Spain is a kingdom in Southwestern Europe that occupies the main part of the Iberian Peninsula. It is one of the culturally richest countries in the Old World. Here is architecture of unprecedented beauty, palaces and temples, houses and squares, parks and fountains, museums and monuments, snow-white beaches and turquoise lagoons, citrus and olive gardens, etc. And, finally, Spain is the birthplace of the greatest figures of world culture: Goya, El Greco, Velasquez, Salvador Dali and others. All the advantages of the Kingdom of Spain cannot be listed. This explains the incredible popularity of the country in terms of tourism. Here everyone will find what they dreamed about, thinking about the charms of the land of flamenco and bullfighting, about such a wonderful country as Spain. Andalusia, Granda, Malaga and other regions are places with a rich history. However, Andalusia is rightfully considered the most beautiful region of Spain, and in this article wetake a tour of its ancient cities and sights.
Ancient Andalusia. Spain - a mixture of all cultures
The southernmost region of Spain is Andalusia. Its coast is washed by the waters of the Atlantic, Gibr altar and the Mediterranean Sea. This is the hottest point in all of Europe and the most interesting area from the point of view of history, since Arab, Moorish, African and European cultures are intertwined here, which affects the life and customs of modern Andalusians. Tourists who visit this country are often amazed by this very feature - a mixture of different cultures. Such a colorful assortment is given primarily by Andalusia. Spain is an international country. And here, under the same sky, representatives of different peoples and ethnic groups coexist perfectly.
Seville - the capital of Andalusia
According to ancient legend, this wonderful city was founded by the hero of Greek myths Heracles himself. Here you can find sculptural compositions dedicated to this giant. It is very difficult to name the exact date of the founding of the city, although it is assumed that it was a very, very long time ago. In a word, Seville can rightfully be considered the cradle of civilization. Every year, millions of tourists choose the most interesting route "Spain-Andalusia-Seville" and come to visit this truly legendary city. Without exaggeration, each of the buildings in Seville, whether it be a residential building or some kind of temple or palace, are architectural monuments. Tourists in Seville will not be bored. Wherever they turn, everywhere in their pathnoteworthy sights will meet.
Andalusian infrastructure
Andalusia includes eight provinces: Almeria, Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaen, Malaga and Seville. The center of each of them is the city of the same name. They contain architectural and cultural sights, as well as objects of regional significance. In six large cities belonging to the region of Andalusia (Spain) - Malaga, Almeria, Seville, Granada, Cordoba and Jerez de la Frontera, of which only the latter is not a provincial center - there are airports: two international in Seville and Malaga, the rest are local. From Córdoba, Malaga and Seville to the capital, Madrid, there are high-speed AVE trains. The major ports in this region are the same Malaga, as well as Almeri, Algeciras and Cadiz. Despite the fact that urban transport is inexpensive, the best way to get around here is considered a bicycle.
Hotels and beaches in Andalusia
The best beaches in this region are the Costa del Almeria, Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz, Costa del Tropical and others. What primarily attracts millions of tourists to Spain (Andalusia) is a beach holiday. In fact, one cannot imagine a trip to this amazingly bright, sunny and warm country without visiting the sea coast. All the beaches of this region have been awarded the honorary "Blue Flag", which is evidence that this beach, in its cleanliness,well-groomed and equipped deserves every praise. The biggest feature of Spanish beaches is the finest sand of various shades - from ash black to light beige.
Costa del Almeria is a relatively young resort with the most modern tourist infrastructure on the entire Spanish coast. Costa de la Luz is a favorite place for lovers of water sports and entertainment. The sunniest of the Andalusian beaches is the Costa del Sol, whose name translates from Spanish as "sunny coast". The sun shines here 325 days a year, there is practically no precipitation in summer, and you can relax here all year round. Frequent guests of these places are residents of the northern regions of the European part of the mainland. They almost always lack solar heat, which is why Andalusia attracts them so much. Spain, where vacations cannot be called cheap (especially for Russians), nevertheless welcomes millions of tourists every year. The popularity of resorts in Spain is explained by the fact that here, in addition to a lazy beach holiday, tourists can enjoy exploring the unique Spanish sights. Andalusia hotels are distinguished by an excellent level of service, but there are also many budget one-star and two-star hotels on the coast, where unpretentious tourists can stay.
Mysterious Andalusia. Spain: attractions - natural and man-made
Many monuments of architecture and culture, which Andalusia is rich in, are included in the number of objects underprotected by UNESCO, as they were recognized by this organization as cultural objects of the world heritage. These include:
- Alhambra - Moorish palace in Granada.
- The bell tower of the Giralda Cathedral, located in Seville.
- Assumption Cathedral of the Virgin in Cordoba.
Besides these architectural masterpieces, there are many other, no less majestic palaces and temples built in various styles and directions. But the unique natural attractions include the majestic view of the Strait of Gibr altar, the places where the winds blowing from different parts of the world meet and form a "wind rose", as well as the Garganta del Choro gorge. The largest river in Andalusia, the Guadalquivir, runs a river bus. Riding it and admiring the natural beauties that stretch along the banks of the river is a pleasure.
Corrida and flamenco
For tourists visiting Spain for the first time, perhaps, there is nothing more remarkable than a real Spanish bullfight. By the way, this custom originated in Andalusia, in the city of Ronda, in the area of the Costa del Sol. By the way, in these parts, in addition to bullfighting, there is another entertainment associated with domestic trained animals. This is a fun show of Andalusian horses in the city of Jerez. Their unforgettable dance also impresses many tourists. What else attracts tourists to Andalusia, Spain? The reviews and stories of tourists about trips to this magical country say that the rhythms of Spanish temperamental dances cannot leave anyone indifferent,especially passionate flamenco. But the work of the great Spaniards (Velasquez, Goya, Picasso, Murillier, Dali) is of interest only to selected connoisseurs of high art. This is such a wonderful land of Andalusia! Spain, whose sights annually attract millions of tourists from all over the world, can truly be proud of both its unique natural landscape and climate, and its talented sons.
Andalusian cuisine
The culinary features of these places were influenced by Moorish traditions. More than 6 centuries have passed since the rule of Al-Andalus, but until now, serving and serving dishes, especially meat and vegetable dishes, in this region are most often carried out in accordance with Arab traditions. Meat dishes predominate in the cuisine of the mountainous regions, but on the coast, of course, seafood delicacies: shrimp, fried octopus, tuna, sea urchins, s alted fish, etc. Vegetables, fruits, cereals, legumes, cheeses and olive oil are present. in the menu of almost all taverns and restaurants. Rich culinary traditions are another of the attractions of the Andalusia region. Spain - passionate and melodic, hot and green, sea and mountain, tasty and intoxicated - has always been and will remain the most desirable country for visiting tourists from all over the world.
Ancient City of Malaga
To visit Spain and not visit the homeland of the great Picasso would simply be blasphemy. So, we choose the route "Spain-Andalusia-Malaga". It is a coastal town on the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea,center of the Costa del Sol. Malaga conquers with its medieval winding streets, green boulevards, lush flowering gardens. For tourists from the northern regions, this is a real paradise. The city was founded in the XI century BC and was part of Ancient Phoenicia. In the Phoenician language, the name Malaka (that was the name of the city in those ancient times) means "s alty". Then the city was under the rule of the Roman Empire. From the 8th century AD, its territory was captured by the Arabs and became part of the Caliphate of Cordoba. In the Middle Ages, Arab rule fell, and Malaga began to develop according to Christian customs. Today, this province is a mixture of architecture of all styles and directions, which gives the area an unforgettable flavor. It is the liveliest of all Andalusian areas, but also the poorest.
Beach holidays in Malaga
The coastline of the province of Malaga has 16 beautiful beaches. In the western part, the coast is covered with dark fine sand, in the east, sandy beaches alternate with rocks. The most popular are the recreation areas La Malagueta, Pedregalejo La Misericordia and San Andrés. All of them are located in the central part of the coast of Malaga and have been awarded the Blue Flag for their well-being and cleanliness. Some of the beaches belong to one or another hotel. They are equipped with everything necessary for adults and children. More remote beaches are Campo de Golf and Guadalmar and Campo de Golf. They are more suitable for lovers of a quiet family holiday. By the way, a small area in Guadalmar is a favorite place for nudists. ForFor those who like to relax in the savages, Cabopino beach is suitable, where the campground is located.
Where to stay in Malaga
However, most tourists are attracted to Spain by the desire to relax in comfortable conditions. Hotels in Andalusia, in particular Malaga, offer high-class service, rich entertainment programs and divinely delicious cuisine. Here you can find suitable housing for people with different requirements for both comfort and service. For unpretentious tourists there are guesthouses (in tourist offers they are designated as hotels with 1 and 2 stars). There are comfortable hostels for student and youth companies. Villas and apartments are especially popular for rent. As for hotel complexes, here you can see hotels belonging to world brands, such as Marriott and others.
Sights of Malaga
The hotel administration offers the organization of excursions in Malaga itself and in other directions. For example, you can visit many palaces, which are called palacio here. Palacio de la Aduana, Palacio Episcopal and Palacio de los Conde, Plaza de Torros, Alcazaba Fortress, Gibralfaro Lighthouse Castle, Roman Theater and Flavius Amphitheater, Encarnacion Cathedral. Since Malaga is the birthplace of Picasso, there are two excellent museums dedicated to the great Spaniard.
Granada
Another route, which is the most interesting for tourists who come to this country, is "Spain-Andalusia-Granada". This province isthe city of the same name, its center, is located on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It was founded in the VI century BC. This is an extremely beautiful city in the east of Andalusia. The sights of Granada are the ancient Albacin quarter, the Cathedral of Granada, built in the 16th century with the Capilla Real chapel, where Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile, who liberated Granada from Arab rule, were buried, as well as the towers of Dama and Torre de la Vela, multi-tiered gardens Portals, etc., etc. And yet the hallmark of Granada is the world-famous Alhambra fortress ("Red Fortress") - the residence of the Moorish rulers (XI century). The names of all the sights of Granada cannot be mentioned in one article, it is also difficult to describe them. All this must be seen with your own eyes. Granada is a true Andalusian open-air museum.
