Traveling in Andalusia
Andalusia is the most southern autonomous community in continental Spain. Famous for its historic attractions and beautiful Mediterranean beaches, the region also offers a unique rural landscape capable of inspiring the curious traveler.
The region has a rich history full of wonderful sites to visit. The Phoenicians and Carthaginians were the first civilizations to occupy the region. Following them, the Romans left their mark, as can be seen from the ruins of Baelo Claudia, just 9 miles north of Tarifa.
The Muslims left an even stronger mark in Andalusia, after ruling the region for nearly five centuries. Moorish architecture is a real treasure of Spanish history. The Alhambra Palace in Granada is a must-see for those traveling through southern Spain. The Alcázar in Seville is another great place to visit.
SEVILLE
Seville is the capital of Andalusia and is the fourth largest city in Spain. It is a great place to just wander through the small streets and taste excellent tapas.
Tablaos, although slightly expensive, are great spots for those looking for some flamenco entertainment. El Arenal and El Patio Sevillano are two of the best-known locations for an enjoyable night.
Some of the best sites to visit are La Catedral de Santa María de la Sede with its beautiful bell tower, El Alcázar, and La Torre del Oro. There are a few museums as well, including the Museum of Flamenco Dance and the Museum of "Bellas Artes de Sevilla" which displays 17th century masterpieces, Flemish paintings, and an extensive collection of medieval art.
For backpackers or budget-conscious travelers, Seville has a considerable number of hostels. For a list of local hostels, you can log on to hostelworld.com or hostelbookers.com.
COSTA DEL SOL
The Costa del Sol extends through several southern coastal towns along the Mediterranean Sea. It starts in La Línea de la Concepción (also referred to as La Línea) in the province of Cádiz and ends in the town of Nerja (province of Málaga). 116 miles of sandy beaches and warm sun make for a vacation of full relaxation.
The most popular beaches are in Torremolinos, a tourist resort town, and in Marbella, commonly referred to as a playground for the rich and famous.
TAPAS
Tapas are one of the main edible attractions for tourists traveling in Spain and can be found everywhere you go. Restaurants and bars in cities like Madrid and Barcelona offer them in their menus because of the demand from tourists.
In fact, Tapas are an original Andalusian snack. It is traditional in southern Spain to stop at bars and cafes after work to relax before going home. A cool beer or a nice glass of wine accompanied by some tapas is just perfect to hold over the local residents until dinnertime. The Spanish don't normally dine until 9:00 pm or later.
Tapas can be just one snack or a combination of many appetizers. Olives, cheese, fried croquettes, fish, cured ham, and fried squid are just a few of the diverse selections that restaurants serve.
GIBRALTAR
Overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar at the southern end of Andalusia is the 2.6-square-mile peninsula topped with a giant rock, known as Gibraltar. Although it is not a part of Spain, those traveling in Andalusia will still find it an interesting, exotic place to visit. Gibraltar is a self-governing British territory. From the rock, visitors can see the North African coast of Morocco on the opposite side of the strait.