish life.
The majority of them
start with colorful proces-
sions, many people dress
in national Andalusian /
Spanish costumes and go
through the streets singing
and dancing and most re-
volve around religion-based
occurrences. Foreigners and
locals alike are welcomed
to join the fiestas all over
Andalusia.
One of the first festivals
of the year takes place in
Cádiz. The Carnival of Cádiz
is one of the best-known
carnivals in the world. This
Carnival takes over the en-
tire city, and even though
it lasts for two weeks,
rehearsals, recitals, choirs
and contests are prepared
all through-
out the year.
“Chirigotas”
is the name
of the satiric
groups that
train to sing
about politics,
topics in the
news, and
everyday cir-
cumstances,
while all of
the members
wear identical costumes.
Easter or the Holy week
in Seville, in Spanish Se-
mana Santa, is one of the
most important religious
holidays in Spain and the
most famous festival in
Andalusia. It dates back to
the 16th century when the
Christian Church decided to
present the story of the Pas-
sion of Christ in a way that
the layperson could un-
derstand. Towns and cities
across the region are liter-
ally transformed with theat-
rical religious
events with
elaborately
decorated
floats carried
through the
streets with
Jesus and
Mary statues,
accompanied
by hooded
penitents
atoning for
the year’s
misdeeds. Semana Santa is
in fact celebrated through-
out all of Spain, but the
celebrations in Andalusia
are considered the most
moving. Particularly the
ones in Seville and Málaga,
where one can witness
a procession in silence,
cycles of religious music
performances, contests
and recitals of saetas and
coplas (traditional popular
songs). During these days
flamenco’s religious feeling
and faith find their most
dramatic expression.
Normally, two weeks
after Semana Santa,
Seville’s April Fair (La Feria
de Abril), a huge annual
event on the extensive list
of festivals taking place in
Andalusia, begins. The April
fair has its origin in a cattle
trading event that began in
around1847. Through the
years it has evolved into
a very stylish Spanish all
day and all night spectacle
of flamenco, bullfighting
and entertainment. Seville
is considered a center of
flamenco music and cul-
ture. Many of the popular
Spanish composers and
songs are from this city and
a popular flamenco style
dance, known as Sevillanas.
The majority of
them start with
colorful processions,
many people dress
in national Spanish
costumes and go
through the streets
singing and dancing
FESTIVALS,
FEASTS &
FIESTAS!
Andalusia’s long history of wine-making produces excellent taste-worthy products which wine lovers
are sure to enjoy, especially when paired with its gastronomic delicacies, a true feast of the senses.
Andalusia is reputed
to produce the very
best cured Iberian
ham in the world in
the town of Jabugo
in Huelva
www.andalucia.orgwww.andalucia.org 9metro visit: amazing andalusia8 metro visit: amazing andalusia
People are drawn to An-
dalusia for its white-washed
villages, vibrant fiestas, deli-
cious cuisine and outstand-
ing monuments, but above
all for its fabulous climate,
with a generous amount of
sunshine all year round. You
will find an almost-com-
plete lack of rain and strong
winds, together with tem-
perate daytime weather.
Even in winter Andalusia
enjoys a blend of beautiful
bright sunshine with only
a few partly cloudy days
and the year-round warm
temperatures make this the
destination of choice for a
growing number of golfing
enthusiasts.
The quality and variety
of Andalusia’s golf courses,
numbering more than
100, is fast turning the
region into a golf Mecca.
Málaga and Cádiz, two of
Andalusia’s provinces, offer
the most golf courses per
square metre in Europe.
Andalusia responded
well to the boom in golf
tourism. It has developed
the infrastructure to
facilitate the practice of
the sport and established
a whole complementary
industry. The towns where
golf has taken root have
made an effort to meet the
needs of golfers by open-
ing sporting goods shops,
training and physical fitness
centres, shopping and lei-
sure complexes, water and
amusement parks and hotel
and residential facilities,
generally with agreements
with nearby golf courses.
In short, they have added
everything necessary to
make the visit of players
from all over the world
more enjoyable.
Andalusia has become
a unique location for this
sport. The climate deter-
mines the courses’natural
features and no two are
alike. Holes are usually
extremely varied and sur-
rounded by diverse vegeta-
tion: olive, cork, oak, and
palm. Golfers can choose
to play a round on courses
located next to the ocean
or in the mountains, and
in this way take advantage
of the stunning outdoor
landscapes that Andalusia
offers.
After 18 holes at your
course of choice, what bet-
ter way to unwind than by
heading to the 19th for a
glass of local wine?
MÁLAGA:
Alhaurin Golf Hotel Resort
Aloha Golf
Anoreta Golf
Atalaya Golf & Country Club
Baviera Golf
Cabopino Golf
Club de Golf Malaga Parador
Coto de la Serena
Dama de Noche El Candado
El Paraiso Golf Course
Estepona Golf
Greenlife Golf
Guadalhorce Golf
Guadalmina Golf
La Cala Golf Resort
La Duquesa Golf & Country
Club
La Siesta Golf
La Zagaleta Golf
Las Brisas Golf
Lauro Golf
Los Arqueros Golf
Los Flamingos Golf
Los Naranjos Golf
Marbella Club Golf Resort
Marbella Golf & Country Club
Mijas Golf International
Monte Mayor Golf
Rio Real Golf
Santa Clara Golf
Santa Maria Golf & Country
Club
Torrequebrada Golf
La Quinta Golf & Country Club
El Chaparral Golf Club
AlmerÍa:
Almerimar Golf
Cortijo Grande
Desert Springs Golf Club
La Envia Golf
Marina Golf
Playa Serena Golf
Valle del Este Golf Resort
Huelva:
Bellavista Golf
Corta Atalaya
Isla Canela
Golf Nuevo Portil
Islantilla Golf Resort
CÁdiz:
Alcaidesa Links Golf
Almenara Golf
Costa Ballena Golf
Dehesa Montenmedio Golf
El Campano Golf
La Canada Golf
Golf Las Dunas de Donana
Montecastillo Golf Resort
Novo Sancti Petri Golf
Sotogrande Golf
The San Roque Club
Valderrama Golf Club
Vista Hermosa
Benalup Hotel Golf
Club Deportivo Golf El Puerto
Play 18 holes in the bright sun, among
majestic landscapes with spectacular
views of the Mediterranean.
What is the definition of
wellness? More than ever
before, we hear this word
in the news, on billboards,
in conversation and even
at work. Interestingly, there
is no universally-accepted
definition of wellness. Well-
ness is the physical state of
good health as well as the
mental ability to enjoy and
appreciate being healthy
and fit.
Imagine yourself spend-
ing your leisure time or
holidays in lovely natural
surroundings in Andalusia,
enjoying delicious Mediter-
ranean cuisine and local
wines, unpeeling surprising
layers of culture and losing
yourself in the meander-
ing cobbled stoned streets
of picturesque villages…
if these experiences alone
aren’t enough to assist
you regain the balance
that your mind, body and
spirit require, then luckily
Andalusia encompasses a
multitude of choices from
both modern and tradition-
al spas and beauty centers.
Yes, it all depends on the
type of holiday that you’re
looking for! Hotel Selenza
Luxury Spa in Estepona,
a luxurious 4 star prop-
erty located in the sunny
Costa del Sol and Hotel Por-
tomagno, Roquetas de Mar
in Almería, famous for its
different swimming pools
or Hotel Fuerte Conil in Cá
diz, that combines hydro-
therapy with face and body
beauty treatments, are
just a few examples of the
extensive list of resorts and
spas available in Andalusia.
There are a handful of
these heavens of peace
located in mountain areas,
by rivers and sources of
flowing water as well as the
coastlines. Several of them
have their own accommo-
dation. If the one that takes
your fancy does not, then
the villages they are in, or
near, have good hostels or
hotels for visitors.
Few things can relax and
rejuvenate a person more
than an escape to a luxury
spa. Guests can choose
from any of the exclusive
health and beauty treat-
ments from therapeutic
massage, great body treat-
ments, rejuvenating facials,
mud baths and natural hot
springs all skillfully con-
ceived to relieve stress, feel
pampered and relaxed.
Caring for your health is
essential nowadays. It may
be a cure for a medical con-
dition, an escape from day
to day stress or the anxiety
that is ever more prevalent
in modern urban life. I can
think of nothing better than
a period of rest and quiet
in one of the specialized
health clinics or natural
treatments available in An-
dalusian spas and resorts.
INDULGE YOUR
pASsion
golffor
golf course guide
Spas, fitness and healthy vacations in Andalusia. Treat yourself to
one of the greatest pleasures in the world in a spectacular setting.
healthy balance of the
mind,
BODY&
SPIRIT
Caring for your
health is essential
nowadays. It may be
a cure for a medical
condition, an escape
from day to day
stress
The quality and
variety of Andalusia’s
golf courses,
numbering more
than 100, is fast
turning the region
into a golf Mecca.
www.andalucia.orgwww.andalucia.org 11metro visit: amazing andalusia10 metro visit: amazing andalusia
Andalusia
AD

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MetroVisit Andalucia-Estocolmo 2-07-10 (English)

  • 1. BROUGHT TO YOU BY www.spain.info www.andalucia.org amazing ANDALUSIA White washed villages P/3 EVOCATIVE ANDALUSIA Andalusia: cultures & religions P/6 ANDALUSIA REGION’S GUIDE Andalusia famed for its cuisine P/8 FOOD, FESTIVALS & FIESTAS Unique location for this sport P/10 GOLF, SUN & SAND
  • 2. 1 La Barrosa beach, CÁdiz White sand and crystal water 2 Beach Las Acacias, MÁlaga Urban beach with family atmosphere 3 puerto rey beach, AlmerÍa Famous for its blue water lagoon. 4 Motril Carchuna Beach, Granada Clear water perfect for fishing enthusiasts 5 Matalascañas beach, Huelva A“must see”beach Andalusia (in Spanish Andalucía) is the largest autonomous community in Spain in terms of popula- tion, the second largest in terms of land area and certainly the most attrac- tive. It is crossed by the fertile basin of the Guad- alquivir River that flows between the foothills of the Sierra Morena mountains to the north and the Sierra Sur in the south, irrigating a rich and fertile valley. The region is made up of eight provinces Huelva, Seville, Cádiz, Cordoba, Malaga, Jaén, Granada and Almeria, all named for its major cities. Its capital and largest city is Seville, also the third largest one in Spain, and one of the most beloved destinations by visitors for its culture, monuments and gastronomy. Not many regions of the world can match with Andalusia’s cultural legacy, historical complexity and richness where east meets west in an exotic melting pot of Jewish, Gypsy, Arab and Christian cultures. Andalusia boasts a mag- nificent Muslim heritage, including some notable examples of the Moor- ish architecture like the Mezquita in Córdoba, the Alhambra in Granada or the Reales Alcázares in Seville, to name but a few. The name Andalusia dates back to the Arabic language Al-Andalus, after the Moors invaded Spain in the 8th century and the region was transformed into a centre of unimaginable wealth, sophistication and power in the Muslim-dominated Iberia. Andalusia’s diverse geographical setting make it a land of great contrasts, blessed with achingly beautiful landscapes such as the valley of the mighty river Guadalquivir, stunning stretches of coastline (853 kilometres of beaches), mountain ranges, colour- ful villages, towns and cities, more than 300 days of sunshine and Europe’s only desert. Each itinerary in Andalusia is absolutely unique and it has drawn and inspired some of Europe’s greatest writers, poets, actors and painters. Andalusia produced Pablo Picasso and the 17th cen- tury royal painter Velasquez and it also held an endur- ing fascination for writers Ernest Hemingway and Washington Irving. To fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery of An- dalusia, you need to relax, unwind and enjoy yourself. People in Andalusia are at their most vivacious, fun- loving and family-oriented. They instinctively create an exuberant street life. Anda- lusia is just about as close to paradise as it’s possible to get and, once bitten, you will forever be drawn back to places that will sing in your memory. In most people’s minds, Andalusia evokes dazzling white washed inland villages, meandering cobbled streets beneath wrought-iron balconies, endless golden sun-kissed beaches, stunningly beautiful ancient cities packed with historic monuments, imposing mountain peaks, the unmistakable scent of orange blossom, lush green vineyards, scattered olive groves, and the purest light. 1 espeto de sardinas BBQ’d Sardines, a typical seaside“snack” 2 salmorejo or porraantequerana A thick gazpacho topped with ham 3 Jamón Iberico This ham from acorn fed pigs, literally melts in your mouth! 4 tortilla de patatas Typical Spanish dish, egg omelette with fried potatoes 5 Pipirrana Refreshing salad with peppers, tomato, onions & cucumber. 1 Valderrama golf club, CÁdiz Where Europe won the Ryder-Cup in 1997 2 parador de golf, MÁlaga Near the airport and a short walk to the beach 3 mijas golf intl, MÁlaga Its flat courses are one of the most visited 4 montecastillo golf, CÁdiz Widely regarded as the finest course in Cádiz 5 Real Club de Golf Sevilla With wide fairways, large greens and lakes. TOP 5 Tapas TOP 5 Golf holidays TOP 5 Beaches Andalusia’s cultural legacy, historical complexity and richness where east meets west in an exotic melting pot of Jewish, Gypsy, Arab and Christian cultures. Contents EVOCATIVE ANDALUSIA p/3 ENDLESS WAYS TO ENJOY ANDALUSIA P/4 THE 8 PROVINCES OF ANDALUSIA P/6 FESTIVALS, FEASTS AND FIESTAS P/8 CULINARY DELIGHTS AND FINE WINES P/9 INDULGE YOUR PASSION FOR GOLF P/10 the mind, body and spirit P/11 EVOCATIVE ANDALUSIA ANDALUSIA’S TOP 5 www.andalucia.org RealClubdeGolfdeSevillaCourtesyofPatronatodeTurismodeHuelva CourtesyofBarcelóMontecastilloResortCourtesyofPatronatoProvincialdeTurismodeGranada MijasGolfInternacional CourtesyofParadordeMálagaGolf Photograph:BrianMorgan,courtesyofClubdeGolfValderramaCourtesyofPatronatoProvincialdeTurismodeCádiz ©TodoslosderechosInstitutodeTurismodeEspaña(TURESPAÑA) ©JoséHidalgo/TurismoCostadelSol/www.visitacostadelsol.com OficinaMunicipaldeTurismo/Excmo.AyuntamientodeVerawww.vera.es 3metro visit: amazing andalusia
  • 3. A land of year round sunshine. Our best tips to get the most out of your stay in Andalusia any month of the year. Scuba diving: Plunge straight into the sparkling, azure waters of the Mediterranean! Cabo de Gata-Níjar Nature Reserve in Almería is perhaps one of Andalusia’s best-kept secrets for snorkeling. The waters are packed with a fantastic variety of fish, a genuine paradise for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Expect to see snappers, pollacks, grouper, ocean sunfish, barracudas, eagle rays, brown meagres, moray eels, conger eels, white bream, and many red sea fish. Most of Cabo de Gata’s greatest wealth is hidden under the warm, clean and clear sea. For environmental reasons underwater fishing and scuba diving on your own is prohibited in the reserve, but various points along the coast offer guided dives. October September November december January Skiing, Snowboarding: There are not many places in the world where you can bathe in warm seas in the morning and ski or snowboard in the afternoon. Sierra Nevada near Granada is a unique location with over 50 kilometres of slopes. There is snow for approximately four months of the year and the higher peaks are covered practically all year round. There are a number of ski schools and the Costa Tropical is within easy reach by car. February May March April Horse riding: Explore equestrian holidays and dis- cover spectacular landscapes and tranquil white-washed villages nestled in the Alpujarra. This consistently beautiful scenery, on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, offers some of the best horse riding countryside in Europe. Gallop along the hidden trials through chestnut, oak and pine forests. This is just one of the many places you can experience horse riding in Andalusia, a region with deep-rooted equestrian tradi- tions. There are literally hundreds of horse-trainers’, stables, riding schools and trails to choose from. Kite & Wind-Surfing: Tarifa is a kite and windsurfers paradise. There are a handful of spots for advanced professionals but also experienced instruc- tors for amateur kite and windsurfers who will guide you with maximum safety and the latest equipment. Skydiving, Paragliding: Andalusia is the perfect destination for adrenaline junkies addicted to aerial sports. Enjoy the wonderful sensation of flight and be delighted with stunning views before landing. Several schools can be found in Algodonales and Seville. Hiking and Biking: Sierra de Aracena and the Picos de Aro- che Nature Reserve in Huelva are popular for their footpaths and centuries-old drovers’tracks. Sur- rounded by picturesque moun- tains and lakes, walk or bicycle through the so-called Vias Verdes (literally,“green-ways”), old dis- used railway lines that have been recovered and reconditioned, a great place for Ecology-conscious travelers. March up hillsides and along cobbled stoned village streets or sample some of the adventure travel opportunities. Plenty of tailor-made mountain hiking and biking holidays can be found all over Andalusia. Bird watching: Both its geographical location (it is a natural bird route between the European Continent and Africa) and climate make Andalusia one of the prime bird watching sites in Europe. Tarifa, Costa de la Luz, and the Doñana National Park, the largest Natural Reserve in Spain, attract ornithologists from all over the world. The bulk of the spring migration takes place from March to May when millions of passerines, rap- tors, storks and other migrants cross over the Straits of Gibraltar. This entire stretch of coastline is the crossing point for many birds and a great place to watch unique bird species. Caving: There are surprising number and variety of natural caves that allow the adventurous to explore and discover a part of Andalusia’s natural beauty that few people know exists. Cueva de Gato measures 4.5km in length and crosses the Sierra de Grazalema, following an underground river that forms huge caverns and under- ground lakes that can be accessed only with a permit and guide, as the interior can be dangerous in winter. There’s a cool pool for bathing under the waterfall at the mouth of the cave open to all. Other caves, which are well known and open to the public, can be found throughout Andalusia and its mountainous areas. Golf: If golf is your passion, Andalusia is the best region in Spain to practice this sport. Choose from one of the many quality golf courses and luxury resorts. Andalu- sia is now a world-class destination for golf. Thanks to the excellent climate, you can enjoy playing golf in the sun whatever the season. Sunbathing inthe Mediterranean: Along the eastern coast of Andalusia is Costa del Sol, made up 300 kilometres of magnificent, soft-white sandy beaches, rocky headlands and hidden coves amongst cliffs, making it one of the world’s favourite holiday destinations. The quantity and quality of bars, restaurants and resorts on Costa del Sol is what attracts most people, young and old, to this delightfully sunny part of southern Spain. Further up, in the south-eastern corner of Spain is Cabo de Gata Nijar Natural Park, Andalusia’s larg- est protected maritime coastal area, cover- ing 460 square kilometres, including the town of Carboneras, the mountain range of Sierra de Cabo de Gata, and 120 kilometres of the sea as a part of a maritime reserve. Here you can find some of Andalusia’s most unspoiled beaches. In 1997 it was desig- nated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. July Bathing in the Atlantic: Hot, hot, hot! Unsurprisingly, both local and foreign sun-seekers have made Costa de la Luz of Cádiz and Huelva one of their favourite va- cationing spots. Stretching from Ayamonte along fine sandy beaches, past national parks teeming with colorful birds, down rugged cliffs and into fishing ports this “costa”boasts unparalleled treasures. Bathing in the Mediterranean: Costa Tropical is a relatively new name for the stretch of coastline between Almune- car and Alméria. Previously it was part of the more popular and highly developed Costa del Sol. Costa Tropical takes its name from the sub-tropical climate, which allows the cultivation of exotic crops. It is not as well known as the neighbouring and glam- orous Costa del Sol making it an ideal spot for snorkeling or even scuba diving with crystal clear water. August EXPLORE: This is one of the best times of year to visit any of the inland towns and cities in Andalusia. Pack a hat, visor or other sun gear, visit Granada, Seville, Córdoba, Ronda or any of the other numerous historic cities and immerse yourself in their haunting Islamic palaces and monuments on pleasantly warm, clear days. If you hunger for peace and quiet, hide away in one of Andalusia’s unspoiled villages. June Spas and beauty: Treat yourself to natural hot springs, steam baths, contrast showers, sauna, pools with water jets, heat chairs and massages, amongst others. Andalusia is one of the best destinations for spas and wellness treatments. www.andalucia.orgwww.andalucia.org ENDLESS WAYS TO ENJOY ANDALUSIA 5metro visit: amazing andalusia4 metro visit: amazing andalusia
  • 4. Andalusia, the most southerly region of Spain, consists of 8 small paradises each with their own identity. the 8provinces of ANDALUSIA Punta Sta. Catalina BAHŒA DE CEUTA E S T R E C H O D E G I B R A L T A R GRANADA ALMERÍA JAÉN CÓRDOBA SEVILLA RONDA MÁLAGA CÁDIZ HUELVA M E D I T E R R A N E A N A N D A L U S I A C O S T A D E L S O L C O S T A D E L A L U Z C O S T A T R O P I C A L C O S T A D E L A L M E R Í A A T L A N T I C S I E R R A N E V A D A P A R Q U E N A T U R A L D O N A N A P A R Q U E N A T U R A L C A B O D E G A T A - N Í J A R A Also known as mini-Hollywood, where some of the greatest spaghetti westerns were made, including A Fistful of Dollars and For a Few Dollars More, Almería is also famous for its long stretch of natural beach along the Mediterranean Sea and landscapes of outstanding beauty. The natural tourists spot also comprises of places which have originated due to volcanic eruptions. Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park the main marine nature reserve in Andalucía, a wild and isolated landscape with some of Europe’s most original geological features. On a narrow spit of land surrounded by the sea, the city’s 18th century walls still stand, such as the Landward Gate. The old, central quarter of Cádiz is famous for its picturesque charm, and attractive vistas and well-preserved historical landmarks. Worth a visit are the city’s Cathedral and churches of Santa Cruz and San Felipe Neri, which is famous throughout Spain as the place where, in defiance of Napoleon’s siege, the provisional gov- ernment was set up with its own liberal Constitution. Other points of interest are La Santa Cueva, home to several paintings by Goya, and stately mansions such as the Casa del Almirante and Casa de las Cadenas. Córdoba is divided into two large areas of similar size but with totally dif- ferent, often opposing, characteristics: the Sierra Morena in the north and the Campiña (farmlands) in the south, sepa- rated by the River Guadalquivir. Its capital city, also named Córdoba, was the capital of the Spanish Muslim dynasty of the Ummayads (756-1031). It is a whole world of striking and astounding history and mix of archi- tectural styles ranging from Arabic- inspired buildings to Renaissance churches, Baroque convents, some still visible in the Great Mosque of Córdoba (La Mezquita), one of the most beautiful examples of Muslim craftsmanship that was founded 785 CE, the Jewish quarter with its beautiful patios full of flowers or the Alcazar. Famous for the expanses of olive trees that cover Jaen’s landscape, dotted over rolling hills of orange soil, Jaén is the largest olive growing district in Spain. A landlocked province in the north of Andalucía, Jaén stretches from the vast and wild Sierra Morena in the north down to the border with Granada in the south. The towns of Úbeda and Baeza are literally crammed with important renais- sance architecture whilst Alcalá la Real in the south contains a fascinating Moor- ish citadel. Its capital, Jaén, is a quiet, undiscovered but interesting city with a magnificent cathedral and castle. This is probably the province of Andalusia with the widest choice for the visitor. It has a tropical coastline to the south and the Sierra Nevada National Park, the highest mountain range in Spain providing skiing in winter as well as outstand- ing nature reserves for all kinds of rural pursuits. Then, of course, there is Granada city, the former Moorish capital and the location of The Alhambra, an absolute must. The Alhambra Palace and the old arabic part of the city“Albaicín”, nowadays declared heritage of humanity. Besides: the Cathedral with the Royal Chaple and the“Cartuja”-monastery. Converted into a world capital of tourism, thanks to the development of the Costa del Sol, today Málaga is a Harbour and merchant province. Its capital, also named Málaga is the birthplace of celebrated Spanish painter Pablo Picasso and there are several galleries showing his wonderful work. Visit The Alcazaba, one of the many cultural sights you can see here. Due to its excellent weather and beaches, it is located at the southernmost coast of Spain, Málaga is one of the most popular destinations in the world to go sunbathing and enjoy its golden beaches. Almería cÁdiz Jaén cÓrdoba granada mÁlaga There are various cultural routes that you can take if you want to visit this province while on holiday, such as the Colombina route, the adven- ture and mines, hiking the mountains as well as the route of the Costa de la Luz but the one thing you cannot miss is a visit to Doñana National Park, designated as a world heritage center by UNESCO. This park occupies the right bank of the Guadalquivir river at its estuary on the Atlantic Ocean. It is notable for the great diversity of its biotopes, especially lagoons, marshlands, fixed and mobile dunes and scrub woodlands. It is home to five threatened bird species and a wintering site for more than 500,000 water fowl each year. huelva europe Spain www.andalucia.orgwww.andalucia.org Seville certainly is one of the most beloved places by visitors to Andalusia. The city of Seville is one of the largest historical centres in Europe, it has the minaret of La Giralda, the cathedral (one of the largest in Christendom), and the Alcázar Palace. Part of its treasure include Casa de Pilatos, Torre del Oro, the Town Hall, Archive of the Indies (where the historical records of the American continent are kept), the Fine Arts Museum (the second largest picture gallery in Spain) , plus convents, parish churches and palaces. seville 7metro visit: amazing andalusia6 metro visit: amazing andalusia
  • 5. Each year, Andalusia holds ancient traditions mixed with popular fiestas in every village across the region. And arguably the most important flamenco exhibitions in the World. It’s no wonder everyone loves both the delicious eating and the healthy diet of Andalusia. The produce of Andalusia is rather varied, corresponding to a region that is itself extensive and diverse. It’s nutritionally healthy diet is mainly based on fresh vegeta- bles, ripe fruit, the finest olive oil, quality grains and legumes, all to accom- pany excellent beef, lamb and pork or the unforgetta- ble Andalusian cured ham “jamón ibérico”. A broad range of fish and seafood is plentiful in the coastal area, including the best shellfish and mollusks, sole, cod, sea bass, bream, anchovies and hake. Much like the rest of Spain, dining out in Andalusia is an important part of social gathering in the cheerful informality that prevails in restaurants and bars. Experimenting the secrets of Andalusian cuisine and relaxing on warm sunny evenings with groups of friends is a crucial part of your stay. What bet- ter than commencing with a chilled summer gazpacho soup. Freshly harvested fish and a salad dressed with ex- cellent extra-virgin olive oil. If you’re fond of fish dishes, I recommend the succulent“pescaditos fritos”famous all around the region and beyond. If in Málaga, try the delicious grilled sardines“espeto de sardinas”which have a great reputation through- out Spain. Seafood lovers will find prawns of every size from tiny to gigantic, together with langous- tines, crayfish, lobster and the much-heralded white prawns from Huelva. El Puerto de Santa María is very well known for its shellfish delicately prepared with the enhanced flavours of different aromatic herbs and spices. Ham and meat are more popular inland. Iberian cured ham comes only from pure-bred Iberian pigs (black and dark), which are descendents of the wild boar, and have a strict diet of acorns. Andalusia is reputed to produce the very best cured Iberian ham in the world in the town of Jabugo in Huelva and a small village in the Alpujarras, in Granada, Trevélez. Experience this mouthwatering delicacy while sipping on a fruity glass of wine. Having said that, Andalusia produces one of the most appreciat- ed wines and Sherry in the world, grown in the area around Jerez de la Frontera and Sanlúcar de Barrameda in the province of Cádiz. Ronda also produces high standard red wines in Anda- lusia and most remarkably affordable here. Don’t forget Spain is the world’s third-biggest wine produc- ing nation. Again, Andalusian cuisine is very versatile and with nuances that vary depend- ing on the area where it is made. Some other traditional dishes include ´Salmorejo´ (a richer version of gazpacho) tradition- ally from Córdoba and in Antequera known as ´Porra antequerana´; Ajo Blanco con Uvas, Málaga’s interest- ing garlic broth variety of gazpacho; Huevos a la Flamenca, eggs broken over a bed of stewed vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, green peas, and asparagus tips. As you would expect, ol- ive oil is the cornerstone for all the region’s cooking. It is so tasty that at breakfast, toasted bread is drizzled in virgin olive oil to eat with morning coffee and fresh orange juice. The most im- portant olive oil producing areas are in the province of Jaén, a magnet for olive oil lovers, also known as Liquid Gold by many chefs. CULINARY DELIGHTS & FINE WINES Andalusia is known worldwide for its fascinat- ing and colourful celebra- tions. Over 3,000 fiestas run the gauntlet every year in Andalusia, including fairs, pilgrimages, carnivals, mock battles between Moors and Christians, religious processions and the most amusing out- door events throughout the region. Fiestas are an absolutely crucial part of Spanish life. The majority of them start with colorful proces- sions, many people dress in national Andalusian / Spanish costumes and go through the streets singing and dancing and most re- volve around religion-based occurrences. Foreigners and locals alike are welcomed to join the fiestas all over Andalusia. One of the first festivals of the year takes place in Cádiz. The Carnival of Cádiz is one of the best-known carnivals in the world. This Carnival takes over the en- tire city, and even though it lasts for two weeks, rehearsals, recitals, choirs and contests are prepared all through- out the year. “Chirigotas” is the name of the satiric groups that train to sing about politics, topics in the news, and everyday cir- cumstances, while all of the members wear identical costumes. Easter or the Holy week in Seville, in Spanish Se- mana Santa, is one of the most important religious holidays in Spain and the most famous festival in Andalusia. It dates back to the 16th century when the Christian Church decided to present the story of the Pas- sion of Christ in a way that the layperson could un- derstand. Towns and cities across the region are liter- ally transformed with theat- rical religious events with elaborately decorated floats carried through the streets with Jesus and Mary statues, accompanied by hooded penitents atoning for the year’s misdeeds. Semana Santa is in fact celebrated through- out all of Spain, but the celebrations in Andalusia are considered the most moving. Particularly the ones in Seville and Málaga, where one can witness a procession in silence, cycles of religious music performances, contests and recitals of saetas and coplas (traditional popular songs). During these days flamenco’s religious feeling and faith find their most dramatic expression. Normally, two weeks after Semana Santa, Seville’s April Fair (La Feria de Abril), a huge annual event on the extensive list of festivals taking place in Andalusia, begins. The April fair has its origin in a cattle trading event that began in around1847. Through the years it has evolved into a very stylish Spanish all day and all night spectacle of flamenco, bullfighting and entertainment. Seville is considered a center of flamenco music and cul- ture. Many of the popular Spanish composers and songs are from this city and a popular flamenco style dance, known as Sevillanas. The majority of them start with colorful processions, many people dress in national Spanish costumes and go through the streets singing and dancing FESTIVALS, FEASTS & FIESTAS! Andalusia’s long history of wine-making produces excellent taste-worthy products which wine lovers are sure to enjoy, especially when paired with its gastronomic delicacies, a true feast of the senses. Andalusia is reputed to produce the very best cured Iberian ham in the world in the town of Jabugo in Huelva www.andalucia.orgwww.andalucia.org 9metro visit: amazing andalusia8 metro visit: amazing andalusia
  • 6. People are drawn to An- dalusia for its white-washed villages, vibrant fiestas, deli- cious cuisine and outstand- ing monuments, but above all for its fabulous climate, with a generous amount of sunshine all year round. You will find an almost-com- plete lack of rain and strong winds, together with tem- perate daytime weather. Even in winter Andalusia enjoys a blend of beautiful bright sunshine with only a few partly cloudy days and the year-round warm temperatures make this the destination of choice for a growing number of golfing enthusiasts. The quality and variety of Andalusia’s golf courses, numbering more than 100, is fast turning the region into a golf Mecca. Málaga and Cádiz, two of Andalusia’s provinces, offer the most golf courses per square metre in Europe. Andalusia responded well to the boom in golf tourism. It has developed the infrastructure to facilitate the practice of the sport and established a whole complementary industry. The towns where golf has taken root have made an effort to meet the needs of golfers by open- ing sporting goods shops, training and physical fitness centres, shopping and lei- sure complexes, water and amusement parks and hotel and residential facilities, generally with agreements with nearby golf courses. In short, they have added everything necessary to make the visit of players from all over the world more enjoyable. Andalusia has become a unique location for this sport. The climate deter- mines the courses’natural features and no two are alike. Holes are usually extremely varied and sur- rounded by diverse vegeta- tion: olive, cork, oak, and palm. Golfers can choose to play a round on courses located next to the ocean or in the mountains, and in this way take advantage of the stunning outdoor landscapes that Andalusia offers. After 18 holes at your course of choice, what bet- ter way to unwind than by heading to the 19th for a glass of local wine? MÁLAGA: Alhaurin Golf Hotel Resort Aloha Golf Anoreta Golf Atalaya Golf & Country Club Baviera Golf Cabopino Golf Club de Golf Malaga Parador Coto de la Serena Dama de Noche El Candado El Paraiso Golf Course Estepona Golf Greenlife Golf Guadalhorce Golf Guadalmina Golf La Cala Golf Resort La Duquesa Golf & Country Club La Siesta Golf La Zagaleta Golf Las Brisas Golf Lauro Golf Los Arqueros Golf Los Flamingos Golf Los Naranjos Golf Marbella Club Golf Resort Marbella Golf & Country Club Mijas Golf International Monte Mayor Golf Rio Real Golf Santa Clara Golf Santa Maria Golf & Country Club Torrequebrada Golf La Quinta Golf & Country Club El Chaparral Golf Club AlmerÍa: Almerimar Golf Cortijo Grande Desert Springs Golf Club La Envia Golf Marina Golf Playa Serena Golf Valle del Este Golf Resort Huelva: Bellavista Golf Corta Atalaya Isla Canela Golf Nuevo Portil Islantilla Golf Resort CÁdiz: Alcaidesa Links Golf Almenara Golf Costa Ballena Golf Dehesa Montenmedio Golf El Campano Golf La Canada Golf Golf Las Dunas de Donana Montecastillo Golf Resort Novo Sancti Petri Golf Sotogrande Golf The San Roque Club Valderrama Golf Club Vista Hermosa Benalup Hotel Golf Club Deportivo Golf El Puerto Play 18 holes in the bright sun, among majestic landscapes with spectacular views of the Mediterranean. What is the definition of wellness? More than ever before, we hear this word in the news, on billboards, in conversation and even at work. Interestingly, there is no universally-accepted definition of wellness. Well- ness is the physical state of good health as well as the mental ability to enjoy and appreciate being healthy and fit. Imagine yourself spend- ing your leisure time or holidays in lovely natural surroundings in Andalusia, enjoying delicious Mediter- ranean cuisine and local wines, unpeeling surprising layers of culture and losing yourself in the meander- ing cobbled stoned streets of picturesque villages… if these experiences alone aren’t enough to assist you regain the balance that your mind, body and spirit require, then luckily Andalusia encompasses a multitude of choices from both modern and tradition- al spas and beauty centers. Yes, it all depends on the type of holiday that you’re looking for! Hotel Selenza Luxury Spa in Estepona, a luxurious 4 star prop- erty located in the sunny Costa del Sol and Hotel Por- tomagno, Roquetas de Mar in Almería, famous for its different swimming pools or Hotel Fuerte Conil in Cá diz, that combines hydro- therapy with face and body beauty treatments, are just a few examples of the extensive list of resorts and spas available in Andalusia. There are a handful of these heavens of peace located in mountain areas, by rivers and sources of flowing water as well as the coastlines. Several of them have their own accommo- dation. If the one that takes your fancy does not, then the villages they are in, or near, have good hostels or hotels for visitors. Few things can relax and rejuvenate a person more than an escape to a luxury spa. Guests can choose from any of the exclusive health and beauty treat- ments from therapeutic massage, great body treat- ments, rejuvenating facials, mud baths and natural hot springs all skillfully con- ceived to relieve stress, feel pampered and relaxed. Caring for your health is essential nowadays. It may be a cure for a medical con- dition, an escape from day to day stress or the anxiety that is ever more prevalent in modern urban life. I can think of nothing better than a period of rest and quiet in one of the specialized health clinics or natural treatments available in An- dalusian spas and resorts. INDULGE YOUR pASsion golffor golf course guide Spas, fitness and healthy vacations in Andalusia. Treat yourself to one of the greatest pleasures in the world in a spectacular setting. healthy balance of the mind, BODY& SPIRIT Caring for your health is essential nowadays. It may be a cure for a medical condition, an escape from day to day stress The quality and variety of Andalusia’s golf courses, numbering more than 100, is fast turning the region into a golf Mecca. www.andalucia.orgwww.andalucia.org 11metro visit: amazing andalusia10 metro visit: amazing andalusia