Where Moors once reigned but matadors still rule
Andalucia, Spain
As you enjoy your evening tapas in a flower-filled courtyard, you’re relaxing in the same spot as Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs before you. Andalucia sits at the crossroads of history. Set amid arid hills and lush valleys, the white-washed villages and Moorish cities are a captivating mix of the past and present. And even though this sunny region hasn’t always been Spanish, it offers the very essence of Spain, from flamenco and bull-fighting to oranges and sherry. And tapas, of course.
The sublime splendour of Seville
No visit to Seville is complete without standing on top of La Giralda, the gorgeous bell tower of the cathedral. From this lofty viewpoint, built as a minaret for the mosque, the whole of this beautiful city is at your feet, from the palace of Real Alcazar to the courtyards filled with orange trees.
The graceful grandeur of Granada
A fortress, a citadel, a palace: whatever you call it, the hilltop Alhambra is achingly beautiful. Its Moorish architecture and intricate decoration are even more enjoyable when viewed on a private guided tour. With its medieval streets and lively bars, the city of Granada is a vibrant unmissable counterpoint to the elegant Alhambra.
The sweet simplicity of sherry
Yes, you can tuck into some delectable tapas or tap your feet along to flamenco music. But for a true Andalucian experience, look no further than an intimate tour of the bodegas and vineyards around historic Jerez de la Frontera. After all the name Jerez is the origin of the word sherry, the city’s signature fortified wine.
The captivating charm of Cordoba
The Mezquita, or Great Mosque, is one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in Europe. Nine centuries of change have left their mark but it’s the forest of columns with striped double arches that leave the biggest impression. Simply stunning. Outside lies the labyrinth of narrow streets and squares just begging to be explored.
Essential Andalucia
This southern province is twice the size of Switzerland but home to same number of people, around 8.5 million. It lies between the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, with the Sierra Nevada mountains dominating the interior. For seven centuries it was a Moorish caliphate under Islamic rule, which finally ended with the Spanish conquest of Granada in 1492. Its fertile plains make it an agricultural heartland, particularly for oranges and olive oil, with major tourist development along the Costa del Sol around Malaga.
Where it is
Southern Europe
When to go
September to June
Why go there
Moorish heritage
Historic cities
Delicious tapas
What to see
Seville
Granada
Cordoba
