Andalusian mountains on the map. "White Village" of Andalusia: Arcos de la Frontera. Public transport in Andalusia

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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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1. 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.
2. 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).
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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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1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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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1. 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.
2. 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).
3. 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.
4. 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.
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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1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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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1. 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.
2. 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.
3. The cathedral is one of the largest in Spain. The north tower offers views of Cadiz. The ticket costs €5.
4. 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.
5. 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).

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

1. 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).
2. 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.
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.
4. Dictionary of geographical names of foreign countries / resp. ed. A. M. Komkov. - 3rd ed., revised. and additional - M. : Nedra, 1986. - P. 20.
5. // 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.

Andalusia is an autonomous region of Spain located in the southeast of the country. Its area is 87,268 square meters. km, 6.95 million people live here. Its components are eight provinces, each of which takes its name from large cities: Cadiz, Cordoba, Almeria, Malaga, Granada, Seville, Jaen, Huelva. Once Andalusia, and especially the provinces of Malaga, Granada and Seville, was the poorest region of Spain, but today it is one of the most popular holiday destinations. And all thanks to sandy beaches, picturesque corners, breathtaking mountain views, famous architectural monuments and open, welcoming people. Andalusia is the birthplace of the national flamenco dance and bullfighting. Andalusia has 900 kilometers of Mediterranean coastline, 70% of which is sandy. These are the Costa de Almeria, Costa Tropical, Costa del Sol (Sunny Coast) on the Mediterranean and Costa de la Luz on the Atlantic coast.

Landscape and climate

Based on the nature of the relief, Andalusia is divided into three regions: the Sierra Morena mountain range; the valley of the Guadalquivir River, the width of which, when it flows into the Atlantic Ocean near Úbeda, reaches 300 km; as well as the Cordillera-Betica ranges, consisting of the Subbetic ranges in the north and the Penibetic Cordillera in the south with the highest peak of the peninsula - Mulacen (3478 m). Traveling through this region, you will be amazed at the diversity of the landscape - fertile plains give way to desert areas, green river valleys, inaccessible mountains, and snowy peaks. In spring, Andalusia looks like a motley carpet of changing colors - fields of poppies, sunflowers, cotton, orange and olive groves. The mountain slopes are covered with pine trees, evergreen bushes, myrtle and thyme. There are more than twenty natural parks in Andalusia that are under state protection. The climate is characterized by mild winters and long, hot summers. In February, the thermometer drops to +12 °C, and on the Costa del Sol - to +20 °C. In spring, temperatures can rise to +28 °C in May, in summer up to +35-40 °C. Mountain areas are cooler in the summer, but can get really cold in the winter. In spring, the water is cool (+17-18 °C), suitable for seasoned people. In summer it warms up to +23 °C.

Story

Around 1000 BC e. The Phoenicians founded the trading post of Gadir (Cadiz) here. In 206 BC. e. The Romans conquer the Iberian Peninsula. In the 5th century Germanic tribes appeared on the territory of future Andalusia, and in the 6th century. The Visigoths settled throughout almost the entire Iberian Peninsula and created a kingdom with the main city of Toledo. The created state fell under the onslaught of the Arabs. For more than seven centuries, since 710, when they first landed in the town of Tarifa, the Arabs ruled the peninsula. The heritage of Moorish culture gives Andalusia a special charm. The traditions of the distant Moors are visible in architecture, decorative arts, and are felt in music. The Moors are a mixture of Berbers and Arabs who entered Spain from North Africa through the Strait of Gibraltar and conquered the peninsula, called al-Andalus. It was very difficult to recapture the territory of Spain: the famous Reconquista lasted from 722 to 1492. During their rule of the peninsula, the Arabs developed civilizations in the cities of Cordoba, Seville, and Granada. The Umayyad dynasty founded the Emirate of Cordoba, which in 929 under the ruler Abd al-Rahman III became a caliphate, which in 1031 broke up into small Islamic states.

In 1086-1145, during the reign of the North African Berber dynasty of the Almoravids, Moorish rule on the peninsula strengthened. In the second half of the 12th century. The Berber dynasty of the Almohads expels the Almoravids. In 1232-1492. The Moorish kingdom of Granada is a vassal of Castile. The kingdom then included the provinces of Malaga, Granada and Almeria. In 1492, the Reconquista ends with the expulsion of the last king of the Nasrid dynasty, Boabdil, from Granada.

Each city preserves magnificent traces of Moorish culture, the most valuable and unique of which is the Nasrid Alhambra palace in Granada, called the “Earthly Paradise”. Its magnificence inspired the Christian king Pedro I to build something similar for his Alcazar residence in Seville. Moorish traditions are visible in the city's architecture: for example, everywhere the walls of houses and courtyards are decorated with glazed azulejos tiles, as well as arabesques representing intricate floral patterns.

Even during the Reconquista, the kingdoms of Aragon and Castile were formed in Spain. Since 1479, when the dynastic union of Castile and Aragon was concluded, Spain has become a single state. In the 16th century absolutism was established in Spain, the Spanish colonial empire was formed, which, however, did not exist for long: first, dominance at sea was lost, then, as a result of the War of the Spanish Succession, the most important fortified point at sea - Gibraltar - passed to England.

The history of the 20th century begins with a decline associated with the loss of the colonies of the Philippines and Cuba, as well as a civil war that ended with the defeat of the monarchy and the establishment of the dictatorship of General Franco. Although Spain did not take part in World War II, Franco supported the Axis side, causing the country to suffer from a blockade at the end of the war. Only in 1975, after the death of Franco, was democracy and monarchy restored with King Juan Carlos I at its head. In 1982, according to the new constitution, Andalusia received political autonomy.

Flamenco

Southwestern Andalusia is the birthplace of this beautiful dance, which became famous only at the end of the 18th century, while its history dates back to the 15th century. Flamenco is a mixture of gypsy musical tradition and oriental tunes, not just a dance, but a whole art form. Its most important elements are cante singing, dancing and guitar accompaniment. Initially, there was simply singing, popular in pubs and restaurants - “cafe cantantes”. Flamenco is also improvisation. The famous Spanish poet and writer Frederico Garcia Lorca called flamenco the most magnificent achievement of the Spanish people. You can get the most complete idea of ​​flamenco at the Cante Hondo festivals, which are held in June-October in the main squares of small towns. The apogee of the flamenco season is the festival "De Bulerias" in Jerez de la Frontera and the "Biennale of Flamenco Art" in Seville, held in September.

Those who want to get to know the festive life of Andalusia better can be advised to visit the carnival in Cadiz before Lent, visit the April fair in Seville, the grape harvest festival in Jerez de la Frontera in September, the Flamenco Verdiales musical festival in Malaga December.

Bullfighting is an integral part of life in Andalusia. Initially, bullfighting was a privilege of the Spanish nobility, something like a knightly tournament. Then they recognized the folk game, foot fighting with bulls, began to build special arenas, and developed the rules of the fight. The fight lasts twenty minutes and, as a rule, ends in the death of the bull. Until 1974, women were prohibited from competing as bullfighters, but today this discrimination has been eliminated. Now not a single holiday is complete without bullfighting; it is something like a national sport.

Cuisine of Andalusia

It is believed that its distinguishing feature is poverty. It is even called "the poor man's kitchen." Indeed, flour, bread, potatoes, beans and eggs, lard and olives occupy a significant place in it. However, when you visit Andalusia, you are amazed at the variety of dishes prepared from these simple products. And this is due to the use of additional ingredients - garlic, chickpeas, sherry, onions, etc. Tortilla is very easy to prepare - potatoes fried with onions and doused with egg, and if ham or mushrooms are added to it, it is excellent both hot and and cold. Spaniards often take tortillas on the road and on a picnic. Tomatoes, paprika, onions with cucumbers and olive oil - cold gazpacho soup.

All cafes and restaurants will offer you tapas as a snack. Tapas can be cold or hot. This is a whole range of different dishes: a salad similar to our Olivier salad, eggplant, artichokes, various shellfish, goat cheese and much more. Once upon a time, tapas were served free of charge with wine, but this is rare today. Granada is the last city in which you will be served such a snack for free along with a glass of wine or beer. This tradition dates back to the reign of King Felippe II, who issued a decree requiring tavern owners to serve food with wine (a round slice of sausage was placed directly on the glass) in order to reduce alcohol consumption. They say that this tradition is the reason why you will not see a tipsy Spaniard on the street. Today there is a tradition of trying tapas while moving from one bar to another. Young people spend their weekend evenings this way. On the night from Friday to Saturday and from Saturday to Sunday, bars and pubs are crowded, people communicate, dance, and walk.

It is impossible to be in Andalusia and not try seafood. Five provinces of this region have access to the sea coast (Almeria, Granada, Malaga - on the Mediterranean Sea, Cadiz and Huelva - on the Atlantic Ocean). One can imagine a variety of fish and seafood dishes, but what we saw and tasted exceeded all expectations. Vacationers who are not very well versed in the names of fish and other sea creatures should study them in advance or take a dictionary with them, since for those who do not know Spanish, the waiters may not explain what they will serve you. Fresh shrimp, mussels, scallops, crabs, lobster, anchovies, sardines, mackerel, hake, salt, tuna, stingray, swordfish and much, much more. All these products are not only fried, but grilled with garlic and parsley sauce, baked with potatoes and vegetables or in a salad.

The famous Spanish paella is also common in Andalusia. It is made from yellow rice with corn, peas, bell peppers, shrimp or ham. This is a festive dish that Spanish women prepare on Sundays and for picnics.

If you are a fan of good wine, then Spain is the place for you. Legends say that the history of wine making in this region dates back 2,000 years. Here (in the Navarra and Rioja regions) excellent grape varieties are grown, from which red wines are made. The area between Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barameda and Puerto de Santa Maria is the birthplace of Jerez or Sherry wine. The British discovered this wine back in the 16th century. and called it "sherry". There are four types of sherry: dry, light yellow Fino, semi-dry Amontillado, semi-sweet, dark yellow Oloroso and sweet, dark red cream. Beer (cerveza) is also extremely popular in Spain. The most famous brands are San Miguel (brewed in Malaga), Alhambra (from Granada), Cruzcampo (from Seville), Mahou (from Madrid).

In restaurants you need to be vigilant: sometimes the bill may include side dishes or appetizers that you did not order, so it is worth checking everything in advance. Between 1 and 4 p.m. there is usually a siesta (from the Latin sexta, which means “sixth,” apparently denoting the sixth hour of work), when all institutions, banks, and shops close for the afternoon break. This also applies to some restaurants. This tradition of relaxing in the middle of the day, associated with hot weather, does not apply to restaurants located in tourist areas - here you will always find somewhere to have lunch or a snack. Tips are usually not included in the bill, so it is customary to leave up to 10% to the waiter.

Tourism

The most convenient way to travel around Andalusia is by car. You can simply rent it from an international or local rental company. In resort towns they are located at every step. If you pay for the car in cash, you will have to pay a small deposit. The driver must have an international license, be at least 19 or 21 years old, and have held the license for more than a year. The roads in Spain are extensive and good. There are toll and free highways. Speed ​​limits are 60 km/h in the city and 100-120 km/h on highways. Parking problems may arise in the summer, at the height of the season, but at other times it is not difficult to find a parking space. You can also travel around Andalusia by bus; such trips will cost you little.

The Costa del Sol is a great holiday destination for golf lovers. The second name of this resort is Costa del Golf. Many golf courses of the highest level are concentrated here. On 50 fields at the disposal of players even in winter, holidaymakers from northern Europe enjoy their favorite game. Sol i Nieve ski resort is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains. This is the southernmost resort in Europe, where the air temperature is much higher than in other resorts. The best time is from December to April. The resort is 45 minutes from Granada, an hour from the city's airport.

Attractions

We advise travelers to Andalusia to try to combine a beach holiday and sightseeing. When you are in resort towns, you only get an idea of ​​the coast. You can truly feel Andalusia only by visiting:
Seville, the ancient capital of the state of the Almohad dynasty (Cathedral of St. Mary, Royal Alcazar, Palace of Pedro I, Museum of Fine Arts, containing paintings by Velazquez, Zurbaran, Murillo);
Cordoba, the metropolis of the Arab Caliphate, which has preserved monuments of the past - the Mezquita (mosque), the Roman bridge with sixteen arches over the great Guadalquivir river, the Jewish quarter;
Granada, located on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains, with its luxurious Alhambra, the pinnacle of Arab-Andalusian building art, the Generalife gardens, the cathedral built in honor of the victory of the Catholic Church over the Muslims;
Ronda, located on two rocky plateaus separated by a deep gorge (100 m), became the birthplace of bullfighting (the first bullring is located here). The road to Ronda is picturesque - the traveler climbing the mountain serpentine opens up to a beautiful, breathtaking view of the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.

You should definitely get to Gibraltar, a British enclave in Spain (you can enter its territory with a UK visa). This is the rock that separates Europe from Africa. Until 1492, Gibraltar was in the hands of the Moors; as a result of the War of the Spanish Succession, in 1713, Spain transferred it to England. According to legend, Gibraltar will remain British as long as the monkeys brought by the Berbers live on it.

You can see the coast of Africa from the city of Tarifa, the southernmost point of Europe, which is of strategic importance (a closed military zone is still located here). The causeway, connecting the military fortress and the cities, separates the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.