Andalucía

In the southern part of Spain, bordering Portugal to the west and sitting just across from North Africa, you’ll find Andalucía, a region of contrasts. Ancient cities and deserts dot the landscape. Sandy beaches line the Costa del Sol. Towering masses rise in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. And all around, history can be touched, seen, and practically felt in the air.

Andalucía embodies the essence of Spain. Flamenco, tapas, matadors, and bullfights are central to daily life in the region. It remains a seat of passion in the country, with a fascinating history. For eight centuries, Andalucía sat at the frontier between two different faiths and ideologies, Christianity and Islam. The result is a captivating melange of architecture and culture, where ancient mosques cradle churches within, noble castles reveal their history from Arab fortress to royal palace, and fusion cuisine is deeply engrained and not a passing trend.

There is so much to see and do in this rocky sun-baked region of Spain that it would be impossible to list them all, but from the breathtaking Moorish architecture of the Alhambra and the incredible synergy of Cordoba’s Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral, to the world’s olive oil capital in Jaen and the cobblestone streets of Marbella, Andalucía truly caters to all tastes. Stroll through coastal towns, stopping for mouthwatering tapas along the way. Listen to the insistent rhythm of a flamenco guitar. Fill your dreams with the lofty white towns and arid, rocky landscapes. Visit once and the spirit of Andalucía will take hold of your heart.