ANDALUCIA

Andalusia, known to many as "the bridge between two continents", "the gateway to Europe", "a melting pot of cultures" or "a meeting point of two seas" fits perfectly within any of these definitions.

A direct link between Europe and Africa, and the place where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean, Andalusia has been fought over by numerous cultures since the earliest times of civilization, being one of the areas of settlement of our prehistoric ancestors.

Andalusia covers 17.3% of Spanish territory, 87,268 km² in total, making it the largest single region, with an area greater than countries such as Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Austria and Switzerland.

In Andalusia, contrasts are the norm. The diversity of the landscapes which make up the region provides an entire spectrum: from the warm Guadalquivir valley, to leafy low mountain areas, from volcanic landscapes such as the Tabernas Desert to the white peaks of Sierra Nevada.

Andalusia´s main river, the Guadalquivir, from the Arabic, meaning "Great River", together with its tributary, the Genil, forms a fertile valley which constitutes the fundamental geographical axis of Andalusia. From its beginnings in eastern Andalusia, in the Sierra de Cazorla, to its outlet into the sea in the west, next to the marshes of Doñana National Park, the Guadalquivir is a source of life all along its journey across Andalusian territory.

Numerous tributaries, springing from the mountain areas along its banks, pour the excess water from the reservoirs in Sierra Morena or the Betico Mountains into the Guadalquivir. Such water takes on an important role in regulating the water supply, not only for human consumption, but also in the case of heavy rains and the consequent river floods.

Despite the importance of the Guadalquivir, fifty per cent of the region is mountainous. A third of the territory stands above 600 metres, with many high plains areas, and there are 46 peaks above 1000 metres.

The queen of heights is undoubtedly the Sierra Nevada, in the heart of the Penibético System, where summits above 3,400 m, such as el Mulhacén and el Veleta, preside majestically over the rest of the nearby ranges.

Within forty kilometres it is possible to travel from this alpine landscape to the tropical shores of the Mediterranean. The Andalusian coast, almost 900 km long, is home to a large number of towns and beaches, the delight of those who visit them. In recent years, Andalusia has made great efforts to improve the quality of its coastal area to suit the increasingly demanding tourist market.

Within this diverse landscape live more than seven million inhabitants, spread out among the diverse habitats which abound. The majority live in the big cities - the eight provincial capitals (Almería, Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaén, Málaga and Seville) and Jerez de la Frontera head the list with regards to population growth - while many others prefer to live in towns, small mountain villages, country estates and farmsteads.

This collection of environments forms a blend of tourist offers, which range from the monumental glory of the big towns to the traditional nature of small villages, a continual source of inspiration for all types of artists.

Nowadays, Andalusia is a modern community, equipped with a great infrastructure that knows how to welcome its visitors, and which, despite being conscious of moving with the times, takes great pains to maintain its roots and to look after its important cultural and monumental patrimony.

Andalusia has also made a great effort to back sports, not only due to the growing interest among its people for this healthy way of caring for the body, but also in response to the importance that sport has amongst the visitors to this community. Apart from the great variety of sporting events held in this region, ranging from the most simple to high-level sports events, there are always world class competitions on the horizon to keep hopes high for the future.

In Andalusia, distracting oneself, learning, exercising, enjoying nature, resting or just passing the time agreeably in a peaceful environment are options that are within the reach of any visitor.

A change in tastes has led to an abundance of information about new types of tourism, such as hiking, camping and animal watching, which consolidate the growing expansion of rural tourism in our region. Furthermore, Andalusia´s network of spas and health clinics provides the opportunity to look after one´s health.

There is a wide range of sports facilities in Andalusia. Sierra Nevada (Granada), host of the 1996 World Ski Championships, is Europe´s southernmost ski resort. The Costa del Sol boasts the highest density of golf courses in Europe, many designed by celebrities such as Gary Player or Severiano Ballesteros, among others. There is also an abundance of well equipped public and private tennis courts.

Hunting and fishing are activities that are particularly well catered to throughout Andalusia. Those with equestrian interests will find Andalusia a paradise in which they can enjoy riding lessons or open air excursions. To this list, we can add facilities for high-risk sports such as potholing or mountaineering and aerial sports, with the latest in hang gliding, parasailing, flying ultralight aircraft and ballooning. Motorcycling and motor racing fans will enjoy the international competitions held at the Jerez race track.

The traditional tourist infrastructure along the coast is ideal for the practice of water sports, such as sailing, wind-surfing, water skiing and diving in the waters of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.

The numerous pleasurecraft harbours and diving centers are proof of this.

ALORA

The small town of Alora is situated 40 kms north of Málaga by the road to Antequera and just 12 km south of El Chorro. From a distance, it is a typical pueblo blanco; a whitewashed village nestled between three rocky spurs topped by the ruins of a magnificent castle which has an interesting history.

Around the southern end of the lake picnic tables and barbeques have been scattered all with fantastic views of the water and mountains behind.

The lake took its name from the nearby village of Vinuela which nestles in a valley supporting olive groves, vines and cereal crops. Two tributaries of the River Velez, the Guaro and the Seco, run through the municipality of which the Guaro was dammed to create the reservoir that can hold 170 million cubic metres of water.

It is possible to tour around the lake in either direction. Heading northeast along a stunning road you arrive at the pretty white village of Canillas de Aceituno nestling in the foothills of the Sierra Tejada mountain range with beautiful views of the countryside and Lake Vinuela.

Further on is Alcaucin. Its narrow streets are awash with colourful flowers and spring fed fountains and the views are breathtaking. In Moorish times the nearby fortress of Zalia, along with two at Comares and Bentomiz, formed a defensive triangle which controlled this part of the Axarquian region.

Periana is a village to the north of the lake and is also the birthplace of the River Guaro.

Heading north and then south the village of Rio Gordo is reached, bordered by the great walls of the Sierra del Rey and the impressive clefts of the Alto de Gomer.
The Cueva River descends from the Alfarnate plain and, as the Guaro, also feeds the reservoir. It drags minerals in the water which gave the village its name - fat river.

The high mountains give way to smooth pastures and the contrast creates a beautiful landscape.
Dropping down the eastern flank of the lake a short detour can be made to Comares and on to the last stop of the tour at Benamargosa.

For sustenance during the trip, try out the local food. The gastronomy of the region relies on olive oil and most dishes are prepared using liberal doses. Most restaurants serve varietes of gazpacho, a chilled soup with a tomato base, and ajoblanco which is a cold garlic soup. Hearty country stews are also popular.
Some villages have their own speciality such as game dishes as a lot of hunting takes place in the area. Periana is known for its stews of kid and tripe and its delicate sponge and oil cakes whereas Benarmargosa's cuisine is based on blended avocado and hot or cold tomato soup.

As well as specialising in gazpacho, Riogordo is famed for its snails in spicy sauces. The area's wines are mostly sweet Muscatels and in Periana's Ambique Inn you can taste the aguardiente liquor which is made to traditional methods in an old distillery in the town.

Handicrafts around the area are worth looking out for and you could even see them being made. Saddlery has survived the era when the region was a passageway between the coast and interior. It is practised in many villages across Axarquia as well as the weaving of esparto grass into baskets and matting.

In Comares clothes are made for Verdiales groups whose song and dance adhere to ancient folklore. Riogordo has a tradition of skin and leatherwork as well as forging and saddlery. In Alcaucin there is a cane workshop where furniture is produced.

The village and surrounding fincas form a lively community. There are no souvenir shops but several bars, restaurants and a very attractive hotel converted from an olive mill with coutyards overlooking breathtaking views.
When wandering around the steep and narrow streets you may find yourself invited into the home of a Spanish lady who sells local produce such as wine, almonds, raisins, olives, honey and cheese.

Comares dates from Medieval times and has a history of rebellion against Muslim and Christian rulers. Of interest to the visitor are a series of ceramic plaques which depict the village's history, Medieval arches and footprint paving tiles which are a guide to the main streets.
There is also an old Moorish fortress, once a Roman military outpost, known as La Tahona where two turrets are still intact. The church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación was built in the 16th century of Mudejar style.

Iznajar itself escaped the submersion that often visits towns and villages in the region of Andalucía's controversial programme to construct more and more dams and reservoirs to serve this increasingly thirsty region.
If anything, the lake below has given further resonance to its unofficial title as the Mirador (viewpoint) del Genil. Surrounding countryside and communications have been radically altered, not least by a bridge built across the reservoir near Iznajar in order to continue to carry traffic on the Archidona/Priego de Córdoba road. In effect, Iznajar now offers the perfect setting for anyone wanting to live in the (cheaper) interior but still retain a 'sea' view.

The most interesting barrio, district, of Iznajar is the Barrio del Coso, a labyrinth of typical whitewashed Andalucían houses dotted around a labyrinth of narrow lanes that criss-cross the promontory. As if often the case in these hill towns, the 'lower' part is also the newer part of town, and the central Plaza Nueva affords excellent panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Similar views can be found at the miradores La Cruz de San Pedro and the Paseo de la Constitución. With time, it is also worth seeking out is the small barrio of cave dwellings known as El Caganchuelo.

Local cuisine reflects Iznajar's position in a prime pork production region, as well as variations on classic Andaluz platos. During the February carnaval, the traditional pork sausage filling is stuffed with eggs, bread, jamón and breast of turkey. Other specialities include the rich salmorejo with orange and cod, and La Porra, a cheap and filling stew of tomatoes, bread, peppers and jamón. A typical local postre, dessert, is creamed eggs.

Unsurprisingly, Semana Santa, Easter week, is the most important festival here. Perhaps uniquely, townsfolk come together to present a religious theatrical epic in which amateur thespians take on the roles of figures in key scenes from the bible and the crucifixion. The inhabitants celebrate the day of San Marcos on April 25 by quitting the town entirely for a mass picnic in the countryside at Valdearenas, a recreational area close to the embalse. Iznajar's annual September feria usually takes place from September 7-10.

Costa de la Luz (Cadiz Province) stretches form the River Guadalquivir to Tarifa at the mouth of the Mediterranean sea. To travel from one section to another requires a lengthy drive via the city of Sevilla.

Although not nearly so well known as the neighbouring Costa del sol to the west. The Costa Tropical of Granada province is particularly picturesque beachside, and easier to get away from the crowds.
The mountains run right down to the sea and the coastline is typically a series of coves and promontories. There is La Herradura which is pretty and unspoilt and located betwen the two attractive promontories of Punta de la Mona and Cerro Gordo
Nearby in a protected cove east of Punta de la Mona is the impressive Marina del Este yacht harbour. Water sports and scuba diving are popular here, thanks to the variety of sea life and clarity of the water.
The white village of Solobreña is worth a visit. Here you will be torn between visiting the moorish castle and the beach. The sugar cane plantations here confirm the name Costa Tropical.
Becoming increasingly popular among foreign residents are the numerous attractions of of the town of Almuñecar
To the east lies the Costa de Almeria.

Northern Huelva province Part of the Sierra Morena mountain range, the protected park of the Parque Natural Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche is a beautiful, densely wooded area. It has small, pretty whitewashed villages tucked away in valleys and dramatic hilltop castles. Its rich and diverse flora and fauna include mixed woodland of cork oaks, sweet chestnuts, olives and fruit orchards, home to wild boar, mongoose, badgers and weasels. It's a good place for birdwatching - you can even see eagles, black vultures and black storks.
Under holm oaks that grow throughout the Sierra are black Iberian pigs that feed on the oaks' acorns. The pigs are used for a delicious famed cured ham, jamón ibérico. The proliferation of pigs in the Sierra can be seen on menus, which are dominated by pork. There are loads of great walks, some now well signposted, along the many tracks that crisscross the Sierra.
Between the Sierra de Aracena and the coast are the open-cast Río Tinto mines and an excellent mining museum.

Chiclana Bars and Nightlife
The Chiclana bars are almost all locted on the beach, within walking distance. relax with evening 'copas nocturnas', the traditional after dark spanish drink in the open air, just a stones throw away on foot along the stunning beach. Enjoy the fantastic latino music for a holiday you will never forget.

Chiclana Activities and Sports
The beaches in Chiclana's perfect conditions for those who practice windsurfing, it is ideal even those who are just beginning. The conditions are also magnificent for practising Flysurf, which in this area is becoming more popular all the time. A myriad of sports and Chiclana activities, to help you enjoy yourself as much as possible.

Chiclana Beaches
The 2 Chiclana beaches are well preserved and have unrivalled in their natural beauty. The eight kilometer beach of fine, golden sand at La Barrosa spans from the small Sancti-Petri island to the landmark El Puerco tower. The sancti-Petri beach stretches for 2 Kilometers, and the famous island is located exactly opposite.

Malaga, information

The Costa del Sol includes about 300km of the Spanish Mediterranean Coast belonging to the Provinces of Malaga, Granada and Cadiz. Recently, the Granada Province coastline was redesignated as the "Costa Tropical". It is protected from the northern winds by a mountain which sometimes reaches down to the edge of the sea.
This privileged coast consists of a series of large beaches, fishing grounds, coves half-hidden among cliffs & sports harbours. The mild climate, scant rainfall and the sea breeze produce a semitropical vegetation with frequent oleander, palm-trees, cypresses, hibiscus and Pinsapo (only grows in Malaga and Cadiz, find it on the white village Itinerary).

The proximity of very different countryside - mountains, valleys full of orchards and the sea - is undoubtedly one of the main attractions of this coast, which has all the attractive features of the Mediterranean scenery and culture.

The Costa del Sol stretches along just over 150 kilometres of Málaga province and is one of Spain's most popular tourist destinations. The area's mild climate is the root attraction that makes it possible to enjoy the beaches and a wide variety of outdoor activities year round.

Costa del Sol is the most developed part of the Coast. The Mediterranean water is warm and safe.

Many towns have recently modernised 'paseo maritimos' (promenades). Most locations are backed by development. More jet skis per capita than anywhere else in Europe.
No shortage of bars, restaurants and nightlife. Sand tends to be grey and coarse-grained.

Western Costa del Sol
This is the 100km of coastline that begins at Malaga city and stretches westward all the way to the border of Cádiz province. This part of the coast is highly developed in terms of both property and infrastructure and it attracts an important percentage of Spain's international tourism. Communications revolve around Malaga International Airport (8 km west of the city) and the N340 backbone coast highway.

In the middle of the Costa the greatly improved district road from San Pedro de Alcantara inland to the historic town of Ronda is the most important inland connection.

The sunbathing on beaches generally becomes popular from late May until late September. This is when the Chiringuitos (beach bars) start to open. The sun beds are set out and the paddle rafts and jet skis are prepared for the season.

There is a noticable increase in beach popularity during the school holidays and especially in July and August when many residents from Madrid and other cities in Spain arrive on the coast for their annual holiday.

During the winter season the beaches are enjoyed mainly by walkers, joggers and fishermen. Sunbathing is sometimes possible in the winter months as well. On one of the frequent blue sky and non-windy days it will be warm enough to sunbathe and you will have the beach to yourself. Of course, in the most popular resorts like Torremolinos you won't be alone.

There are no private beaches in Spain, you have the right to walk the entire coastline. Recent laws prohibit construction too close to the coast. 'Acceso público a la playa' is a sign you may see. It means 'public access to the beach' probably a right of way over private land leading to the beach.

Beach Bars
'Chiringuitos' are bars on the beach or sea front. They serve cold drinks and delicious food. In the summer don't miss out on the fresh char-grilled sardines.

Life Guards
Many popular beaches have trained life guards in the summer. You will notice them watching out with binoculars in look-out towers.
The international sea safety condition flag warning system is in force:
Green = safe , Yellow = caution and Red = danger

Torremolinos
Just 6 kilometers outside of Malaga, easily accessible from Malaga airport by road, bus or train.

Benalmadena
Popular nightspot also with beautiful coastline and cable-car ride to the hills.

Fuengirola
Busy destination with lots of night-time and daytime activites for all ages including large beaches.

La Cala to East Marbella
Stretching between Fuengirola and Marbella, this destination has an amazing coastline.

Marbella and Puerto Banus
There is nothing second class about Marbella and Puerto Banus, a true gem for beautiful apartments and trendy nightlife

Fuengirola is just twenty minutes from Malaga airport, while the local train station provides easy access to such popular nearby resorts as Torreblanca, Arroyo de la Miel and Torremolinos.

Fuengirola is probably most famous for its five miles of sandy beaches, flanked by high-rise hotels and residential blocks of apartments with magnificent views of the Mediterranean and sweeping coastline.
A recent landscaping drive by the local municipality has resulted in a wider promenade and plenty of palm trees, interspersed with colourful flower beds and additional seating.
The beaches known as Boliches - Gaviotas and Torreblanca hold a European blue flag.

Fuengirola is particularly popular with Spanish nationals, many of whom own summer apartments here. There are also a considerable percentage of British and other nationalities with the result being an impressively wide variety of entertainment and restaurant choice, ranging from the Andalusian traditional tapas (bar snacks) and shellfish dishes to the British bangers and beans standard, together with Guinness on tap.

The advantage of staying here is that it is a compact seaside resort and town which has an excellent selection of supermarkets and competitively priced shops, as opposed to being restricted to the typical gift shop strip with its imported shells and t-shirts.

Follow the shopping baskets on Tuesdays and you will find yourself at the largest and liveliest street market on the coast.
There is also a Saturday boot sale here with the predictably intriguing selection of items on sale.

There is certainly no shortage of things to do for holidaymakers in Fuengirola, ranging from such family fun activities as aqua park, a trip to the zoo and a host of sea sports to a leisurely sight seeing tour on a horse-drawn carriage, or by foot, particularly recommended for Fuengirola's neighbour, Los Boliches which still reflects the ambience of a bygone era with narrow streets, neighbourhood shops and traditional white washed houses which once belonged to the local fishermen.

Annual fiestas here include the feast of the Virgin del Carmen in July when local fisherman carry an effigy of the Virgin out to sea, while the colourful feria takes place in October and is the time when the town really comes to life with flamenco, fino ... (dry sherry) and fun which carries on from dawn to dusk for a week.

If you’d like a bit of Hollywood style glitz why not visit Puerto Banus, where you can amble beside the yachts and speedboats of he rich and famous.
The King of Spain also moors his yacht in this port from time to time, which is an awe-inspiring sight! Expensive sports and luxury cars litter the area. Puerto Banus is a place that inspires people!

Formerly a sleepy fishing village set between Fuengirola and Calahonda on the Costa del Sol, La Cala has become a popular destination for both tourists and residents of the local area. Over the last few years more and more restaurants, bars and shops have opened in this quaint “village”.

Like most coastal areas on the Costa del Sol, La Cala boast a lovely beach, which is serviced by a selection or restaurants and bars

This is the coastal strip of the municipality enjoying a 9 kilometer stretch of attractive beaches and all the sporting and leisure possibilities of a busy resort town.
You can stroll down one of the most attractive promenades in Europe and enjoy the relaxing blend of sea and sand as you're drawn in to seafront restaurants and shops.

BENALMADENA
Benalmadena Is the second closest major resort to Malaga Airport and is neighbour Torremolinos. This is another very popular town for British tourists and has three areas to it.

Firstly, set in the hills there is Benalmadena Pueblo, which still has the authenticity of a traditional Spanish village with its narrow streets and traditional Spanish house. Then nearer the coast there is Arroyo de la Miel (stream of honey), a small, modern area packed with shops, restaurants, bars and also hosts Tivoli World, one of the best theme/entertainment parks on the coast which also has a cable car that travels up to the mountains and boast the most amazing panoramic views.
Finally there is Benalmadena Costa compromising of 9 Km’s of beach and 2 Km’s of promenade. Arguably the center piece of the Benalmadena Costa is the marina which in the past has been voted the best in the world and has over 1000 moorings.

You'll soon come across the CASTILLO DE BIL BIL, an neo-Arab construction built in 1934. As well as a visitor attraction and wonderful viewing platform out over the Med, it's used by the Town Hall as an exhibition centre and a venue for various concerts and cultural events.

BENALMADENA MARINA (Puerto Deportivo)

The marina is man-made, created using artificial islands and has its own special ambience. Voted "Best Marina in the World" in 1995, it also boasts some particularly attractive architecture.

Watchtowers

The three watchtowers which feature on Benalmadena's crest make an attractive visit as you walk around Benalmadena Costa.

Nightlife

24 hour square on the coast road (leading down to the port) is THE place for discos in town. Too many here to list but Kiu is the largest and most popular with ladies night on Thursdays.
It has three dance floors: Sala Latino, Hard-core Dance and Chart music. Smart entrance adorned with weird, bubbly décor leads to what appears to be a run-of-the-mill disco bar, but a door situated at the far end leads into the Atlantis room, a huge banging club with great lighting, metal décor and balconies.

Mango
Is also a good atmosphere with a young crowd, plus, most of the bars have a small dance floor and throbbing music.

For a more sophisticated dance scene head down to the port where several of the bars on the front have dance floors and/or live music at weekends.
Main discos here are Oh Marina and Maná where you can expect to pay three times the normal price for drinks, especially during the summer months.

Discoteca Aqa
Top spot in the port, Aqa is a great club with large outdoor terrace, dance-floor and a tropical ambience. Smart dress essential.

Buzby's Bar, Cabaret and top Costa acts at this Brit run bar. Comedy, hypnotist acts and impressionists, as well as music. Located across from the Hotel Villasol on the coast road. Tel 609 274178

El Elefante, Plaza Bonanza Square. A working mens' club atmosphere at this vast club in the centre of the costa which features a variety of acts, ranging from 'Stars in their Eyes' performers to hypnotists and lookalikes.

Peacock Tavern, Villa Las Yucas, Benalmádena Costa. Tropical style garden adds to the atmosphere here which is geared to families with live music nightly and Happy Hour from 8 to 9 pm.

Wyn's Bar, Benalmadena Pueblo. Specialises in comedy and unusual acts – such as a 'full Monty' vocalist - the mind boggles!

Calahonda is located 10 minutes away from the coastal town of Marbella and is a 25 minute drive from Malaga airport. The area of Calahonda is devoted to low rise apartments, villas, townhouses and four golf courses. There are, therefore, three commercial centres which house most of the development's 45 restaurants, cafeterias and pubs as well as seven banks, several supermarkets and a wide variety of other shops.

Calahonda is well postioned on the costa del sol in that it is centreally located to all the top attractions and resorts like the historic town of Granada with its Alhambra Palace and Ronda with panoramic views.

In Calahonda you will find a good choice of restaurants & bars together with mini-supermarkets are all located within a short walking distance. The nearby El Zoco Complex, has a larger supermarket and a oasis of other shops coupled with great restaurants and bars to relax in.
The local Calahonda beach is close by and the larger beaches of Cabopino and La Cala are a 5 min drive.
The gastronomy of the area is of an international theme so there really is something for all tastes.

Calahonda has its own Marina - Cabopino, situated 5 mins drive away.
Cabopino is undoubtedly the Coast's best kept secret and has a host of fine bars & restaurants as well as an really superb sandy beach.

Sports are easily incorporated into a Calahonda lifestyle. For starters, there are a total of 10 golf courses within a 10 kilometre radius of this urbanisation. Health care needs are provided for by a chemist and three medical centres should the need arise whilst on holiday.

CABO PINO HARBOUR

There are not many more picturesque and inviting coastal areas than the port at Cabopino. Here you can practice any of your chosen water sports and activities including wind surfing, para-sending and dolphin watching.

Less than five minutes from Calahonda it is the perfect environment for a beach or portside meal and boats one of the most attractive stretches of coastline (including a nudist beach).

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