7 Reasons to Visit Andalucia, Spain

Andalucía is in Spain's southern region and is legendary for its cultural sites, sun-drenched towns, and amazing food. In recent years, this part of the world has come to be identified almost exclusively with beachside regions such as the Costa del Sol. However, Andalucía has so much more to offer the visitor than sandy beaches. Here are 7 great reasons to visit Andalucía.

1. Fascinating Culture

Andalucía is probably the best place to see and understand Spanish culture. This region is at the heart of many things that are quintessentially Spanish, including flamenco, traditional costumes, and fiestas. Here it is also apparent how much this culture is a patchwork of cultures throughout history, from the ancient Romans and the Islamic Moors to the Catholic Castillian Kings and Queens. This rich and diverse cultural history is reflected in all aspects in this region, from architecture to monuments and lifestyle to the arts. This is the real home of flamenco, which can be seen everywhere in Andalucía—this is a great place to catch an authentic flamenco show.

2. Amazing Food

Delicious tapas can be found throughout Spain, but it is perhaps better in Andalucía than anywhere else. This region is surrounded by ocean, and fresh seafood abounds as well as tasty cured ham produced in the mountains. The area is also a center for the world's olive oil production. This is the perfect place to indulge in the famous Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil and food loaded with anti-oxidants. For a slightly less healthy but no less authentic indulgence, you can't go past crispy churros dipped in melted chocolate.

3. The Alhambra

The Alhambra is reason in itself to visit Andalucía. The ornate palace and fortress is located in the Andalucían city of Granada and was built by the Moorish Emirs in the 13th and 14th centuries when they occupied much of modern day Spain. It is a large complex full of palaces, gardens, courtyards, and more, all ornately decorated in the Islamic style. You can visit the Alhambra easily when staying in Granada, but be sure to allow the whole day to explore this vast and fascinating site. Be sure to book in advance as tickets are very much in demand, but even when Alhambra tickets are sold out, you can often find them online.

4. Mezquita de Cordoba

Andalucía is home to another enchanting world-famous site, the Mezquita de Cordoba. A modern-day cathedral, the Mezquita was originally built as a Mosque and is one of the best examples of Islamic architecture not only in Spain, but in the world. This monument, built between the 8th and 10th centuries by the Moors, covers over 24,000 square meters with row upon row of mesmerizing red and white striped columns. Although the columns and arches may at a casual glance seem the same, they actually come from a range of countries across the former Islamic Empire.

5. Stunning Nature

Andalucía is a large region, and here you will find not only charming towns and cities but also large amounts of pristine nature. Most famously, this region has beautiful beaches from bustling coastlines that come with great nightlife such as the Costa del Sol to more quiet and relaxed seaside spots. You can also head to the other-worldly Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, a fascinating patch of desert near the coast. The park is full of volcanic rock formations, unique plants and animals, and charming little villages.

6. Ronda

Another location not to be missed in Andalucía is Ronda, the largest of the pueblos blancos. This village in the province of Malaga, perched above a 500-foot ravineand cut in two by the El Tajo gorge, is a truly spectacular sight. The two parts of the village are joined by the Puente Nuevo bridge, a marvel of engineering suspended nearly 400 feet over the river far below. Steeped in history, this charming village has a large number of restaurants, shops, and of course spectacular views to enjoy. You can wander the maze of cobblestone streets in the historical center, immersing yourself in the whitewashed buildings. You can also visit the Plaza de Toros museum and learn about the tradition of bullfighting that many say originates in Ronda.

7. Unique Souvenirs

Andalucía has a history of exquisite arts and crafts, which today give the opportunity to buy unique and charming souvenirs. Marbella in particular is a fabulous destination for shopping with small stalls to luxury shops selling local handicrafts, jewelery, homewares and clothing.